I should confess, I have a thing with bags. I love them.  This means I am fairly discerning, and the Haiku To-Go Bag did not disappoint.

First, the color and design are beautifully unique. They are subtle, but just significant enough to attract the eye. With dimensions of 10”h x 11”w x 4”d, the size is perfect for my daily use;  I have three kids and an on-the-go lifestyle, and I always carry a book or my Kindle with me.  The To-Go Bag is roomy enough for the Haiku wallet, my Kindle, and phone, with room to spare.  Though I didn’t use it for this purpose, the To-Go Bag can accommodate an iPad (sans Haiku iPad Sleeve).  The strap is slim in width, making it easy on the shoulder, and highly adjustable in length.  It could be worn like a purse, but it feels like this bag is intended to be worn messenger-style (cross-body).

There are seven pockets total.  The two water bottle pockets on the outer sides of the bag are big enough to carry a small water bottle each.  There are two phone/iPod pockets, and two zippered pockets; one on the inside and one on the outside. I like zippers because I travel quite a bit; zippers make it harder for thieves to grab my passport and cash. There is also a pocket on the inside that secures with Velcro, where I stashed my keys, lip balm, and pen.

I love the material. It’s very lightweight yet it feels durable enough to stand up to my life with the kids or for a road-trip, mountain biking with friends. Overall, I really like the bag’s aesthetic and versatility. People complemented me on it;  I appreciate products that deliver both function and form.

Haiku To-Go Bag comes in two colors:  cocoa brown (with two different appleque designs to choose from), and ink black.   MSRP $74.   This product is made from 100% post consumer recycled beverage bottles, and saves 21.4 PET bottles from landfill.

If you love a bag, then you especially love it when there is a wallet available to match it.    Enter Haiku Zip Wallet (above).  The zipper wallet has a small, detachable wrist strap so that you can either carry it solo, or inside your main bag.  I appreciate the full zipper feature – as in, all three sides are zipped up – that keeps my precious credit cards safe and sound.  It has slots for 12+ credit cards – thankfully I don’t have that many! – I put my credit cards on one side and my discount cards for my favorite stores on the other.   The only thing that was a bit awkward for me were the very bottom card holders, as they were a bit more difficult to access.  Certainly not a deal breaker because I just left those empty.  The Haiku Zip Wallet has a great look with a Rumi quote on the outside; I felt well-coordinated carrying it in my To-Go Bag as well as on its own.

Haiku Zip Wallet comes in three colors:  cocoa brown, ocean blue, and ink black.   MSRP $48.   This product is made from 100% post consumer recycled beverage bottles, and saves 7.3 PET bottles from landfill.

The Pouch (above) came in handy when I went out for cocktails with friends. All I needed was the basics with me, and when I debated whether or not to take a purse, this became the perfect solution.   The diminutive Pouch boasts six card slots (one with window for your driver’s license), two bill/receipt pockets, a zippered coin pocket (you can also put your lipstick in there), and a phone compartment.  It comes with a wrist strap, as well as an adjustable strap, so you have wrist, purse, or messenger-style carrying options.  The Pouch is a cute, convenient, hands-free option that you can keep on your body all evening, without the weight or hassle of a larger bag.

Haiku Pouch comes in 7 styles/colors.  MSRP $43.   This product is made from 100% post consumer recycled beverage bottles, and saves 4.3 PET bottles from landfill.

These products are a demonstration of how Haiku as a company strives to live up to its namesake:  Thoughtful, Simple, and Meaningful.  I found the design to be Thoughtful in anticipating my needs, the look to be beautifully Simple, and the manufacture/materials to be Meaningful.   Haiku is a win-win for anyone on the go, and a wonderful gift idea.

Buff is the purveyor of versatile headwear that is a multi-functional,  stylish, unisex alternative to traditional hats for sun protection and warmth. Now Buff is venturing outside their headwear box, and has developed an infinity scarf (Infinity Lyocell Buff) for 2012, that functions much in the same way traditional Buff headwear has been used. Full disclosure – I’m and fan, and I own a couple original Buff pieces, so I was excited to receive the scarf to test.

Buff products are so versatile, that there is a User Guide demonstrating the multiple ways the headwear can be worn.  This holds true for the Infinity Buff too, as versatility and multi-use appear to be in the Buff-brand DNA.  Because the Infinity Buff has more length to it than a traditional Buff, one has even more options for product styling.  Just a few options provided by the company include: single turn, double turn, triple turn, headband, hood, and hood mask.  I am a double-turn or triple-turn girl – these are my favorite ways to wear the Infinity Buff when I am going to the office, outside at the kids’ sports games, or hiking on the trails.

