Travel Stylishly and Blissfully.
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008On InStyle.com, the website of InStyle magazine (one of my faves!) there is a section dedicated to what you need to travel like a star. As a resident of coach class, this is a concept I only wish to be familiar with. Unless of course, traveling like a star means struggling to shove my L. L. Bean Boat and Tote underneath the seat in front of me after several admonishments from a flight attendant, or traveling like a star somehow involves my husband and I pooling the reserves our pockets to purchase the giant cookie they sell on American Airlines flights. Then, I am clearly a star.
Ahem.
So what does it take to travel like a star? And can you and I of more meager means attain some semblance of it? YES WE CAN! With InStyle’s list as my guide, let me take you through the steps necessary to travel in a slightly higher level of comfort when you are lacking that start budget that defines InStyle’s picks.
While amassing a collection of Louis Vuitton luggage is on my life goals list (SHUT UP! It also includes World Peace!), I am uh, so not there yet. So what is a stylish traveler to do in lieu of Louis? Why not try Pottery Barn’s new Rider Luggage Collection?
The stylish herringbone pattern is classic, and also optimal to hide the inevitable stains and scratches your luggage will pick up en route to your destination. The roller bag is carry-on size, as is the footed duffel. Also available is a hanging travel kit for storing toiletries. The hanging travel kit is $59.00, the duffel $99.00 and the roller bag is $129.00. All can be monogrammed and are available at PotteryBarn.com.
Spurred by a bright pink and black monogrammed luggage tag given to me by my mother-in-law, I’ve recently developed a fondness for collecting wacky luggage tags. I love these vintage style tags from Fred Flare:
At $12, they also make a great stocking stuffer.
Of course, ultra-chic airport style would not be a complete look without a fabulous passport cover. I love this toile oilcloth cover from Flight 001:
The pattern is timeless, and the oilcloth insures that this cover will remain functional for just as long as it will be stylish. The cover is $16.00 and available in red, brown and blue.
Moving on to what to put inside your suitcase, let’s start with a jewelry roll. I love this brocade roll from Wrapables, which I believe is best described as Just So Pretty:
Inside, you’ll find two zipper pockets, one large open pocket and a center strip for your rings. It is available in a variety of colors, though I’m totally partial to the green.
Resolving how to pack toiletries is an ongoing process of trial and error for yours truly. On the one hand, I want all of my beauty stuff with me at all times. On the other hand, OMG SO MUCH STUFF. Luckily, many beauty retailers are recognizing that when we travel, some of us maintain our high product standards.
I love this Tried and Blue Travel Set from Bliss, which contains packing friendly portions of a variety of skincare products.
Included are face wash, body wash and lotion, shampoo and conditioner, and body soap all neatly contained in an airport friendly pouch. Available for $20.00 at Blissworld.com.
For those of you, like me, who simply must bring along certain products that are not available in travel size, or who wish not to purchase travel sizes, there are always refillable containers. In the past, I have not been impressed with the refillable containers I have purchased in various drug and grocery stores. They’re leaky, they break, they just don’t function properly. Luckily for us, Bobbi Brown has gotten into the travel market.
Bobbi Brown’s empties are guaranteed to be of higher quality than your average refillable, and at $10.00, they hardly qualify as a splurge. Included in the set are one 3ml jar, two 7 ml jars, one 30 ml bottle, one 15 ml bottle, plastic funnel, plastic spatula, and 10 self-adhesive labels. What I love about this collection are the small jars, which you can use for eye cream and face cream and other similar products you just can’t get in travel size.
Another travel essential for me is a set of travel sized make-up brushes. I own this compact set from Sephora:
I have to say, these brushes are of surprisingly high quality and make a great substitute for your larger brushes.
What are your travel essentials? Any fantastic finds you’d like to share?
Slynnro is the author of Slynnro, a personal blog chronicling travel escapades, fashion and skincare obsessions, and various amusing anecdotes about marriage. She also reviews skin care products and much more at her review blog, What is in my…..




















