Holiday Travel Essentials to Leave Covid-19 Behind

 

The serious uptick in confirmed Covid-19 cases has everyone on edge these days.  Especially on the east coast in my NYC/Metro area, we are seeing more positive results to increased testing.  

Season in The Hamptons - Travel Diamonds & Bridal Jewelry

The historic east end of Long Island makes for a lovely destination wedding.

With June being our official "Bridal Season" and the time for so many destination weddings, anniversary parties and vacation plans, now is the time to pull together some stunning outfits and jewelry accessories.

SS2015 Travel Style - Lole Wrap Dress, Love Shawls and Natural Snakeskin Sandals

Travel ready: Cottony Lole Dress, Pierotucci Bag and Sublime Beauty pampering goodies to take along!

Spring/Summer 2015 Fashion that's easy and breezy answers the call of today's woman on the go. Want to get bumped up to First Class on that flight? Wear an outfit like this. Trust me, I've seen it happen many times. Dressing well is also form of good manners so I try to make sure to present myself in lovely packaging every day especially when traveling.

Lole Faux Wrap Dress
This wrinkle-proof traveler is so comfortable and perfect for everything from warm tropical beaches to air-conditioned flights, train rides and hotels. Sleeves come to your elbows and the dress fits in all the right places. Shown here with a MCM Leather Handbag from their current season's collection.

Love Shawl, MCM Leather Bag, Jack Eyes Sunglasses

Accessories: I've topped this faux wrap dress with a beautiful Love Shawl - In Blush.  It's like having a little extra warmth PLUS jewelry as the shawl has beautiful gems, fresh water pearls and gold accents. My eye wear is by Jack Eyes and as you can see, these tortoise shell frames are bold and highly polished. My Natural Straw Fedora is by Pistil Designs.

Traveling Shoes: This is a NEW design this season by Vionic. These Natural Snakeskin Sandals offer a comfortable foot bed yet with just enough wedge height to keep things interesting. The SS2015 Ralph Lauren Collection has a similarly pattered stack-heeled version sandal out. So natural snakeskin is definitely on trend this season.

Travel-worthy look.

Don't forget to take along a little comfort kit for those nights away. I adore my Sublime Beauty Sampler Set of 9 flight friendly products for face and body:  Vitamin C Day Cream SPF 30, Retinol Serum, Collagen Serum and Mask, Hyaluronic Serum, Glycolic/Salicylic Serum, Luxurious Facial Oil, Cellulite Whisperer Body Gel and Lotion.

Sublime Beauty Travel - Sampler

My favorite travel bag - Fine Italian Leather by Pierotucci

Special thanks to Jack Studios in Chelsea and MCM Luxury Leather Goods for affording us use of their stages and showrooms for this shoot.

Editor's Edition: What's in My Work Commute Handbag?

Essentials I pack for my day commute into NYC.

NYC, NY Ever wonder what us editors pack when we have to cover an event in the city? Well, we've got to be very strategic about space but there are a few things that fill many uses that I take along every time. I will usually take a larger carry all to hold everything and my camera bag is separate but everything fits right in.

My Carry All: Give Love Cycle's Guilden Bag
This carry all is the perfect size to hold everything I need for my commute and a comfortable day away from home. What's really cool is it is made to fit the CityBike's front basket so once I get off the train, I can hop on a CB at one of Kiosks on 7th Ave. Even if I'm not planning to ride the NYC Bike Path, I like having the option to do so and this Guilden Carry All is perfect no matter what. 

The Guilden Carry All by Give Love Cycle

Pack Your Bag!
I'm notorious for taking WAY too much stuff but I've learned over time to pack "modules" of items. I've learned this from backpacking and camping but it works for commuting too. Items that do similar things can be packed in smaller inner bags so it's easier to access on the road. A few examples would be my Minimergency Pouch by Pinch Provisions which has lip balm, breath freshener, clear nail polish, an emery board, tampon, pain reliever, bandage, a sewing kit, etc. all packed in a tiny pouch. Genius!

Minimergency Kit by Pinch Provisions

My Commuter Bag Contents:
Left to Right-
Minimergency Kit, L'Occitane Almond Hand Cream, Physician's Formula Lighted/Mirrored pH Powered Lip Gloss, All Good Coconut Sunstick SPF 30, GM Collin Eye Contour Corrector, Round Makeup Mirror in Green Leather Case, Neocell Beauty Bursts, Visine Eye Drops, Energems, Benefit Watt's Up? Highlighter, Probar Fuel Energy Bar and Whish Deodorant Swipes.

Tea to Go: Eco Vessel's tricked out thermal bottle is amazing.