Double turn

The Infinity Lyocell Buff is made of Tencel, which is a poly-blend of 63% lyocell and 33% cotton, and more specifically, eucalyptus fibers, as part of a sustainable strategy. The claim is that Tencel is suitable for sensitive skin, while also allowing for moisture transport. The fabric definitely lends itself to softness against the skin, and it washes up beautifully in a machine (though one could hand wash the Buff quickly with mild soap as an alternative).  No shrinking or stretching, and no special care needed. Even better, the Infinity Buff dries quickly, part of the moisture transport concept, which is a valuable attribute if using the Buff for either travel or physically active pursuits.  A nice bonus is that there are no seams on the Buff, it’s just a single piece of fabric, which limits any fraying or threads pulling apart. As you can see, I tested a solid turquoise color, but there are other colors and fun prints available as well.

The Infinity Buff is a must-have piece for daily urban life, active outdoor pursuits, or as a travel staple.

Triple turn

An added incentive:  one percent of proceeds from Infinity Buff sales will be donated to a non-profit organization that works to better the environment.  MSRP is $35.

The Passage Pants have quickly become a key player in my wardrobe due to their versatility and comfort. The Passage Pants can be worn for many days in a row and look no worse for the wear. These pants feature Lole’s Nano Carbon Light fabric, which is touted as moisture-wicking, wrinkle free, quick-drying, odor resistant, and stretchy. The fabric content breakdown is as follows: 65% nylon, 25% polyester, and 10% Elastane. The combo makes these pants feel really durable and even a bit water resistant if caught in the rain. If that isn’t enough to keep you pleased, the Passage Pants also feature a UPF rating of 50+. These pants truly move with you, which is nice when you are out on the trail.

Passage Pant in Moonlight

The Passage Pants feature belt loops, but you will never need to wear a belt thanks to an internal waistband adjustment system. Inside there is a yellow stretchy band with various cut-outs and varying lengths and a button on each side. To cinch the pants simply pull the yellow band towards your middle and loop around the button on each side to get your customized fit. I found this system to be super handy because these pants sit low on your waist to start with, and stretch out a bit as the day goes on. Having the ability to adjust on the go is a great feature.

Passage Pant in Branch

These pants feature two large front pockets that you can easily put your hands into. The right pocket features a small clip to perhaps clip keys or any other valuables. There is a small zippered pocket just above the knee that I have yet to use. It is a good idea, but I am not sure I will use the pocket because I don’t typically like things moving around as I walk. There are two large rear pockets as well to give a bit of style to your backside.

Rear view of the Passage Pant in Moonlight

The Passage Pants feature a low rise, as mentioned above, and a straight leg. I ordered a size 6 originally to be a little safe, despite having some measurements better suited for a size 4. The size 6 was perfect through the waist, but that was it. I felt that the pants were painted over my thighs. I am an athletic person and have some quads to sport, yet I was surprised by how tight these pants were. I sized up to an 8 and am super happy with how they fit in the legs. I will, however, be using the cinch system because,  after wearing them for a few hours, the pants have stretched out and the waist is now a little big on me.  The inseam is 32″ and I would like to see an option for longer inseam in the future. A boot cut may also work a tad better when wearing these with hiking shoes as well. Despite my minor beefs with these pants, they are a handy addition to my wardrobe because of their ability to blend with casual and active adventures.

The Passage Pants are available in sizes 2-14, in the following versatile colors: Moonlight (gray), Black, and Branch (brown). MSRP is $ 90.

Now what to wear on your top half while traveling? The Theory Top solves this problem and can be worn in combo with the Passage Pant. The Theory top comes in a variety of colors and has contrast stripes to add a bit of fun: brown with white stripes, black with white stripes, white with red or green stripes, and gray with purple stripes.

The Theory Top is a 3 button Henley, with a feminine v-neck line. The top is versatile because it can be worn as a long sleeve or rolled up to 3/4 length. The sleeves are full-length and feature a button fastener and tab to keep them rolled up if temps start to rise.

A generous length, 26 inches, and a curved shirttail round out the details. I typically don’t tuck shirts in, however, I felt more comfortable with this top tucked in due to its longer length. Pair with some jeans and a fun belt to jazz it up a bit (alternatively, it might look good worn out and paired with leggings).   The Theory top is composed of 95% organic cotton that is super soft, while a touch of elastane helps the top to keep its’ shape and move with you when on the go.

The top is a wonderfully soft, easy to care for Organic Cotton, making it a good piece for travel.   Like the Passage Pants, the Theory Top has a UPF factor of 50+.

Available in size XS to XL with an MSRP of $55.

