MEET ELIZABETH CRANE SWARTZ: OUR QUEEN OF COLOR
Tell us a little bit about your incredibly creative business.
in 2020 I learned to needlepoint and began designing my own canvases inspired by my jewelry - both are colorful and graphic. and to make it all more interesting, I became the new owner of a needlepoint shop in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts this summer! I love that I can now invite stitchers to experience my love of color and spark joy for others as much as it all does for me.
Favorite luggage?
I’ve had a Briggs & Riley “Spinner” suitcase for years and it’s a workhorse. the handle is mounted outside so it doesn’t take up room inside, it wheels easily and I can rest my ‘personal item’ (aka my giant LLBean boat and tote) on it which makes it easy to get around without dislocating my shoulder. and they have an amazing lifetime guarantee.
Do you have a travel uniform?
yes! a white button down, or t-shirt, with a striped Breton shirt and a black cashmere sweater. I wear two different styles of incredibly comfortable black pants from Athleta - the ‘Pinnacle’ is a long, wide leg style and the ‘Brooklyn’ is a shorter, tapered leg style. both are completely wrinkle-free, have pockets and pack like a dream. they go with everything and can be dressed up or down. wearing all black might be a surprise for someone who loves color but it stays clean looking on long travel days, mixes and matches with everything, and colorful accessories take up less room in that suitcase.
Any travel tips?
hitch your wagon (or suitcase) to someone who’s super organized and anal about getting to places on time. also, I use Global Entry as well as Clear at airports. it can make a huge difference at busy airports.
Essentials you are never without?
I always have a straw fedora - for sun coverage and for hiding a hair-don't. I also like to travel with my double-walled water bottle (like a Yeti) - I fill it at the airport before boarding and I love that it keeps things cold. (like when the place you’re staying has an ice machine and Coke Zero.) I also never go anywhere without my mini portable fan - it’s perfect for when you’re having a ‘personal summer’ moment or need a little white noise to sleep. I love my travel watercolor set.
What's your favorite destination?
I’m not sure I can answer this yet. I’ve been to amazing places but feel like there’s so many adventures I still have to take. honestly, it’s about who you’re traveling with - it could be a rainy weekend, in a motel. in a strip plaza but if you have someone to laugh with then it doesn’t matter.
Most unforgettable trip?
Paris, June 2000. it was an incentive trip through my husband’s company and no expense was spared. we flew over on the Concorde (just one month before they were forever grounded after a crash.) we stayed at the George V, toured Coco Chanel’s private apartment, visited Giverny and Monet’s garden, and capped off the trip with a black tie dinner with fireworks at Versaille.
Where are you dreaming of going to that you haven't been to yet?
top of the list is Copenhagen and a grand tour of Ireland & Scotland. I’ll take a beach vacation any day but there’s something about going somewhere new with a lose agenda, walking miles and getting a little lost, all while learning more about yourself.
Do you collect anything on your travels?
photos and maps to remember what I’ve seen, where I went and revisit those memories.
