My Travel Toiletries (Winter 2013 Update)

I’ve receieved many requests lately to give an updated look at my toiletry cases and their contents.  I posted a video on OLJ showing all of these things (you can find the video at the bottom of this post if you missed it), but I thought I would give a look at just the cases and a few other toiletry organization tools I use when packing.  Each photo is linked to the website where you can find what is pictured in case you’d like to pick up some of these for yourself.

Eagle Creek® Pack-It® Quicktrip from The Container Store (photo source)

Eagle Creek® Pack-It® Quicktrip from The Container Store (photo source)

I pack not only my own toiletries, but my husband’s as well.  I like using this Eagle Creek Pack-It® Quicktrip case for him.  It is made of the same high quality, lightweight nylon material as the other items in the Pack-It® line, including my favorite Pack-It® cubes.  It’s the perfect size to house all of Don’s toiletry needs for any given trip.  There are two exterior pockets, which I use to separate his hair comb and razor from the main compartment contents   The case fits nicely in all of our luggage.  It is simple yet effective.

I require several more toiletry items, being the girly girl that I am and someone with a generally more elaborate personal hygiene routine.  I travel with what makes me feel the most comfortable, which is not necessarily the same for everyone (as you can tell by the disparity between my husband’s toiletry needs and my own).  I like to keep most of my toiletry items in their cases upon arrival to our destination, because I have so many small containers and items.  It helps to keep the hotel bathroom neat and uncluttered.

Le Pavillion Large Natalie from Kate Spade (photo source)

Le Pavillion Large Natalie from Kate Spade (photo source)

I love my Kate Spade Large Natalie case.  It is sturdy, water resistant on both the inside and the outside, and can hold quite a few products while still fitting nicely on most hotel bathroom counters.  It also comes with a smaller size matching case that fits inside of it.  This case is quite pricey ($148) usually.  I was lucky to find mine on clearance last winter.

Purse Size Terry Bag with Silver Initial from Glitzy-Glam (photo source)

Purse Size Terry Bag with Silver Initial from Glitzy-Glam (photo source)

I have quite a few skincare products that I travel with, which I prefer to keep together in a separate case.  I’ve been using the Purse Size Terry Bag from Glitzy Glam for the past few years for this very purpose with great results.  It’s the perfect size to house my travel-size skincare (mostly Origins products, if you’re curious!).  The inside is lined in a water resistant plastic, which is easy to wipe down and contains any leaks.   It has a handy slip pocket where I secure my travel makeup wipes.  I usually park this case right next to my Kate Spade Natalie on the hotel bathroom counter when we travel.

Nalgene® Round Leakproof Bottles | Translucent Flip-Spout Bottles | 3 oz. GoToob™

Nalgene® Round Leakproof Bottles (photo source) | Translucent Flip-Spout Bottles (photo source) | 3 oz. GoToob™ (photo source) All three shown from The Container Store

I like to have the travel-size versions of my toiletry staples whenever they’re available for purchase.  After I use something up, I will simply refill the bottle from my full sizer version.  There are some products I use which are not available in travel size versions.  I have a nice selection of travel bottles I’ve purchased from The Container Store over the years that do the trick nicely.  They are easy to rinse out and reuse over and over again.

Toothbrush Covers with Microban® from The Container Store (photo source)

Toothbrush Covers with Microban® from The Container Store (photo source)

The Container Store has a nice selection of other kinds of travel toiletry organizational items, including these toothbrush covers.

Medium Cosmetic & Small Cosmetic from Vera Bradley (photo source)

Medium Cosmetic (photo source) & Small Cosmetic (photo source) from Vera Bradley

I really like Vera Bradley cosmetic cases for my additional toiletry needs.  They comes in three sizes, are lightly padded thanks to the quilted design, and are lined in a water resistant plastic.  I use the medium size for the items I bring on a trip specifically for the shower.  I usually unpack these items, leave them in the shower, and store the empty case in my luggage until it’s time to go home.  I also use two of the small cases on any given trip.  One holds my Clarisonic Mia face brush & power cord perfectly.  I keep my bedtime necessities, such as cuticle cream, hand & foot moisturizer, and lip balm in the other.

