.: Bring More Than A Bikini :.
For The Beach
Tory Burch Jane Tote @ Bloomingdale's
The sun, the sand, the warm ocean breezes. There's nothing quite as romantic and exotic as a balmy beach retreat. Whether you plan on hitting the waves or just lounging poolside, you'll want to look like a bronzed goddess when you strut your stuff by the water.
The Bag: When picking a beach carry-all, look for roominess, sand-and water-resistant fabric, and, above all, a bright, bold pattern. The beach is the place to really let loose with outrageous colors and busy patterns you couldn't pull off normally. Tory Burch's fuchsia and tangerine Jane tote is the perfect patent option, with tons of room for a towel, a steamy beach read, and all your surf-and-turf necessities.
The Attire: A beach vacation isn't a beach vacation without a killer swimsuit. Maya Bay's black halter bikini is timeless and super-flattering. But if you're looking for something bolder than basic black, browse our Swimsuit Guide for more trendy looks to choose from.
Pretty burnt bamboo embellishments elevate the look, especially when paired with metallic sandals. Vince Camuto Barby flat sandals are easy to pack (the paper-thin soles make them a cinch to file in your suitcase) and beautifully detailed. Swap cheap-looking flip flops for these flats that will look just as good at your après-beach dinner as they do out in the sand.
The Beauty: Keep your beachy makeup kit simple and sun-friendly. Amp up your natural tan with a gold-infused bronzer like
Tarte's mineral powder bronzer, and harness the power of the sun (while still keeping safe!) with
L'Oreal Sublime Tan SPF 15 build-a-tan sunscreen lotion.
.: Hit The Road Fast :.
By Packing Light
Nana Doc @ Couture Candy
You've rented the convertible, marked out your route on the atlas, and made your reservations at that quaint little B&B. Comfort is key (keep in mind you'll be plastered to the passenger seat for awhile) and packing light is your number one goal. Your vacay is short, and you want to jump right in, so limit your choices and get down to the fun stuff right off the bat.
The Bag: The smaller the car, the smaller its trunk, so think compact when picking your day-tripping luggage. The Nana Doc handbag combines a vintage aesthetic with modern amenities, offering plenty of room for all of your getaway essentials.
Or find a chic alternative in our Celeb It Bag Guide.
The Attire: Wear something that won't make you wiggle en route by picking a jersey dress that won't wrinkle, tug, or feel too tight. You'll feel free as a bird in Generra's wrap dress, a go-anywhere, do-anything number every woman should have in her wardrobe. Bonus: you can hop out of the car and stroll right into a nice dinner in this fashion-meets-function number. And of course, the right shades are of the essence when driving off into the sunset. Marc by Marc Jacobs' oversized white frames are a classic option in a shape that's a lovely retro throwback.
The Beauty: You're not weaving through airport security, so pack as much beauty loot as you want. Keep a convertible color like
Stila in the glove box for quick cheek and lip touch-ups. And don't forget to give a quick dash of mega-hold hairspray (try
Nexxus Maxximum Super Hold for great results) before you drop the top.
.: Dress Smart For :.
Outdoor Adventures
Stella McCartney Rucksack @ LeSportsac
You're ready to explore the great outdoors, but you can't do it in any old gear. Choose to hike, bike, and see the sights in tech fabrics that keep you cool and you'll be one happy camper.
The Bag: You'll need somewhere to stash all your necessities: sunscreen, a bag of trail mix, all your nature guides. Look for something with lots of pockets and lots of bounce-back-ability (read: you can get it dirty without the guilt). Try Stella McCartney for LeSportsac's Rucksack in flirty Posh print.
The Attire: Pack lots of movable, breathable clothes you can get down and dirty in. Roll-up cargo capris from Old Navy in a rainbow of colors will keep you cool while you frolick in the sun. And choose a pair of fun, outdoor shoes like Stella McCartney for Adidas for all your active endeavors. A sturdy, grippy rubber sole will keep you grounded and let you reach new heights of exploration.
The Beauty: Again, if you're going to be spending a lot of time sweating, you're not going to need a full face of makeup. Make sunscreen your first priority, picking a sweatproof formula like Banana Boat Sport Quick Dry Spray, an SPF 30 spray that will keep you from turning red as a lobster. Don't forget about your lips--they need protection, too! Softlips makes a great SPF 30 lip balm that tastes minty and won't dry your lips out while keeping them safe from harmful rays.
.: Comfort Is Key :.
When Traveling the World
Diane Von Furstenberg Working Girl 3-Piece Luggage Set @ eBags
International jetsetters always look so put together, even after a grueling flight. The trick is resisting the urge to dress down—you'll feel much better, post-flight, if you look neat, well-rested, and hydrated. Make smart clothing choices for your journey and you'll be one happy tourist when you hit the tarmac.
The Bag: You'll need a glam luggage set that stands apart from all the others at baggage claim. There are several options in our Luggage Guide, but we think Diane von Furstenberg's 3-piece set is just the ticket: its rich plum color is understated, but your bags will certainly stand out from the legions of black rollers you'll see on the carousel. Carry the chic beauty case on board with you, and pack the two rolling suitcases to the gills with everything you'll need for your outing.
The Attire: Layering is the name of the game when you'll be spending time on a plane and in a climate you're not familiar with. Start your journey with a casually comfortable outfit you can spend long, cramped hours in and still get off the plane feeling fresh. Pair a tee with some loose-fitting trousers with a bit of spandex for flexibility. Banana Republic's dark wash trouser jeans have some give, and they'll still look neat and crisp after hours in your seat. It's not a bad idea to throw one more layer in your carry-on. Martin + Osa's lightweight cashmere cardigan takes a chill off when your plane temp drops below comfort level. Finally, remember you'll be taking your shoes off in the security line (and perhaps again after takeoff—your feet and hands tend to swell in the altitude). Pick easy slide-ons like Sam Edelman's Colette Flats so you can zip through security and on to your final destination.
The Beauty: The TSA is still cracking down on what you can carry on. Remember, it all has to fit in a one-quart plastic baggie (bring your own to avoid your goodies going into the garbage). If you must bring your makeup on the plane, get Cargo ColorCards, uber-flat one-use shadow sweeps, and Cargo DailyGloss, tiny capsules of lip gloss on a sheet that looks like a pill pack.
