Michigan Vacation

Before you start thinking that the very pedestrian zip-loc bag has become the fashion accessory for chic, jet-setting women everywhere, think again! Fashion-forward women are now pulling sweetly colored, sturdy “Glam-Bags” by kiki*c that can hold the standard allowable amount of carry-on liquids and gels, and are also food safe for those that prefer to carry on healthful lunches and snacks made at home.

Glambag photo by Bea Broda

Kitty Stettner’s company, kiki*c, has just introduced Glam*Bags, a patent-pending travel & beauty accessory. As a frequent traveler, she quickly became disenchanted with the airport security-line process of shifting prized liquid assets from a stylish make-up bag to a generic plastic bag made for food storage. She was aware that “sandwich bags” did not quite meet the fashion criteria of other travelers, as well.

Thus sprang the inspiration for Glam*Bags: a lifestyle necessity for fashion-savvy women-on-the-go. Glam*Bags will be featured in a variety of designs & sizes to stylishly stow your cosmetics, toiletries, apparel and treasures.

The bags are featured in chic little boxes for hands-on convenience and attractive storage. (Baby and Men’s bags to follow). Glam*Bags make travel, and life, much more manageable & a lot more stylish. BTW, Glam*Bags also double as gift bags & home organizers.

Have a look at her website, but Kitty also offers useful information such as packing tips:

KITTY’S PACKING TIPS

I love travel! Or, to rearticulate, I love arriving at my destination! As we all know, the “travel” part can become a little daunting at times. (I suppose the process of getting to and from could be considered it’s own venture…)

Part of the travel routine is the advance preparation for the trip, affectionately referred to as PACKING. I have a definite aversion for that exercise. And yes, there is a definite art to it. So, based on my experience, here are some easy ways to simplify the packing process to ensure that you are feeling organized & looking wrinkle-free on your next expedition.

I. My packing method always begins with a freshly aired suitcase. Pocket sachets are an easy way to maintain a pleasant scent.

II. Next, I always travel with plastic bags of all sizes (namely Glam*Bags). Plastic reduces friction (which causes wrinkling in the first place). I use Glam*Bags to stylishly stow apparel, cosmetics, toiletries, make-up brushes, lingerie, laundry, gadgets, & anything else imaginable. There are several advantages to using plastic bags:

1- If your make-up bag looks anything like mine after a few uses (i.e. scruffy, stained & discolored by liquids) then you will realize how appealing it is to have pristine plastic bags that can be discarded (& recycled) once they have acquired that war-torn facade. Pulling out a fresh Glam*Bag is a “feel good” moment in my book. I like to travel clean!
2- Plastic bags help keep your clothing wrinkle-free, if you fold your clothing correctly. See links below.
3- Glam*Bags are perfect for laundry, wet swimsuits, sandy flip-flops…you get the idea. They keep the odor, moisture & dirt sealed in, isolating them from other garments. (Don’t forget to throw a few dryer sheets in to upgrade the air quality).

4- I love the fact that I can arrange all of my possessions in various-size bags, & be totally organized. If I need to jostle a few things around in my suitcase (or if my suitcase is inspected by the TSA), Glam*Bags can be easily pulled out without upsetting the apple cart. Plus, since you can visually look into Glam*Bags, there is no need for a TSA inspector to manhandle your bras & panties. Glam*Bags keep my trip very manageable.

III. Packing 101

T-Shirts, Blouses & Tops:

After folding my clothes (go to sites below for instruction), I arrange many of my garments into small stacks and place them into plastic bags, to keep the wrinkles at bay. (I have my best success folding jeans & pants and placing them on the bottom of my suitcase, sans plastic bag). Make sure to press the air out of each plastic bag before sealing!

Coats & Jackets:

I layer a few of my jackets on top of each other, fold the arms inward, & place them in a large plastic bag (you can use a dry cleaning bag for this). I keep these garments on a hanger if my bag is large enough to accommodate. Then I either fold or roll the jackets (depending on the actual travel bag). Again, press the air out of the plastic bag!
For more information on how-to-fold and other revelations, go to:
Fodor’s website (6 Tips for Wrinkle-free Packing)
www.fodors.com/news/story_1449.html

· Travel + Leisure’s website (”Packing Tips for the Smart Traveler”): www.travelandleisure.com/articles/packing-tips-for-the-smart-traveler

Following these tips will reward you with a wrinkle-free trip. After all, who wants to spend their holiday hanging at the ironing board, or waiting for room service to appear?

Additional detail can be found at the website:
www.kikic.com/glambags