A Peek Inside Carolyn O'Neil's Carry On

On our recent girls' getaway press trip to Montreal, we had the pleasure of traveling with the oh-so chic Carolyn O'Niel (That's her, far right.). In addition to travel writing for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, among other publications, Carolyn is also a registered dietitian the author of The Dish: On Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!

Here's what's in Carolyn's carry on:

Even though I check a bag when I travel, my carry on is my life line just in case my luggage is lost or I need something en route.

I always have a
1. A black cashmere cardigan.
2. A neutral toned grey/gold/cream large pashmina scarf which matches everything to add an extra layer on a flight or dash of fashion on arrival!
3. A Cole Hahn rain jacket with hood, which folds up into its own little pouch.
4. Digital camera...just in case something exciting happens or I spot a food trend!
5. Moleskine notebook - for jotting down great ideas or observations.

6. Today's newspaper...really!
7. A copy of this month's Journal of the American Dietetic Association. I am a food/nutrition writer and need to keep up on the latest science. 
8. Travel cosmetics I can't be without include: Aquaphor healing ointment for cuts, dry skin and perfect to protect heels if wearing new shoes; Pond's Cold Cream - women in my family have been using it as makeup remover for four wrinkle-free generations!

Magnifying mirror to see myself better and ensure correctly placed lip liner and eyeliner, sunscreen with at least SPF 30, I like Neutrogena.
Chanel lipsticks in rouge and lip gloss to tone down the red! Chanel powder compact.
9. Almonds or walnuts to snack on.
10.  If I really feel at risk of losing luggage ( ie. tight connections ) I throw in a jersey knit black dress and dressy flats to wear to dinner with the pashmina and black cardigan!

A Peek Inside Elite Travel Gal's Carry On

Stacy Small, travel agent extraordinaire and owner of Elite Travel and Travel Editor of Haute Living magazine travels so much she makes our head spin. Between jaunts to Fiji, exploring the new Amangiri resort in Utah and Bali, Stacy's always on the go. Here's what she travels with:


My usual carry on bag is chocolate brown wheeled Bric's laptop case. Bought it a few years ago in Rome and it pretty much goes with me on every trip!

I always bring my Bose noise-cancelling headphones, my iPhone which doubles as my iPod, my blackberry (yes I now have both), a stack of magazines (always the latest tabloids plus either Vanity Fair, Yoga Magazine, Health, and any of the travel magazines I haven't yet read!), the NY Post if the airport shop sells it, and at least two books as I am really fast reader. I haven't yet bought a Kindle but I will soon...in the meantime, I'm still toting old-fashioned chick lit books like Jackie Collins Poor Little Bitch Girl (read on last trip) and sometimes deeper stuff (currently reading about basic Buddhism), either spiritual or business related.

Always have my Sony Vaio 2.5 pound laptop (which I haven't yet traded in for an iPad!) and my flip video with me. When I remember, I throw a wrap in my bag and I always make sure to bring an extra pair of socks as I'm always cold on the plane!

My favorite beauty products are Neutrogena moisturizer, Burts Bees eye jelly, Almay lip gloss and Purel. Plus, I always bring a few gluten-free snacks like Luna Bars and/or popcorn and/or dried fruit/nuts.

A Peek Inside Tarina Tarantino's Carry On Bag

With her new cosmetics line set to debut at Sephora, it's a safe bet designer Tarnina Tarantino will be on the road a lot in 2010. Here's what's in her carry on bag.

I have a Samsonite black label beauty box that I bought in Italy years ago. It is so perfect because everything fits inside the boxy shape. I organize everything into my Techno Tribal cosmetic clutches  for easy access to whatever I need.

I like L’Occitane shea butter hand cream the best and Evian mini water spray for a little wake up mist after napping. My Tarina Tarantino Beauty Victorian Punk lip gloss ring (pictured below) has specially formulated Gem watergloss that keeps lips pretty and hydrated.

I always bring a cozy oversized sweater; the one I currently wear is from Theory. It has a thick cowl neck that I can pull over my head if someone sneezes in my direction. Not that it will help…..(JSG Note: We love this one from Theory.)

