I’ll be totally honest: I have problem skin and have been put on all of the strongest medications that the dermatologists can give out. I can normally keep my bad skin under control, but after a few months of living abroad, the stress from learning a new language and living a totally different lifestyle started showing on my skin. Skin products in Germany aren’t as strongly medicated as they are in America, so they didn’t work on my skin as I had hoped. I became apprehensive about going out and making new friends because of how my skin looked.

This is where I wish I had a Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System with me. I’ve been trying out the Clarisonic Mia for about four months now and I’m fairly content with the results. It is an electronic cleansing system that uses a high frequency vibration to exfoliate and cleanse away impurities more thoroughly than using a washcloth or other exfoliating product. I normally use it once a day when I wake up, but lately I’ve been using it in the evening as well. The first time I used the Mia, I couldn’t help but feel my skin afterwards because it felt incredibly soft! It exfoliates better than most exfoliating products that I’ve tried, but didn’t irritate my skin. I also noticed that it does a good job at deep cleaning and minimizing the pores, which helped reduce the overall oil production.

Before I started using the Mia, I asked some of my other Clarisonic-using friends about their opinions on the product. The majority of them noticed an improvement, although there were a few that noticed that their skin got worse. For myself, I prefer Clarisonic’s skin cleansing because it is more efficient at cleansing away the dirt and oil buildup in my pores than other skin cleansing options, thus preventing future breakouts. The results you get really depend on your skin type. There isn’t a trial system for the Mia, but if you are interested in buying one and aren’t sure if it will work for you then visit your local beauty store, like Sephora or Nordstrom’s beauty department, to discuss with their Clarisonic specialists about which skin cleansing system and face wash would be best for you.

Over Thanksgiving break, I took the Mia along with me on a trip to Vancouver, Canada. It didn’t take up much space and packs well in an average-sized makeup bag. I was able to go the whole weekend without having to charge it, though the charger would work in Canada since they have the same electrical outlet as we do in America. However, if you plan on traveling worldwide, consider using Clarisonic’s latest skin cleansing system, the Aria. It comes with a USB-enabled charger, as well as a wall adapter, allowing you to charge it from your computer while writing to your friends about your awesome vacation in Fiji or South Africa! The Aria comes with some extra perks compared to the Mia, like a drying stand, changeable speeds, an adjustable timer, and a battery charge indicator.

Pros:
•    Waterproof handle – able to use the Mia in the shower.
•    The exfoliation made my face feel incredibly soft.
•    The long-lasting battery allows me to use the Mia for multiple days without having to charge it constantly.
•    Easy to clean.
•    Small enough to pack in tight spaces.
•    Many options for brush heads, depending on skin type.

Cons:
•    Charger disconnects easily
•    Clarisonic recommends that makeup should be removed prior to using the Mia. Having to use makeup remover and the Mia tends to dry out my skin.
•    All of the Clarisonic products are expensive. Having to constantly buy new Clarisonic brush heads every three months and face wash is a bit out of my budget.
•    Mia requires a converter for international travel.

You can buy the Mia Skin Cleansing System for $199 on Clarisonic’s website or on Sephora, and also the Mia2 at $149 and the Aria at $199.

*****

Photo credits:
Woman Traveling: jingkay2008
Face Scrubber: merri

It’s the season of giving, and as excited as I am for the celebrations (mainly the gifts!), just thinking about all the presents I have to buy for my loved ones is stressing me out. Even though I think it’s hard to buy gifts for others, I confess – I’m just as hard to shop for. As a gal on the go, I prefer things that are small and easy to pack. If you’ve got a frequent flyer on your family or friends list, here’s a list of awesome gifts that they are sure to love.

Stocking Stuffers

Candy is the usual stocking stuffer, so why not kick the candy up a notch this year? Visit your local ethnic shops and try to find delicious sweets from your traveler’s favorite country to help bring back nostalgic memories! Pocky anyone?

Stockings full of travel-size toiletries are fantastic gifts for those travelers who prefer to pack light. If you want to buy fancier products than what is offered at drugstores, Sephora has a long list of travel-sized products ranging from makeup to perfume to face cleansers.

Many seasoned travelers own many travel accessories already. But with constant use, travel products, like passport cases and locks, wear out and need to be replaced. For those who carry many bags, or who are a little paranoid about being robbed, TSA locks are a frugal investment that can stand the wear-and-tear of daily travel and potential thieves. REI’s Cable Lock is my favorite at $14.50.

