These have me itching to organize all sorts of important papers and documents.

Designers at the Japanese graphic firm Billet originally designed these stylish French-inspired folders for their own personal use. Now they are available to you for containing correspondence and other essential papers while traveling, at the office or in the home. The small folder is just the right size to store 4x6 photos, receipts, recipe cards or passports; the medium folder makes a handy extension to a wallet for safekeeping long items like theater tickets; the large size organizes important 8" x 10" documents and oversized photographs. Each paper folder is handcrafted in Japan.

Small, $10.00
Medium, $10.00
Large, $15.00
Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

I swear by shoe bags. That sounds funny, but I mean it.

"This handsome shoe bag is great for protecting clothes from getting soiled in a suitcase and so much nicer than carrying shoes in a plastic bag from the supermarket. . The bag is made from a sturdy cotton with a heavy duty cotton cord drawstring. One bag will hold a pair of shoes. Machine wash and dry."

Measures 16" L x 11 ¼” W.

Golf Shoe Bag, $13.95, Buy it here.
Gentleman's Travel Shoe Bag, $13.95 Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Here's an excellent case for you to keep your liquids, gels and creams right where you want them.

A modern take on the on the go-anywhere dopp kit. Large compartment, lined with plastic to keep liquid safely stored inside away from the items in your bag. Features a handy pull out pocket insert, which can be unsnapped to take a few necessities along when you head out for the day or night.

Dimensions: 8” x 8 x 3.2
Materials: Nylon, Polyurethane
100% vegetarian
Color: Black or Silver

[posted by katie]

Danielle over at the style files has a great design guide on Amsterdam. She has put together lists of where to stay, eat, shop, and other things to see while you're there. I love it when people take the time to do nice stuff like that.

[posted by katie]

If you're planning any road trips this summer, you might consider checking to see if any of these beaches are on the way to your destination.

From wejetset magazine:

Dr. Stephen Leatherman, coastal expert with Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, has recently published his 18th Annual Top 10 American Beaches ranking. Click Read More to view the ranking and our tips for turning a beach visit into a healthy excursion.

top ten american beaches
1. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, FL
2. Hanalei Beach, Kauai, HI
3. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, FL
4. Coopers Beach, Southampton, NY
5. Coronado Beach, San Diego, CA
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, NY
7. Hamoa Beach, Maui, HI
8. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, NC
9. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, FL
10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, SC

Fifty criteria were used to evaluate the beaches, including water and sand quality, facilities and environmental management. The top spot went to Caladesi Island State Park. According to Dr. Leatherman, “Caladesi’s real attraction is its powder white sand, warm, crystal clear water and beautiful nature, all making it the number one beach to enjoy and decompress”. -wejetset magazine

[posted by katie]

Some nice bright travel accessories for your summer holidays...

Reed Space x Head Porter collaborate to bring you the PRISM Collection. Inspired by the color spectrum and Reed Space’s diverse curation of works from different brands, designers and cultures – this line of accessories brings together highly useful products for the modern day globetrotter. The collection includes a Daypack, Device Pouch, Laptop Case (13” & 15”), Memo Case, Pencil Case and Travel Organizer. Each piece sold separately.

$36.00-$425.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Check it out- you can book a room in this nicely appointed beach house for around $300. Not so bad.

Set into sage-coloured scrub that rolls back from the surf at Prevelly on WA’s south-west coast, Ron Roozen’s home is a dedication to surfing, the elements and the enviable Margaret River lifestyle. This architecturally award winning beach house was designed by prominent Sydney-based architect, Dale Jones-Evans. As you descend into the house you will be drawn into a cinemascopic journey that flaunts unsurpassed 180 degree ocean views of the Indian Ocean from every room. The iconic holiday home of local artist and surfer, Ron Roozen is now available to discerning travellers offering a spacious hip alternative to the normal run of the mill establishments. Minimalistic in design and stylishly appointed, the residence exemplifies the region’s most sought after accommodation. Every detail has been factored in – a pantry service, your own personal chef, daily servicing (if required) and wine touring can be arranged.

Room rate: from A$400 ($295)
[via Wallpaper]

[posted by katie]

If you ever find yourself in Louisville, Kentucky, and need a place to rest your head, there's a luxury hotel that also happens to house a $10 million art collection. So, in addition to the regular fare of sleep + food, you also have the option of absorbing some worthwhile art to memory. Respectable idea, no?

21c Museum Hotel in Louisville, KY is the first of its kind — a 91-room hotel dedicated to world class luxuries, Southern-style hospitality and contemporary art from living artists, exhibited throughout its galleries and public space. Among the many upscale offerings: iPods with a wide variety of music for guests' listening pleasure, award winning design and décor, poster art, 42" HDTV flat screen televisions, WiFi, 500 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets imported from Italy crowning the exquisite bedding, silver mint julep cups, gourmet coffee makers, mini-bar refrigerators, Malin + Goetz bath amenities, and nightly turn down and Concierge services. The hotel also offers a full exercise facility with a steam room, sauna and spa services. And, of course, penguins.

[posted by katie]

ProTraveller recently did a nice roundup of 10 hotels with particularly minimalist aesthetic decor...worth taking a look if you get a chance.

[posted by katie]

I'm completely digging these slouchy cotton suitcases.

Available in Slate, Ruby, and White
Materials: Cotton

W15 x D4 x H11 in.

[posted by katie]