Vacation-Time: What to Pack for Your Next Trip

Three little letters on my Outlook calendar can bring a smile to my face like nothing else can: PTO. That's right, it's about time for some paid time off, aka vacation time, get-me-out-of-this-cubicle-now-time, t-minus one day til Hawaaii time, etc. Vacations are the BEST part of summer, but they also can be the most stressful. Making all the plans, footing the hefty airline fees, and worst of all: deciding what to PACK in that tiny carry-on suitcase. Heading to Maine for your annual beach trip? Making a splash in the Bahamas? Or planning a long weekend getaway with friends to the Hamptons? Wherever your vacation destination may be, Dress to Express has the tips on how to pack and what to wear to ensure your vacation is a stylish success.

First, ensure you have the essentials in your suitcase: think undergarments, a few bathing suits if you are headed to the beach, PJs to sleep in, and make-up/hair products.

Next, on to the wardrobe. When you're packing for a trip, you want to pack a few key versatile pieces that can mix and match with other separates as well as some easy to wear dresses and a few pair of shoes that will go with all of the above.

You'll need a few basic pieces, like brightly colored tees that would work for everything from a mini-golf outing to brunch at a local diner. From Victoria's Secret, you'll want to pack two or three lightweight tanks or tees--I prefer the yellow scoopneck version below which is bra-friendly and works great with statement necklaces due to the lower neckline. These come in a range of colors, from basic white and black to georgeous yellow topaz (seen below) and turqouise. For a city trip, basic black and navy shades may work best, but for the beach, I prefer a splash of color that will look great against sunkissed skin.

Next, you'll need a great skirt or classy pair of shorts. I prefer a bit of a dressier short in a dark shade that can transition from day to night. The black silk shorts by Central Park West are designed in an any-age appropriate length with a comfortable drawstring waist fit.

Next, especially if you're headed to the beach, you'll want a few great tunics and dresses that you can wear as both coverups and on their own. From Velvet by Graham and Spencer, this black and white print dress with neckline embellishments is made of  a silk cotton blend that is both breathable and elegant. With a self-belt at waist, it is figure flattering and paired with dressy flats or neutral wedges, this frock is the perfect way to look effortlessly chic without sacrificing comfort.

For beach cover ups or casual daytime dresses, I love these looks by Tolani and Kate Spade (one of my all-time favorite designers for everything from jewelry and bags to clothing and sunglasses) because they are long enough and substantial enough (read: not see through) to wear as dresses but easily look and feel like they belong on sandy beaches too. When you're off the beach, pair these looks with a gold pendant necklace and pretty neutral wedges, like the ones from B. Makowsky, to ensure your look is ready for dry land.

For jewelry, I suggest deciding on either gold or silver accessories in order to cut down on what you'll need to fit in that suitcase. Mixing metals is still "in," but it can be difficult to pull off, so I suggest going one route or the other and coordinating your shoes, handbags, etc, so you won't need to pack two of each.

Whether you're going the gold or silver avenue, I love the ease of this simple-chic necklace by Gorjana (also available in silver). The intricately designed pendant hits just below the bust and looks great with everything from white tees to long maxi dresses.

Finally, you'll need some footwear, and thought it is no secret that I love a good heel, on vacation, you shouldn't be uncomfortable, and frankly, heels often look out of place in a beach town if that's where you're headed. Instead, opt for feet-friendly wedges that will take you from day to night without the pain of their heeled counterparts. You'll also need a great pair of flat sandals for grocery runs and to wear around the hotel (condo, house, etc). I love these leather flats by Pour La Victoire, complete with cutesy bow detailing and rocker-girl studs. Given this sweet and tough combination, these sandals look right-at-home with almost any look, from edgy statement necklaces to girlie girl ruffled tops.

From Left (Top Row): Victoria's Secret Scoopneck Tee; $15.50 or 2/$20 Sizes: XS-XL; www.victoriassecret.com; Central Park West Montauk Drawstring Silk Shorts; $152, Sale $105.99; Sizes: XS-L; www.piperlime.com;  Velvet by Graham and Spencer Tahiti Print Ada Dress; $187; Sizes: XS-L; www.piperlime.com; Tolani Mosiac Tunic in Pink; $107; Sizes: S-L; www.revolveclothing.com; also at www.shopthetrendboutique.com;

