Spring Break Travel Must Haves

Spring Break means heading someplace warm. Here's what you'll need!

Oh Spring Break. I can remember everyone piling into my college roommate's car and heading for Daytona Beach. Once you got there (about a 2-3 days drive from Rutgers in New Jersey), you'd find that you maybe didn't have what you really needed to make for the beach. Well, don't let this happen to you! Here are some of my favorite travel must haves for Spring Break:

Beach-Me Essentials

Beach Time
There are things that you really want to have if you are going to be anywhere near the water. Everything you see in the photo above arrived in my classic navy striped monogrammed beach tote by Personalize Your Life. Very roomy with a zippered, waterproof pocket inside, I carry a Klean Kanteen of ice water and a packet of Grass Fed Beef Jerky by Think Jerky.

Personalize Your Life Navy Beach Tote, Klean Kanteen and Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Lacoste Luxury Beach Towels SS2016 Collection
Now you know you can't take the towels from the hotel to the beach! They're just too skimpy anyway so bring your own. I like these new bold designs from the Lacoste SS2016 Collection (remember the little green crocodile?)  Shown here in Fizzy Turquoise and Sunset Pink, they are 100% cotton and made in India. Very plush from Lacoste, available at Nordstrom, Macys and online HERE.

Lacoste Beach Towel in Sunset Pink

Your Dream Swimsuit
This is the time to bring it...literally. This beautiful leopard print bikini is by Anabel Arto and has beautiful gold embellishments on the straps and bottom. What I especially like about this collection is that the top (and bottom for that matter) can also double as intimate wear. So it's like having an extra bra and panty along which can help save space when packing. See all her swimsuit styles at Anabel Arto online.

Anabel Arto Swimsuit

Beach to Lunch Footwear - NEW Melissa Charlotte Sandals by Jason Wu
These new SS2016 Melissa Charlotte Sandals by Jason Wu are so NOT flip flops. Bright red perfume infused PVC and completely waterproof with a little heel. These run true to size or even a little small so you may want to go a size up. All the same they are beautiful and a must-pack travel essential. Available at Nordstrom, Bergdoff Goodman, Net-A-Porter or purchase online HERE at Shop Melissa.

Melissa Sandals by Jason Wu

Health & Beauty to Go - Zen Box Essential Oils
The Zen Box is a genius subscription which introduces you to beneficial essential oils for health, beauty and yes, relaxation. Each month you receive two high quality essential oils plus a bonus product to explore. Pop them in your bag and you're ready for anything. What's so great is that each little natural essential oil bottle has a gazillion uses and can even replace many products taking up space in your travel bag: 

Subscribe at ZenOilBox.com

• A few drops of Lavender helps you relax, get to sleep and even repels insects
• A few drops of Frankincense in a 8 oz glass of water makes an amazing mouthwash
• Use the premixed Oil Blends for specific needs and health concerns

Zen Box Essential Oils are travel ready

Beach Beauty Essentials
Wet hair is practically a given for pool parties and trips to the beach. I like to bring along a multi-tasking brush like this one shown above from Monroe Brushes. It's oval core and 100% boar bristle brushes, The Grand Gala can be used for styling with a blow dryer and finishing fine to medium-processed hair. This means it's gentle enough to use on chlorinated tresses or hair that's seen a bit of sea and sun. See The Grand Gala at Monroe Brushes online.

Speaking of sun, I especially like Dr. Obagi's Mineral Sun Shield, Broad Spectrum SPF 50. It's really the best type of non-chemical sunblock. Hawaiian Tropic just launched their new Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 and Sheer Touch After Sun Moisturizer - Ultra Radiance which leaves a subtle glow on the skin. Also Urban Skin Rx Hydrating Lip Treatment contains rich avocado oil and offers long lasting moisture. The Milky Cow hand cream in Sweet Berry is from Korea. 

