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Home • Lifestyle

What ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)

Still looking for last minute things to pack in your suitcase? These are the products our editors swear by!
By Lauren Porter · Updated October 26, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
01
Shoes: Steve Madden Zada Mules

“I love all things metallic! And these rose mules are both stylish and comfy – perfect to jazz up any outfit.” – Cristina Coppin, Digital Assistant Photo Editor

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
Steve Madden
02
Tote: Asos

“I’ll be carrying this adorable tote from ASOS. Since I’ll be running around, I need something that I can carry everything in, a bag that’s cute and functional.” – Sydney Scott, Assistant Entertainment Editor

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
available at Asos $48 Buy Now!
03
Headphones: Frends

“I have a huge travel playlist that gets me through any flight. These Frends headphones are stylish (I love anything rose gold) AND practical. They fold down to fit perfectly in your carry on.” – Joslyn Winkfield, Photo Editor

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
Frends
available at Frends $139
04
Carry On: Longchamp “Le Pilage” Expandable Travel Bag

“This bag is everything when packing. It’s a great carry-on option that fits all the last minute things that don’t fit in your suitcase but you can’t live without while traveling. It’s perfect!” – Julee Wilson, Fashion & Beauty Director

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
Nordstrom
available at Bloomingdales $255 Buy Now!
05
Sunglasses: Eye Buy Direct

“I’m a sucker for a classic tortoise-shell colored pair of sunglasses. These babies from Eye Buy Direct have Italian hinges and a chic black and gray finish. Love them.” –Danielle Kwateng-Clark, Entertainment Editor

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
Eye Buy Direct
available at EyeBuyDirect $65 Buy Now!
06
Water Bottle: S’Well

“I carry my S’Well water bottle with me everywhere I go. Being in the New Orleans heat I know I’ll need to stay hydrated and what a perfect thing to carry with me throughout the weekend. Plus in a vibrant color like the metallic gold, I’ll be able to spot it anywhere and it’ll go great with all of my outfits!” – Lauren Porter, Assistant Love & Lifestyle Editor

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
J. Crew
available at J. Crew $42 Buy Now!
07
Book: “All About Love” By Bell Hooks

“It’s pretty appropriate that I’m re-reading this gem on the way to ESSENCE Festival, which in many ways is a gathering and celebration of the love Black folk have for one another. It reminds me to have meaningful relationships in life, not just romantically. A necessary read for all.”- Christina Coleman, Senior News and Culture Editor

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
Amazon
08
Phone Case: Mophie

“There’s nothing worse than having the perfect photo op ruined by a dead phone. So, I’ll have my Mophie on deck at all times.” – Nikki Brown, Associate Hair & Beauty Editor

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
Bloomingdale’s
available at Bloomingdales $59.95 Buy Now!
09
Camera: Nikon COOLPIX B500 16.0-Megapixel Digital Camera

“This camera has built-in wi-fi which is perfect for getting great pics for the ‘gram from right where you are.” – Charli Penn, Senior Digital Love & Relationships Editor 

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
Amazon
available at Amazon $259.99 Buy Now!
10
Room Spray: Floris Grapefruit & Rosemary Fragarence

“This is kind of a family signature scent. I love love love how Floris’ scents instantly transform any room into a floral paradise. The grapefruit and rosemary room scent by Floris is just…. Aaaahhhhh!” – Natasha Hatendi, Digital Art Assitant

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
Amazon
available at Amazon $40 Buy Now!
11
Women’s ZERØGRAND Slide Sandal

“Flats are always a must have for ESSENCE Festival but this year I’m bringing scandals with extra cushion due to a recent ankle injury. It’s been a struggle finding cute and comfortable scandals but then I found these Cole Haan Zero Grand floral slides. I live in them. But for the Fest, I’ll be picking a pair in black and red. A girl needs options.” — Cori Murray, entertainment director and co-host of Yes, Girl! podcast

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
Cole Haan
available at Cole Haan $112.00 Buy Now!
12
LuMee Perfect Selfie II iPhone 7/6/6s Case

“The Lumee Selfie Case is perfect for those Superdome low-light celeb-spotting selfies,” —Charli Penn, Senior Digital Love & Relationships Editor

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
Urban Outfitters
available at Urban Outfitters $60 Buy Now!
13
Flight 001 Spacepak Clothes

“I never travel anywhere without a spacepak so I can fit more outfit options in my carry on which is ALWAYS a good thing for festival.” — Lauren Porter, Assistant Love & Lifestyle Editor

What The ESSENCE Editors Are Bringing To ESSENCE Fest (And You Should Too!)
Amazon
available at Amazon $46 Buy Now!
TOPICS:  Black Travel Shopping