Essentials Cosmetic from Vera Bradley (photo source)

Essentials Cosmetic from Vera Bradley (photo source)

Recently I started packing my hair accessories in a separate case.  I like using the Essentials Cosmetic from Vera Bradley for this.  It has three compartments to easily separate my different hair accessories.  It’s super lightweight thanks to Vera Bradley’s beautiful quilted fabric, and folds pretty flat, which makes it super easy to pack and tuck into an out of the way corner of the hotel bathroom.  I usually only bring this case on longer trips.

Mini Hanging Organizer from Vera Bradley (photo source)

Mini Hanging Organizer from Vera Bradley (photo source)

Another case that I occasionally travel with is the Mini Hanging Organizer from Vera Bradley.  I like to paint my own nails and usually travel with polish.  This case fits all of my self manicure needs perfectly for on the go!  I love the clear, plastic compartments to house all of my different nail care items.  The larger pouch at the bottom can hold quite a few nail polish bottles.  I usually put each polish bottle in a small size zip top bag (I’ve purchased these at Michael’s in the past) as an additional precaution from possible leaks during travel.  I have had a top coat leak in the case before and it still looks good as new!

* Sadly, it looks like Vera Bradley is discontinuing the Mini Organizer, as I could only find it in one pattern in the sale section and it is sold out online.  I recommend calling your local Vera Bradley boutique to see if they have any in stock if you’re interested. *

Cosmetic Clutch from The Container Store (photo source)

Cosmetic Clutch from The Container Store (photo source)

The last of my many toiletry cases is the Cosmetic Clutch from The Container Store.  I only travel with this one when we’re going to be spending some time by the pool or beach.  I have a duplicate of this case for my beach bag at home.  It is the perfect size to hold several bottles of sunscreen, leave-in conditioner, a brush & comb, as well as my other pool/beachside must haves.  I like how sturdy it is, that it’s water resistant, and clear for easy identification of its contents.

As you can see, I prefer to have a place (or case!) for everything even when I travel.  You need to sort out what your personal travel needs are and what packing methods work for you.  I’d love to know what your favorite toiletry cases are if you care to share!

* I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this post.  All opinions are my own.*

Packing Jewelry For Travel

As a jewelry lover and collector, I like to travel with a selection of pieces to coordinate with my wardrobe on any given trip.  I’ve always preferred to travel with my most valuable items (in terms of both monetary and personal worth) with me in my carry-on bag as opposed to packing such things in my checked luggage.  I’m always on the lookout for packing tools to aid in space saving efficiency since I already carry quite a bit on the plane with me with all of the camera and computer equipment I have (see The Anatomy of My Carry-On Bag for a more in-depth look).  The travel jewelry roll I found at The Container Store during their annual travel sale this past summer fits the bill perfectly!

Source: Hanging Jewelry Roll from The Container Store

Hanging Jewelry Roll from The Container Store (photo source)

The Hanging Jewelry Roll (which is on sale right now marked down from $14.99 to $9.99!) can hold a nice selection of jewelry.  I like how it folds flat as opposed to rolling, which works well for my vertical packing method.  The blue background makes it easy to see the contents inside.  I tend to use the three smaller compartments at the top for earrings, the next compartment down for necklaces, and the lowest two for bracelets and watches.

Source: Tite-Lip Anti-Tarnish Bag 3x2" from Fire Mountain Gems

Tite-Lip Anti-Tarnish Bag 3″x2″ from Fire Mountain Gems (photo source)

I use 3″x2″ and 3″x3″ anti-tarnish zip-top Tite-Lip bags from Fire Mountain Gems to store all of my jewelry at home.  When traveling I just pop these bags already containing the pieces I’ve picked out into the jewelry roll.  Not only do these bags aid in keeping my jewelry polished, they are a great way to avoid the inevitable jewelry tangles when pieces are stored together.  The bags are clear so it is easy to see through them and identify the pieces inside even when zipped securely into the jewelry roll.

