New GOLD Longchamp bags!

I still love my boring, black Longchamp Le Pliage long-handled tote
bag. It's just so practical - easy to carry, lightweight, has a
zippered top to deter pickpockets, and it goes with everything.
They're reasonably-priced compared to many bags, so I don't feel bad
about using and abusing these bags every day. My old black one is
finally getting a hole, and I replaced it with the fabulous new GOLD
version! All the practicality of the regular bag, but jazzed up!

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/longchamp-shoulder-bag-metallic-medium?ID=609894&PartnerID=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc=LINKSHARE-_-n-_-n-_-n&LinkshareID=0RpXOIXA500-MxjRNix4ACQwz.ZX0vKhJQ#

A Great Everyday Wallet

My friend Jen has been looking for a new wallet and it's been tough to find one that has everything she's looking for. I went through this myself a few years ago and decided that the perfect wallet has to have the following:

1) Zippered change pocket
2) Clear ID window (for showing my ID at work)
3) 10+ credit card slots (many only have 6-8)
4) extra pockets for receipts, stamps, etc.

I did a little research for Jen - although I haven't seen all of these in person, they seem to fit the criteria. If anyone has feedback on any of these, please let me know!

• Fendi: Continental Wallets
• Lockheart: Chevron Frame, Button Frame
• Longchamp: All-In-One Wallets
• Hobo: International Rachel Frame Wallet, Sadie Wallet, Diane Large
• Monsac: Genie Compact Clutch Wallet, Multipurpose Double-Frame Wallet
• Dooney & Burke: Multifunction Patent Wallet
• Abas: Claire Shimmer Zip Clutch Wallet, Emma Valet Clutch
• Lodis: Checkbook Clutch
• Hype: Itallicus, Arletty
• Botkier: Metallic Gemma Continental Wallet
• Perlina: Updated Flap Wallet, Carte Blanche Flap Wallet, Double Zip-Around Wallet, Novelty Clutch, Gilded Edge Checkbook Wallet, Carry-All Wallet, Diagonal Lamb Wallet
• Kena Kai: Lizard Wallet
• Lovcdat: Luminous Clutch, Metallic Spritz Clutch

A Way to Drink More Water

I know I'm supposed to drink more water, but I'm admittedly kind of lazy about it.  I feel guilty about buying bottled water since it's bad for the environment, but it's kind of tough to drink out of the Nalgene bottles since I would definitely spill water all over my face and/or computer keyboard every time I took a sip.

According to my friend Erika, people statistically drink more out of a straw (don't know where she finds these stats, but I'll go with it).  I have become obsessed with the Camelbak Better Bottle - they come in 3 sizes and different colors and have a built-in straw.  The best part is, however, that they don't spill.  You need to actually bite down on the straw a bit to open the straw, so it's safe to use on your desk at work.  

Another little tip I've found for using these bottles - bring them when traveling on a plane.  When the flight attendant comes by with drinks, ask her to fill up your water bottle for you.   I always find it awkward to get out of my seat with the little cup of ice water on the tray.  With the Camelbak bottle, I just flip the straw closed and keep in my bag or on the seat next to me.  Drank about 5 liters of water on my last cross-country flight. . .the lady sitting next to the bathroom gave me some strange looks, but a small price to pay for glowing skin! 

A Way To Get My Toiletries Through Airport Security

Since the Equal Rights Amendment has not yet been passed, I am giving myself permission to complain that the U.S. airline carry-on restrictions discriminate against women. If society still wants women to look picture-perfect all the time, then one Ziploc bag of products isn't going to cut it.

Even using standard travel-sized bottles, I find it difficult to pack all of my makeup and toiletries for a trip in the Ziploc bag. The bottles generally fit more than I would need for a weekend trip. I've started using screw-top contact lens cases for shorter trips. They are smaller than any of the travel-sized containers I've seen, seal well so they don't spill, and they fit more than enough face lotion and eye cream for a few days.

Some places where you can find good travel-sized containers: Muji (on Broadway b/w Grand and Howard in NY) and The Container Store.

A few other ideas for cutting back on the liquids. . .solid perfume, facial wipes instead of liquid cleanser, solid shampoo/conditioner/body wash from Lush. . .

Best Lip Exfoliator - Basically FREE

I almost made the mistake of spending $15 on lip exfoliator at Sephora. I'm a sucker for everything in that store. Luckily, my amazing and practical friend Kate Larado was shopping with me and came to the rescue with her home remedy:

Step 1: Coat lips with regular old Vaseline.
Step 2: Rub in a large pinch of regular old granulated sugar.
Step 3: Rinse or rub off lips.

Your lips will be as smooth as a baby's bottom, and you already have all the ingredients in your home!

Stylish Rain Shoe (NO BOOTS ALLOWED!)

My co-worker, Lindsay Chock, has been looking for Stylish Rain Shoes - NOT rain boots!

For New York women, there is always the rainy day footwear decision:

If rain will be continuing throughout the day, then boots are acceptable
If rain will be ending before the evening commute, then boots are unacceptable - not only do they look ridiculous when it's sunny and 80 degrees outside, but they are not very breathable.

*All shoes must be worn with no socks, since you will just change into heels once you get to work.

I've found a couple of solutions to this predicament - cute rain SHOES that could pass for regular shoes if the weather clears up.

For those of you that don't mind walking around in wedge heels, the Treton Karin W is adorable and has gotten rave reviews on Zappos.com.

For those that are looking to get around town in flats, I recommend some of the styles found on the Sperry Topsider website. Sperry's shoes are designed for sailing, so they have non-slip soles and are mostly water-resistant, if not waterproof. I've found the regular leather ones to be sufficient for a typical rainy day, but the patent leather boat shoes might provide some additional protection against the elements.

The Perfect Everyday Flip Flop

Qualifications of the perfect flip flop for everyday use:

• Comfortable, even for walking long distances. Needs at least minimal arch support.
• Works well in multiple settings - beach, pool, shopping, walking to work, casual bars and restaurants.
• OK if they get wet
• Not too expensive - you can't be worrying about getting your $250 Gucci flip flops dirty
• A bit of a tread on the bottom so that you don't hydroplane across wet sidewalks
• A color that works with everything - black, brown, navy, white, off-white. . .
• Don't need to break them in - comfortable during first wearing
• Look feminine - not a unisex shoe that guys wear as well

Everyone I ask about this topic seems to have very strong opinions on their favorite flip flops. After years of research, I've found the Reef "Ginger" flip flop in Taupe/White to match all of the criteria given above. The color goes with everything, something I can't say about my black pair of the same shoes. The skinny straps on the shoe and the taupe color gives them a more feminine touch than many other flip flops out there.

The classic J.Crew flip flops (rubber or elasticized top) had a strong 2nd place finish, but rumors of blisters prevented me from giving them top honors. There's also a strong contingent of Rainbows-wearers, but they never seemed to fit my foot properly and the leather isn't the best for wearing around a pool.

As someone who travels frequently, the Reef Ginger Taupe/White flip flops are fabulous - I can throw them into my bag and know that they will be appropriate with every casual outfit I've packed. Comfortable, cute, and saves me time packing for trips? Definitely the perfect "everyday" flip flop!