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!

Marimekko Compact Umbrellas

I love rain gear -- especially wellies and trench coats -- but don't have much use for them here in L.A. When I lived in New York, I was always getting caught in a down pour and even had one umbrella snap in half. My last trip to New York was no different. I found myself out and drenched.  I popped into a drug store and bought the above Marimekko apple umbrella. It's compact with a matching case, and fits into your purse. The construction is sturdy -- no folding inside out -- and at $30 it won't break the bank when I inevitably leave it somewhere. You can find more patterns online at: kittosmarimekko. 

Furry Travel Companions

For those of you with amiable furry travel companions, I was recently at the new London West Hollywood hotel, and was informed that the hotel prides themselves on being animal friendly. They have water dishes around the property, a glamorous dog house, and a resident English bulldog who greats visitors at the door:  www.thelondonwesthollywood.com

An East coast pet friendly hotel is the Parker Meridian New York. They go so far as to provide a room service menu that caters specifically for pets. Forgot something? No problem. They have everything from scratching posts to animal mood music: www.parkermeridian.com

1. London Palm Beach bag $132, 2. London Nantucket bag $132, 3. Fiona Bag $88, (bags 1., 2., and 3. available at kwigy bo), 4. Louis Vuitton Monogram Sac de Chien $1830 ( eluxury), 5. Michael Bag $132 ( kwigy bo) 6. Bruce Bag $450, (Olive Green Dog), 7. Mod Travel Bowls  $14.00 (Olive Green Dog), 8. Plush Bed (Olly Dog), 9. Goyard Travel Dish $$$ (Goyard)

 

Here are a few accessories that will make traveling with a pet a bit easier, without sacrificing style. All bags meet most airline's travel guidelines, and two of the bags are male friendly options. Carrying a dog or cat through an airport is exhausting business, and you might want your guy to share in the heavy lifting. He'll be a lot more willing if you don't bring the pink princess bag. 

The travel bowls listed fold up for easy packing, and the dog/cat beds can be packed flat or rolled. The Goyard travel pet case and the Louis Vuitton bag are ridiculously extravagant, but if can afford it and really want to spoil your pet -- or yourself --  lucky you!

Jean-Vier Store - Los Angeles

The French company Jean Vier has just opened their first store on U.S. soil in our very own Pasadena. They carry bright summery linens and accessories in bold linear patterns.

Their sturdy totes would make great beach bags, and the coated linen caught my eye as another great picnic blanket option. It's sold by the foot so you can choose the size, it rolls up easily, and the slick coating allows you to hose it down when you're done.
http://www.jean-vier.com/overview.aspx?idcat1=2&idcat2=0&idcat3=39&couleursearch=-1

Picnic Fixins

1. This picnic trunk from DWR is one of the most functional and sophisticated baskets I've come across. It has an extendible table providing all fresco dining for 2, and is equipped with tableware, a bottle opener, and salt and pepper shakers:
http://www.dwr.com/product/tools/travel/picnic-trunk-with-table.do.

2. I would like to take Domino Mags suggestion and use these blankets as bohemian picnic throws:
http://www.barkshop.com/shop/.

3. Add a couple of Morrocan lanterns for mood lighting:
http://www.zgallerie.com/pc-5693-13-casablanca-lanterns.aspx


4. Pick up a couple of boxed dinners from Clementine -- http://www.clementineonline.com/ -- and you have a stylish and tasty feast!

Diana Camera

I love taking pictures on vacation, and even though I have a Hasselblah, I sometimes prefer to experiment with cheap novelty cameras. I've heard for years of the elusive Lomo Diana camera, but have never been able to acquire one. The Diana was a plastic camera manufactured by Lomo for about a $1.00 in the 60's, but due to poor sales, very few were made. It became a favorite among artists who discovered its cheap camera body leaks in light in the most artful of ways, producing dreamy photographs. Previously hard-to-find and expensive, Lomo has re-issued the original camera with some new features. Hopefully, these do not include fixing the light leak. Available at: http://www.lomography.com/diana/

Vacation Swimsuit Shopping

Top row: Carmen Marc Valvo $136, Diane Von Furstenburg $154, Carmen Marc Valvo $158, Lily Pulitzer $110.60
Bottom Row: Shoshanna $108.50, Anika Brazil $167.00, Le Truc $285, Anika Brazil $167.00

Shopping for a swimsuit is always a nightmare situation, and being of the fair persuasion, I opt for the suit with the most coverage. Finding a one-piece that's not matronly, but sexy and sophisticated without showing all the goods can be difficult. Thankfully, there seem to be more options out there this season. So far, the Anika with the sash is my favorite, and it's on sale at Saks!