Stylish Travel Essentials
Travel is one of the latest lifestyle categories where the standards for stylishness have been raised.
You no longer have to look like a bag lady when you hit the road, nor do you have to settle for practical, utilitarian gear devoid of flair, says The Saturday Early Show's Megan Meany. She points out that a new crop of stylish essentials can make even the mundane details of your journey spectacular.
Meany demonstrated a line-up of all the fun stuff to pack — from colorful garment bags to travel journals and travel candles.
BAGS & CONTAINERS
The large duffel with D&B logo print has one outside pocket and one inside. Plus, it has a lock and key, luggage tag and lining inside the bag. Available in orange, brown and black.
Meany says the bags by the French company Fragonard are practical and whimsical. With heightened airport security you never know when your unmentionables will be caught in plain view, so this chic savior from suitcase-shame allows you to tuck away anything — from undies to wet bathing suits. The bag is hand-embroidered with playful pictures. It also fits extras such as an MP3 player.
Where to Buy: C.O. Bigelow Apothecary in New York City, 800-793-5433
Meany says this three-in-one set is great for toiletries, jewelry and other knick-knacks. All three fit inside one another and can be zipped closed. The waterproof piece comes in yellow seersucker, cherries or multi-color striped prints.
Where to Buy: 800-481-2644
CLOTHES
Meany says Ella Moss is the top selling designer for summer 2003. Her jersey skirts, tube and tank tops can go to the beach or take you to a last-minute cocktail party.
Where to Buy: Olive and Bettes, New York City, or wherever Ella Moss is sold.
Mexican oilcloth — a vivid fabric festooned with tropical fruits and flowers that is usually associated with tablecloths — is turning up in accessories. Meany says this green, Hawaiian print garment bag is far more fun than the usual utilitarian- looking ones. It's also practical and waterproof; wipe it clean after a day at the beach or if you get caught in the rain.
WHILE EN ROUTE
If you're someone who is forever misplacing their plane or train ticket after sticking it in a magazine, or losing it in the depths of your handbag, nothing will keep you more organized and looking more chic than this embossed lizard skin leather ticket wallet, says Meany. Available in red, blue, orange and pink.
Meany says your traveling CD case should be sleek, trendy, protective and lightweight. Disc Gear is capable of holding up to 20 compact discs inside its plastic protective "clam shell" cover.
These neon luggage tags, says Meany, are perfect for the traveler. Next time you play the waiting game at the baggage carousel, you won't mistake your bag for many other ones just like it. The durable, highly-visible neon tags will let you know your luggage has arrived. Meany says the tags are also great as an everyday ID for your laptop or knapsack. They come in bright blue, orange and lime.
ONCE YOU ARRIVE
The Matrix alarm clock by Travel Tech displays the time, temperature and month. Meany says it has easy-to-read information and comes in colors that make it easy to find in your luggage and hard to forget in a hotel room.
Where to Buy: Jennifer Kaufman, Los Angeles, 310-854-1058
These aromatic travel candles come in silver-plated cases with lids - great for adding instant ambiance to a weekend rental or a fresh scent to a stale hotel room. Scents include Lily of the Valley, Elizabethan Rose and Lavendula.
The Sukie travel journal is essential for the well-traveled, says Meany. It has a selection of lined, plain and square paper for drawing and writing and also has glass-lined wallets and brown envelopes sewn into the binding for collectibles. Every cover is silkscreen printed in India by hand.
Contact info@sukie.co.uk for information on products, mail order and U.S. stock lists.
Meany says these grosgrain-ribbon, wide, floppy brim hats are chic. Stuff them in your duffel bag and they will pop back to life when you pull them out after a long trip.
Where to Buy: San Diego Hat Company, 888-868-0588.