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shades

March 9, 2012

10 Must-Haves When Packing [Light] for Vacation

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Ahh, spring break… A recess from (school) work means quality time with your self, the sun, and a frozen strawberry daiquiri. Doesn’t it sound divine? I can practically feel the warm sand between my toes as I prepare to embark on my own getaway. Here’s to packing light and simultaneously creating a dream destination wardrobe with our top ten must-haves when vacationing.

Daftbird Heather Tank Long Dress via Shopbop.com, $124

1. Maxi Dress – The maxi dress is here to stay for a while, in its full, unstudied elegance. This Daftbird scoop neck, racer back version in a heather gray is ideal for layering over a bikini or pairing with wedges and statement jewelry at night. It says laid back and sexy with its fantastic seam detailing, without appearing overdone.

Alice + Olivia Savannah Platform Wedge Sandals via Shopbop.com, $295

2. Wedge – Stacked platform wedges are every woman’s best friend when traveling. They offer comfortable support, provide perfect height, lengthen legs, and come in a variety of neutrals (as seen above with a dash of metallic), colors, and patterns. They’ll easily transition you from day to night as they compliment a plethora of ensembles. Your feet will love and thank you!

Cheap Monday Lori Hat via Shopbop.com, $30

3. Beach Hat – While we love a little sun-kissed glow, wrinkles will never be on trend. Get the proper dose of Vitamin D with this adorable floppy straw hat. It’s glamorous, yet low key and will pull any beach look together.

Gypsy Junkies Brentwood Rouched Blouse, $70

4. Tunic– Tunics are almost too versatile, which is why you absolutely must bring along this fun frock. Try this as a cover up alone, pair it with shorts, or rock it with your skinny white/pastel jeans. No matter which way you work it, tunics are classic and cool. We adore this color-blocked version from JCrew, a total bargain, above!

Suede Messenger Clutch Bag via Zara.com, $79.90

5. Colorful Clutch -Brighten up your summer neutrals with this rainbow bright accessory, a vivid clutch.  Pair with neutrals for color that pops, or with brights for a look that’s powerfully illuminating. These small accessories are a HUGE trend right now!

Basic Sandal via Zara.com, $35.90

6. Flat Sandal – A flat sandal will still leave you looking impeccably dressed. They can look carefree, but also polished with nearly everything in your luggage. Try them with your bikini on the beach or toughen up a flowy mini dress with our favorite, a leather pair. The quandary of what to wear on your feet has been forever solved.

Tiki Bikini via NastyGal.com, $195

7. Bikini – I mean, this goes without saying. You haven’t been hitting the gym since New Years for nothing. Be confident in a bold print or keep things simple with a basic black suit. Take a cue from the model and stack some bangles on your wrist for a fun, tropical vibe.

Slasher Flick Cutoff Short via NastyGal.com, $78

8. Jean Shorts -Bring on the jorts. There is just something we crave about this destroyed high-waist cutoff pair, but a more tailored version will certainly suffice. We see it with a cropped tank and your platforms or your tunic and flats!

Daphne in Rose Shaded Brown via TomFord.com

9. Shades – Easily the best accessory to have on hand is a great pair of sunglasses. Not only are these incredibly important for protecting your eyes, but eyewear makes even the plainest of getups seem luxe. Find a pair that flatters your face, enhances your personality and brings the celeb out of you. (We’re currently lusting over these Tom Ford iconic cat-eyes.)

Multi Layer Beaded Bracelet via Forever 21.com, $5.80

10. Statement Jewelry– All vacation looks require some ornamentation. We’re not talking beads in the hair, but rather try an arm stacked full of beaded strands or a geometric necklace that stands on its own. Beachy baubles are always fun. Try eye-catching hues and unexpected metallic shades to accentuate your look.

Bon voyage you fashionable jetsetters!

-Alana Quagliariello

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April 19, 2010

Shades of Cool: Sunglasses and Opticals 2010 Preview

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Every year, the advent of summer signals different trends – be it maxi dresses, floral patterns or gladiator sandals. But a timeless summer staple are  sunglasses – they are necessary for clear sight when the sun decides to come out, and just give you an overall cool vibe (but be wary of wearing them too much indoors!). While shades as a must-have summer purchase might not have changed, their styles certainly have evolved. A few days ago, I attended a summer preview for sunglasses and opticals by mega eyewear manufacturer Luxottica. From classic to trendy, from classic to funky, there is certainly something for everyone.

Trendy: mix of material


We’ve all heard that it’s okay to pile denim on denim this summer, so why can’t your sunglasses join the party? Chanel, for example, mixed denim with metal this year, making its frames truly one of a kind.

Trendy: transparent frames


Black bug-sized shades may be a Hollywood classic, but stars and fashionistas alike might be turning to colorful, lucid frames for summer this year. D&G (above) offers some colorful options with thick frames for both opticals and sunglasses, while Vogue (below) – not the magazine but an eyewear brand known for its affordability and stylishness – provides multi-colored, transparent frames set to outmatch the ubiquitous floral dresses.

Trendy: prints and patterns


Frames aren’t exactly the size of a shirt, but eyewear designers still manage to make sure your shades fit your individual style. Take Ray-Ban (top) for example; the iconic eyewear brand is putting multi-colored stripes, retro cartoons, button pin prints, and even the New York subway map on their classic wayfarers. Talk about statement accessories. If you’re looking for elegance rather than prints, consider Miu Miu (below), whose swallow-printed eyeglasses would make any keen-eyed passer-by drop their jaws in envy.

Hi-tech: polarized sunglasses

Sometimes sunglasses are so fashionable that we forget how good they can be for our eyes. The technology that is  Polarized lenses block out more UV rays than ordinary sunglasses, have an anti-reflective coating and improve your color perception. So if you want to “see what others don’t” (as the slogan says) and have an excuse to wear sunglasses all year round, polarized shades – offered by Ray-ban and many other eyewear brands – are a good investment.

Newly arrived: Tory Burch


We’ve all seen the Tory Burch logo on flats, wallets, purses and more. Now it can be on your glasses too. Recently launched in 2009, Tory Burch’s eyewear line includes its iconic “T” logo at the hinge. From two-toned styles to abstract patterns to aviators, the new collection offers many chic choices for the bespectacled fashionista.

Handmade and vintage


Things always feel different when they are perfected by the hand and not churned out by a robotic assembly line. If you’re nodding in agreeement, Persol is just right for you: handmade in England, the 90-year-old Italian brand is releasing a vintage collection inspired by the legendary film La Dolce Vita. Subtly elegant and infused with a touch of old-school glamour, Persol brings the golden age of Hollywood into the present.

– Justina Lee

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