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 Shoshanna's Carry On

We recently had the opportunity to talk with one of our fave designers, Shoshanna Gruss about what she takes in her carry on when she travels. Her hubby is an avid fisherman so Shoshanna's favorite vacation destinations are anywhere he can fish, including Deep Water Cay in the Bahamas and Cape Cod. Here's what she carries on the road.

My carry on is either a large L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bag

or Chanel Cocoon. Both are big and roomy, aren't too fancy and are light to carry.

I almost always wear black leggings, a black tank and an American Apparel oversized sweater when I travel. I love their sexy basics.

I use EOS Lip Balm. It's egg-shaped so it's easy to find in my bag. I use Lancome Hypnose mascara.

When I'm going to the beach, I make sure I have my Venus Bikini razor so I'm swimsuit ready.

I get every magazine and I read every magazine. Details and Vanity Fair have fun and interesting articles. When I'm done, I leave them on the plane for others.

When it comes to tunes, I'm kind of a nerd. I like James Taylor, Billy Joel, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z and Christopher Cross.

Thanks, Shoshanna for letting us peek!

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 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! =)

A Peek Inside the Skinny Bitch's Carry On

Kim Barnouin is the co-author of Skinny Bitch and its spin offs, Skinny Bitch in the Kitch, Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven, and Skinny Bastard. Our friend Phoebe said these vegan recipes were delicious and the ones she returns to frequently.  We're planning on trying the enchiladas and the mac and cheese, two of our favorite splurges that we hate to give up when we're watching what we eat.  You can also find her on her website Healthy Bitch Daily. 

What kind of carry on do you use when flying?

I got this awesome purse from Humanitaire in Santa Monica made from recycled materials. It’s huge and I love it because I can put everything I need in it for my flight, plus it still fits under the seat in front of me! If it’s a short trip, then I use a cute little carry on suitcase I got from Target.

What do you read?

Because I’m a busy mom and I’m always doing research in books about health and food, I love to buy like 3 or 4 entertainment magazines such as Us Weekly, OK, and People Magazine. It’s my guilty pleasure. But those are just for one leg of my journey; the way home is my time to read a non-research book. My latest favorites are; Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert, and The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine, M.D


What's on your iPod?

Earth, Wind & Fire (above), Red Hot Chili Peppers, Zero 7, the podcast from NPR: Fresh Air, and usually an audio book.


What electronics?

Ipod for music and my laptop for movies or email, I was on a couple of cross- country flights recently that didn’t show a movie, but I was prepared with a few movies that I downloaded from iTunes. I want to check out the new iPad, I’m sure that is going to be addicting.


Do you bring snacks with you?

Yes, I have to. I Usually I pack a sandwich (I love Tofurky oven roast deli slices, with avocado, tomato and Veganaise mayo)


Do you have a special wrap or throw?

I carry warm socks in my huge purse, because my feet always get cold. And I bring a wrap from Me & Blue, it’s so comfortable and it’s like having a light sweater and a small blanket in one.

A Peek Inside Stacy Cox's Carry On Bag

We recently had the pleasure of traveling with Stacy Cox, owner of the Pampered People Spa in Los Angeles and TV Beauty/Fashion/Lifestyle Expert. Here's What Stacy travels with.

This bag should have its own frequent flyer miles number it’s been from China to NYC to Costa Rica and everywhere in between.  It’s what I call “kinda, sorta Gucci”. It’s a fake that ran me about $175 three years ago, but I love it and no one knows the difference (well hmm… until now).  It’s roomy, offers the all important cell phone pocket, the fabric gets and “A+” for deflecting dirt and has stood up to the test of time and countless crazy TSA checkpoints.

What beauty products do you travel with?
If my....
·      sinuses get clogged
·      my skin looks dull
·      my eyes look puffy
·      I need a massage


I count on the Olay Regenerist  Anti Aging Wrinkle Eye Roller to fix everything.  I know it’s a tall order but the wands three metal roller balls do a little of this and a little of that and it works instantly.