I am reading the memoirs of Louis Vigee Le Brun who was the most famous female French painter of the 18th century. She was a very strong amazingly creative woman who had a very dramatic life.

My guilty pleasure is that I always grab a National Enquirer to read during take off as that is my least favorite part of the flight.

I have an appropriately named “Jet Set” playlist on my iPod with artists like Charlotte Gainsbourg, Air, John Fox (for deep sleep music), Starlighter, and Royksopp.

I always have my Bose QC3 headphones, which I of course crystallized.

A Peek Inside Poppy King, "The Lipstick Queen"'s Carry On Bag

We recently met Poppy King, aka the "Lipstick Queen" fresh from a trip to London. Here's what she travels with: 

My carry on bag is a large Louis Vuitton (I think this style is called “Never Full). It's super simple and fits everything.

What beauty products do you travel with?
I travel with Visine, NIA 24 Skin Strengthening Complex and my Lipstick Queen Medieval which is a lip balm and lip color in one.

Do you have a favorite wrap or sweater for chilly planes?

Just a good old pashmina!

Are you currently reading any books or have a guilty pleasure magazine for the plane?

I am a real saint and sinner when it comes to reading...I read very heavy books (at the moment my 3rd Proust) and then when I am in a sinner mood I will buy those gossip mags for the plane.

What music do you listen to on your iPod when traveling?
Disco and funk so that it is upbeat and keeps me in a good mood.


Any favorite plane snacks?
Fruit! It adds the illusion that I am doing something healthy rather than sitting in an awful old plane.

Anything else you always travel with?
A toothbrush! No matter what state I am in if I have clean teeth I feel fresh.

Lauren Conrad's Carry On Bag

Lauren Conrad has had many jobs. After finishing up a long stink as reality TV star on shows such as Laguna Beach and The Hills, she currently splits her time between writing books (That's her on Feb. 18 signing Sweet Little Lies), designing for her namesake label and as spokesperson for mark cosmetics. Needless to say, all the above requires a lot of travel and she is undoubtedly a stylish jet setter. I got a chance to ask her about her must have beauty items and essential wardrobe pieces while traveling when she was in NYC last month raising awareness about m.powerment by mark.

Lauren Conrad's travel style by 20somethingirl featuring Elizabeth and James jackets

When traveling, LC always packs a couple of blazers, skinny jeans and heels. For beauty, she's a big fan of mark cosmetics' hookups since they are the best way to take multiple shades and save space. To get her signature perfect cat-eye on the road, she packs mark On the Edge eyeliner in Cleo. To camouflage any tiredness and puffiness from lack of sleep and rest while traveling, LC uses mark Get Bright Hook Up Highlighter. She finishes off her travel beauty look with m.powerment gold lip gloss which she likes to layer on top of her lipstick for extra shine or wear it alone for a nude look.

By the Stylester.

A Peek Inside the Purple Lab Creatrix & Carry On

They don't come any chicer than our friend Karen Robinovitz, Creatrix of Purple Lab NYC cosmetics. We know Karen has been jetting to Florida and back a lot these days with her brand launch on HSN last month. Here's what she travels with:

I have an asymmetrical Alexander Wang silvery crushed velvet pseudo cardigan with a cowl drapy back that can be used as a hood so it's perfect for sleeping on a plane - the hood doubles as an eye mask because it hangs so low. It's comfy, cozy, and so chic all at once and it folds up into nothing. (That's Karen wearing it above.)

My carry on is a 25 year old Louis Vuitton oversized shopper my parents bought on a Paris vacation. Ten years ago, I found it in their garage, collecting dust. My mom didn't like carrying it because it was too heavy for the shoulder and they wanted carry-ons with wheels. I happily inherited it and gave it a happy home where it is more appreciated. It's so dark and worn, I love it. So much better than one that's brand spanking new. And it carries the memory of my family's first trip to France.

My must have beauty product are all Purple Lab makeup, of course! Huge Lips Skinny Hips in Worship Kate (mauve shimmer), Kitty Poledancer (pale pink) and Red Sole (shear red), Luvah in Mama's Boy which is the perfect nude, Silk Sheets luxe foundation, Lashionista Modelista in "After Dark" which is black with diamond dust (the liquid liner is amazing as a liner but if you lay it on thick and smudge it, it turns into steel gray shadow that rocks), Luxury Squared under eye concealer and highlighter, and Cheek Implants cream blush with collage in the shade Backstage Pass.