Steripod’s Clip-On Toothbruth Sanitizer is a genius product that any traveler would love! For $5.99 you can get a pack of two, so you can give one to another traveler in your family… or keep one for yourself!

Ray-Ban’s Folding Wayfarer Sunglasses are definitely not a budget option like the other stocking stuffers mentioned, but they are sure to please, and look stunning on whomever you give them to. The Foldable Wayfarers look the exact same as the Original Wayfarers, but the folding option helps save a little more space in a traveler’s bag. Aside from the Wayfarers, Ray-Ban also makes their signature Aviators in the foldable option.

Gifts that Keep Giving

Everybody loves receiving gifts, but receiving a donation made in one’s name can be just as fulfilling, if not more. I get a great feeling inside knowing that somebody else in the world is being given something they need, and it helps me take fewer things for granted in my life. If you’d like to give a donation in someone’s honor during the holidays, consider Kiva or Vittana. Kiva gives microloans to impoverished women around the world to help them start their own businesses. The best part about Kiva is when the woman is able to pay back their loans, you can choose to keep the money or give it to another woman! Vittana has a similar concept, except the loans are used to help put someone through school to help them learn a necessary trade or skill to be used in their community. Both organizations have gift card options too, so that your loved ones can choose who they want to give to.

Another gift that keeps giving is a bit humorous, but with a heartwarming underlying message. Punjammies (a play on words of the word Punjabi) are fun Indian-inspired pajamas, ranging from $19-35, made by Indian women who were rescued from human trafficking. The International Princess Project that runs Punjammies helps to rehabilitate all facets of their lives. I personally love these pajamas for traveling because they are made from lightweight cotton, and are worthy of being worn and seen outside of bed. I own two pairs, and have given some to my friends too, because I knew they would love Punjammies as well!

Giving to Passports with Purpose may not include a physical gift to hand to your loved one, but it’s the fact that it is helping someone in another country acquire an everyday item that we tend to overlook that makes it special. The Passports with Purpose fundraising event brings together travel bloggers and the travel industry together to accomplish projects with big impact, like this year’s project of building five water wells in Haiti. It only runs during the end of November through mid-December, but the prizes gathered for the lucky winners are worth marking your calendar! So donate a few Hamiltons in somebody’s honor, and cross your fingers that you’ll win one of the prizes to make their holiday season even more special!

Wrap-able Presents

For adventurers who like to camp on the beaches of Costa Rica, or in the woods of Yosemite National Park, the Kammok ($128) is perfect. The Kammok is an easily portable hammock that is made of lightweight, durable, and breathable fabric.

Multi-use clothing is a must to keep the traveler’s luggage light, and wardrobe diverse. An infinity scarf is probably the most useful accessory, as it can be used as a scarf, obviously, but also as a head cover in the rain, or as a shrug on chilly nights. My favorite is the Oversized Knit Infinity Scarf ($28) by Shop Mamie, and comes in a versatile and comfy black knit. The multi-way dress ($69.50) from Victoria’s Secret is another fantastic option for the traveler who enjoys fancy nights on the town but also lazy Sunday brunches the next day. This wrinkle-free and machine washable dress can be work in 10 different ways.

For the traveler who loves art, give them a piece of art that they can wear or hang up this holiday season. Design Hype’s Metro Cuffs ($37) are tastefully designed wrist cuffs that have the metro systems of NYC, Paris, Milan, Chicago, and Berlin embossed on metal. So if you know someone who gets easily lost, this would be a funny reminder to help them get around the different rail systems of the world. And purchasing the Scratch Map ($24) will add to their collection of global trinkets. I know I’m not the only one out there who has a world map stuck with pins to show where I’ve been. This map is the creative version of the traveler’s map, where you can scratch off where you’ve been.

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Have a wonderful and memorable holiday season! Cheers!

*****

Photo credits:
Christmas Presents: Robyn Jay
Ray Ban’s Folding Wayfarer: Ray-Ban
Punjammies: Punjammies by International Princess Project
NYC Metro Cuff: Design Hype

I have a habit of stuffing my cosmetic bag full of makeup when packing. And most often, I don’t use the majority of what I packed. I think to myself, “Maybe I’ll need to pack some special cosmetics for an outdoor adventure or when I go out one night.” And before you know it, the bag overflows with products and I have to minimize what I can bring!

