Banana Republic Has Gone Mini!

Banana Republic has just introduced their latest limited edition collection and this one is for the mini rock n rollers. The pieces are gender neutral which is really helpful on the second go round. Now that I have a baby boy, I'm regretting my daughters ultra feminine infant wardrobe. I still harbor a serious addiction to buying any item of clothing with butterfly sleeves, so I doubt Mr. Blue Eyes will be getting any future hand me downs.  Love the cozy cashmere and the asymmetrical fisherman sweaters for the wee gents and the tomboy onesies for the lil' lassies. And if you feel the urge to splurge on the cashmere, it looks like today they're offering 35% off with the code: BRSAVENOW

The Gilt Group Jetsetter Website - Everywhere

Image from Jetsetter

If you have yet to discover the joy that is Gilt, a website devoted to online sample sales at amazing prices, you are really missing out. You can attend their cyber sales from the comfort of your sofa, but still might find yourself in a battle over the top you want in the perfect color and size. Like all good sample sales, sizes are limited, you've got to get there early, and be really decisive (or in this case have really fast internet), but boy are the deals good. 

To add to the mix, they have just recently launched a travel sight called Jetsetter. The prices are incredible. Most sales last only three days, and have limited dates available, but if you're already planning a trip to one of their sale locations, or like to fly by the seat of your pants, it's perfect. Last week they had rooms at the urban chic City Club Hotel in New York for $115. A  hotel of that caliber in NYC will normally cost you at least $200 and upwards. 

Most of their hotels appear to be in the luxury category, with rates slashed over fifty percent. 

Image of Capella Telluride Hotel from Jetsetter

On sale now is the Capella Telluride hotel with rates also starting at $115. 

Image of Maroma Resort & Spa from Jetsetter

The next sale up will be the five star Maroma Resort and Spa on the Riviera Maya. 

Charlotte Moss Travel Accessories

Pagoda ZipLoc Travel Bags (25) - $25.00 & " Mine" Luggage Tag - $25.00

Set of Three Mini books - $85.00 & Lucite Tote - $220

Even though the Charlotte Moss townhouse has closed its doors, I am pleased to report the website is still in full swing and selling new goodies. You can count on Ms. Moss to have stylish travel accessories. After all, there is no reason why even the most mundane items can't be pretty!

Breeze through security with your toiletries secure in her pagoda patterned pouches, or spot your luggage on the carousel with her faux croc. "mine" luggage tag. If you're like me and want to keep track of all the cool new haunts you discover on your adventures, these mini notebooks could come in handy.

Last but not least, it would be a cinch to spot your passport in this see through lucite tote. Although, then you might have to splurge on a fancy passport cover because everyone else will be seeing it too!

Paolo Olbi Shop - Venice

When people think of beautiful Italian paper goods, they think of Florence, but Venice has equally lovely photo albums and journals. Paolo Olbi is one shop in particular that exhibits excellent craftmanship and elegant designs. His patterns remind me of the friezes decorating the aging palazzo's.  EyeItalia, a california based company imports several of his above albums, which can be found on their website. I have been eyeing the blue byzantine album. 

Paolo Olbi

Venezia, San Marco 3653

Tel: 041 5285025

email: olbi@libero.it

Peter Alexander Slippers - Los Angeles

Peter Alexander, an Australian lingerie designer has just opened a boutique in Los Angeles on trendy Robertson boulevard. The store carries adorable pajama bottoms, bags, and fun gift items. I was particularly taken with the slippers which would be so cute and comfortable on a red eye or international flight. Slippers retail for around $40. www.peteralexanderusa.com

Mackage Travel Raincoats - Everywhere

Daily Candy today sent an e-mail about Mackage's super cool travel rain coats. The light weight jackets fold up into a pocket in the back and can be reduced to a size small enough to fit in your purse. They definitely out style your basic sporting goods store variety, but come with a much more expensive price tag: $190 for the motorcycle jacket and $250. 

I also thought their trench coats were very stylish although very expensive. This trench retails for $550. 

Icebreaker Clothing - New Zealand

I just spoke to my friend Mac who lives in New Zealand, and it reminded me that I should post on the clothing company she works for: Ice Breaker.  Based in Wellington, Ice Breaker makes stylish athletic wear, perfect for skiing, hiking, or any other outdoor activity. All garments are made from light weight Alpine merino wool which naturally wicks away moisture while providing extreme warmth.  Their clothes are available at various sporting good stores around the U.S. as well as in New Zealand: www.icebreaker.com/site/dealer.html

Rigaud Travel Candles

Whenever I look up reviews of budget hotels on Trip Advisor, it seems that one of the criticisms is always "hotel has a funky odor."  I have rejected many a hotel based on those words, but I started to think --  if everything else about the hotel is great and the price is right -- maybe there's a solution: a Rigaud travel candle!  These candles have been around for over 100 years when they were used to freshen Madame Rigaud's Champs Elysee boutique. The most famous and original scent is the Cypres, a woody pine scent, but now the line carries many others. Plus, they come in a stylish zebra print tin.

Liberty Online - London

Liberty, my favorite department store in London, is now selling merchandise online! Their style is Barneys NY meets Anthropologie by way of India. Many of the items on the website are Liberty products available exclusively through the store, and I found those items to be cheaper than the other lines they carry. Although, with the current exchange rate, you won't be finding any bargains.  Even though I can't really afford to buy anything at least now I get to "window shop!"