Hair-wise, I use all of Devachan's products for curls - their "No Poo" shampoo, their Deva One conditioner, Mirror Curl to bring on shine, and Arc Angel gel. I have been going there for 13 years and their products are my savior. Travel size, of course.

My SPF is Kate Somerville and hand cream is Bliss.

I travel with every celebrity weekly (I cannot lie - it's my guilty pleasure), Juxtapose (an art magazine that taps into street culture), Fast Company (my dream is to have Purple Lab featured), French Vogue for the imagery (I cannot speak a lick of the language, sadly), Dwell, and if the third book of the Hunger Games trilogy was out, I'd be reading that as well as Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Bloods vampire series (nothing like upper crust vampires in high fashion to escape with). I'll probably have a Malcolm Gladwell book as well - he is my literary hero.

For snacks, I bring Tazo Passion flavor tea and let it seep in a large bottle of water with Stevia - so much more flavorful than plain water. Dried mango and almonds as well.

When it comes to tunes, for the plane, I crave mellow - Sia, Massive Attack, Portishead, Air, Zero Seven. When I'm away, I like to turn it up - I have a great mix that a DJ friend made with a ton of amazing imported songs by artists I have never heard of. Very fashion runway.

What else? If it's a long flight, a travel sized Tempurpedic pillow, really yummy fleece socks, Chrome Hearts sunglasses (below) for getting off the plane in daylight (I'm obsessed with them and the subtle silver details on the arms), six inch heels if I have to go right from the airport to a meeting so I can turn on some chic to whatever I'm wearing.

A Peek Inside Johnica's Carry On

Our friend Johnica travels well over 100,000 miles each year, so who better to feature than someone who's in the air three weeks each month?
A lifestyle and travel communications guru, Johnica globe-trots to countless international and domestic spots each year. From South Africa to France, to Jordan and back, she has racked up her share of frequent flyer miles and the jetsetter knowledge they come with. You can find her as the weekly Excursions Contributor at UptownSocial - the exclusive e-dossier of UPTOWN magazine, contributing to American Airlines Black Atlas, and sharing food & wine adventures from around the globe as the Travel Editor of Cuisine Noir Magazine.

My carry on tote of choice is the Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM in Damier canvas.

It's chic and roomy, and folds flat for easy packing.

If I'm traveling for ten days or less, I opt out of checking a bag and pack all of my clothes, shoes and beauty products in either the black 21" Samsonite xSpace Spinner or the orange 21" Longchamp Surf Trolley. For quick weekend and beach jaunts I carry Longchamp's Veau Foulonne in a great salmon leather.

What beauty products do you travel with (skin care, hand moisturizer, lip balm, hair products, etc.)?

For short getaways I love SAMPAR's Bon Weekend Kit. For extended trips I always pack 3Lab's M Cream and recharge my skin after long haul flights with their Perfect Mask. To keep my hair sleek on the go, I pack the ghd IV mini styler, which has auto adjusting voltage that works in almost any country you visit.

Do you have a favorite wrap or sweater for chilly planes?

I've been collecting Nordstrom Tissue-Weight Cashmere Wraps for six years, so I have quite of collection and range of colors. They are perfect for the plane and double as a fashion accessory, great for adding color to "travel black" outfits. If I'm headed to a colder climate I use the medium-weight style.

Are you currently reading any books or have a guilty pleasure magazine for the plane?

I'm currently reading Down the Nile: Alone in a Fisherman's Skiff, travel writer Rosemary Mahoney's tale of her solo rowing trip down the Nile.

What music do you listen to on your iPod when traveling?

I'm currently listening to Sade's Soldier of Love on repeat. I tune out any noise or chatter on the plane with Bose QuietComfort 15 Noise Canceling Headphones.

Anything else you always travel with?

I'm all about documenting my travels so I never leave home without my Flip MinoHD camcorder, Nikon d500 SLR and MacBook Pro.