What I look for in travel makeup are items I can use in multiple ways, ones that are long lasting and can work for casual or elegant looks. I visited Nordstrom’s Makeup Department recently and talked with the makeup consultants about the best products for traveling and for everyday use. Here are my favorites from what I tried out:

BB Cream
Hugely popular in East Asia, BB Cream (the BB in the name stands for “Beauty Balm” and “Blemish Balm”) usually includes a moisturizer, primer, skin rejuvenator, sun block protector and foundation. A little can go a long ways with this product, and another benefit is that it is oil-free. I really love Lancôme’s Rénergie Éclat Multi-Lift BB Cream because it comes in a bigger bottle than most other BB creams, yet costs around the same price and provides better coverage than the others I tried.

Garnier and L’oreal also produce BB Creams, which might be worth looking into if you are more budget-minded. Most BB Cream includes a silicone base, which can sometimes create a slick feeling. If you don’t prefer that texture, I recommend Nars’ Tinted Moisturizer. My favorite part – each of the nine colors are named after a different city or country of the world – perfect for the woman who loves to incorporate travel into every part of her life!

Multi-Use Stick
Finding a multi-use stick can really benefit you while traveling and help you look “put together” even though you barely put any time into your morning makeup routine. My favorite is The Multiple by Nars. What I like most about it is that, depending on the shade, it can be used as an eye shadow, highlighter, blush, bronzer and lipstick. Imagine how much clutter that would take out of your makeup bag. So useful!

Another great multi-use stick is the Benetint lip and cheek stain by Benefit. It is waterproof, and great for women with oily or combination skin. However, when applying, be careful of how much you put on or you could turn out looking like a toy doll! If you have never used it before, ask a makeup consultant to help and show you how to apply it. If a color stain product sounds risky too you, test out Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Color for Lips and Cheeks for a buildable, medium coverage color.

Mascara
Mascara is honestly a pain to pack. Because not only do you pack the mascara, but you have to pack the eyelash curler and maybe the fancy gadget that includes the lash separator and brow comb. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Dior’s Diorshow Iconic Extreme Mascara is a waterproof, long lasting, and volumizing mascara like most of its competitors. But it also includes a formula that curls the lashes when it dries and includes a special wand that individually coats and separates each lash. Could this be the one mascara to rule them all and throw all of those extra tools in the trash? Maybe!

Eyeliner
Lately, gel and felt-tip pen liners have been my go-to makeup products to add definition to my eyes. The benefits of using a gel or felt-tip liner versus a pen, is that you can create precise lines and draw on cat eye looks easier. I tend to keep the lines thin and simple during the day, and then add dramatic thick, wing-tipped lines later in the evening. The best eyeliner products to look for when traveling are ones that are waterproof, smudge-proof and long lasting. For a felt-tip pen liner, Urban Decay’s 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is a great quality product in a variety of colors for $19. Or try out Tarte’s EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay Shadow/Liner, which includes a double-ended eyeliner brush, which is useful for if you switch between drawing thin and thick lines on your lids.

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Think you can’t possibly minimize your cosmetics case down to these basics? The Lay-N-Go Cosmo Cosmetic Bag is unlike most cosmetic bags you’ve seen. It allows you to stash a big pile of cosmetics on an 18-inch diameter flat surface, which cinches up into a drawstring bag for simple transporting. This makes it easier to lay all your cosmetics on the hotel counter for you to see what products you want to use.

My best tip: Go to your favorite makeup store and ask one of the consultants to help you find the perfect products for your needs. Who knows, you might walk out of the store with some free samples! If these cosmetics are too expensive for your budget, try finding the equivalent at your local drugstore. With these multi-purpose tools, it’s easy to achieve beautiful looks no matter where you are, or where you’re going next.

*****

Photo credits:
Cosmetic Luggage: bandita
Cosmetics on Hotel Sink: Cory Doctorow
Lay-n-Go COSMO Makeup & Jewelry Display Mat: Amazon.com

Packing can be a hassle; especially packing for a long trip when you need every inch of space in your bag. After moving abroad and traveling on low-budget airlines, I developed a few key strategies for packing wisely using these small accessories. These items can do wonders for helping you to save room for all your souvenirs on the way home.