Eco Vessel for Hot or Cold Drinks
I also keep a container of hot tea or ice cold water with me on my trip. I'm loving the Eco Vessel Boulder right now due to it's sleek design, cool spring colors and leak-proof triple walled technology. Packing this way leaves room for my bicycle helmet and the Eco Vessel. Just the right size and easy to hold, this water bottle goes with me each time I leave the house. This and my Probar means I'll always have food and water available.  See more bottle styles and types at EcoVessel.com:

Featuring our TriMax® triple insulation technology, the BOULDER has been tested to keep water cold for up to 36 hours and hot up to 8 hours. Perfect for water, tea, coffee, soup or just about any drink. Its tight screw on top will keep your drink securely inside, where it belongs. It has a wide mouth to easily accommodate ice cubes and a comfortable, convenient drinking spout. We've also included a removable tea strainer/ice dam. The Boulder is a sturdy, high quality, stylish vacuum insulated steel water bottle for the office, tennis courts, golf course, on the trails... anyplace, anytime. 

• Cold and hot drinks
• Premium #304 stainless steel
• Free of BPA, phthalates, liners
• TriMax® triple insulation for superb performance
• Removable tea strainer/ice dam
• Sturdy carrying handle
• Recyclable
• 17 oz (500 ml)
• 10.75" high; 3.00 diameter; 1 lb

  
Carry All and Water Bottle c/o Give Love Cycle and Eco Vessel respectively.

Fitness Chic - Lole Separates & Xootr Kick Scooters

Fitness to Go: Xootrs MG Kick Scooter - fitness to go!

NYC, NY It always perplexes me how people jump in their car and DRIVE to the gym or park for exercise. While I applaud anyone trying to make time for fitness, there's a way to multi-task and squeeze in a bit of a workout most anytime. You may need to think outside of the box but if you live or have visited NYC, you know that the natives have made an art form of doing several things at once. Let's start with getting dressed.

Fitness Wear by Lole of Montreal
Studio Cardigan
I'm really impressed with the clean lines and fit of Lole's new Studio Cardigan shown here in grey. Princess seams and finger loops keep the sleeves down during a sprint and the reflective zipper has a soft guard at the neck for extra comfort. The hood flips up for a shower or extra warmth but the joy of this jacket is in the details. What I really like are the super deep zippered front pockets.

Snuggle up to the buttery softness of this versatile hoodie en route to the Pilates studio, on an early morning run… or just hanging out. It gets it done in Lolë’s four-way stretch 2nd Skin Motion Light, a moisture-wicking blend of Supplex® nylon and elastane. • Full zip
• Drawstring at hood
• One zip hand pocket
• Thumbhole at sleeves
• Reflective logo
• Length: 27 ½ in./69 cm 

With these pockets, I'm able to safely stow my cell phone and iPod (for some tunes) for my walk/run. You could easily run to a local exercise class in this cardigan and arrive ready to workout.

Lole Studio Cardigan & Lively Capris.

Lole Lively Capris
I really like the flat lock seams and power stretch going on in these appropriately named Lively Capris! Gorgeous rich blue capris can be scrunched up a bit or pulled down for extra warmth. The wide waistband is genius with a little inside pouch for some cash or plastic. I went running in them today and enjoyed the firm but comfy compression these Lively Capris offer:
  
No wonder… they’re sleek-fitting and super supportive in our four-way stretch, moisture-wicking 2nd Skin Motion Heavy, a superior blend of Supplex® nylon and elastane. The power mesh lining at the abdomen enhances core alignment and prevents “wobbling.”
• Regular fit
• High rise
• Mesh lined at abdomen for better support
• Secret pocket at waistband
• Lined gusset at crotch
• Flat seams for comfort
• Reflective logo
• Inseam: 20 in./51 cm 
Both pieces are perfect for outdoor and indoor fitness routines while offering the most fashion forward comfort for a variety of moves. See more Lole designs online at LoleWomen.com 


Xootr Adult Kick Scooter
Get your "kicks" on Route 66 or anywhere else you'd like to travel in town. I've seen these kick scooters (some not so "adult") on the NYC Bike Path and they are such a cool way to get some exercise while getting around the city. The Xooter MG is super light - weighing only about 10 lbs and stows away in its own signature Carry Bag. 

Stow your studio mat in the bag & arrive by scooter!

Xootr Features

• All-magnesium deck for light weight - less than 10lbs total.
• Lowest deck of all of our kick scooters for efficient kicking.
• Ultra-low-resistance polyurethane tires for a super-efficient glide.
• Award-winning industrial design by Lunar Design.
• Patented sturdy steering and folding system.

Easier to take on the bus or train than a folding bicycle (trust me, I know) you can use it to stow your Pilates mat while riding the scooter to the studio. The Xootr MG easily folds up by way of a large master pin and has a small front hand brake and rear fender brake. No assembly required, it was ready to rock and roll right out of the box. Holds up to 250 lbs so get your boyfriend on it too! See more colors and Xootr models to suit your needs at Xootr.com   


So there's multi-tasking for you! Scooters are SO much fun and an easy way to get a little exercise in your day while helping to save the environment by leaving the car home. Join me on a "low car diet" and get fit this spring!
 
