Because the house we’re renting is fully furnished, these days we pretty much only go to Ikea when we get a craving for Swedish meatballs. : ) The last craving was two Fridays ago and while we were there, I noticed the new travel line. It looks really good! I ended up buying a toiletry bag and cosmetic bag. The shade of pink is just right. There’s a sheen to it, and it feels sophisticated instead of Barbie-ish. (Bonus: they are not expensive at all.)
For travel, I keep two different toiletry bags. A compact one that holds the bare minimum for when I’m taking a short trip or making a carry-on only flight. And a larger one (like this new pink one!) for when we’re taking a roadtrip and liquids don’t matter — or for longer plane trips, when I’m checking a bag.
Have you seen the new travel line in person? What do you think of it? Are you a minimalist packer, or do you like to throw in everything you might possibly need?
P.S. — Happy Leap Day! Still LOVING the comments on this post about taking a leap.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
I like to pack minimally and always have my toiletry bag ready to go! This is my method – http://annabelvita.com/pack-painlessly-every-time
You are awesome! So great to be able to pick up and go at a moment’s notice.
I’m a minimalist packer. That way there’s more room for travel purchases! I’m going to IKEA tomorrow so I’ll check out the new toiletry bag line.
I need to make a trip to IKEA! I love that pink. The closest IKEA is 1 1/2 hours but worth it!
I am forever erring between light packing and “what-if-I-end-up-needing-this” moments. So I pack everything I think I might need, and then critically go through it again, eliminating items. I usually have two bags, a larger one for all the toiletries and a smaller one for emergency stuff (band-aids, gauze, painkillers, etc.). Both bags are robust, but semi-transparent, so I can see what I’m going for from any side. Works like a charm!
That yellow-orange colour in the Ikea line is amazing! Now I sort of wish I needed a new bag. :)
Oh, where have you been soul-mate!? I keep 2 as well and I just love toiletry bags, i couldn’t travel without them.
Definitely a minimalist. Especially before kids! I do enjoy the challenge of seeing how little I can take and get by. And packing in as small a space as possible is a fun puzzle to solve.
Now with a child I do have to pack more but now that she’s six, we abide by the rule that you have to be able to carry/pull what you take.
And when I went to Alt, I couldn’t believe how much I packed! I am almost, that’s ALMOST embarrassed to say that I had two outfits a day for the conference. And many shoes. Too many shoes.
You’re smart to approach it as a puzzle/challenge. Makes it fun!
I travel so much for work that I my system is down pretty well. I only take stuff that coordinates with everything else and as little as possible. Work won’t pay for a checked bag, so it’s gotta be carryon. I just traveled for a week with one small roller bag and my tote bag (for the laptop/purse type stuff). Hubby and I went to Italy for 16 days in just a big old backpack. Crazy!
I love toiletry bags, but have had to make myself stop. For a number of years I hit the Clinique bonus days faithfully. I have many many many bags that never see much use. But oh, these make me drool and dream. (If only we could get TSA to let go of the “1 quart ziplock” rule. THAT would make travel so much easier.)
Right now, we have no travel plans set in stone but we’re hoping to hit Berlin in August… Right now I’m loving the Flanabags AirQuart bag for airline travel w/ toiletries because you can see in, which security likes. Best idea, ever!
Between this and Ikea flower pots, I just might have an excuse to make a trip! (Why can’t they have little pop up stores in city centres?!)
I used to have a nice system, but I think I need to toss it and start over. The overnight cosmetic bag I have seems to take up too much space in my suitcase, and I change my shampoo so frequently that whenever I go back to the half – used travel bottles, I never remember the brand that is in there, and end up tossing them.
I should just toss it all and start over, exp with some bright pink bags!
That is such a cute bag. A lot cutier that the typical black bag.
I have one of the pink IKEA toiletry bags as well. it’s a cheerful shade of fuchsia and holds my “go to” medications. good pick Gabrielle! :)
Nope I haven’t seen them in person but now I want one! No Ikea around here, boo.
Gabrielle! I love this post. I have these in orange, have had them for about seven months and absolutely LOVE them. They have held up so well, even with my frequent use . The makeup bag seems to never get dirty (all my other ones had grungy insides after about three months). The zippers are extra sturdy, and that bigger bag can hold all my facial stuff plus my electric toothbrush, toothpaste, COSTCO saline, and pumice stone :) pretty awesome design.
I have many of the new items from the travel line. I especially love the toiletries bag. While looking at the pic online it doesn’t really show how fabulously the bag stays open when unzipped then folds down on the ends when zipped. The bag holds SO much–and how can you beat the price?
I ALWAYS have a toiletries bag packed. Can’t count how many times I’ve grabbed it on my way to rush to out the door to spend the night at someone’s house to help out at the last minute. I have a mini version that I keep in my purse so I can have a toothbrush on hand for when I’m out. I’m sorta crazy about my teeth that way and I can’t use those kind that don’t require water. Call me weird.
oh i that ikea bag is great! I noticed their backpacks last time I was there, and really liked them. I am on the hunt for the perfect dop kit for my hubby. I’m looking for something not too fancy, practical, but somehow design-y. Like… if only there was merimekko for men! (I love the mills canvas
http://shop.millscanvas.com/Companion_Bags.html
but not quite right…. and at that price, it’s got to be “right”!!!
What does Ben Blair use?
I bought the orange one in October when I went on a weekend trip to visit friends. I’m still obsessed with it!
I have the exact same bag and love it! It’s the perfect shape and size.
i use that in navy as a diaper bag. love. (and i hate traditional diaper bags.)
It looks like it should be very convenient
I have those bags as well! Will be returning to Ikea to pick up the backpack as I need something for my tablet. I was disappointed and extremely surprised they didn’t have the suitcase to complete the series. Almost decided to get the orange collection solely because it’s complete but the girl in me loves the pink.
I’m looking for something not too fancy, practical, but somehow design-y. Like… (I love the mills canvas
href=”http://www.newbagsstore.com
but not quite right…. and at that price, it’s got to be “right”!!!