It Came in the Mail

An occasional look at products the travel industry insists we need.

WHAT: Palm purse

AIMED AT: Travelers who prefer to keep their valuables in hand.

HOW MUCH: $12 for the sporty model.

BUT DOES IT WORK? Wristlets are so last Tuesday, but the handlet is so tomorrow. The wallet-size Yazzy bag can be worn multiple ways -- on your palm, dangling from your wrist, hanging from your fingers -- but the most comfortable, and unconventional, position is atop your hand. The nylon pocket with reflective stripes (they also come in faux leather and flashy evening fabrics) has a stretchy Velcro strap that wraps around your wrist and a small ring of fabric that loops around your middle finger. Indeed, the bag fit us like a palmless glove. Fashionwise, we felt very Madonna during her virgin years. The zippered pouch was roomy enough to fit our cell phone, cash and credit cards, and we could shop, sightsee or dance to '80s pop without worrying about pickpockets or losing our precious items. And while our hand did look a bit lumpy, we could easily overlook the extra curves for the ease of having our valuables at our fingertips.

-- Andrea Sachs

The Yazzy handbag is available at 866-206-9067, Ext. 2342,http://www.yasmena.net.