Gear Review: Wool Underwear for Hot Summer Temperatures

With temperatures soaring above 90 F in large swaths of the U.S. this summer, many people may be surprised to learn that I’m perfectly comfortable wearing Merino wool underwear. Yes, you read that correctly: wool underwear. This natural fiber easily wicks away sweat, keeping you perfectly cool, dry, and comfortable, whether you’re running for a bus or hiking a strenuous trail. I prefer SmartWool undergarments because they are a Colorado-based company with the garments made in America. They manufacture a select variety of underwear styles for men and women: bikinis, bras and boxer shorts. These undergarments don’t retain odor and they dry rapidly when washed. The fibers also stand the test of time. (I have two pairs of underwear that I bought more than five years ago, and they still wear well despite being repeatedly washed.)

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Packing Light for Winter Travels

Visiting Greenland in the fall with only a carry-on weekender tote bag for five days of travel seems impossible. But not for someone like me who never checks luggage. I simply wore  my heaviest clothing -- including boots -- on the plane. (I removed these as soon as I was seated; rolling them into an ultra-light tote bag that I then used as a pillow. Below are some of the heaviest items, including a wool hoodie, two jackets -- one fleece and one insulated -- and the snow boots that have cleats. I also wore black leggings, a Merino wool sleeveless dress and a Merino wool long-sleeved shirt. In my bag I packed one pair of winter pants, two tee shirts, a rain jacket, several pair of wool socks, two pair of Ex-Officio underwear, three wool skirts, and two Merino wool long-sleeved shirts. Aside from the clothing, I packed my first-aid kit, a zip-lock with liquids (shampoo, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant). My small personal bag -- a tiny backpack -- contained my iPad, camera, notebook, and all of the personal in-flight items I recently blogged about here. When my flight landed, I was the only passenger who didn't have to wait at the carousel for my luggage.

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Gear Review: Comfy Après Ski Slippers

Cold weather has finally blanketed much of the nation today, bringing to mind that ski season is near. When I go cross country skiing, there's nothing better than hanging out in a cozy lodge at the end of a long day near a roaring fire with a glass of wine. Normally I curl up on a strategically placed arm chair or sofa far from any chilling breezes, wearing a fleece jacket and pants and thick wool socks. But these colorful slippers by Giesswein are warm sans socks. First, I fell in love with the  hand-stitched floral motif, representing the wildflowers you'd find in Austrian fields.  Then, I marveled at the comfort, especially because I didn't expect the quality arch support. Though it's constructed of wool, the upper isn't itchy on my bare feet that also didn't sweat in this slippers. Finally, the natural materials fit my eco sensibility: the dyes are derived from vegetables; no synthetic cements or glues were used in its manufacture and only natural materials were used in its construction -- aside from the wool, there's recycled carbon, natural jute and rubber.

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Stylish, Warm Wool Wear

Why write about a wool infinity scarf in May? Because in the Northeast, it still feels a bit like winter, with nighttime temperatures in New York City dropping into the 40s F. Not so perfect for wearing sandals, but perfect for wearing my new Krimson Klover infinity scarf. I received it a month ago and, thanks to the unseasonably cool weather, I’ve worn it almost every day. (Here are a couple of links -- here and here -- for more infinity scarves.) The fun-feminine scarf gives even the most casual clothing a sophisticated air along with providing warmth without the bulk one might expect. The merino wool/mohair fabric is soft and the color palette is subdued with just a hint of vibrancy, perfect for when I make sales calls during the week (for my clothing and accessories line) or during networking events. In fact, I’ve had business women stop me on the street in Greenwich, Connecticut to inquire where I bought this fashionable item. Not only do I love the high quality yarns they rely on in their scarves, dresses, sweaters and skirts, but it’s a women-owned and operated company based in Boulder, Colorado. (Yeah for Made in America.)

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