Tuesday, November 24, 2009

A Peek Inside Alix Strauss' Carry On Bag

Alix Strauss

We recently snooped inside the carry on bag of Alix Strauss, author of Death Becomes Them: Unearthing the Suicides of the Brilliant, the Famous, and the Notorious. (Our favorite chapter in the book is "Not the Suite Life: Ten Hotel Suicides".) Here's what Alix takes with her when she travels:


I haven't checked my luggage since 1987. I covered an eco-challenge in New Zealand for 2 weeks and didn’t check anything!

Years and years ago, when I was a junior reporter I went to a Bottega Venetta event. They gave me this beautiful bag with my initials on the lock. I felt like I had won the Golden Ticket! The shape was so ahead of its time. Through the years, I've had it cleaned. I'm a true minimalist: I have very few, but I have very good.



I got my iPhone over the summer as a very early birthday gift. Now, it's an appendage. I’m obsessed with it. The whole world can work out of one little thing.

I also travel with a Nano and back up my computer with it. God forbid my computer falls apart.

My head never shuts off, so I appreciate books on tape. If I wear out my mind, I’ll eventually go to sleep. Currently I'm listening to When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris.



I'm a a very light sleeper and true insomniac. I need a light noise to get me through the night. I have a recording device that you can plug into an iPod. I taped my air conditioner for 2.5 hours, so when I’m in hotel and traveling or in a tent or something, I can actually fall asleep. Ear plugs help, too.


I'm now an alternative music fan — I used to be show tunes. Who doesn’t like Sondeheim? Now I'm on to Ambulance, New Pornographers, Belle and Sebastian. Beta Band and Death Cab for Cutie (below)


As for makeup, I travel with YSL Touche Eclat because I sleep badly, Nars Orgasm Blush, Calyx perfume and hair gel.

I travel with Wrigelys, because fresh breath is a priority.

I always carry a floor map of new apt that I just bought. I'm in the process of interviewing contractors. On that note, I also have a tape measure.

I travel in a V-neck black or navy cashmere sweater. I follow the slide out and rotate rule. (JSG Note: We like this J. Crew cashmere option.)


Coffee is my only vice. My new back up plan is Starbucks instant coffee. If I'm really hard up, I just swish it in my mouth.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What is the "slide out and rotate rule"?

The Jet Set Girls said...

I believe Alix means that she has many of the same sweaters and she'll rotate them as needed (when it's time to dry clean or it's worn out.)

Anonymous said...

The band is called Ambulance LTD.

Related Posts with Thumbnails