Rugged enough to kick up some trail dust, but clean enough to wear out to your local watering hole…

Horny Toad’s attention to detail is fairly legendary. They’ve been around the outdoor scene for quite some time, and have gained recognition as a company that puts out rugged, long lasting clothing – all without sacrificing comfort or style. Sure, it sounds like a slogan from your local department store, but Horny Toad actually lives up to the promise. With relaxed and casual styling, Horny Toad Activewear feels the same from the first wear to the last.

Up for perusal today, however, is the Dusty 32 pant. We chose to review the Dusty 32 pant for its claim to be a “closet of one”. Horny Toad aimed high with the Dusty 32, and in this tester’s opinion, hit the bullseye. I like the dusty because it really is rugged enough to wear out to the campsite, but clean enough to dress up for a night on the town, followed by church the next day. The Ottomatic canvas fabric (made up of 100% organic cotton) is comfortable enough to wear all day and night – the very first testing day, I wore the pant all day at work, then out to dinner and drinks afterward. They didn’t miss a cue, and looked great with both a work polo and button down.

Check out the triple stitching on the heel cuffs - you aren't walking out of those anytime soon.

How’d they fair out in the wild? I took these pants on a couple of hikes, and was surprised at the fabric durability.  Even after an 8 mile hike (starting early in the freezing cold, and ending up around 60 degrees ) they still felt loose and comfortable – no bunching, chafing, or wrinkling to be found.  After multiple washes, the fabric remained soft yet sturdy.  Horny Toad wasn’t just satisfied with all this, however – they triple reinforced the wear areas on the pant. The cuffs, edges of the pockets, and fly are all stitched to resist wear and fraying. These pants really are built to last.

The bottom line is that if you’re looking for chino that’s great for every occasion, look no further. The Dusty 32 truly is a “closet of one”.

Penumbra Dress in Ginger

The Penumbra Dress by Horny Toad is another top performer in the casual and travel category for fall and winter. The Penumbra is available in ginger, shark, and walnut. I’ve been testing out the dress in shark and for starters, I am not totally convinced that the dress is gray. It almost looks blue when you look at it in certain lights. How can this be? For starters, the Penumbra’s jersey knit features multiple fabrics which means that the dye uptake isn’t universal, meaning it has a little depth or layers of color. I don’t mean this in a tie-dyed sort of way, but more of a soft, multidimensional way.

Sleeve up-close

This close up is not only to show off the wide cuff that features a vent, aka a slit in the cuff, to keep the cuff from feeling too restricting, while also adding a bit of style. The close up also shows off a bit of texture featured in the jersey knit fabric. The fabric combination is called opus, and as Horny Toad says, “An opus is someone’s masterpiece.” So it seems, the opus fabric is something that Horny Toad is very proud of. First off, opus is made from the following combination: 35% Modal® / 25% organic cotton / 25% nylon / 15% angora. Many of you are probably wondering, what the heck is Modal? For starter’s, Modal is a type of rayon, and therefore a bio-based textile made from reconstituted cellulose. Modal is soft and is quite similar to cotton, but offers the following advantages: added resistance to shrinkage, less likely to fade or pill due to friction, and remain soft after multiple washings. By combining all of the great attributes of modal with organic cotton and angora, you get a super soft garment and that is one of my favorite qualities in the Penumbra Dress.

The Penumbra is a tad more conservative than the Nadia Dress that I recently reviewed from prAna, and I don’t mean that in a bad way at all. Rather, the Penumbra has features and style all of its’ own that makes it more work appropriate for me. The shawl collar, featured below, lays nicely and provides adequate coverage up-top, without looking too old fashioned. I love the fabric belt and have worn it tied on the side, front, and back in either a lose bow or even a knot. There are two small loops that help the belt to stay put, yet remain not all that noticeable if you decide not to wear the included belt or want to add your own favorite belt. Wearing the belt adds some definition to the dress, which is otherwise relatively loose fitting and flowing.  The belt does not sit as low as the photo above suggests, rather the photo with the model below is more accurate as the belt sits around your true waist.

Shawl collar

The Penumbra Dress is available in XS to XL. I felt the dress was true to size, as well. The dress features a 37″ length from the shoulder, making it hit a few inches above the knee-depending on your height. I love the soft fabric, but have found that it tends to cling to various leggings and tights that I wear underneath. Therefore, I suggest wearing the Penumbra with a simple slip, something that most outdoorsy chicks don’t think about. Without a slip, the static causes the backside of the dress to get stuck to your bottom, a not so flattering look:) The sleeves are generous in length, added to the cozy feel of the dress.

