If you plan to ride the SMART train, here are some shopping suggestions for your ride.
Click through the gallery to find out how to ride SMART in style.
TOTES PORTABLE: If you’re riding the train, you’ll have to leave the trunk of your car behind, so make sure you have a little extra space to pack necessities or things you pick up at work or shops along the way. Choose a roomy market tote like this one with leather handles, and feel a little better about having to lug things around. $54, Healdsburg SHED, 25 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-7433, healdsburgshed.com
FROM PLANE TO TRAIN: These handbags by Portland-based Looptworks are upcycled from Southwest airplane seats! This bag functions as a stylish purse or murse and even has room to hold your laptop. Kind of a nice thing to have since SMART has WIFI, so you can get some work done while you swoosh by the Highway 101 parking lot. Available online only. $199.99, Looptworks.com, 866-371-4247
BRING IT BACK(PACK): Looptworks also makes this leather, suede and nylon backpack from 100% upcycled products. With reinforced, protected pockets for your laptop and devices, the “Northwest” backpack secures your equipment and style. Great for when you get off the train and have to take your feet to your destination. Available online only. $169, Looptworks.com, 866-371-4247
BICYCLE’S BOUNTY: Bikes are welcome on the SMART train, so take a load off your back with this Bontrager Pro Double Throw Pannier. This carrier is roomy, but not too bulky and has a padded water-resistant laptop sleeve. $135.99, Trek Bicycle Store Santa Rosa, 512 Mendocino Ave. Santa Rosa, 707-546-8735, trekstoresantarosa.com
TUNE TIME: Music is not allowed on the SMART train unless it’s played through headphones. Upgrade to these SE215-CL Sound Isolation Earphones by Shure to get fuller sounds from your playlist and less noise from your fellow passengers (no offense to them or anything). $99, World of Stereo, 159 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, 707- 769-1880, worldofstereo.com
WALK IT OFF: People who take trains walk a lot. Get good shoes, like these Trask Alec Sneakers, designed to be durable, comfortable and good looking. $225, Patrick James, 2340 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-523-2346, patrickjames.com
HEADING OUT: And those walks to and from the depot will require some stylish protection from the sun. Wear a Panama hat and be as in vogue as your new train ride. $26, Bella Vita Sonoma, 457 1st St W, Sonoma, 707-935-8206, bellavitasonoma.com
SIPPING SOUP: Eating is allowed on the train, so it’s okay to bring a snack. Try this soupy-juice in Organic Jalapeno Tomatillo by Zupa Noma. Relish the great tasting, slightly spicy gulps of vitamins you’re taking in, and know that sometimes it's easy being green. $4.99, Sprouts Farmer's Market, 401 Kenilworth Dr. #1040, Petaluma, 707-789-4976, sprouts.com
The much anticipated, often opposed, voter-approved SMART train is finally in full operation. Whether the new train puts you in a Quiet Zone envisioning a greener, traffic-free future, or the thought of steep fares and raised taxes makes you to want to blow your horn, there’s no excuse for riding the train sans style. Click through the gallery above for some shopping suggestions for the maiden voyage.