Source: Itso Narrow Fabric Tray from Target

Itso Narrow Fabric Tray from Target (photo source)

I recently discovered an effective method of organizing my jewelry for packing using a three-compartment tray by Itso, which I purchased from Target.  I have jewelry in three main metal shades: silver, gold, and rose gold.  When prepping to pack, I will sit at my vanity where I store my jewelry at home with this tray and pull all of the possible pieces I might want for my trip.  I separate the jewelry into the tray by shade.  I can then bring the tray over to wherever I’ve laid out my clothing to pack and narrow down my jewelry choices with ease while coordinating with my trip wardrobe.

This is a simple but effective way of picking out and packing jewelry for trips that saves me both time in the packing process and space in my carry-on bag.

*I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned.  All opinions are my own.  Photos are linked to the original sources.*

The Anatomy of My Carry-On Bag

If you’ve ever visited my channel OrganizedLikeJen (OLJ) on YouTube, then you know that not only do I have a great love for organization, but an even greater respect for the art of packing.  I love to pack.  It is something I do often, as my husband and I travel quite a bit.  It is something I do well.  I don’t consider myself much of an expert on anything.  That is, anything except for packing.  I am a gosh darn good packer, if I do say so myself (loud and proud!).  This doesn’t mean that I am a minimilist packer.  On the contrary, many would say I tend to overpack.  I would have to disagree.  Packing is a very individual thing and what one needs during travel is not a one-size-fits-all sort of deal.  I tend to bring exactly what I need and a little bit extra as a better-safe-than-sorry type of gal.  On any given trip I use between 90-100% of the items I bring with me.  To me that signifies a well-thought out packing job.  With that being said, please take in mind whenever watching my packing-related videos or reading my packing-related blog posts, that I show what works for me.  You might not feel the need to travel with three different kinds of cameras, emergency clothing, or journals in your carry-on bag, but I do.  To each their own.

I am always recieving requests to post updated ‘What’s In My Carry-On” videos on OLJ.  Since I have now posted SIX carry-on videos (links to all below if you’re interested) since I first started my organization channel, I decided maybe a blog post update would be a better idea.  This also makes sense because I am using the same bag from the last two carry-on videos with only minor adjustments.  That bag is the 17″ Roll Along Tote in Mocha Rouge by Vera Bradley (pictured above).  It was a birthday gift from exactly one year ago and I have been in love with it ever since.

I love the cheery Mocha Rouge pattern.  It’s easy to spot, but not overly bright.

The snapping handles are perfect for corralling extra layers when on the go.

I keep my Lug Life Undercover Bear travel pillow & a small reusable shopping bag (in case I purchase snacks) in the generously spacious front slip pocket.

The bag has two main zippered compartments, one shallow and one deep, both of which open up flat.

The more shallow of the two has a special built in “Checkpoint Friendly” laptop case. When I go through security I can just zip open this top compartment & lay it flat (as show in the previous picture), leaving my laptop safely inside while it travels through the X-ray machine.  I love not having to remove my laptop from the security of this padded pouch!  I do still keep a protective hardshell case on my laptop at all times.  I am currently using a Kuzy Rubberized Hard Case Cover in a beautiful Tiffany blue color.

There are several pockets on the other side of this compartment that I use to stash magazines, pens, a Starbucks giftcard, and personal hygiene essentiels (filed under the better-safe-than-sorry category) for quick & easy access.

There is a large zip pocket behind these slip pockets that is perfect for keeping the folder with all of my travel documents safe as well as other flat items.

The other main compartment of the bag is much deeper and can hold quite a bit.

The flat side has two zippered compartments.  The top mesh one is usually where I keep my vlogging camera (a Canon Powershot Elph 300 HS) in its 1154 Lill Studio Kari case as well as mints, gum, & a small snack (Luna bars are my favorite on the go).

OJ|OLJ 1:27:2013_11I usually stash my personal journal (safe inside its Jonathan Adler case), the lock that came with the bag, and extra ziplock bags in the lower zippered compartment.

OJ|OLJ 1:27:2013_12I like packing the deepest portion of the bag vertically so I can easily pull out whatever I need without having to dig around too much.

