As a New York-based journalist and editor, Julia Chaplin covers contemporary art, fashion, design, lifestyle, and travel. The writer could be likened to a style archeologist -- Chaplin travels the world to study foreign traditions, cultures and luxuries. She then applies her new-found knowledge with previous discoveries to create intricate and colorful designs which emulate her Gypset lifestyle. Gypset being the term Chaplin coined to describe, "a new type of travel, and cultural foraging at home, that redefines the optimal adventure as something with the global references and chic speed of the jet-set mixed with the alternative, anti-commercialism and nomadic wile of a gypsy."

Chaplin took time from her busy summer travels to reveal her minimal beauty routine for travel and the importance of anti-anxiety pills.

StyleList: What inspired you to create your own line?
Julia Chaplin: I basically needed something to wear when I arrived in a beachy Gypset enclave. You don't want to show up in some remote surf town in Brazil decked out in designer logos, but at the same time you want to look casual and sophisticated. First impressions are important when your traveling because everyone is a stranger. I wanted clothes that exuded travel -- a touch of Africa, a dab of Hawaii and Ibiza -- with an urban sensibility. Also it's nice to have one perfect dress so you can travel light.

StyleList: What should a gypseter pair with your dresses?
JC: During the day flip-flops or leather sandals. At night for parties, I like shiny stilettos and chunky gold jewelry for that disco-ethnic-galactic look.

StyleList: Where are you traveling to next?
JC: Right now I'm on the Greek island of Hydra. I will island hop here for awhile and then head to Montauk, NY. for the rest of the summer.

StyleList: What are your travel essentials?
JC: A Burton snowboard bag (it has big skateboard wheels for pulling over gravel and dirt), a Tooshi bikini (in a tie-dye pattern), a pair of Haviana flip flops for day, a pair of Chloé heels for night and a Gypset dress.

StyleList: What is your beauty routine while traveling?
JC: I swim in the ocean every day and use Anthelios sunblock #20.

StyleList: What was your best purchase while traveling?
JC: A coconut purse I bought for $3.99 in an old dusty thrift shop in the retiree part of South Beach.

StyleList: How do you pass the time on a long flight?
JC: Xanax and red wine.

Be sure to check out Chaplin's debut collection "Galactic Weekender" in the gallery below:



Make sure to visit Gypset.com for more styles.