From Left (Bottom Row): Kate Spade Lychee Lindsay Beach Tunic; $265; Sizes: XS-XL; Color: Salsa Multi; also in Royal Multi; www.katespade.com; B. Makowsky Anne Caged Sandal; $139.95; Sizes: 5.5-10; Color: Goldwash; Also in Black and Blue; www.nordstrom.com; Gorjana McCoy Sandal; $150, Sale $84.99; Size: OneSize; Color: Gold, Also in Silver; www.piperlime.com; Pour La Victoire Erika; $220; Sizes: 6-9.5; Color: Black, Also in  Dusty Peach; www.piperlime.com

CLICK ON PHOTO ABOVE TO ENLARGE

There are a few pieces that are a must-have for me on any summer getaway, whether I'm headed to the beach or the Big Apple. From Banana Republic, this lightweight vest can easily be thrown over a bathing suit as a mini beach cover up or tossed over a teeshirt and shorts for a casual dinner out. And cut from an airy linen, it provides a nice extra layer for those extra chilly restaurants (Why do they always pump the AC to 40 degrees at the beach? People go there because it's warm for heaven's sake!) yet it's not too heavy for warm weather climates.

Banana Republic Linen Two Pocket Open Vest; $69.50; Sizes: XS-XL; Color: White, Also in Boardwalk; www.bananarepublic.com

From BCBG Max Azria, this gorgeous bold printed dress is a must-pack. The jersey fabric resists wrinkles and looks as great coming out of your suitcase as it did on the hanger. Read: no one wants to (or should!) spend their vacation time ironing, so look for fabrics like this one made of a Rayon and Spandex blend. The easy straight shape of this shift works with flats for a grocery store run or with wedges and a pile of bangles for a night on the town at the local tavern. And since the colorful geometric print appears on both the front and reverse of this gorgeous frock, you'll be sure to make both an amazing entrance and exit.

BCBG Max Azria Sleeveless Printed Dress; $168.00; Sizes: XS-L; Color: Bright Chambray Combo; http://www.bcbg.com/ 

Here's to getting out of the office and away from the 9-5 stress for some much needed, stylish R&R! Enjoy, and be sure to sip a frozen one for me!

Happy Shopping (& Packing), and Don't Forget to Dress to Express (Yourself!) :0)

Fashionably Yours,

Samantha

Suit Up!

Two little words can strike fear in the hearts of even the most confident, beautiful, secure women across the globe. You guessed it...."Swimsuit Season!" Summertime is the season for surf, sand, and lots of fun at the beach and pool, which also means it's time to strut your stuff in swimwear.

Bathing suits, not unlike dresses or tops, come in all different shapes, colors, and sizes...and not everyone looks good in the same one. If you were blessed with long limbs and a high metabolism, you can probably get away with just about any suit. (No thongs at public pools or beaches, please--I don't know where anyone got the idea that baring your down-there "cheeks" is A-OK...but I'm not of that school of thought- nor are most Americans I know- so keep 'em covered, ladies). However, if you're not a waif-like model or a woman proud to strut her curves (or "wobbly bits" as Bridget Jones refers to her ladylike parts...I personally love this expression, because let's face it, we've all got a wobble here or there), finding a swimsuit that is flattering can be difficult. Finding a suit that is slenderizing is next to discovering the fountain of youth.

Lucky for all of you loyal blog followers, I've scoured the web high and low for suits that would flatter anyone from ladies with wide hips to generous sized "girls." No matter your shape or size, rest assured there IS a suit for you!

(Please note: In most of my blogs, I try to feature at least one or two "bargain fashion finds." I did not make such an effort with this blog, and this is why: the fabric swimwear is made of and the quality of the construction is extremely important. After all, you ARE going to be wearing this tiny piece of fabric and nothing else, so it had better hold up and it had better look (and make you look!) good. Bargain swimwear, in my experience, is not a bargain at all. If a suit doesn't do anything for you, no matter how wonderful it may look on a model or anyone else, it's going to end up in a ball on the bottom of your closet all summer long. You need to feel good in swimwear in order to actually wear it (this is the objective, after all), and many women buy just one new suit each summer. So fork up the bucks for a look that's truly flattering and enjoy the rewards of your totally-worth-it splurge!

Now, let me begin with saying that the secret to a slenderizing suit is not in covering yourself up from head to toe in fabric! It's about maximizing what you've got and minimizing what you perhaps wish you didn't. Since today's blog is focused on slenderizing suits (per suggestion from one of Dress to Express' most loyal followers.....hi, Mom) I will only briefly mention bikini styles. It's not that bikinis can't be flattering, but unless you've got somewhere between a mostly-flat belly to gymaholic washboard abs, this style can look sloppy, and I'm personally not a fan of this look for anyone beyond their 30s. Too little (fabric), too late (in life).

