Invisible Belt

My friend Sue brought this product to my attention, and it's such a great idea, in the "Why didn't I think of that?" category. It's a clear, adjustable belt that lies completely flat against your pants. I never wear belts, mostly because I don't like the buckle protruding out when I wear fitted shirts. This completely solves that problem. Also, it's great if you want to prevent that gap in the back of your jeans when you sit down, as shown in the picture above. It's stretchy too, so it's not restrictive like a regular belt. So basically when you need a belt, but don't want to wear one, this is perfect. The regular size adjusts up to size 10, and they also have plus size versions. It retails for $16.95 at Isabelt.com.

Makeup Train Case

I have a confession to make: I miss my Caboodle! Remember Caboodles? The brightly colored plastic makeup organizers that everyone at my junior high had? My makeup and brushes and tools are currently spread between various drawers, cosmetics bags and bins. As a result, I cannot find anything. Hence the yearning for my old Caboodle. Here's the problem: I would be somewhat embarrassed to keep this on my vanity, much less carry it around by its clear plastic handle anywhere in public. Unfortunately, I am now too old to carry a Caboodle. (However, if you are in junior high, you really need to go to Target and get one!)

Luckily, I have found a grown up version of the Caboodle, and I cannot tell you how excited I am to share it with you! It's the Sephora Train Case, and it is awesome. Look at all the tiered shelving! It comes in several styles, but I like this limited edition ivory mock-croc version for $110. It combines the functionality of the beloved Caboodle with a more glamorous aesthetic.

On a side note, this would make a great gift for anyone who loves makeup and/or organizational tools.

The Magic of Dryel

Have you guys used Dryel? Because it is awesome. I hate the bottomless money pit that is the drycleaners. I have a ton of dry clean only stuff, and if I had to take it to the dry cleaners after every wear, I would be broke. Enter Dryel.

Here's how it works: you put your dry clean only stuff into the Dryel bag along with a pad saturated with cleaning solution, throw it in the dryer for 30 minutes, and like magic, Dryel steam cleans your clothes, removes any odors and leaves them perfectly wrinkle-less.

It also comes with a stain remover that works really well. My one word of caution is to always test the stain remover on your clothes to make sure that the color won't bleed and that it won't leave a ring when it dries.

I personally take most of my clothes with stains or which I haven't dry cleaned in a while to the cleaners. But to freshen up clothes, remove wrinkles, etc., Dryel is perfect and will save you a ton of money. I use it on non-dry clean only clothes too sometimes, if I don't feel like ironing (which, honestly, I never feel like ironing).

You can buy Dryel at any drugstore, discount store or supermarket. A starter kit is about $10, but if you go to the Dryel website, you can get a $4 off coupon.

Shop Review: b. chic

This weekend I went to check out b. chic, a boutique located in the Mira Vista shopping center on Bee Cave Road, about 1 mile west of Mopac. I absolutely love this place! It's a great space, with hardwood floors and a sort of quaint but fun atmosphere, and it's packed with a really eclectic collection of clothes, gift items, bags and accessories.

Misti, the owner of b. chic, was extremely helpful and friendly, but in a very low-key, non-pushy way. They have a really cute collection of gift items, including beautifully packaged candles, monogrammed bags, paper weights and picture frames. They also have a lot of quirky items, like this adorable sewing kit for $8, which I really need to buy and keep in my office.

They sell designer handbags, including "pre-loved" Louis Vuitton bags which are guaranteed to be authentic. Such a great idea, and so much safer than eBay.

In the back of the store, they carry denim by Freedom of Choice, a line by designer Nathan Menashe, formerly of Joe's Jeans. Check out the cute pocket detail with an embroidered dove. These jeans are super soft and had a really great fit. There's also a nice selection of cute tops, tees, dresses and belts.

They have a really nice jewelry collection, including a lot of pieces by Austin designers. I love this necklace in a mix of sterling silver and gold for $50 by Austin designer Sikara, and the gold filled leaf necklace by Austin designer Mingle for $96.

Attention to detail

My friend Jenny sent me a tip about some very cool products from a company called Gal-Pal.

First, these pads which remove deodorant stains--ingenious! I hate pulling on a black shirt and then having to spend the next 10 minutes trying to remove all the white streaks. One pack is $10, and comes with 2 pads.

They also make a double-stick fashion tape, which is $6. Jenny was saying she uses this tape to keep button-down shirts from gaping open, and I've used it to keep up a strapless dress. This tape is also great for keeping deep v-necks in place, temporarily fixing a ripped hem, or keeping slingback shoes from slipping off your heels (ugh, is there anything more annoying?).

I love these products because in my opinion, details really matter. There's no way to look put together when you have white streaks on your clothes or when everyone can see into your shirt, am I right?

Available at Luxe Apothetique at the Domain, or the Gal-Pal website.