As an admitted thrift store addict, I generally carry a tape measure with me to best evaluate tablecloth length, planter height, skirt waist and what have you. Looks like it’s time to get rid of the ridiculous black-and-yellow industrial behemoth I inherited from my handy husband.

Another great Travel Goods Show find: Malcolm Fontier, who designs carryalls with creative urban travelers in mind. The Mojito, for example, is a nice little travel wallet with a flat pocket for folded-up currency and a main compartment that holds four cards in place with a colorful little elastic strap. Great for traveling light. Also, Industrial Designer Fontier and his fiancee/co-founder are vegetarian and so worked hard to find a material for these that looks and acts like leather but isn’t.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Win Malcolm Fontier gear through March at malcolmfontier.com. Click on the “Important Notice” on the bottom of the home page to sign up. They’re giving away bags to the first five names drawn and wallets to the next five.

Apologies for my extended absence, folks. I’m back! And I give you, direct from the 2009 Travel Goods Show, my new crush, this lovely white-leather laptop sleeve—sleek, but with a sense of humor. Fun to schlep around; fun to close. I heart it so much that I’ve developed a use for it beyond travel, one that plays into my ongoing quest to integrate both more organization and more relaxation into my daily life. My new goal: End the day by turning the laptop off and placing it, on my empty desktop, in this beauty. A laptop sleeve that inspires me to be a better person? Now that’s true love.

I’ll be back with more on Monday. Promise.

I’m in Las Vegas checking out what’s new in luggage and other travel goods at the Travel Goods Association’s annual show. Of course I tacked on a few extra days to enjoy the over-the-topness of Sin City—too tempting, especially since I haven’t seen 70 degrees in, what, five months now? I’ll be back with the scoop on my favorite finds in a week or so.