What's New What's Hot is Travel Weekly's look at useful and fun travel gadgets, edited by Joe Rosen. Click on the image to open a slideshow of all of the featured products for September.
Sholdit Clutch Bag. Designed to make life easier for women on the go, the Sholdit is a zippered clutch that can be unfurled into a shoulder wrap worn across your body or, more in keeping with fashion trends, as an infinity scarf draped around your neck or head cover. This functional, hands-free, three-in-one accessory includes a hidden, zippered pocket for storing the likes of a cellphone, small wallet and/or makeup necessities, which allows you to leave your handbag at the hotel while attending the theater, concerts and galleries or while dining out. The various Sholdits — the website shows three different versions — are made of a combination of fabrics, including polyester, cotton and something called Viscose, which, one suspects, wears and feels better than it sounds (actually, it is a soft man-made, rayon-like fiber). $79; www.sholdit.com.
Aluminized Photos. What a great way to capture the memory of a fun vacation trip! Now you can have your favorite digital image turned into a stunning work of art by having it transferred onto a thin aluminum panel. Two companies, Aluminyze and Vivo, are marketing this process — you simply send them a digital image by email — and both do a terrific job of reproducing crisp, high-definition images and vibrant colors. Aluminyze offers various size reproductions, from 5 by 7 inches to 20 by 30 inches, in glossy or matte finishes. A small easel or wall float mount are included with some sizes. Prices range from $24.95 to $169.95; www.aluminyze.com. Vivo also offers aluminum art in a variety of sizes, from 2 by 4 inches to 24 by 36 inches. Prices range from $5.99 to $214.99. www.vivomaker.com.
MoovBrella by MoovCulture. Compact enough to stash in your purse, backpack or messenger bag until the raindrops start to fall, this pocket-size, six-panel umbrella features a sturdy steel and aluminum shaft, 20-inch ribs and a sun-protective canopy with a UV rating of 90.2 for when the sun comes out at last. The MoovBrella, which carries a lifetime warranty, weighs only 7 ounces and is available in a range of arresting colors and patterns. $29.99; www.moovculture.com.
Phiaton Earphones and I-Mego Headphones. Both products offer Bluetooth wireless connectivity and noise-cancellation technology, two key attributes that should make air and train trips a bit more bearable for travelers who want to enjoy their music or the spoken-word library without having to suffer the annoyance of engine noise and the like. The Phiaton, model PS 210 BTNC, also includes the ability to convert your wireless device to hard-wired earphones if you want to use an airline adapter to plug into the plane's sound system. $159; www.phiaton.com. The I-Mego headphones (Walker Junior Model) are full-sized and fit over the ears rather than in them like the Phiaton. In addition to noise-cancellation technology and Bluetooth connectivity, the I-Mego features a tri-fold design, a 3.5mm connector, an in-flight adapter and a carry pouch. $139.99; www.i-mego.com.
Travel Blue XXL Folding Bag. This small carry pouch expands into a full-size bag just when you need it for those souvenirs, hotel toiletries and dirty laundry that won't fit in your luggage for the return flight home. Fully unfolded, the Travel Blue XXL, which is machine-washable, measures 23.5 by 14 by 12 (12 by 10 by 3 folded). It is made of high-quality, reinforced nylon and features an adjustable shoulder strap, carry handles and two convenience pockets. $29.95; www.travel-blue.com.
Got something for What's New, What's Hot? Email Joe Rosen at [email protected].