Sneakers - Skechers Night Owls Running Shoes
Kick Scooter c/o Xootr.com
Exercise Wear c/o Lole, Montreal

Your Desk Survival Kit

Keep these survival essentials in your desk and car to be ready for anything!

This is the time of year where people are getting stuck in snowstorms and delayed in traffic. What you need is a Desk Survival Kit that has more than a manicure set. Here are my travel ready office essentials that I take en route to the office and beyond:


1.) First Aid Kits-Smart Travel & Minimergency
I keep a small Ultralight-Watertight .3 Adventure Medical Kit in my cosmetic bag but you should get a larger Smart Travel Kit for the office. It has a full assortment of bandages, first-aid creams and meds. I add my own aspirin and feminine supplies so I'm always prepared.

Smart Travel First Aid Kit for the Office and Trips

Minimergency by Pinch Provisions
The "Her-mergency" mini kit in this NEW red and gold candy striper pattern is so complete! It packs 17 essential womanly must-haves in a very tiny case: Hairspray, emery board, tampon, lip balm, clear elastics, stain remover, nail polish remover pad, deodorant towelette, earing backs, safety pin, adhesive bandage, pain reliever, double sided tape, breath freshener, mending kit, dental floss and clear nail polish. Measures 3.5" x 2.25" x 2.25.
See more designs and colors at PinchProvisions.com

Packing my Minimergency Kit

2.) Good iCoffee
If you have the luxury of access to your own personal office coffee machine, you should definitely check out the NEW iCoffee Machine by Remington. At home, you can program it the night before to start your brew in the morning as a pleasant alarm clock.

 iCoffee makes THE BEST brewed coffee at home or at the office.

The iCoffee Machine makes the best coffee with no bitter taste due to a unique stir and steam process. No need for paper filters either as it has a golden mesh one built right in.
iCoffee's SteamBrew™ technology is unlike the usual drip brewers and you can use any type of coffee you like.

The iCoffee Machine makes Bistro Cafe quality coffee!

3.) Insulated Drink Container Pour yourself a thermos-full to take in the car and enjoy at the office. My Insulated Klean Kanteen keeps liquids piping hot for more than 6 hours. If you are stuck in traffic or break down, a hot cup of coffee or cocoa can go a long way for warming from the inside out.

My Insulated Klean Kanteen with Cafe Top

4.) Food Thermos & Eating Utensils
Heaven forbid you get stuck in your car or at the office (with the power out). I am very particular about my diet so I often pack my own healthy hot meals to take with me in the car. I got this amazing Stanley 20 oz Insulated Food Container from CampSaver, who is also my favorite outfitter. Fill this bad boy with hot soup, stew or whatever you like. There's a metal "spork" inside the lid so you can eat right out of the container. I also like the Baladero Cutlery Set also from CampSaver, that has: spoon, fork, cork screw, knife, can opener and screwdriver all in one!

Hot Won Ton in a Stanley Food Container and compact Baladeo cutlery via CampSaver.com

5.) Non-Perishable Foods
Nuts: High in protein, vitamins and minerals, I especially like SunRidge Farms resealable packets of Tamari Almonds, Pistachios and Organic Fancy Walnuts.

Delicious nuts. Don't forget the hand sanitizer!

Complex Carbs: My latest passion are the Corn and Rice Cakes from Element.  Keep a bag in your desk for a quick energy boost and to quiet a growling stomach at about 3pm. My favorite flavors are the Orange Yogurt and Milk Chocolate covered varieties. Yum!

Dark Chocolate Mini Corn Cakes from Element of Italy 

Dried Fruit: I like dried cranberries or Craisins, prunes, apples, etc. All are delicious and offer much needed nutrients and fiber while keeping very well at your desk.

Avenue of the Americas NYC, New York office.

 

Coffee Brewer c/o iCoffee.com (Remington)
Food Container & Cutlery c/o CampSaver.com

Bringing the Spa Home with Clarisonic and Embryolisse

The Clarisonic display at Sephora, 42nd Street, NYC.

SEPHORA, 42ND ST. NYC: Earlier this year, we were doing a photo shoot in Midtown and stopped by Sephora on our way to Times Square.  They have a really large selection of all things Clarisonic so we went over to the display and saw this cool attachment for the PLUS. If you're not too familiar with the Clarisonic Line of sonic cleansing systems, the PLUS has interchangeable heads for both your face and body.

Clarisonic's Body Brush Extension Handle turns the PLUS into a back brush! Pair it with Embryolisse Soap Free Cleanser and Lait Creme Body Lotion for a full spa treatment.