I also have been loving Mintglaze FX it’s a great pout plumping primer with a hint of mint and SPF. Oh and Super Smile makes a great travel size No Rinse No Brush Quickee. It’s a whitening and breath freshening paste that dissolves instantly in your mouth and you use your tongue as the unofficial tooth brush. No water needed.

Do you have a favorite wrap or sweater for chilly planes? 
Minnie Rose makes the most cozy cashmere throws and like my carry on bag it’s seen a “tour de force!” I’ve converted it into a poncho, blanket, scarf and random fashion statement when I tossed it over one shoulder and held it in place with a broach to add flair to boring black pants and a black t-shirt.

Are you currently reading any books or have a guilty pleasure magazine for the plane?  
When I fly, it’s the perfect time for me to catch up on my back issues of Playboy and Penthouse. I joke!!!   Like most folks in the beauty industry, I am using the flight time to catch up on all buzz in my many beauty magazines I subscribe to.  Lucky, In Style, Allure and Real Simple are my four favorites.
 
What music do you listen to on your iPod when traveling?
Does anyone still have their instruction manual for their iPod, and if so may I borrow it?  Somehow, I intertwined my playlists so I have tranquil spa music mixed with Lady Gaga and Gwen Stefani.  One minute the waves and seagulls are echoing, the next you can stand under my umbrella “ella, ellea, eh, eh, eh”. I need to address this as it’s a tad, shall we say, inconsistent?

Any favorite plane snacks?
I really like to delude myself into believing that a glass of tomato juice with a squeeze of lemon and a pack of pretzels is a complete meal.  It’s just so satisfying, if like, me you’re a sodium junkie. I got to sit in first class on a Delta flight once and they served warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies.  Amazing, the best, but how depressing if you’re seated in the front rows of coach and the cookie scent is wafting up your nose. That’s torture.
 
Anything else you always travel with?
I always travel with…
·      LA Dodgers basecall cap
·      My favorite 2 pairs of sunglasses: a beat up Gucci pair (they are real Gucci not faux like my travel bag) and a white and neon pink pair of Carearras (below).

·      My laptop computer
·      My Hello Kitty pencil case
·      A stack of business cards as you never know who you will network with
·      My cell phone charger…if that bad boy dies on the road, I am toast
·      Urban Aid’s emergency undies just in case the unexpected happens and my luggage gets lost.

Where have you traveled recently? Or where do you plan to travel soon?
This year I have bounced from Los Angeles (home) to NYC multiple times, Minneapolis, Cinncinati and San Diego.  In the months ahead, I will head back to NYC and hopefully to Kona, Hawaii as my best gal pal, Vicki, has a condo there and a vacation would be so lovely.

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.

A Peek Inside Gloria Safar's Carry On

We caught up with athlete and author  and athlete Gloria Safar fresh from her way back from bicycling across Sicily, where she cycled up Mount Etrna and biked the Syracuse Province, visiting Pallazolo Acreide, Noto, Taormina, Catania and Syracuse and many small gorgeous towns. Gloria wrote the training guide, Triathlon for Girls Like Us after she realized most training schedules were developed with men in mind. Here's what Gloria travels with.

My carry on is a mesh pool bag and inside I bring a smaller one, from the NYC marathon. I travel very light.

 

What beauty products do you travel with?

Water and lip balm. I don't leave the house without them. I have a lip balm in every pocket of every bag I have and I keep one in the car too.  Aveeno seems to work for me, for my face I like Aveeno Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15. I also use Avon and Burt's Bees.

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

I have this great light cardigan from Banana Republic, that takes very small space, but it's perfect for either a chilly night or a chilly plane.

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

I look forward to sitting in a plane! I know it sounds weird, but with my training and work, I have very little time to read at home, so I splurge in books on the plane. In this trip I read The Art of Racing in the Rain. If you have a dog, it's a must read! 

 Any favorite plane snacks?

Lara bars. Same as with the lip balms, I have one in every bag. Don't leave the house without them. But in Italy, I carried everywhere cherry tomatoes from Pachino, and delicious Sicilian oranges!

Anything else you always travel with?

My goggles! There's always a swimming opportunity! This time it was the Ionic Sea!!!