Dragée Gum:
If you’re a frequent gum-chewer like I am, you know how disheartening it is to find a wad of melted un-used gum squished at the bottom of your day bag. On one trip to Europe, I packed a couple packets of stick gum with me so I could spend my Euros on more important things. However, after a week, the gum melted in my backpack and I ended up having to buy more packs! After that trip, I learned that Dragée gum does not melt in hot weather. It is a coated pellet, and often comes in blister packs. I prefer to buy them in the travel-sized car cups so I can bring more gum along and don’t have to stash a lot of empty gum wrappers in my bag.

Water Bottle:
A water bottle is one accessory that I consistently forget to bring along, so this is also a reminder for myself. Clipping your reusable water bottle onto your backpack can provide some extra packing space, as well as keeping you hydrated while traveling. Just make sure to not fill it with any liquids before going through TSA screenings, but you are free to fill it up after the screening. I typically use my trusty Nalgene bottle because it’s big and durable. But if you are going on an outdoors-focused trip or to a developing country, consider bringing along a water bottle with a filter included, such as Camelbak’s Groove Filter Water Bottle. Or, instead of stashing small trinkets in the water bottle, opt for one that is capable of being flattened, like Platypus’ plusBottle 1-Liter Water Bottle.

Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats:
After a day of walking around, or when I go out at night in nice shoes, my feet end up so sore! The great thing about Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats is that I can pull them out of their cute wristlet, when my feet start aching, and switch out of my fancy shoes for the ballet flats for a little more comfort. The Fast Flats are sold at an affordable price of $9.93, which makes it easier to throw them away after they become worn out, leaving more space in your luggage for trinkets to take home. And you can reuse the wristlet afterwards to store you keys, phone and money!

Face Cleansing Pads:
One trick to get cleansing toiletries past TSA screenings is to bring along make-up removing towelettes or face cleansing pads. Unlike bottles of face wash or make-up remover, they don’t technically count as liquids. So you are able to pack them in your carry-on! My go-to’s for moistened facial towelettes are Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Oil Free Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes and Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Oil Pads.

Dr. Bronner’s Magic Liquid Soap:
When packing for vacations, sometimes I run out of room for all of my toiletries or I end up forgetting one that I end up having to buy during the vacation. To save space and to prevent those situations from happening, I switched to using Dr. Bronner’s Magic Liquid Soap. Its 18 uses include, but are not limited to, being used as: toothpaste, shampoo, washing detergent, body wash, and pest spray. However, I’d advise that if you are going to use it for its toothpaste and mouth wash, buy the peppermint flavor, because I don’t know how good lavender scented toothpaste would taste. You can buy Dr. Bronner’s Magic Liquid Soap online or at organic shops.

Space Bags:
Using Space Bags proved to be the most useful for me when I was in the process of moving. Having to cram my life into two pieces of luggage didn’t prove to be an easy feat. But when I found out about Space Bags, it became an easier task. I bought the vacuum-capable Space Bags, but for traveling I would recommend using the Dual Use Space Bags that roll out the air as well as can be vacuumed out. These airtight and watertight bags suck out the air out of the clothes in the Space Bag, which makes it easier to pack more clothes or accessories into your luggage. Space Bags can be found at Target, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and online at Space Bag.

*****

Photo credits:
Woman at Airport: Mobile Edge Laptop Cases
Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats: Amazon.com
Space saver bag: Eric Ritchey

With the rate of theft rising dramatically in more cities these days, buying a money belt is becoming increasingly necessary for frequent female travelers. Protecting our money, credit cards and passports is important, but we also should consider investing in a good day bag to protect the bigger items.

My day bag of choice is my Troop London Messenger Bag (£39.99) which I have used on countless trips for the last five years and it’s still going strong. Troop’s canvas and leather bags are durable enough to handle backpacking in rough areas, but still stylish enough to not stand out like a sore thumb while traveling through the high-fashion areas in Europe and Asia.

Why a messenger bag? I’ve found that the flaps, secret compartments, and zippers – particularly in Troop bags – provide a maze for potential thieves. Pickpockets have their work cut out for them trying to find my wallet, much less my camera, phone, and iPod. And, at the end of the trip, a messenger bag made of flexible material is also useful when it comes to packing. When I was flying home from Spain, I easily stuffed my bag into a slightly bigger bag that could fit in front of my seat while still being able to fit other things into the bigger bag as well.

Another good feature to look for is the ability to expand. It is becoming more common to find this in larger travel luggage now, and some smaller bags are starting to offer expanding parts also. If you want to carry your digital SLR camera, or stash your slightly larger souvenir, an expanding messenger bag can indeed come in handy.

