Here is a new roundup of new and fun gear for Travelers

The Jelt Invisible Belt

When we first took a look at this flimsy belt, honestly, we thought, ‘nobody would wear this.’ But then, we weren’t wearing yoga pants or leggings. When we showed the belt to Kate Hartshorne, our family travel editor, she seized upon it with delight. “This is GREAT!” I love this! I need this! she exclaimed.

So there you have it. This belt is held up by the clasp but also some neat rubber lines on the inside that stick to fabric. With a top over it, you can’t really tell you’re wearing a belt.

Some Amazon reviewers who gave it high marks complained that for $32 it’s just a simple piece of fabric. They didn’t want to replace it if the plastic clasp broke. It’s called a Jelt.  Strong & Invisible Elastic Stretch Belt | Eco-Friendly For Women and Men by Jelt (Black Granite – Medium) $32.00

Bluffworks: Stylish Traveler’s Clothing

Bluffworks is an NYC-based company that offers a line of well-made, stylish clothes, starting with the most necessary of items, Man’s blazer.

I’ve traveled to often in Europe and South America many times when I was very glad I brought along a blazer. Some times you really need a jacket to look your very best and feel dressed up.

There are few jackets that are as universal as the blue blazer, and this is a very well-made piece.

Bluffworks Gramercy Blazer is a tone of blue just a tiny bit lighter than most navy blue blazers. I like that style. It has two inside pockets for when you’re traveling and you need quick access to all of those essentials like your passport, phone, and earbuds. $295

Meridian Dress Shirt 2.0 Classic Fit -deep blue mini check.  $95

Gramercy Men’s dress slacks.  I haven’t had a pair of dress pants that fit this well or looked this good in ages. This is truly a fine example of  ‘you get what you pay for,” writ large.  The crease on these pants is sharp, and the overall feeling is that they are well made.

Here is what the company says, I totally agree!  “These aren’t the strap-you-down, make-you-uncomfortable kind of dress pants you’re used to. They’re refined, breathable, wrinkle resistant and travel safely.”  $140.  See the whole line at www.bluffworks.com

Basic Outfitters Medium Drawer: A Wardrobe all at Once!

Basic Outfitters offers the basics–a step up–in a complete box, or drawer, at various price levels.  The way it works is  y0u provide your various sizes and then select from a wide assortment of stylish cotton socks, boxer briefs, shirts, and sweatpants.

You pick what you like and it all comes in one box.

The socks are especially well-made with fun patterns and good support. My only beef with the boxer briefs is for some inexplicable reason, they don’t have a separated fly, you have to pull them down instead of just separate.  But it’s easy to get used to doing something familiar differently.

The sweatpants would be better named ‘sports pants,’ and for me, the only thing I did not like was how narrow the bottom cuffs are. You have to really wrestle to get them off, but I like their slim style and overall fit.  Medium box contains eight pairs of socks, two boxes of five pairs of boxer briefs, a striped long-sleeve shirt with a Henley collar and the black sweatpants. Basic Outfitters $95.

Fun New Shoes by Oofos Offer More Shock Absorption

These shoes for men and woman are unlike any shoes I’ve tried. They have very high arches, and are slip-ons, with a band that goes across the top. Right after my friend, Jennifer put them on, she knew they would be great for her next shift as a cashier at Home Depot, where a lot of standing is part of the job.  The brand was created by athletes looking for foot relief after running on hard surfaces.

“Built into all OOFOS sandals, slides, and clogs is the revolutionary OOfoam, made to absorb 37% more shock than traditional footwear foam. Each footbed features exceptional arch support that helps alleviate pressure off the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

The biomechanical design of every shoe and sandal allows it to flex with both your foot and the ground, encouraging a greater sense of natural motion.

I tried out a pair of their Men’s Fibre High Shoes and they are the lightest shoes I’ve ever put on. They are made of mesh and are very comfortable.
OOFOS Women’s Oomg Shoe- Post Run Sports Recovery – White/Black/$119.95    Oofos Men’s Fibre High Shoes.  $149.95

It’s Going to be Sandal Weather Soon: Reef Flipflops

I’m not usually a flip-flop guy, but Reef makes high quality ‘thongs,’ as they say in Australia, and many people swear by them as soon as the weather gets nice. These Reef flippers don’t need to be broken in, according to many purchasers, they are good to go.

One man complained that they were too slippery, but for the most part, these have been cheered by sandal-wearers.

The women’s Reefs are not as sturdy but then, they cost $20 versus $54 for the Voyage Collection.

Reef Women’s Ginger Sandal, Black/Black,8 M US$20.99

Reef Men’s Voyage Le Sandal, Dark Brown,$54

Arcopedico Women’s Boots–Stylish!

This style runs small, for the best fit order up 1/2 size. The Arcopedico L19 is a great ankle boot for travel or fun. Set in a Lytech upper, this women’s water resistant fashion boot stretches to accommodate any foot.

Our reviewer has problems with bunions and so she’s particular about her footwear. “I wore these to a wedding where there was dancing and my feet didn’t hurt at all that night! They are the perfect travel shoes, stylish and unbelievably lightweight, easy to pack!  Arcopedico Women’s L19 Boot Black 39 European$124

Costa Shades for the Summer

Costa has a neat line of lightweight sunglasses that are stylish and do the job against the sun. The Costa Rinconcito Gray shades are good looking and protect against UV.
Costa Unisex Rinconcito Gray 580p/Matte Gray Frame One Size$178.00

The Costa Panga Shades are very nice looking and also lightweight. The make the world orange, and that’s a good thing!

Costa Panga Sunglasses – $238