what's in my bag: carry-on to the Caribbean
including what I read on vacation!!!!
happy Sunday, lovers…
what a week it’s been since we last checked in! my sister and I spent seven straight days together, which as working adults, rarely (if ever) happens so it felt extra sweet. after our four nights in St. Lucia, she stopped in New York to bop around for a few days including coming to the office with me, going to our favorite workout (The Class), and of course, eating all the things. not only did we go to so many neighborhood foodie faves (L’Appartement 4F, Corner Bistro, Apollo Bagels, L’Industrie Pizzeria, Salt and Straw and more…) but she also played professional organizer and helped me even further refine my closet cleanout edit that began a couple weeks back.
have you done your spring cleanout yet? I’ve been getting some lovely messages that my post (linked below) is helping guide you in cleaning out your closets—LOVE to hear that you’re feeling inspired!! in addition to decluttering, the reorganizing that follows brings such a sense of empowerment…the Virgo in me relishes any chance to further optimize my space, which meant a rainy Saturday trip to The Container Store. I just added a couple of finds from our visit to my apartment shelf on ShopMy, including this Elfa drawer solution that’s currently on a great sale.
before we get into the fun, this edition of The Sunday Series is too long for email, so I’d recommend clicking out to read in browser or even better, in the Substack app, where you can like and comment! your engagement on Substack means so much to me 💌
here’s what you can look forward to in today’s edition of The Sunday Series:
what I packed for vacation—with full link list to my treasure trove of toiletries, which believe it or NOT all fit in my carry-on
paid subscriber exclusive: what I read on vacation, including my review of an advanced reader copy of Tinx’s forthcoming novel, Hotter in the Hamptons (out May 9th)…despite the controversy already swirling around this book, I bet my review isn’t what you’d expect! (hint: I’m soooooo sick of cancel culture)
paid subscriber exclusive: content I’ve consumed and loved lately. I’m sharing recommendations for podcasts, articles, and Substacks of note…think of these snippets as intel to make you not only entrenched in the cultural zeitgeist but a more well-rounded conversationalist :)
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my take on packing for a beach trip
this spring marks a decade of working in the travel industry, so I like to think I’ve learned a thing or two about packing in the course of ten years. for me, successfully packing for a trip means I haven’t left behind one of the million and one toiletries I seem to need on a daily basis and I’m not stressed about what to wear to dinner. neither of these scenarios played out during our five days in St. Lucia, so I figured I’d share a rundown of how I successfully approached packing in a carry-on!
💸 aaaaaand as a disclaimer, my shopping sections always include affiliate links. these little babes help us keep The Sunday Series free. I make a small commission when readers click and shop through my links at no additional cost to you—so if you found something through a link I sourced, please do consider purchasing through that link so I’m credited! I’ve been using the ShopMy platform for a few months and love it. want to start making commission on the links YOU share? sign up with my referral link for a 10% bonus on your fist six months of linking.
the bags, the bags inside the bags, the packing cubes and containers
I can’t stand having things flopping around in a bag. everything goes into a pouch for easy access! here are the bags—and the bags inside the bags—I use.
Rimowa Carry-On Plus | I’ve had this suitcase for almost two years, and I’m still in love with it. she’s a bit bulky for the overhead on short domestic flights if it’s a smaller aircraft, but she always works wonderfully for international trips. the compression technology by Rimowa allows you to fit a ton!!
Paravel Cabana Tote (currently marked down from $205 to $155) | this is my go-to bag for a beach trip! the medium which is what I have is not extraordinarily generous in terms of size, but it keeps me honest and actually always tucks under the seat nicely.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag (Army Green) | my airport method is always to have my passport, cash, wallet, keys, chapstick and hand sanitizer directly on my person. you can’t go wrong with the Lulu belt bag!
Tuckernuck Noir Cypress Toile Packing Cubes | I don’t remember life before packing cubes! these ones are très chic.
La Pochette Wet Bag | ideal to snag the last few moments in the pool on holiday without packing sopping wet swimwear in your luggage, this waterproof pouch safely stores your wet swimsuit.
Banana Republic Straw Market Tote | I’m adding this one to the list because my sister brought it, and I can’t find links for any of my beach bags. I found the leather strap on it to feel elevated, particularly for the price.
Stephanie Johnson Miami Tortoise Shell Pattern Hanna Travel Organizer | we’re going to get into my colossal list of toiletries, but they have to have somewhere to be housed!
