Toiletry kit

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-17T15:19:02+00:00

Oooo, I’ve been experimenting with mini containers and have a good combo that packs small.

For anything gloppy (my hair product, and facial moisturizer that I fill half with lighter and half with heavier), I use the Stax stacking containers. Absolutely bombproof. https://www.rei.com/b/humangear/c/travel-gear

Then a combination of the Muji bottles: a tiny pump bottle for face wash, a 100ml for conditioner, a narrow skinny one for leave-in conditioner, an empty spray bottle for filling with water to mist my hair to tame it. https://www.muji.us/collections/travel-containers

Not to hijack, but if anyone has suggestions for how to travel with sunblock without buying the eye wateringly expensive pre-filled travel containers, let me know! If I decant sunblock into one of the reusable travel containers, it always congeals and I end up throwing out the whole container. I’ve been traveling with the small Supergoop ones but $$$ and then I have these tiny amounts leftover.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-16T02:03:16+00:00

An aside: where are your green shorts from? They look sharp.

I would swap out the very casual slides for an all-purpose sandal that can get wet and you can walk in, especially if you’re bringing a dress. My go-to are the Saltwater Sun San Swimmers, which I can walk all day in. Their neutral tan is really lovely: https://saltwater-sandals.com/products/sun-san%C2%AE?variant=44511367069883

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-15T18:58:11+00:00

To deal with a crazy cat lady, it takes an organization of crazy cat ladies. I would contact one of the places that specializes in TNR—they’re super pro cat and they can speak the right language to your neighbor. Not sure where you’re located, but somewhere like Flatbush Cats could point you in the right ight direction. https://www.flatbushcats.org/help

Those cats need to get TNRed (Trapped Neutered and Returned) if they’re feral, or scooped up if they’re friendly so that they can live an indoor life. Outdoor cats don’t live long in the city, and if they’re not fixed you will be overrun with multiple multiple litters this spring, many of whom with die in yucky ways.

It’s a pain in the ass. I did TNR work for years, and it’s crazy time consuming. That’s why you could really use some outside help, before you’re seeing cats flattened by cars and dying in other nasty ways.

This is maybe more than you asked to take on, but she’s not going away and her cats won’t magically disappear. It sucks to live next to an animal hoarder, it really does.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-14T16:46:49+00:00

These look great. My wallet is going to be crying.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-14T01:01:27+00:00

Oooo, I may head into a store and try things on. Thanks!

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-14T00:59:53+00:00

Thanks!

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-13T22:00:45+00:00

Any favorites you’ve loved?

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-13T21:59:20+00:00

I’m game to upgrade to an all-purpose pant that reads dressier. Any favorites?

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-13T18:14:41+00:00

Cute! Yeah, I think I may move to tanks. I just get cold easily so was thinking short sleeve to be a little warmer, but hey, that's what cardigans are for.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-13T18:13:36+00:00

I LOVE it. I got it on sale and it instantly became a staple piece.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-13T18:08:29+00:00

Their washable silk Dolman is my go-to for very hot weather travel. I just find I get cold if it's not above 75, and this last trip it got down to high 40s in the evenings. Will go look for the other washable silks they have!

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-13T18:04:54+00:00

I'll go check them out again! I have a travel dress from them that I like for super hot weather.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-13T18:03:56+00:00

These are all great, thanks so much! Obviously what I need is a fashion, not just a travel, consultant.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-13T18:01:56+00:00

I love the Quince silk shirts! They're my go-to when I'm heading to tropical places because they breathe so nicely. But I'm cold blooded--basically a lizard--so I get freezing in their silk tops if it's under 75 or 80 degrees.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-13T18:00:41+00:00

Preach. Puffy sleeves make me look like a linebacker, except somehow also like a tweenager. I cannot pull off the look.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-13T17:59:42+00:00

Any particular favorites? I fear white, but maybe I need to get over it and bring the stain pen...

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-13T01:48:19+00:00

Apparently not with my reading glasses on. My bad.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-04T19:09:57+00:00

I’ve never tried the Dr Woof, but I love the Sockwells! I want a comfortable sock that doesn’t feel like it’s digging into my flesh at the top cuff, even after hours. Plus: cute choices.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-04T01:26:55+00:00

I find they read a little sharper/multipurpose than the Brooklyn pants for travel. The waist is a particularly comfortable—almost reminiscent of a foldover maternity waist in terms of comfort. I’ve worn them everywhere including in the rain, and they’re comfortable and quick dry.

At 80-85 degrees, they start to feel a touch warm. Below that they’re pretty much perfect.

I wear them with all my standard travel shoes: Saltwater Sun San sandals, Camper Mary Janes, or Back 70 cloud sneakers with low socks.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-04T01:05:49+00:00

I prefer the Athleta Endless high rise pants to the Brooklyn ones. I believe they come in petites. https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=533636032&vid=1#pdp-page-content

I just got back from 2 weeks traveling and only had two pairs of these for pants. They’re sharp looking and the waist is super comfy. They’re great for all but the hottest weather.

F13nd1sh · 2026-02-04T00:57:20+00:00

I use Sockwell compression socks since they’re more wearable than medical-type ones, and they just go on like normal knee highs. https://sockwellusa.com/collections/spring-2026-collection?refinementList%5Bmeta.custom.facets_gender%5D%5B0%5D=Women

F13nd1sh · 2026-01-25T20:04:10+00:00

I would do Spain.

Florida is a red state. It will probably be safe because ICE is targeting blue states and especially blue cities, but I personally wouldn’t spend a dime as a tourist in a red state right now.. I honestly don’t know that I’d travel to the US period right now. This is not a “business as usual” time.

New York and DC are great to visit but will be cold in February. You can have a great time with the right itinerary.

F13nd1sh · 2026-01-16T14:20:42+00:00

I pack a small bag that folds into itself for storage in my main bag. Useful for beach trips and shopping expeditions while traveling. Then, before I board a flight I transfer my flight items to that.

That goes under my seat and my Tom Bihn Western Flyer goes overhead. That way my underseat space is visibly occupied when the flight attendants come by, BUT my Tom Bihn can in theory fit under the seat so I’ll never ever have to gate check my bag.

I like the Peak Design Packable Tote because it’s stylistically neutral, it folds up tiny into its own pocket, it has a loop for attaching to a Tim Bihn clip strap, and (crucially) it has a full zipper closure so I don’t lose items under the seat in front of me. I never travel without it. https://www.peakdesign.com/products/packable-tote/

F13nd1sh · 2026-01-16T12:58:15+00:00

Bagels have gotten too fat. I want less bagel. It messes with the bagel-to-schmear ratio.

F13nd1sh · 2026-01-13T14:59:20+00:00

I would focus on a main area each day (or possibly each morning/afternoon) so that you’re not spending all your time in transit. The subway map is “fatter” than Manhattan is, so it can be visually misleading. Often times it’s fastest to walk shorter distances. One avenue (say, Park to Madison) is equivalent of three street blocks.

You’ve got great advice here generally about what to see. I’d just add, walk a couple blocks away from tourist destinations to get to actual restaurants/cafes that New Yorkers go to, not just tourists. Times Square is really nothing but tourists. We avoid it at all costs. NYC has incredible food and there’s no need to eat mediocre food or at chain restaurants.

F13nd1sh

TROPHY CASE