To charge all of my gadgets on the go, I travel with Tumi's Charger Kit, which includes an electronic adapter with 4 different international plugs that work in over 150 countries.

A Peek Inside the Beauty BFF's Carry On

Congrats to our friend Jenn Falik, MSN's new Beauty BFF. Her recently launched online beauty show features webisodes on Makeup Artist Must-Haves, How to Get a Flawless Face and more. New episodes air every week--so check back frequently to learn something new. Here's what she has in her carry on.

The Kooba Lana Tote has everything I could want in a carry on- fits just snug enough over my shoulder, lightweight, and lots of pockets. And when it isn’t stuffed to the brim, it folds nice and flat against the body so you don’t look like you are lugging around, well…luggage.

I pride myself on a well packed in-flight beauty kit. Tucked inside a clear Hayden Harnett zipper pouch you will always find Darphin Aromatic Care Balm (I put it on before take off so I arrive with a nice glow- plus, the scent is so refreshing yet soot hing at the same time), an Essie Cuticle Oil Pen, Swabplus eyemakeup remover swabs, Stila Kitten Eyeshadow (for lids and all over highlighting- instant wake up- and heaven forbid my luggage is checked and gets lost, can’t leave a hotel room without it on) and 2 lip glosses- Clarks Botanicals Ultra Rich Tint in Rachel Red and Nars Ophelia and my beloved Lypsyl balm. And a handful of GOSMiLE Touch Ups to freshen up my smile throughout the flight- totally gets rid of that stale air feeling.

Sir Alistair Rai scarves are my obsession- I just got a pastel tie-dye one for Spring (similar to the one below) to add to my collection and I never board a plane without one around my neck. When not serving as my most stylish accessory, it can be balled up into a pillow or spread out as a blanket. I also place it on top of my bag when going through security so nothing falls out.

My iPod Nano has a somewhat generic list of tunes- I must admit that my musical tastes are none too sophisticated. The usual suspects- Dave Matthews, Coldplay, Kings of Leon and of course, Jay Z and Alicia Keys “New York”- I play it every time I land back home. And showtunes. I am a closeted musical theater geek. 


Flights are my only time to catch up on magazines- and since I have yet to get on the eReader bandwagon that leaves little room for an actual book. You will usually find me toting Allure, Lucky, Elle, People Stylewatch, Inc and Entrepreneur. And of course, the weekly magazines. I consider it research,  as well as weight training. Especially in September.

I also always have a Smythson mini notebook (I have to write everything down- usually I email myself notes but while in-flight, gotta go back to good old fashion pen and paper), an Anya Hindmarch large zipper pouch that actually says Tearsheets on it where I collect the pages I rip out of magazines, and my most constant companion- my MacBook Air. Oh, the tales that computer could tell.

And last but not least- a Zico coconut water and a Kind bar. I always have the intention of being that healthy traveler- until I check into the hotel. That is when I order my room service cheeseburger- a treat that never ceases to make me smile.

A Peek Inside Lori Goldstein's Carry On

We had the opportunity to look inside the carry on of Lori Goldstein, stylist extraordinaire and designer of LOGO Instant Chic available on QVC. Here's how Lori travels:

I find it easier to carry one carry on with wheels. I bought this Louis Vuitton camo for a big birthday present to myself. Many of my trips are overnighters and everything fits in here.

I never leave home without my good luck shatoosh shawl. It was a gift many years ago from a very special person, before they were illegal.

Lip lip lip balm...I cannot travel without lip balm.

Thank god for the MAC air. It really makes such a difference for travel. I love it!

I collect Hermes pill boxes.. and use them! Vitamins...and anti anxiety pills. Have I mentioned I hate flying?

I never travel without a my sox.. these paul smith make me smile when I look down.

I wear my LOGO Instant Chic Tee. Comfort in the air is almost more important than comfort on the ground--and everyone knows that one of my first rules. You should be able to sleep in your clothes theyre so comfortable.

Finally, I carry every magazine under the sun. I've had people sit next to me and wonder, "What is the lady doing? I love to carry on tons of mags. I tear out what i love and give the magazines to the flight attendants. I get special attention after that! =)