Cadence Capsules (currently marked down from $165 to $139) | I finally caved on getting these and am so glad I did. my link goes directly to their site, which is currently running a sale.
tech
AirFly | I’ve shared this magical dongle before, but I can’t overemphasize what a game-changer it is to be able to use your own headphones and watch in-flight entertainment!
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AirPods Max | I’m a basic girlie through and through so, yes, I have the Apple headphones.
AirPods Pro | good for the beach and the gym!
Kindle Paperweight | do all roads lead back to my sister?? apparently YES. she got me this for Christmas because she’s the best sissy and now I’m finding that all my sh*t talking about e-readers was misplaced. big fan.
Dagne Dover Arlo Tech Organizer | because your cords need somewhere to go!!!
Cuyana Tech Carryall 16-inch (Cherry) | I never rawdog my laptop in my bag without a case. love Cuyana’s laptop cases.
toiletries
I know this list looks a little insane, but I can’t be without a product on vacation. it drives me NUTS to be like, “oh but if I only had [insert random item] I could fix [insert random beauty conundrum of the day].” plus, the Sephora Sale is happening NOW, so it’s a fabulous time to stock up on all those overpriced minis!!!
Caudalie Vinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser paired with Caudalie Vinopure Natural Oil Control Moisturizer and Caudalie Beauty Elixir | I’m a total slut for Caudalie, what can I say? love the size of all three of these products that each pack a punch.
Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant | Caudalie continued!!! my fave deodorant.
iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum | if I was being banished to an island and could only bring five things, this serum would likely make the cut. I use it every day, but it’s especially appreciated after a day at the beach.
SUNSCREENS: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 46 - Tinted, Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist with Vitamin C SPF 50, Supergoop! Poof 100 Mineral Part Powder SPF 35, Supergoop! (Re)Setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 | yes, I bring four sunscreens!!!! first, the face sunscreen is critical and the one I use every day (love the tinted version). for body, I prefer a spray sunscreen; in the case of this trip, I brought a bottle of Avène Le Spray SPF 50+ from my CityPharma haul in France (also linking my French pharmacy guide below as it feels relevant!!!) but it’s not avail in the US, so included the Supergoop one here. but in case you’re headed to France this summer, don’t miss the chance to stock up on the GOODS…
feel like it’s worth mentioning that at one point, TSA allowed you to bring full-size sunscreens through security in a checked bag…I successfully did so on this trip, though I can’t verify that their current regulations are technically set up for it. as for the other two (both mini-sized) sunscreens in my bag, my scalp burns easily, so this part powder is actually a gamechanger. and for when I’m sitting on the beach and want a quick refresh but don’t want to wipe sunscreen on my face, this refreshing mist is perfect to keep in a pouch.
Ouai Leave-In Conditioner Mini | I didn’t pack shampoo or conditioner on this trip, but I did bring this to put on my hair post shower for smoother waves since I was only airdrying.
Bloat Banisher Pills (currently 10% off) | these were a rec from and I’ve been super happy with them! pop a couple after breakfast before going to the beach to feel a bit more settled.
Swiss Smile Toothbrush and Travel Size Marvis Whitening Toothpaste | I have lost two electric toothbrushes at hotels in the past year, so I’ve banned myself from bringing them anywhere. I actually discovered these super elevated toothbrushes at a hotel in Zurich when my luggage was lost and they provided them. I’m OBSESSED. then of course I always have Marvis on me.
Mini Hair Brush | perfect to throw in your beach bag for a post-swim detangle.
Gilette Mini Razor | love keeping the mini razor on deck for trips, especially since it comes in its own cutie case.
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream | have been using this lotion after showering since I was a child :)
Lumify Eye Drops | a necessity on any trip, these eye drops make your eyes appear whiter and brighter. an instant pick-me-up!
beach-friendly makeup
Saie Mini Glowy Super Gel (Sunglow) | as I shared in my recent Q&A with Saie founder , I’m a big fan of the brand! you’ll always find the mini Glowy Super Gel in my bag for an instant tan enhancer.
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer (Silk) | this is my holy grail concealer for its more intense coverage levels while still sitting on the skin beautifully.
Sania's Brow Bar Brow Pencil (Light) | my friends have to hear me yap about “my eyebrow girl” constantly. this pencil from their studio (sold on Revolve) is another item I’d consider having in my five items for a stranded island scenario.
