Choice of destination, hotel reservation, plane ticket, and asking your boss for a week off are only half of the battle when it comes to preparing for your summer vacation. The other comes down to packing. Let’s face it, packing lightly, smartly and sufficiently for a week at the beach is a hard act to balance. Overpacking is never a fun situation, especially when it comes to lugging your bags around or making a quick day at the beach to night-out-on-the-town transition. However, underpacking puts an equally annoying damper on the week (trust me, putting on your one and only wet bathing suit is not fun).
At this point in our lives, we’ve all had enough packing lectures. Tips like make a list, check it twice, organize your outfits, or go with a color scheme don’t necessarily help. So instead of cramping your style, here are a few staple items that may save you from that overweight baggage fee.
The Caftan
Even if you are not planning on trekking through the deserts Sex and the City 2-style, investing in this popular summer trend is a sure way to cut your suitcase and beach bag in half. Originating in the 14th century, the full-length, loosely fitted garment is worn by both men and women in many different cultures. Finally catching on to the worldwide trend, American designers have popularized the caftan this summer with silk, chiffon, and cotton variations. Pioneering the movement is designer Camilla who released caftans as an “ultra glam work of art” with animal prints, sparkling Swarovski crystals, angel wing sleeves, lace-up necklines, and intricate studding.
Lucky for us budget-conscious shoppers, Camilla is not the only designer jumping on the caftan bandwagon. Victoria’s Secret offers a printed cotton caftan that serves as a go-to piece for the beach and for a night out, making it the perfect summer getaway item. And with funky tribalista prints, you are sure to be Sartorialist-ready at all times. For a slightly more formal option, Target recently launched the Calypso St. Barth for Target line, a less expensive spin-off of Calypso’s sexy summer cover-ups. The Calypso St. Barth for Target pink maxi caftan with a rope belt is a must-have especially for the windier summer nights.
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The One-Piece
With retro bodysuits totally back in action this year as standard wardrobe attire, the one-piece bathing suits fit perfectly into the equation for packing light and are no longer limited to our mom’s standard beachwear. If something like the caftan is a bit too formal for you, and you’re going for a more laidback look, a one-piece bathing suit can serve as the perfect day-to-night look simply by throwing on a skirt or short of your choice as you’re running from the pool to the bar.
For an eye-catching, surrealist-inspired and slightly urban look, Australian brand We Are Handsome has created the perfect bathing suit for you. A work of art, the retro-silhouetted one-pieces are colorful and whimsical while simultaneously capturing an urban and American-cool feel. My favorite suit is a front-zipped, horse, sky and desert print. Finish this hipster look with a pair of torn denim shorts and you are ready to go.
Want a more feminine look to go with your white pants? Urban Outfitters has the perfect one-piece Cyn & Luca Laceup Swimsuit. Ruched along the corner and center bust, trimmed and with a high-cut leg, the floral printed suit has a very ladylike silhouette with corset-style lacing in the back. Sweet in the front, party in the back, this swimsuit could not make the day to night transition easier, especially with the supportive underwire cups (making your bra-free summer a reality!).
And lastly, for those not afraid to splurge or channel their inner Catwoman, Stella McCartney has designed a “fashion meets function” glossy black cutout swimsuit that can go with just about any bottom. The perfect balance of fashionable, sporty chic and sexy, this top can suit any occasion.
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Almay Oil-Free Makeup Eraser Sticks
For makeup lovers and mascara addicts, a summer vacation can be your worst nightmare. The ocean, wind, and sweat always manage to smear even the best of waterproof makeup products. Almay Oil-Free Makeup Eraser Sticks are your state-of-the-art makeup remover solution. Each cotton swab is filled with a soothing cucumber aloe-green tea potion that is released to the tip of the stick with the snap of your finger. You no longer have to be that girl who goes from the beach to a dinner party with black under-eye smudges. And the best news yet? These are only $5.50 a case.
Hydration
Toting around a bulky reusable water bottle may be environmentally conscious, but it can also be annoying. Our beach bag already has limited space, so why not make the most of it and buy the Vapur, a “flexible reusable Anti-Bottle” that is even MORE environmentally friendly than traditional reusable water bottles because it takes less energy to produce and transport the Vapur. Once finished, you can fold the Vapur up and slide it nicely into your beach bag pocket.
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Face & Lip Protection
You and your face are dreading the day ahead of you. You have applied sunscreen, foundation, and then powder to top it all off for a day at the beach. This three layer concoction feels like cake smeared on your face and you are starting to resemble a Kardashian sister in a bad way. Want the coverage, protection and anti shine all in one? BareMinerals offers a sheer, weightless and portable SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen that not only can be used on your face but also all over your body without clogging a pore.
For those less concerned with the included cover-up, and simply looking for a great sunscreen, Avon has introduced a game-changer. Waterproof, quick, absorbing and light, ANEW Solar Advance Sunscreen offers SPF 30 or 45 and is formulated with a special RepairShield Technology that tightens and tones skin. This product is truly a gem for skin-conscious collegiettes™ who want to protect and renew skin and reverse damage at the same time.
While many of us are very conscientious sunscreen applicators, we often forget that our lips also need protection. Benetint lip balm SPF 15 offers a blend of vitamin E, sunscreen, a rose fragrance AND a delicate rosy tint, so it’s no wonder why this product has a cult following. With bold red and floral colored lips on the runway this spring, this is the perfect way to achieve a similar look while also protecting a very valuable asset.
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Footwear
Having trouble trying to coordinate your not-so-trendy flip-flops with your summer caftan? Every collegiette™ recognizes the importance of shoe choice in completing a look. For your day-to-night outfit, try sandals that can survive the beach and a fashion panel. Tory Burch finds a perfect balance with eye-catching flip-flops finished with the signature Tory Burch logo medallion. The soles come in zebra print, bright colors, and funky tribal patterns. For some added support, Banana Republic’s Marcia knot flat sandal is a reasonably priced, soft leather sandal. In aqua, brown, rose gold, and black, the elegant, streamlined look can be dressed up or down for the beach or for a night out.
Safe and stylish travels, collegiettes™!
Sources:
http://www.intermixonline.com/product/designers/camilla/bejeweled+silk+coverup.do?sortby=ourPicks