PortaPocket Notebook

Scary isn't it?

Now that Halloween is just around the corner, the thought of how you're going to carry your cell phone, ID and keys+ to the party may be inciting some frightening ideas...

hmm.... let's see...
stick it in the ole underwear? 
how about that waistband trick?
inside the boot?  ...or in the bra?

no. no. no and no
Don't let those things happen to you...
PortaPocket to the rescue! 

Here's your costume fashion fix.
Help yourself. ;)

So... did you think you saw us on Shark Tank...?

Like so many others, we love the show. And watch it often. But when people ask us, "weren't you on that show...?" well... the answer is... that wasn't us. It was another company that overlaps a bit into the space of where we are...but not really.

And it's a company which pretty much has ceased business at this point. http://sharktanksuccess.blogspot.com/2012/12/partie-poche.html 

We'd actually been called by producers for the show, and they liked PortaPocket a lot. So they asked us to apply, and then...

they said no.

And the next season, we tried out again.

And then...

they took on the other company.

And then we tried a third time and ...

no dice either.

All we got that last time was one of the ABC staff members running over to take a picture of THE LEG,

and of course a bunch of smiles / stares...

but that was it. ;/

 *sigh*

Ah, well....what can you do. We're just going to keep going...
making solutions to the lack-of-usable-pockets-in-our-clothes problem,
and will continue to be here to help you...

help YOURSELF! ;)

What to do about that NFL Bag Ban...

You've probably heard by now that there are new rules on what fans can now acceptably carry into stadiums. After the Boston Marathon bombing, pro sports organizations have had their hand forced to make changes in order to improve safety of the situation...or at least make an effort to. And although it really may be just that, it can come off as rather anti-women with these restrictions on purses.

 

Here's info on the whole enchilada:  

http://www.nfl.com/qs/allclear/index.jsp

SO are you thinking you can't carry what you need now?
No worries... PortaPocket to the rescue! Although women may be griping about having to carry their unmentionables in those NFL approved clear bags, you really don't have to. Just think of it like you're going on vacation to an unknown...and maybe not the safest....area. "Concealed carry" is the key. And you'll never be forced to expose your time-of-month things, again ;)

Some things can still remain private.

Amen.

How to discreetly carry a tampon (hands free)!

Worry not. Now you can avoid embarrassment and carry all those girly things you need...

Who wasn't been there before? it's that time of the month and you don't want to broadcast that fact that you're on your period to the world, let alone that cute guy you've been noticing at the gym. Now... finally. There's a solution!  Your little secret agent is here...

PortaPocket to the rescue

No more sticking a tampon in your bra or up your sleeve… or having to pretend nothing’s in your hand while you make a mad dash for the restroom. Us gals have constantly needed to get “creative” every month when dealing with that human condition. Why can’t clothing designers recognize the need for women’s clothes to have pockets? And even when they DO include pockets in garments, why can’t they design them so they actually WORK?  

Fortunately there are new ways to manage this common conundrum. Easily and comfortably. No sewing needed. This handy little accessory will help you help yourself. And it’s so lightweight, you’ll almost forget it’s there. Simply wrap the band around where you like, and you’re good to go. Works discreetly around your thigh, calf, ankle, arm or waist/ hip, and under your outfit so noone will even know.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Why not simply be prepared?

Confidence is beautiful!

YES, we fit iPhone6 /iPhone6Plus and Galaxy Note 4 (& ends 'BendGate'!)

With apple's new lineup of iPhones now out, and Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 here...people are trying to figure out how they're going to carry the larger devices around with them. Clothing pockets are often ill designed to handle the size of these smartphones, and even if you're able to (barely) squeak one in there, no doubt it's ready to fall out, or you're trying to sit or bend there (hmmm...comfy yet?) No problem. We can help.

Our XL PortaPocket pocket is sized to be able to handle either iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, the 6 even with a case on it first, and the 6 Plus, perhaps also with a sleeve. Or the Galaxy Note 4, too. And of course this means you can WEAR your phone, as well. No theft, loss, bending damage or droppage. yay! Here's a photo showing this pocket size along with a Galaxy Note, and one with the iPhone 6:

Video demo showing how iPhone6Plus fits in the XL pocket: http://youtu.be/Je9BL5Qj6EA           

As soon as the 6Plus is more readily available, we'll see what other possibilities there are with sizing (phone+case). Stay tuned for more info... and photos... as we have them. But either way...  freedom is YOURS!                          

*Recommended kits for carrying iPhone6/6Plus or Galaxy Note, try our Combo Kit or our Waist Belt with Pocket Kit (choose an XL pocket)...examples of how to wear it (on these very small gals ;), below:    

Yoga pants & leggings with real, usable pockets? Yes please! (& for sweat pants & joggers too...)

I love these types of pants. I wear them all the time. But if you're like me, you probably noticed the pockets in them are so tiny you might be able to get a tissue in there. or maybe an ID, or a single flat key. But  that's about it.  

And as for your phone? Not a chance.
not even close.

The thing is...many of us like to listen to our tunes while we work out. And that means keeping our phones handy. Sure, there are all kinds of armbands & 'fitness belts' out there, but armbands often don't adjust well for smaller linbs, have a tendency to slip down & can dig into your skin, and fitness belts can only be worn one way. Truthfully many of there are not all that comfy while you're working out, and aren't effective for many other uses. Which brings us back to why we need pockets for our yoga pants. 