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand | I’m forever a Charlotte Tilbury girlie and especially love this liquid blush for an instantly flushed look'.
assortment of clothes and shoes
I didn’t do too much clothes shopping for this trip, so I don’t have links for much as a fair bit of what I wore was from deep within my closet. but I’ve rounded up a handful of links for some of the things that made me feel my best, or in a couple cases, links that are as close to what I have as I could find!
Agua Bendita Miller One Piece | she’s a stunner. I got her in Bogotá (Agua Bendita is a Colombian brand) but I’m seeing some availability in select sizes on Shopbop.
Devon Windsor Lara Top and Eadie Bottom | okay I was totally influenced by one of my favorite TT/IG creators, @girlwiththeslickback, to purchase this suit. the irony? IT DIDN’T COME IN TIME. but I’m linking anyways as I can’t wait to wear on my next beach trip!
Cinq à Sept Nikita Coverup (Black) (currently marked down from $395 to $198) | every beach look feels more elevated with a knit coverup and this one is a real looker. at 50% off right now, a great value too!
Agua Bendita Darmi Vessel Dress | this was so out of my usual print, but I was convinced to buy it on that same trip to Bogotá and what a treat it was to get to wear it for the first time seven months later. fabric felt sooooo comfy!!! I’d get this dress in other patterns for its comfort alone.
Banana Republic Stretch-Cotton Poplin Long Midi Dress | few feelings hit quite like putting a on dress for dinner after spending all day at the beach. can’t go wrong with this one.
With Nothing Underneath The Boxer: Seersucker (Rain Blue Stripe) | if you follow me on Instagram (@curatedbykayla), you know I rideeee for With Nothing Underneath. their linens and seersucker sets are a dream for any beach trip.
Loeffler Randall Chunky Platform Sandal | the beach shoe of dreams. full stop.
Athleta Retreat Linen Top and Retreat Linen High Rise Wide Leg Pant | my first Athleta purchase perhaps…ever? I loved this set for a travel day!
what I read on vacation
an unpublished manuscript: in recent years, as I’ve made more friends in the author and publishing world, I’ve come to understand just how many people touch a book before it makes its way into the world. there is an endless line of gatekeepers (literary agents, literary agents’ assistants, editors, the marketing teams at publishing houses, PR…etc.) whose involvement impacts the viability of a story. but before you even get to those people, fiction has to be in the best possible form—that is, FULLY completed—and it’s in that stage where beta readers come into play. authors reach out to their community for a read when they’ve taken it as far as they can and are seeking feedback on character development, plot, setting, and more. I was honored to be asked by a friend to read her manuscript and provide feedback. so, this was what I was reading on my Kindle (you can convert a Word doc into Kindle format) on the flight down to St. Lucia and during our first day there. such a treat to be immersed in the world the author had created that so few people have yet gotten to access!
Hotter in the Hamptons by Tinx: if your TikTok scroll looks anything like mine right now, you’re privy to the wolves who are already trying to take down this book before it hits stands. without getting into the weeds of toxicity too deeply, there’s a contingency of people (many of whom HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK) who feel that Tinx—a presumably ‘straight’ writer—is trying to profit off the allure of a queer romance with her book which chronicles the relationship between two women. the primary gripe is that a queer ghostwriter (who has been thanked in the first sentence of the acknowledgments) was involved in the project, so people are up in arms that the story didn’t 100% ementate from Tinx’s pen. I actually happened to thoroughly enjoy the book—fully knowing that Tinx had a team of professionals who helped her craft the story—and here’s why.
as I mentioned above, novels are not a singular feat. I’m not sure where readers got that wrong, but ALL of the prolific novels we consume have been touched by dozens of viewpoints from beta readers to sensitivity readers to, of course, editors. in this case, if Tinx and her team engaged with and PAID a ghostwriter who is a part of the queer community to ensure accuracy and inclusivity, why would that be a bad thing?? because her name isn’t on the cover? do you think that the ghostwriters who help support celebrity memoirs are negotiating to have their names on the cover? OF COURSE NOT. that’s not how it works. I’m sooooooo sick of cancel culture and everyone constantly seeking a takedown!!!! nothing could be less inspiring than seeing the amount of energy people on the internet put into trying to tear others down.
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