The latest products - from wrinkle-free shirts to scarves that double as maps - were made just for you.
By JUDI DASH
Published May 23, 2004
Women on the go get added style and convenience with the following new items, which may be available in area stores. All products are tested by the author. The price listed here does not include shipping.
NEW DIRECTIONS: During World War II, some Allied forces used military maps painted on silk squares as a lightweight, water-resistant, stronger alternative to paper maps. The maps showed minute details clearly and were easily hidden. Now, travelers navigating unfamiliar, albeit friendly, streets can make use of silk maps that double as wearable art.
Microsilk, a Canadian company, has introduced colorful silk handkerchiefs and scarves imprinted with maps of dozens of countries, major cities in the United States and abroad, several subway systems and a number of French vineyard regions. The silk maps are washable and reasonably priced, and they could be fun icebreakers.
Silk map-scarves are $10 to $21, depending on size, from Microsilk of Montreal. Information: 514 598-8437 or www.microsilk.com
IM-PRESSIVE SHIRT: No need to choose between traveling with an iron or wearing a crumpled shirt. The newest advance in wrinkle-free shirts entails an antiwrinkle treatment applied to these 100 percent cotton shirts after they have been sewn, so the threads are treated, too. That avoids the puckers at the seams that plagued no-iron shirts made of pretreated material.
The long-sleeved, tapered, pinpoint cotton shirts have a straight hem, side slits and button cuffs. They are machine washable and are available in blue stripe, rose check, white and blue, in women's sizes 4 to 18.
Wrinkle-free cotton shirt MS4045 is $59 from Magellan's. Information: (800) 962-4943 or www.magellans.com
PANTY AID: Do you want to be sure you have plenty of clean panties for a trip, but don't want to have to wash them while away or haul them back as dirty laundry? An alternative is OneDerWear - ultralightweight, cotton, disposable panties you can wear and toss, or wash if you're so inclined. Available in bikini, classic briefs or thong style, the panties have elastic bands, are breathable and come in a five-pack. (Each panty in the pack is in its own plastic wrap.)
In countries with less than sanitary water systems, disposable underwear also protects you from potential infections. Also available in men's briefs and boxers.
OneDerWear disposable cotton panties five-pack of bikini or classic briefs are $8.99; thongs, $7.99. Information: 310 649-4799 or www.onederwear.com
GEM OF A POUCH: The DreamSack jewelry pouch keeps bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings organized in three zippered, cushioned, silk compartments, and one large interior pocket for larger items.
The 12- by 8.5-inch pouch rolls closed and has sewn-in ties for fastening. The pouch comes in a silk jacquard happiness pattern in lilac and willow, or in a silk-rayon dragonfly pattern in red or black. Makes a thoughtful bon voyage gift.
Silk Jewelry Pouch is $15 from DreamSacks. Information: toll-free 1-800-670-7661 or www.dreamsack.com
CLEAR SOLUTION: If seeing is believing, then I believe these clear, zippered, plastic cubes are the best answer to organizing and retrieving cosmetics, toiletries, undergarments and other items.
Available in four sizes (the smallest is 4 by 71/8 by 25/8 inches, the largest, 7 by 10 by 21/8 inches), the soft plastic cases are water-resistant. Double-pull zippers help navigation for just the right item. I can't get enough of these; they've become my favorite storage supplies since Ziploc bags.
Clear Zippered Cubes are $2.89 to $3.99 from the Container Store. Information: toll-free 1-800-733-3532 or www.containerstore.com
- Freelance writer Judi Dash lives in Beachwood, Ohio.
