Our Top Carry-On Packing Tips

There’s little we love more than a jaunt out-of-town, whether for a weekend at the beach or a week in Paris or London. All of the airplane carry-on restrictions in recent years have been cramping our packing style, though – it’s hard enough to fit all our shoes and outfits in one bag, and we hate having to check a weekender just because of our hair products. Which is why we’ve compiled a collection of our favorite packing tips to help you be efficient, stylish, and not have to check a bag on your next trip.

1. Pick Your Bag
The most important part of packing is the bag; without the right bag, clever tricks only go so far. If you’re just going for a couple days, we’d opt for a classic shoulder bag like this sturdy Bric’s piece or this gorgeous leather Claire Chase duffel. This expandable Tumi roller might make it harder for you to find overhead bin space (and you might even have to gate-check), but it might be beautiful enough to be worth it.


2. Only the Essentials
Your mom probably told you this more than once, but we have to echo her: Lay out everything you want to take on the trip; then only bring half of it. Even if you’re going for three weeks and plan to check a bag, you’ll have a chance to do laundry. If you’re just going for three days, you don’t need enough clothes for nine.

3. Roll Your Clothes
Not only does rolling your clothes help them fit in smaller spaces (and more of them), but it helps keep them from getting too wrinkled, and definitely helps prevent the hard creases you get from regular folding.


4. Circumvent the No-Liquids Rule
No, we’re not suggesting that you just bring all the liquids you want in your carry-on. Rather, even many of our favorite designer toiletries and hair products offer travel-sized versions; if you can’t find what you’re looking for, any pharmacy sells small bottles into which you can decant. If you don’t even want to deal with those, plan to stay at a hotel (or with friends) with quality in-room toiletries.

Need a new bag? You’re in luck! This week we’re featuring some of the best brands in luggage — Tumi, Victorinox, Nicole Miller, and more — with our Luggage Week series. Bon voyage!

Editor's Pick: Cargo Cosmetics

You’ve got your routine down pat: a swipe of pink gloss and mascara for the office, and a dark cat eye on the weekend. But with spring just around the corner, maybe it’s time for a little refresh courtesy of the lovely makeup mavens at Cargo Cosmetics. With a nearly endless spectrum of colors, this standout selection hits on all of the season’s latest and greatest trends. And since this cult-loved brand thinks of everything, they’ve even assembled a series of kits that make getting your new look—from smoky eyes to a pouty lip—pretty much foolproof. Here are our three favorites:
The Metallico Chain Bag: A metallic smoky eye is the ultimate accessory come nightfall. And this stunning roundup has everything you need to make your big-night-out look a memorable one (including a rockerish chain clutch). The silvery Eye Shadow Single, black Waterproof Eye Pencil, Glitter Top Coat eyeliner, and mile-long lashes courtesy of LashActivator amp up the drama, while the berry-stained Madrid gloss adds a subtle finish.
The Mini Voyages Make-up Kit: Airport-bound? Well, this is the trusty kit you’ll want in your carry on. Nestled in an adorable postage stamp-themed clutch, the Water-resistant Bronzer instantly brightens dull-looking skin, while the Better-Than-Waterproof Mascara makes those tired eyes really pop.
Los Angeles Eye Shadow Palette: Channel the deep blue sea with the spectrum of creamy colors in this eye shadow quad. From rich cobalt to bright turquoise, these blues can pack a punch either layered together or worn on their own.

Check out the rest of our Cargo Cosmetics sale to jump-start your new spring look!

Editor's Pick: Midnight in Tadashi

Editor's Pick: Candela Goes Gatsby

Editor's Pick: Chloe

What puts a designer label on the map? Is it time-honored tradition? Having an "it" bag? Or do you know you've made it when your former creative director gets a shoutout in a Kanye West song?

If a fashion house is answering "Yes" to all these questions, we're betting they've not only made it, but they've got top billing. Such is the case with Chloe, the French label known for subtly sexy apparel and anything-but-basic accessories spotted on many of our favorite fashionistas. Founded in 1952 Paris--can you think of a more fabulous time and place to be?--the label ignored strict the haute couture restrictions of the times and delivered ethereal pieces with an irreverent edge.

Since then they've been known for developing burgeouning talent: Karl Lagerfeld before he was the fashion kaiser, a green Stella McCartney before her rise to fashion stardom, and most recently, Phoebe Philo, who any Kanye fan knows by name.

Today's selection of Chloe handbags and sunglasses feature just the kind of details fashion-forward celebs like Charlize Theron, Rachel Bilson, and Reese Witherspoon love about the label. With metallic accents, expert craftsmanship, and a dose of downtown Parisian cool, you'll be looking as tres chic as they do.