Parisian Chic City Guide. Photo courtesy of Ines de la Fressange.
In an effort to uncover the best in travel, we spend a lot of time traversing the world — and the world wide web. Sometimes these searches turn up a beautiful boutique hotel or an unexpectedly-delicious restaurant, a soothing botanical face serum, or a 3D camera. For this week's Travel Loot, we're sharing the items Team Fathom can't stop thinking and talking about.
"I'm planning a trip to Paris, which means research, research, and more research — because nothing makes me sadder than learning about something awesome after I've returned home. First up on my reading list (outside of the Fathom Paris guide, obviously) is Ines de la Fressange's Parisian Chic City Guide. I visited her shop in Saint-Germain last summer and fell in love with the wicker hanging lights and rustic furniture, so I know she'll steer me in the right direction. Other books I'm perusing include The Paris Guide from Petite Passport for design finds, Bonjour Paris for beautiful illustrations and local picks, and The Monocle Travel Guide Series, Paris because I had a great experience with their Tokyo edition." – Berit, editor
Price: $15
Available at: amazon.com
"A good moisturizer means everything on a long flight. I've been traveling with True Botanical soothing face oil, a California-based line that uses organic and natural ingredients like blue chamomile, pomegranate seed, and grape seed to protect skin and help retain moisture." – Berit, editor
Price: $110
Available at: truebotanicals.com
"Lately I've been obsessed with virtual reality/360-degree videos, but all the cameras look so weird/too bulky. Then I saw the Vuze camera. I can't believe how small it is! The downside is that it's only available for pre-order right now, set to deliver by October. (Birthday present, Fathom pals? Hint. Hint.)" – Becky, assistant editor
Price: $799 for the full kit
Available at: vuze.camera
"Yayoi Kusama's pumpkins are some of my favorite art pieces ever, and the Naoshima art island in Japan has been high on my to-go list ever since I read this Fathom story. My cousin was in Naoshima earlier this year, and she surprised me with the sweetest Kusama Pumpkin tenugui. Thank you! I'll be wearing it all summer." – Becky, assistant editor
Price: $33
Available at: amazon.com
"I’m in the market for a new bike. And while I’m going to get another junk bicycle from Craigslist, that isn’t stopping me from dreaming about the new VanMoof SmartBike. It’s only available for pre-order, but it looks like the ultimate two-wheeler. The lock is touch-sensitive. The frame has anti-theft bolts. And the smartphone-connected bike is outfitted with GPS tracking technology. If it’s stolen, VanMoof will find it within two weeks and replace it if they can’t." – Daniel, editorial assistant
Price: From $1,098
Available at: vanmoof.com
"I'm always on the lookout for a new carry-on, and this Cuyana tote looks divine. It passes every test on my list: must fit under the seat in front of me, must be a strong material (Argentine leather) that securely zips, must be simple but elegant. Designed in San Francisco, the bag is versatile enough for the beach or crowded city streets. It has a detachable strap, so I can carry it on my shoulder or as a satchel. And I love how the touch of gold on the interior and exterior zippers coordinate perfectly with the navy body." – Madison, editorial intern
Price: $185
Available at: cuyana.com
"Summer is here and bikini season is in full swing. Most of my swimsuits are tired or on the young side, so I'm in the market for a new one. This Ralph Lauren one-piece seems just right — not too mom-ish yet modest enough for comfort. The scoop back is sophisticated and sexy, perfect for laying out by the pool or on the deck of a yacht. It's a slight splurge for swimwear, but such a classic look that I decide it's totally worth it." – Madison, editorial intern
Price: $250
Available at: ralphlauren.com
"I'm a little late on the Turkish towel bandwagon, but when my mom and I came across these classics in San Francisco last year, I fell hard. They're light, quick-drying, incredibly soft, and can be used as both bath and beach towels. I like to bring one with me when I'm traveling so that I don't have to worry about carrying around a wet, moldy towel in my suitcase. And when I get cold, I use it as a cozy blanket." – Xenia, editorial intern
Price: $45
Available at: turkish-t.com
"I'm over five-dollar sunglasses. I have enough broken frames lying around to sponsor some 'cool' college student’s art project. I’m considering a pair of Hetmans. The sunglasses are hand-carved by some of the most respected woodworkers from the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine. And their designs are seriously dope. – Daniel
Price: $99
Available at: hetmans.com
"I'm usually too much of a minimalist to pack too many gadgets, but after spending a week on a business trip as a bad-hair victim of the hotel's flimsy blow dryer, I was delighted to learn about Drybar's Baby Buttercup, a small but powerful travel version. It will more than fit the bill." – Pavia, CEO
Price: $135
Available at: thedrybar.com
"I came across these wildly adorable wooden figurines on Trendland and thought they'd make a great addition to my mantle of curiosities at home.
Japanese kokeshi dolls are traditional keepsakes given as tokens of friendship. Inspired by one found in an antiques shop, English artist Becky Kemp began painting her own six-inch wooden dolls — with a pop icon twist. You'll recognize Frida with her unibrow, Karl with his black shades, Yayoi with her polka dots, and Ghandi in his dhoti. But I currently have Prince (purple blazer, jerry curl) and Magritte (tie of clouds, tiny bowler, green apple) in my shopping cart. And I would love to get a few customized as gifts for friends." – Jeralyn, editorial director
Price: £36.80
Available at: sketchinc.bigcartel.com
"The first time I saw The White Moustache yogurt at my local grocer, I had three questions. The first was: What kind of crazy person pays $6 for yogurt? The second was: Orange blossom with honey and walnuts? And then: Who is the mastermind behind this?
Middle Eastern ingredients — dates, quince, sour cherry — are whipped into decadent dollops of Greek and Persian goodness by a genius Iranian woman in a kitchen in Red Hook. It is the most delicious and expensive yogurt I have ever eaten. And the cheapest route to paradise. Made in small batches and tough to come by, I need to act fast. I'm not the only one. My parents, my barista, my dry cleaner, even my OBGYN are hooked. Just this week, I saw a family carrying a dozen glass jars down the dairy aisle." – Jeralyn, editorial director
Price: $6 per jar
Available at: thewhitemoustache.com (you may have to email to lobby for them to be carried by a grocer near you).
"Who doesn't love a pop of color on their feet? I love a cool, boho gladiator sandal. High on my list are these chic, fun Munguzu Sisters sandals made near Athens, designed and handmade by a mother-daughter duo. I will rock them with boyfriend jeans or some cut offs. The entire collection rocks, including the Moroccan kaftans." – Kate, contributing editor
Price: £150
Available at: muzungusisters.com
"A few weeks ago, I fell in love with pretty much everything at the Hamptons boutique Addo Sag Harbor, though perhaps most of all with the bags made by Mapa Colombia. I'm a magpie for snakeskin, and this little clutch is so, so good and will take up no room in my luggage." – Pavia, CEO
Price: $295
Available at: mapacollective.com
We make every effort to ensure the information in our articles is accurate at the time of publication. But the world moves fast, and even we double-check important details before hitting the road.