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The Troop Messenger Bag is not as easy to find online or in stores as other messenger bags are. So check out these other messenger bags for more options:

Timbuktu’s line of messenger bags are ideal for roughing it on adventure trips, cycling trips, and everyday use. One of the best parts of this bag is that you can choose between five different sizes depending your needs.

You can find a variety on Amazon starting at less than $40.

If being stylish is of high priority, consider Roxy’s boho surfer chic Back Bay Cross Body bag for about $50 on Amazon or LeSportSac’s Sailor Beach Messenger Bag for about $62.00 on Amazon.

The most practical messenger bags I found were Kipling’s Madhouse Expandable Messenger Bag for about $70 on Amazon which is lightweight, water-resistant, and has a expandable bag zipper. Also look for Kenneth Cole’s Bag Home Again (about $60 on Amazon), which is sturdy and has a non-slip strap.

Travelon’s Anti-Theft Messenger Bag is well designed to keep thieves away from your bag, which includes organized compartments and locking zippers (about $65 on Amazon).

Other non-messenger bags that are great for traveling include:

Puma’s Remix Tote (under $68 on Amazon), and Converse’s Airliner Tourney bag (under $50 on Amazon) are both timeless retro style bags that are stylish, include zippers and are deep in space.

Another great bag to have is one that can convert from a handbag to an over-the-shoulder bag. The Baggallini Berlin Bag (less than $100 on Amazon), Diesel’s Day Dream Revival (also under $100 on Amazon), and Lucky Brand’s Abbey Road Fold-Over Tote (less than $175 on Amazon), are all great and spacious options.

The bottom line is that you should love the bag you choose. The above list includes (hopefully) something for everyone and you’ll be able to find something you love!

*****

Photo by author

Moms and their tweens love the newly launched TravelKool, a tween-inspired travel gear collection that speaks to the most fashion-conscious traveler there is – the tween – in fun and fresh Chat and Danger Zone designs. The collection is designed by TrendyKid to fill a niche in the tween travel gear market.

Featuring a hardshell case and a bonus media bag, the set fills a void in the marketplace that has previously seen few choices for functional and stylish luggage targeted to this particular age range. In fact, 90 percent of tween-age girls in a recent focus group voted Chat as their No. 1 choice, citing its use of bright colors and familiar icons.

The 17” piece has a polyester lining with dividing pocket and zip compartment, internal garment straps and easy-roll wheels that are color coordinated with the case exterior. An adjustable, multi-length handle makes for easy maneuverability.

The media bag is geared up for this tech-savvy generation with an outside pocket to store iPods, video games and other electronics and an iPod port for ear phones. A gym-style drawstring backpack, it keeps travel essentials at hand and easily accessible.

Retailing for $69.99, TravelKool was designed with input from a tween, Imogen Stephens, the nine-year-old daughter of TrendyKid founders Mark and Rachel Stephens, who have learned to rely on their children and their children’s friends in gaining an understanding of what appeals to kids.

“Our children are very much a part of the process, from concept to finished product, “ says Rachel Stephens, sales and marketing manager at TrendyKid. “Our kids are the end users and target market.”

TrendyKid’s TravelKool Travel Gear Collection was launched at the 2012 Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas on March 6 to 8. The collection is available through Amazon.com, eBags.com, Colorado Bag and Baggage (in stores and via website) and in select luggage and leather stores nationwide. Additionally, in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. area, the luggage is available at Luggage Plus; in the Midwest, it may be found at Dillard’s Department Stores. Visit the Trendy Kid website to see all products available.

*****

Photo credit:
Traveling Kids: Ian Jones

It’s like magic! Briggs & Riley, who is already acclaimed for beautifully engineered, durable suitcases, is now empowering travelers with the next generation of lightweight luggage- whose size they can customize. Compressing down or expanding up based on exactly what is packed; this innovation is Briggs & Riley’s version of the new normal – or as they call it, the New Baseline. No more zippered expansion! Meet the luggage collection that once it’s packed and zipped closed, compresses to fit around your belongings; adjusting to how much or how little expansion you actually need. Briggs & Riley’s flagship Baseline Collection is packing perfected, changing the game for women travelers in the know.