Note the vertical panels along the front of the dress, these help add some definition to the dress and are also present on the back

The Penumbra Dress is available in Ginger, Walnut (above), and Shark (below)

Rear view of the dress in Shark

MSRP $90

The Nadia dress features a crossover neckline that gathers slightly along the left side seam. For those with A, B, or C cup sizes, the neckline does not seem overly revealing. Unfortunately, I can not speak to how this may fit for larger breasted women, but I anticipate that the stretchy nature of the stress is likely to accommodate most figures. The dress features cuffed sleeves that hit just above the elbow. I have pretty broad shoulders, yet a smaller waist and was hesitant to order a size small. However, according to the size chart that is what I should wear and I was pleased to find that the dress fits in all of the right places. Like I mentioned before, the fabric combination makes this dress very comfortable to wear, as it moves with you. The dress hits about 4 inches above the knee on me and features a 36″ length from the top of the shoulder for a size medium. The model below, makes the dress seem much shorter than it really is. But as I always say, try before you buy.

prAna’s Nadia dress comes in black, cinnamon (photo above), and rain-a soft light blue. I tried out the Nadia in black and couldn’t be happier with this color selection because of its’ simple, classic look. The Nadia is a nice transition piece for the in-between season, while also remaining in the wardrobe rotation come winter. This fall, I have worn the Nadia with bare legs and sandals on warmer occasions. I have also stuck a pair of my favorite leggings underneath for more casual use and when temps are more variable. Come winter, I plan to wear my tall boots or add some fun tights.

With a price tag of only $69.99, this is quite a deal for a dress that can be worn on many different outings. For more information, please visit prAna.com or check with one of our vendors below.

Horny Toad’s Chekov Pant offer a  versatile cotton twill pant that one can get by with wearing at the office or easily pair with a t-shirt for more casual affairs. These cotton twill pants feature a 50/50 mix of your run of the mill cotton and organic cotton. The combo allows you to feel a tad better about your purchase and allows you to not break the bank either, as 100% organic cotton garments can cost quite a bit more.

The Chekov Pant also feature a “subtle tonal check pattern,” per the folks over at Horny Toad. What this means in laymen terms, is that the Chekov pants look as if they have some texture or depth to them. This look is accomplished due to Horny Toad’s attention to detail and the fact that these pants are yarn-dyed, over-dyed, and then washed to achieve the soft, broken in look. Below is a close up to give you a better idea of what I am talking about. I really liked the pattern because it helps to keep the pants looking crisp after a full day of wear by hiding your typical creases from sitting down on the job.

Greystone up close

Now to the fit, which is pretty much the most important part. A pant may look great, but if it dosen’t fit, you aren’t going to buy or wear them. The Chekov Pant is available in sizes 2-4 and come with a 32″, sizes 6-8 with a 33″, and sizes 10-14 with a 34″ inseam. These pants run true to size and sit just above the hip bones, with what Horny Toad calls a midrise. I would tend to call them more of a low rise, yet I feel that my rear is well covered with bending and lifting. The pants are straight through the thighs and are a tad roomier than previous Horny Toad pants in my same size. That being said, if you are pretty athletic, these pants should work. However, if you are pretty slim, the size 2 may still be too large, and unfortunately, they do not offer a size 0 at this time. The 1% of Spandex helps keep these pants from growing a full size as the day goes on, so order your normal size with that in mind.

The Chekov Pant is available in licorice, pictured above with the model and greystone above. The greystone is more of a blue gray color. Additional style features include a double button tab closure and inner button closure and generous front pockets with accent metal rivets on the side. Back welt pockets round out the list of details. The Chekov pants are super easy to care for, wash and wear. Typically, I line dry and then fluff them with a few minutes in the dryer to get rid of any remaining wrinkles. The Chekov Pant retails for $79.99 and is available from one of the vendors below.

Metallic/Pewter

Sperry Top-Sider’s! Let me guess, you are thinking of the classic 2 Eye Boat Shoe that your parents (and maybe you) had when you were a kid. These days, Sperry Top-Sider is offering more than their classic boat shoes and are making a splash in the casual, dress, boots, sandals, performance shoe lines.

The shoe featured above, is the Anglefish Slip-On Boat Shoe in Pewter/Metallic Leather. This shoe serves as a prime example of how Sperry Top-Sider is spiffing up its’ shoe line to meet the changing times. I have been wearing the Anglefish shoes for the past month to work and play, pairing them with jeans-twill pants or shorts. They are grabbing a lot of attention for their looks as well. People will say, “Are those Sperry’s? They are so cute!”

