THE RIGHT STUFF: On the Go!

Written by

Amanda Rae Busch

Photography by

Kevin Sprague

Gear up with fun shopping finds for August

ROLL WITH IT

To take the Strida Personal Transporter for a spin is to experience a revelation: unlike a full-scale bicycle, its funky, angular frame folds down flat in five seconds; powder-coated, rustproof aluminum and a greaseless Kevlar chain negate messy mishaps; and at just twenty-two pounds, it’s fairly easy to haul up stairs. Once you get over the pseudo-ridiculous aesthetic (it is, after all, a 1987 product of the U.K.—producer of Marmite, Simon Cowell, and the original Office), you’ll be whizzing around town, grinning in response to honking cars and envious pedestrians. And, says Jodi Joseph, cycling fanatic and retail maven behind Hardware at MASS MoCA, “Coolest bike bell, ever.”

About $1,000 at Hardware at MASS MoCA, 87 Marshall St., North Adams, Mass., 413.664.4481 ext. 8140

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE
Still fretting about whether your water bottle is BPA-free? Switch to stainless steel, already—Blue Q just launched a line of 20-ouncers splashed with eco-witticisms in lead-free inks. And drink up for a very cool cause: a portion of proceeds benefits Nature Conservancy programs.

About $18 at Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, 444 North St., Pittsfield, Mass., 413.443.1792; JWS Art Supplies, 38 Railroad St., Great Barrington, Mass., 413.644.9838; Lenox Old Country Store, 67 Church St., Lenox, Mass., 413.637.9702; Seeds & Co., 34 Railroad St., Great Barrington, Mass., 413.528.8122; Shima Boutique, 105 Main St., North Adams, Mass., 413.346.1055

BEAUTY IN THE BREAKDOWN
Solving an age-old fashion dilemma with a Berkshire twist is Perfect PouchWear, a new line of no-fuss travel wear that can be stuffed into suitcases—or its own, built-in pocket—and then worn without looking like you’ve slept in your clothes. The brightly patterned tops, tunics, and dresses transition from tennis court to dinner table with ease, and, best of all, are “designed to fit all bodies,” says Allison Marchese, co-creator with Susan Simonson. Indeed, the stretchy poly/spandex knit separates drape to flatter and are super-soft on skin—pretty sweet on sticky days, and also “the only clothes that fit in your purse!”

About $30 to $70 at Church Street Trading Company, 4 Railroad St., Great Barrington, Mass., 413.528.6120; C&K Tack, 2552 Route 66, Chatham, N.Y., 518.392.7433; Glad Rags, 66 Church St., Lenox, Mass., 413.637.0088; Groovi, 21 Main St., Chatham, N.Y., 518.392.9107; Vlada Boutique, Elm St., Stockbridge, Mass., 413.298.3656

IN RAINBOWS
If getting sweaty in the Great Outdoors isn’t your thing, at least take a tin of thirty-six Melissa Sweet Colored Pencils to your favorite sketching site en plein air. With telltale names like “Honeysuckle Nectar,” “Fiddlehead, “Skipping Stones,” and “Five in the Morning,” you’ll likely be inspired to stretch your legs on a nature walk.

About $18 at The Clark Museum Shop, 225 South St., Williamstown, Mass., 413.458.0520;

ABOUT A BUOY
Once you flip a watercraft sans life jacket (uh, as I did in the Housatonic River last summer), you’ll never forget it. First, you’ll tell even random strangers about your splash with death; then you’ll scout a specimen you might actually wear next time. The PVC-free, front-zip Clearwater Type III is just such a PFD (personal flotation device): its sleek profile is due in part to a mesh back panel, which won’t bump against kayak seat backs, and roomier-than-usual arm openings. Multiple pockets, including an interior keychain fob, and eight-way strap adjustment leave you with little excuse to go without.

About $70 at Berkshire Outfitters, Route 8, North Adams, Mass., 413.743.5900

STYLE TO A TEE
Mary, our super-hot Berkshire Living senior designer and resident golfer, went wild when she laid eyes on the new line of accessories from Keri Golf. Which is totally understandable when you see ’em in person: cart bags, stand bags, and travel bags with padded compartments galore, in bright color combinations of fun fabrics—chic patent leather m’lady?—plus a variety of sleek club-head covers and purses to take off-course post-game. You may intimidate opponents, but you’ll definitely appear a classy broad.