OJ|OLJ 1:27:2013_13I use a variety of cases & pouches to keep similar items together, which also makes it much easier to find whatever I may need quickly.  I usually pack a book or my kindle in this compartment as well.

OJ|OLJ 1:27:2013_14I always travel with a Vera Bradley Ditty Bag (shown here in the matching Mocha Rouge pattern), which is a lightweight pouch lined in plastic.  I keep a set of leggings or mesh shorts as well as an extra pair of underwear in this in case of emergency during travel or for unexpected delays or cancellations.  I always travel with my Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones in a velvet pouch, a trail mix snack, and fuzzy socks in the case of a chilly airplane.

OJ|OLJ 1:27:2013_15I use several different kinds of pouches to house all of my cameras and cords.  I keep my Sony Handycam HDR-150CX, charger & USB cord in a small SORT Electronics Case.  I keep my Canon EOS Rebel T4i DSLR camera in a Crumpler Haven (size medium).  I just posted my first impressions on this case (see blog post DSLR Camera Accessories Haul).

OJ|OLJ 1:27:2013_16I keep all of my computer cords & accessories in an Eagle Creek Pack-It Quarter Cube, including the power cords, mouse, an external hard drive, Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter, & a Smart Charger (for emergency iPhone battery replenishment).

OJ|OLJ 1:27:2013_17I keep my iPhone charger, my two other camera chargers & extra batteries in an Eagle Creek Small PackIt Sac.

OJ|OLJ 1:27:2013_18I prefer packing my jewelry in my carry-on bag as opposed to in my checked luggage.  I’ve been using this Hanging Jewelry Roll for the past 6 months for travel and absolutely love it!  Check for a new video soon on OLJ on how I pack my jewelry for travel.

OJ|OLJ 1:27:2013_19I am a big fan of the “Walking Pharmacy,” as I like to call it, which is a case in which I store all of my daily necessities & small emergency items.  I filmed an entire video on what I keep in my travel walking pharmacy if you’d like a more in-depth look.

OJ|OLJ 1:27:2013_20 I have been enjoying using my Louis Vuitton Insolite wallet for travel, because I can fit my phone in the large zippered compartment.  I’ve attached an 1154 Lill Studio Jane Wristlet to it so I can easily manage the wallet when I need my ID for checkin & security.  It’s also nice when traveling with Don to leave my bag with him at the gate while I make a dash for a water bottle or to use the restroom before the flight.

OJ|OLJ 1:27:2013_21Lately I have been traveling with what I call my “Creative Necessities Pouch” (CNP).  I love to make lists, plans things out on paper, and doodle/daydream with colorful pens & stickers.  I keep a small pad of paper, a Moleskine Cahier Journal, sticky notes & tabs in a variety of colors & sizes, a multi-color jumbo pen, whiteout tape, magnetic paper clips, & a variety of stickers in my CNP.  I’ve taken to carrying this in my larger size purses when I know I am going to have some downtime during any particular outing.  It has become a wonderful addition to my travel carry-on bag as well.

As you can see, I use every nook & cranny of my Roll Along Tote.  I love that I can easily fit all of my electronics  valuables, and personal odds & ends in it.  The fact that the bag can fit under the seat in front of me on the airplane is the icing on the cake!  I appreciate having my bag & its contents right at my feet for easy access.  It’s on sale right now at VeraBradley.com for a much reduced price, which leads me to believe that they might be discontinuing this model.  I hope that means they will replace it with a newer model if nothing else, because it truly is the perfect carry-on in my opinion and I think that many others would agree.

If you’d like to see my carry-on videos from over the past few years, I am listing & linking them below:

❊ Summer Travel: Carry-On Essentiels (July 10, 2012)

❊ What’s In My NEW Carry-On & How To Pack for an Out of Town Race (February 24, 2012)

❊ Yet Another Carry-On Bag Video (September 5, 2011)

❊ Packing Organization: Carry-On (May 17, 2011)

 What’s In My Carry-On, Part 2 (November 17, 2010)

❊ What’s In My Carry-On, Part 1 (November 17, 2010)

*I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this post.  All opinions are my own.*

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