Black Nubuck/Shearling

These shoes are more than simply cute and have found a place in my shoe rotation. For starter’s the molded EVA cushioned midsole packs just enough comfort for all day wear. The Lacing system allows you to adjust the fit a touch, without having to sacrifice the slip on style. Make sure you tie the leather tie pretty tight, as it is prone to slipping throughout the day. These shoes did not require any break in period and were good to go from day one. I have yet to get a hot spot, or noticed a blister producing area. The padded tongue gives a bit with each step, helping to reduce any friction that may occur with many steps. They run true to size; I ordered by typical size 9 and felt they were spot on.

The Anglefish shoes are hand-sewn and utilize water resistant leather. Because these are slip-ons, I don’t foresee myself using these in a raging storm, but it is good to know that they will not be damaged by the occasional drizzle. The outsole is comprised of non-marking rubber, making them boat deck safe and provide a bit of traction that you don’t typically get from a slip on shoe. The craftsmanship of the shoes appears just like the days of old, with tight seams and quality leather.

The Anglefish shoes come in 8 different color/pattern options and are just one example of Sperry’s ability to straddle the line of performance and fashion. If you check out their website, you can see their expanded line of shoes to pick from. So far, I have been pleased with my selection and hope to wear these until the snow starts to fly. When temperatures drop, the Anglefish with Shearling look like a great option to help keep my feet cozy!

Please visit SperryTopsider.com for more information.

prAna asks the question, can a t-shirt initiate global change? It seems that the answer is yes! prAna is one of five companies in the USA that have produced a Fair Trade Certified garment. The Soul T, featured above and aptly named has done some serious traveling by the time it enters your closet. The top is comprised of 100% organic cotton that is super soft to the touch and has been sewn in Liberia by the Liberian Women’s Sewing Project. The Liberian Women’s Sewing Project is a non-profit organization that aims at educating and empowering Liberian women to evoke change in their communities and enter the global market. Teaming up with prAna seems like a perfect match, as prAna has been long known for their ability to produce stellar garments while promoting positive change and being a leader with their sustainability practices.

Putting on the Soul T kind of gives you a since of pride or satisfaction knowing that the best work practices were used to produce your garment. Here is a video to help understand the story behind your special tee: http://www.prana.com/blog/2011/03/29/can-one-tee-initiate-global-change/

The top comes in sizes XS to XL and is available in 3 fun colors. Runs true to size, hits just at the hips. Line dry for best results and to avoid minor shrinking.

In the future, prAna hopes to push the boundaries and offer more Fair Trade Certified garments to their consumers. Congrats to prAna for taking the outdoor clothing world into uncharted waters, a practice we hope to see more of.

For more information on the Liberian Women’s Sewing Project, please visit http://www.madeinliberia.org/about.html

You expect superior quality and cutting edge technology when you think of Mountain Hardwear products. So you are probably confused to read that this review is of a dress, yes a dress! Not only any dress, the Loess dress which is ready to handle just about any occasion: and look great right out of your pack.

The Loess is made from organic cotton and has just enough stretch to move with you, yet remain super soft against your skin. If you are familiar with Patagonia summer dresses, the Loess dress is made from a slightly heavier weight cotton. With that said, it is still light and comfy in the summer heat. The dress does not require any ironing and wrinkles tend to disappear after a few minutes of wear or a bit of time on a hanger, making the Loess a great travel dress. Speaking of travel, there is also a small zippered compartment over the left hip that can carry an ID, credit card, or a simple key if needed without bulging out too much.

The dress is form fitting-has nice wide shoulder straps, racerback design, and an integrated shelf bra. By combining these features you don’t have to worry about trying to hide your bra straps and can wear almost any bra in your drawer. There is a keyhole at the back that offers a bit of style, while a slight scoop neck helps keep the front of the dress from looking to much like a tennis dress. The integrated shelf bra adds additional support, when needed, or provides enough support for those that don’t have to worry about fussing with a bra. The dress curves in nicely around the torso and along the back, keeping the dress from looking to boxy or frumpy. The length is also perfect-hitting me just above the knee: long enough to cover your back side, yet short enough to be youthful and fun.

I ordered a size small and it is a perfect fit for me; looking at the size guide my measurements fit exactly within the small category, meaning that this dress does run true to size. The dress has kept it shape after a few trips through the wash with a few minutes in the dryer followed by some line drying time. Out here in Colorado, the summer sun can dry my garments quicker, and albeit more economically, than the dryer I own.

The Loess Dress is going to remain a staple in my summer wardrobe as the temps keep on rising here in Colorado. Available in size XS to XL and in the following colors: Rhododendron (more of a berry color-lighter in person), Royal Ice (lighter than royal blue in person), and black.