Clarisonic PLUS
I've had my Clarisonic PLUS for about three years now and I wouldn't be without it. I even take it with me camping! When you snap on the facial brush head, the unit senses this and automatically selects those settings. Pop on the body brush-head and it goes into a 2 minute cycle for the bath or shower.

The Clarisonic PLUS with both the facial and body brush heads.

Sonic Cleansing All Over
The Body Brush Extension Handle just makes the PLUS that much better. Now I can more comfortably reach down to the small of my back, knees, legs and feet. The PLUS easily snaps into the cradle which is angled to more effectively access your back. If you're like me and have acne on your shoulders and back, this brush attachment is a great way to treat it. The handle of the extension is comfortable and easy to grip even with soapy hands.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Moussant (Sans Savon) & Lait-Creme Riche Corps
My Clarisonic PLUS came with several tubes of gentle cleansers which are perfect for traveling. At home, I prefer to use Embryolisse Lait-Creme Soap Free Cleanser.
Since it is soap free, it does not dry your skin or leave a film. Rich in sweet almond oil and shea butter, I just squeeze a little on my wet skin and begin massaging with my PLUS.  This is a multi-tasking cleanser as I've also used it on my face and as a shampoo. It's even gentle enough for use on babies.

Moisturizing After your Spa Treatment
The icing on the cake is going to be your moisturizer. My favorite by far is Embryolisse Lait-Creme Riche Corps.  I love the delicate fragrance of sandalwood which is a signature note of this French line. It contains shea butter, oils of sandalwood, cork and barley with vitamin E.  It is SO rich, a little goes a long way especially on moist, freshly cleansed skin. I've been to several day spas and enjoy what they do but you can treat yourself at home EVERYDAY to a facial and body scrub with Clarisonic and Embryolisse!

Body Brush/Attachments & Cleansers-Moisturizers c/o Clarisonic & Embryolisse respectively. 

Pierotucci Overnight Italian Leather Duffel Bag - Toscanella Collection #MFW

Pack this Pierotucci Overnight Duffle Bag for Milan Fashion Week! Italian Leather - Toscanella Collection, made entirely in Italy.

Milan, Italy If you are hopping a quick flight to Milan Fashion Week, here's the bag to board with! It and you will feel right at home as it is a designer leather bag 100% made in Italy at the Pierotucci Factory. You can read more here on How to Pack a 24hr Bag but suffice it to say having the RIGHT luggage makes all the difference.

Fabric interior of this Overnight Bag has a zippered pouch and key holder.

The Legend of Italian Leather
If you are in Italy for Milan Fashion Week, you might want to take the time to learn a bit about one of the country's most prized exports, their Italian Leather goods. If you come to the Florence area and want a taste of Tuscany you can receive a lovely tour of traditional leather-working at the Pierotucci Leather Factory:

The Pierotucci tour consists of the following:

• Detailed Explanation of the Type of Leathers
• Cutting and Splitting of skins
• Assembling and stitching of the pattern pieces
• And Finishing touches

Pierotucci bags all come with a custom dust cover and are beautifully presented.

Holiday Gift Idea
The holidays are coming and what could be more thoughtful than a beautiful leather travel bag like this? This overnight duffel bag is for a woman or a man. I simply added a silk scarf for day travel but for a flight or train trip you can add a leather luggage tag. Really, a lot of us are doing day trips or 24hr travel these days. My most common scenario would be to fly in the night before an event and fly right out after it was over the next day. This means I don't need a lot of clothing and accessories. The "duffel" shape allows you to pack a lot and zip it up. The interior has a beautiful striped fabric with a flat zippered pouch and is designed to hold the max amount of items.

Travel mode: Add a luggage tag and you're ready to board. Perfect for guys!

The Toscanella Collection - Description from the Pierotucci Website:

Italian Leather Duffel Bag
Ideal for an overnight escapade or perfect as your carry on luggage. This beautiful leather duffel bag can find a use in any lifestyle. With its compact, no-fuss body and sturdy yet lightweight structure it's also a great companion for a busy day in town. Entirely hand crafted in sumptuous calfskin leather with flawless stitching and detailing, it will turn heads wherever you go. Contrasting trim add pure sophistication to this bag's unquestionable quality and durability and metal feet on its bottom ensure wear and tear is minimal.

Features

Full-length top zip
One zipped inside pocket
Key holder
Metal feet for stability and durability
Striped cotton lining
Terra cotta colored accent
Average strap drop: 14 cm

Accessorize!

Don't forget to add a pop of color and personal  flair as it will help you to identify your luggage quickly. A scarf can also be placed on the seat for extra comfort and cleanliness.
Toscanella Overnight Duffel Bag c/o Pierotucci, Italy

 Silk scarf by Oscar de la Renta, green quartz necklace by Club Monaco, 5th Avenue