That being said, I have to add my "itsy bitsy bikini" 2 cents in for good measure. If you've got youth on your side and have the bod for bikini styles, these pairings look best on all figures when the bottoms and tops are proportional in terms of coverage, i.e. triangle string bikinis paired with tanga bottoms. (see Victoria's Secret website if you haven't heard of these yet...I'm fairly certain they come from Brazil, where the women are this.big. and derrieres are tan year round) This combination (admittedly not for the self-conscious) seems to "match" because, well, you're baring pretty much all you can while wearing a suit--both on the top and the bottom. However, this look offers little support, so if you're big chested and/or apple-bottomed, this look is likely not for you. Instead, if you're set on going the bikini route and want a bit more coverage, I recommend trying a substantial halter top that ties at both the neck and the back (so you can adjust to your perfect fit) paired with a moderate coverage scoop bottom in a subtle print or a bright turquoise or coral shade for a look that's flirty and chic. One nice, could-wear-in-front-of-someone's-mother option is below. By Cosabella, this style comes in a black and white print and is available at Piperlime. I digress...

Cosabella - Sahara Bikini Top and Bottom; Top: $86.00, Bottom: $83.00; Sizes: S-L; http://www.piperlime.com/

Back to slenderizing. When it comes to our bodies, there are a few things us women tend to want to...err...hide. Whether you're looking to disguise your margarita belly left over from spring break or you're just not comfortable with your stomach (are any of us women truly?), this option from MiracleSuit may be just the perfect fit for you. The flurry of ruffles and super-chic ruching at the navel will slenderize your midsection without sacrficing style. A fun and functional bonus, this suit ties at the neck, allowing you to adjust to find the perfect fit for your chest (just be sure to double knot, please). And made of a super fabric called Miratex, this suit packs three times the lycra spandex as the average swimwear fabric, so your tummy will look three times as fab! What margaritas?

MiracleSuit - Isabella Halter One Piece; $142.00; Sizes 8-16; Colors; Navy (shown), Black;  www.saksfifthavenue.com

Want to accentuate toned shoulders and arms while slimming hips? Try this great, on-trend option by Michael Kors. In always-slimming black, this one-shouldered beauty features leather and gold accents to add a touch of glimmer, while the removable self-belt at natural waist evens out wide hips. Kors does it again!

For a similar effect in a strapless silhouette, try the navy look from Marc by Marc Jacobs. If you're bigger on top, this strapless style may not offer enough support for your top half--though with built-in underwire cups, this super cute suit is surely worth a shot! [Piperlime recommends sizing one size up in this style]. 

Michael Kors - One Shoulder Retro Leg Maillot; $276.00; Sizes 4-12; Color: Black; http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Bandeau Maillot Swimsuit; $173.00; Sizes: XS-XL; Color: Navy; www.piperlime.com

Last, but not least, want to support your bust, slim your love handles, and smooth your legs...all in the same suit? My thoughts exactly....WHO DOESN'T? This style is not only colorful, comfortable, and chic, but it comes from a brand beloved by women everywhere. That's right ladies, SPANX, the fantastic line of hosiery and shaperwear (launched in 1998 by Sara Blakely after cutting the feet out of a pair of stockings--why is it again that didn't I have that idea?) now designs SWIMWEAR. (Even from where I currently sit in a dimly lit, suburban Philadelphia hotel room, upon merely typing these glorious words, I can hear the cheers of women from across the nation.)

What I love about this style below is that it is actually a tankini. However, the fabulous, clever women (and men! I'm rather sure there may be a chap or two on the payroll) of Spanx have designed this tankini with a full-coverage bottom that sits just below the natural waist, thus preventing the dreaded "tankini spillover." You've all seen this--someone (young or old) wears a too-tight, too-short tankini top with a too-small, not-high-up-enough bottom, and the end result is a midsection bulge that is less than flattering. Not at all the case with this style. In delicious shades of chocolate and teal, wear with confidence knowing that not only will your tummy stay tucked away inside your suit where it belongs, but it also will look slimmer and smoother than ever thanks to the suit's genius super-premium jersey fabric. I rest my case.

Spanx - Halter Tankini and High Waist Bottoms; Halter: $128.00, Bottoms: $78.00; Colors: Teal, Chocolate; http://www.neimanmarcus.com/; also at http://www.spanx.com/

Until next time, here's to having fun in the sun and knowing that you look great while doing it. Oh, and don't forget the sunblock. :o)

Happy Shopping and Don't Forget to...SUIT UP & GET IN THE POOL ALREADY!

Fashionably Yours,
Samantha