Integrated into the bags’ expandable frame is some inconspicuously brilliant engineering: a mechanism which allows the frame of the case to expand and then shrink back down to conform to your belongings. While packing, simply release the latch, expand bag to its fullest size and load up. When you’re done, zip shut the bag as you have always done and then push down – no more sitting on your suitcase – and watch it mold to the size of your clothes.

In the era of baggage check fees and overhead-compartment turf-wars, the practical benefits to this shrink-to-fit brilliance are clear. Save money on the way to your destination by packing in the fewest amount of bags, and have the extra space you’ll need for the souvenirs for the trip back home. The needs of us women travelers change, so our bags change with them. After all, we now have smart cars and smart phones, why not smart luggage?

Naturally, because it’s a Briggs & Riley, all bags are covered with an unconditional lifetime performance warranty. Among other new features in the Baseline Collection for 2012 are: an extra wide gusseted front zippered pocket so travelers can easily access items inside, a lighter, stronger Outsider® handle for wrinkle-free flat packing inside, beefed up corner guards to protect the bag, and a newly tethered add-a-bag strap, eliminating loss or misplacement of this small yet important tool. It’s exactly the kind of innovation you can expect from Briggs & Riley. Briggs & Riley’s re-engineered Baseline Collection will be available in stores and on its website in August 2012.

*****

Photo credit:
Briggs Riley Luggage:  Briggs & Riley

]]> http://womenstravelgear.com/2012/04/briggs-riley-introduces-shrink-to-fit-luggage/feed/ 0 http://womenstravelgear.com/2012/01/boutiika-easy-shopping-for-the-fashionista-traveler/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=boutiika-easy-shopping-for-the-fashionista-traveler http://womenstravelgear.com/2012/01/boutiika-easy-shopping-for-the-fashionista-traveler/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:02:14 +0000 Womens Travel Gear http://womenstravelgear.com/?p=39 If you love discovering off the beaten path shops and are eager for alternative options to the usual high street mayhem, then Boutiika.com is for you.

Women love Boutiika as it’s a unique search engine that allows users to find independent fashion boutiques while exploring the neighborhoods of their favorite cities at the same time. You may finally find that elusive travel outfit you have always wanted but could not get in the run of the mill shops as Boutiika makes it easy and fun for shoppers to discover stores with products that best match their personal style.

You can keep track of the cool places for that rare travel gear with Boutiika as it simplifies the boutique search process with neighborhood maps, and curated results and recommendations. You can also interact with linked social media, and tap into the latest trends on travel gear, news and events via Boutiika’s blog.

Boutiika supports local businesses who understand the desire for something different by giving them a rich communication channel to share their offerings with new and existing customers, ultimately leading to increased footfall at their stores. In turn, independent designers can use Boutiika to find such stores to showcase their collections in.

The growing site currently offers an online independent boutique guide to New York City, and recently expanded to San Francisco.

While most travelers use money belts or neck pouches, these are often obvious to would-be thieves. The Dovetail stays hidden underneath your clothes, keeping your credit cards, passport and cash safe during your travels.

Alex Ivory, founder of Dovetail, is a world traveler herself, having lived, worked and traveled throughout Asia, India, Arabia, Africa, Europe and South America for the past 25 years. She herself struggled with finding the perfect way to keep her valuables safe and wanted to come up with a way that made sense to her and everyone woman travel. Alex took the traditional money belt and re-imagined it into these minimal system of body bands. The Dovetail body bands take the worry out of travel so that you can focus on your adventure.

The Dovetail travel in peace set includes the travel band, the travel wing, the portfolio and a small, light bag to carry it all.

Dovetail body bands are available exclusively at Dovetail Travel in Peace.

The new Sof-Flex’s thin plastic interior bottle and soft flexible sleeve make it lightweight and easy to carry. Being foldable, it is also easy to store.

Constructed of 100% recyclable materials, the Sof-Flex is BPA-free and ideal for the active and eco-conscious woman. It comes in standard and sports versions, both of which feature carabiners. The sports version also features a pocket for keys or credit cards and a handle for added convenience.

An added bonus is that the interior bottle is top rack dishwasher safe and the sleeve is machine washable.

The Sof-Flex has a 17-ounce capacity. Colors include red, purple, gray and black. The MSRP for the Standard Sof-Flex, which includes sleeve and bottle, is $9.99. The Sports Sof-Flex, which also includes the sleeve and bottle is $11.99. The Sof-Flex Bottle 2 pack is $4.99. It will be launched at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in January and will be available in spring 2012.