An ode to the generously sized toiletry case
You know you love her
I think we’ve all collectively hit a breaking point with travel packing hacks. There are tips for packing a very delicate number of items just for the recommender to whip up about a thousand different options that are all beautiful but seem like they probably take an immense amount of effort and a very high level of skill (too high for most of us, unfortunately. This is expert mode stuff right here). I find that when I try to pack light (read: a carry on for anything longer than a 4 day trip) I end up being forced into wearing whatever it is I carefully packed. Which means there’s no room for spontaneity, no room for changing weather or changing plans. With friends like mine (who span the spectrum from heavily organized - you’ll know exactly what you’re doing and exactly what to wear - to heavily disorganized - you’ll see what the vibe is when you get there) it can be important to have optionality so you don’t feel underprepared for whatever gets thrown your way.
Beyond the practical implications, I have a lot of fun clothing! And I basically live out of a suitcase, so I want the opportunity to wear my hand embroidered structured blouses and fringe ponchos and fur coats (have you ever tried packing a fur coat? How about 2-3 for a few weeks in Park City or Aspen? I have! And it was WORTH IT!) more frequently than when I’m at home. I buy things for when I travel, I buy things for certain places I frequent - it is, in fact, important to have a Park City wardrobe and a summer in New York wardrobe because none of those items are being regularly used in San Francisco.
So no - I don’t want to pack light. I don’t want to spend twice as much on something I like half as much somewhere just because I didn’t realize I would need it. You end up with a bunch of random stuff, and you’re none the happier for it. Travel is becoming unbelievably expensive, so I say, check the bag! What’s another $50, and besides, it’s probably not going to get lost (probably, for liability purposes).
This, of course, applies to toiletries as well as clothing, bags, and shoes. I wear 0 makeup 90% of the time, a tinted sunscreen and a dab of blush 8% of the time, and a full beat 2% of the time. But traveling usually requires all three. I have a gala or a wedding or a photoshoot - and I need all of my things, and also none of my things, in equal measure. I’ve tried the travel-friendly options: a small setting powder that got damp from the glow of my tinted sunscreen and rendered unusable and, frankly, gross; a mini contour palette that I don’t like nearly as much as the full size; a combination of different options that require me to swap out my one small toiletry bag for two small toiletry bags, going through change through service every four days until I inevitably forget something extremely important at home and have to borrow a friends mascara (which is actually, sorry, gross).
I used to travel with one dinky case I got on an Emirates flight (because I am cheap and they are cute), sometimes two when the occasion required it. But let this be my proclamation that it’s high time we brought back the big ass toiletry case.
For the classic lady
It’s just GOT to be structured! And maybe you can even double up and use her as a purse?
If you read this far in this section this one is a treat at a VERY fair price
For the menswear-inspired tomboy
A classic dopp kit is one of the chicest items you can own
For the practical of us
Who doesn’t love compartments?
One of those shades of red I could just drink up
For the vacationer
Add an initial, you’re not driving!
Ok fine, she’s not huge but she is cute!
Maybe you’re not on vacation but this will bring the sunshine wherever you go
What are you putting in all of these pouches of yours, you ask?
Well now that we’re not so worried about space we’re loading up with the decadent Dr. Diamond three step routine , a full size Yoe cream that goes on like butter, and enough of your travel sets of Perelel vitamins so that you actually feel good when you’re away from home. And don’t forget the worlds best natural deodorant (never thought I would say those words!!!) Bring along your EGF serum you’d otherwise leave home, the face polish that prevents you from looking like a cookie, a FULL SIZE PERFUME that smells like heaven, and you can even skin cycle with an every-other-day resurfacing compound. Your skin tint for a beach day AND full coverage for the wedding, the best blush in two shades.
Life is actually really good when you decide not to make it harder for yourself for no damn reason. Live a little, and pack the generously sized toiletry case.