Home • Lifestyle

Remote Work, But Make It Chic: My On-The-Go Essentials

From skincare to tech, here's how I stay on top of my game outside my home office.
Remote Work, But Make It Chic: My On-The-Go Essentials
A professional woman in a light blue suit, holding a black briefcase, wearing bright orange heels outdoors on a sunny day.
By Kimberly Wilson ·

As someone who works remotely, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to be efficient and productive from home. But, let’s be honest: the dishes, the laundry, and that comfy bed can sometimes be way too tempting. So, at least once a week, I switch it up. My favorite trick? Heading to my local coffee shop or a co-working space (The Gathering Spot, for reference) for a change of scenery and some much-needed human interaction. But here’s the thing — for these outings to be successful, I need to have all my essentials packed in my “work from somewhere else” bag.

First things first: the bag itself. I like to keep it sleek and simple with my go-to tote that fits everything I need without feeling bulky. For me, that’s my YSL ICare Shopping Bag. Inside, you’ll find the essentials that not only help me stay productive but also keep me feeling fresh, comfortable, and ready for anything the day throws my way.

The first item I can’t live without? My ICONIC London Lustre Lip Oil. It’s my go-to lip product at the moment. Whether I’m sipping on my green tea or taking a mid-afternoon Zoom call, it keeps my lips hydrated and glossy without feeling sticky. Next, I always carry a mini size of Phlur’s Strawberry Letter spray — or whatever my signature scent is of that moment. This fragrance is soft and subtle, yet it has enough personality to give me that confidence boost throughout the day.

Of course, I never leave the house without my YSL card holder. It holds all my essentials: ID, credit cards, and just enough room for a coffee shop loyalty card or two. My phone and laptop chargers are always in the mix, because there’s nothing worse than your devices dying right before a meeting or an important deadline.

Since I’m usually working from a shared space, hygiene is key. My Touchland hand sanitizer is a lifesaver, keeping my hands clean and moisturized. I also carry Tower 28’s SOS hypochlorous acid spray, which is great for refreshing my face and battling any bacteria that might try to settle on my skin. L’occitane’s hand lotion is another must — because dry hands are not cute, especially after all that sanitizing.

For staying focused, my Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds are a game-changer. They block out background noise, whether it’s the clatter of a busy café or someone’s loud conversation nearby. My laptop, of course, is a non-negotiable. It’s my portable office, and I make sure it’s always ready to go.

And then there are the little extras that just make my day easier. I always toss in a notebook and pen — call me old-fashioned, but sometimes jotting things down helps me think more clearly. A pack of gum for those midday pick-me-ups, and a protein bar or two in case I don’t have time for a full lunch.

Article continues after video.

These items not only keep me productive but ensure I feel good throughout the day. My “work from somewhere else” bag is my secret weapon for making the most of my time outside the house, and with these essentials on hand, I’m ready for anything.

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Home • ESSENCE Hollywood House
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Let’s Talk About LA: Preserving Our City presented by AT&T Dream in Black

At ESSENCE Hollywood Hosue, D Smoke, DJ HED, and Olympia Auset discuss strategies for safeguarding LA's rich Black culture.
Let’s Talk About LA: Preserving Our City presented by AT&T Dream in Black
By Jennifer Ford ·

If you’ve ever been to ESSENCE Hollywood House, you know it’s more than just a series of panels—it’s a gathering of visionaries. A space where Black creatives and leaders come together to share stories, strategies, and solutions. This year’s conversation, Let’s Talk About LA: Preserving Our City, presented by AT&T, was no different.

Let’s Talk About LA: Preserving Our City presented by AT&T Dream in Black

The discussion brought together three voices, each deeply invested in shaping LA’s future: D. Smoke, the Grammy-nominated rapper and educator; Olympia Auset, founder of SÜPRMRKT, a grocery service tackling food apartheid in LA; and DJ HED, a radio personality and advocate for independent artists. Though their paths differed, their mission was the same—creating opportunities, protecting culture, and ensuring Black spaces in LA don’t just survive but thrive.

For Olympia Ausset, the work she’s doing with SÜPRMRKT goes far beyond providing fresh groceries—it’s about laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier community. “The LA we love, the cultural beacon it’s known as today, was built by people who worked hard to create their own spaces,” she shared. “The reason I do what I do is because it’s essential. We can’t achieve any of the changes I want for my community without being in good health and having access to affordable, organic food. Without places where we can gather, heal, and support each other, none of the other goals will be possible. It starts with taking care of ourselves and building those spaces together.”

Let’s Talk About LA: Preserving Our City presented by AT&T Dream in Black

From Olympia’s focus on wellness and accessibility to DJ HED’s belief in the power of self-worth, the discussion explored what it means to dream beyond individual success and invest in collective progress. “I see a lot of people who aren’t proud of where they come from, what they look like, or where they’re at in life,” he said. “I had to learn to give myself grace, to grow. I grew up in Inglewood, raised by a single mom. We lived in a car, we were on welfare, but I knew I wanted to be bigger than my circumstances. That’s what dreaming in Black is—believing in something greater and nurturing it until it grows.”

DJ Smoke also touched on this, emphasizing the importance of intention and fulfillment. “You don’t want to climb that ladder and realize you went real high in the wrong direction,” he warned. “A lot of people in LA are ambitious, but if you don’t understand your ‘why,’ you can get to the top and still feel empty. The goal isn’t just to make it—it’s to make it mean something.

Let’s Talk About LA: Preserving Our City presented by AT&T Dream in Black

Sometimes, as Black creatives, we only dream as far as the next gig or the next check, but dreaming in Black means going beyond that. “It means thinking bigger than what’s right in front of you,” said host Donye Taylor.

Let’s Talk About LA: Preserving Our City presented by AT&T Dream in Black

This conversation was a call to action – a reminder that preserving LA’s Black culture means investing in community, honoring our history, and building a legacy that lasts.