Try as sportswear manufacturers might, there just isn't a way to make an attractive pair of body-conscious yoga pants that can effectively hold a phone. Ever (lol!).  So they should stop trying. After all, when you're working out at the gym and on all kinds of different equipment, your body is moving in all kinds of ways. Which means now you're sitting on whatever is in your fixed-size, fixed-position pocket in your clothes... or you're trying to bend there. Comfy yet? Plus, if you're actually trying to use that pocket in your pants, now it's bulging out with the phone jammed in there (not to so sexy for your silhouette), and ruining the line of your look.  All in all, it's nothing but a problem.

 So what are the alternatives? Before we even think of calling that bra into duty...let's just not given their phone-killing sweat and those no-good emissions by your chest.  Sure, some women resort to the waistband trick, but sweat continues to be an issue there, and unsecured devices fall down the leg. File that under 'whoops!'

The good news is.... you're in the right place for solutions to this problem, and on your way to FREEDOM! The secret is out... PortaPocket is IN!  

Try this (or this) and you will enjoy confidence... and peace of mind.
Your yoga pants will thank you.

xoxo

5 reasons why pockets in your clothes don't work...

and how to fix that ;)

I think we all feel that there are never enough pockets in the outfits we are wearing, on occasion. But are pockets in our garments really going to be the solution to the problems we're having?

I was wearing pants with pockets that day my spare tampon decided to take a little unannounced stROLL on the free weights room floor at the gym. *whoops!* So much for that... ;/ And have you seen those gym shorts and yoga pants with the zippered pocket on the back side? Doesn't seem to make much sense if you plan to do sit ups, or even sit down, at all...!

Away from the gym thing...while out working one day, I was wearing a Scottevest vest with a whole lot of pockets. I thought it was great until I literally lost my sunglasses in it. And I couldn't remember which pocket my glasses were in for the life of me. Sometimes more isn't more. And sometimes less isn't less.

As we all know...pocket fail happens... that's the reality. let me count the ways:

1. Your things don’t fit.
These days, practically everyone carries a cell phone. And some smart phones are getting larger. Even though they’re still relatively small (let’s say compared to a toaster ;) every inch counts! Ever try to put a Galaxy phone into a pants pocket?

2. Your things fall out.
When you sit in your car. or lay on that bench at the gym. or ride on that roller coaster.
Here comes the whoops.

3. You can’t bend.
Pockets are often right by the hips, so you can easily put your hands in them. Which is a good! The trouble starts when you want to use those same pockets to put your things. which means it’s right where you’re trying to bend when you sit. So that’s bad :(

4. It gets uncomfortable.
Keys jab. Phones and wallets feel bulky in small spaces and get sweaty when worn too close to the skin. Now you’re sitting on your stuff and getting sciatica.

5. It just doesn’t look good.
Isn’t it fun to find clothing with pretty pockets? Or one that has discreet pockets so you don’t ruin the line of the outfit? Seems like a WIN! At least until you actually use them to put your things. Let the bulges begin…

!

So that's my rant. But I can't imagine I'm the only one who feels this way...how about you?

...

Have you ever had a "situation" like any of these?

--------------------------------------------

* Has your cell fallen into the toilet?

* Money fallen out of your pocket?

* Tampon made an unscheduled appearance?

* Coins rained down on an amusement park ride?

* Wallet caused back or butt problems?

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Please comment below and let us know!

Renaissance faire, anyone?

Last weekend it was time for our annual trek up to Wisconsin and the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Always a treat! We've been going for years now, and this time we took some friends with us so it was double the fun :)

I always have a good time watching how the women in costume get "true to the age" by stuffing their money in their cleavage, which inevitably leads to "the conversation!"

This year Angelina wore her belly dancer outfit she got when we went there last year, and had her dragonfly PortaPocket on her leg underneath so she could have money handy when she wanted to add to her fairy collection :)  Sweet!  Such a proud moment when your kid finally "gets" why you do what you do... 

XO!

Of course, what do cell phones have in common with medieval times? Not much but you know we all need our cameras (and out lifelines) with us, right?  So, inevitably, you'll also see a little bit of things like this: 

    and       and   

Where the pockets aren't big enough, but phones get shoved in them anyway (whether they work or not...) really can't be all that comfortable, and what about when you sit down? hmmm.....maybe next time for those moms...

Anywho...what about you? have you ever been to a Renaissance faire?

What do you wear when you go?

Who's been watching the World Cup?

I guess I should know a little bit more about what is going on here (considering it's been in the news everyday), but honestly I really haven't been paying much attention. One thing I do know is there's a big viewing party in Chicago scheduled for tomorrow and I thought of going down there (wearing my leg, 'natch) for the fun of it, but the wee one wants to go swimming, so...

family first!

I hope those who have ventured to Rio are enjoying the festivities and the electric atmosphere...and finding Brazil a welcome host.  One day I'll get down there, too....

PortaPocket riding shotgun ;)

THANK YOU, DAD!

It's Father's Day and I am grateful. Grateful to still have my dad to this day. He who worked so hard for our family when we were small. And spent much time doing so many things so we could have a decent life.

And to all those other fabulous fathers out there who taught their children so much, starting so young. For those who worked so hard to give their kids the things they wished for, even if those things really weren't all that important in the grand scheme. Child-like wishes can be dreams realized. Even if just for a moment...

Savor the time you share with your father. It is precious. It is a gift.

xo