NEW Summer releases from Hawaiian Tropic

Of course always remember your shades! Shown here are my classic shades, Wayfarers by Ray-Ban and below The Super Model by Jack Eyes, NYC

The Super Model Eyewear in Red Tortoise by Jack Eyes
Lady Angry Dragon Watch by Rapp Black

Detail on Lady Angry Dragon

Air Brushed Makeup to Go - Mineral Air
I've been using Kett Cosmetics Hydro Foundation makeup via compressor & airbrush gun for several years now. High Definition (HD) print work, television and public appearances require a flawless, nearly invisible finish. While I find the coverage and ease of airbrushing to be unparalleled, I've not been able to find a portable unit small enough for travel...until now. Mineral Air is a self contained, cordless mini-compressor, not an aerosol spray like Dior's Airflash Foundation. Mix your airbrush foundation in the unit and close the top. Simple. Small enough to pop in your handbag, I can't wait to take it on vacation!  I will be giving the airbrush unit and the foundation a full review this spring so check back or visit MineralAir.com. Here is the ingredient list for this mineral based foundation:
Sea Salt, Algae Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Olive Squalanne, Pomegranate, Argan Oils, Ceramides 2, 3 and 6 II, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamins C and E.

Mineral Air compact, cordless airbrush compressor and foundation

Accessories & products c/o the designers/companies included herewith.

SS2015 Work and Travelwear: Nora Gardner NYC, Oscar de la Renta, Pineda Covalin and SofiaZ Accessorized

Travel essentials for the jet-set! Nora Gardner Gabrielle Dress. Mulholland Leather Bag, SofiaZ Leather Pumps

NYC SS2015 Fashion is all about the accessories and metamorphosing your outfit selections to go from work to travel as the two are often one in the same. Most of us either commute or are required to travel from time to time for our job. Even so, you're going to have time for some FUN so let's plan for that too. This is how we're doing it this spring!

A Working Wardrobe
We all have that favorite power-suit that we always wear for presentations and meetings.  This spring you might want to stand out a little and breathe some fresh life into your everyday work wear with: a bold, colorful dress, silk scarf, bright bag and fashionable shoes.

Large Leather Bag, Pineda Covalin Silk Scarf, SofiaZ Simone Navy Pumps

Your New "Briefcase"! 
If you are still using a laptop bag or open tote for your trip to the office consider an over-sized, zippered leather bag.
This is so much more chic and can also be used as extra on board luggage for an overnight trip. Make sure it has a full zipper to keep everything inside safe. Mine also has a little lock on the flap. Look for one that has metal feet and lots of organizing pockets for your cell, pens, business cards and more. The leather on my Mulholland is beautiful but VERY tough. I don't baby it and it goes everywhere in style with a feminine touch. Tie a silk scarf on the handle and you're good to go!

Your New Briefcase! Try an over-sized leather bag in a bright color.

Fashion Designer Nora Gardner, NYC
This spring, take a look at what NYC Fashion Designer, Nora Gardner has going on. Her collection easily goes from the board room to boarding your plane. Her clothing is made in NYC and she really understands what professional women need from our clothes. In the lead photo I'm wearing her most popular style, the Gabrielle in Fuchsia with Simone Leather Pumps by designer Usha Patel of SofiaZ. Silk Scarf by Pineda Covalin - Mexico. 

Gabrielle in Fuchsia, Simone Leather Pumps

The Gabrielle Dress
So ready for spring in this gorgeous shade of fuchsia. The slits at the elbow length sleeves are genius as are the very deep yet invisible pockets.  Full zipper in the back gives the dress an incredible fit and easy access. Just enough stretch to keep it interesting. Watch how I switch it up a bit by adding a necklace and a different silk scarf!

Gold and Stone necklace by Jaimie Nicole

Here's the 411 on The Gabrielle from Nora Gardner's Website:

Description

Simply put, Gabrielle is your new best friend. Machine washable? Check. Sleeves and pockets? Check. Cute elbow vents that add style and personality and allow your arms to move around easily? Check. A flattering waistline and roomy hips? Check. Luxurious stretch fabric? Check. Need we say more?

Fully lined, zipper at back, hook-and-eye-closure

Runs true to size. Find a sizing chart here.

Model is 5'8" wearing a Size 2

Care: Machine was cold, line dry

Content: Shell 72% Polyester, 24% Rayon, 4% Spandex; Lining 100% Polyester

Proudly made in NYC

Gabrielle Dress with Oscar de la Renta Silk Scarf

Simone Leather Pumps in Navy by SofiaZ
Designer Usha Patel created her line of beautiful high fashion leather shoes with real women in mind. 
These Simone Pumps are easily a 5 inch heel but I was very comfortable wearing them. Nicely balanced and padded in all the right areas, especially the ball area of the foot. The leather is gorgeous and both the soles and heels have grip. See SofiaZ's Spring/Summer Shoe Collection online.

Travel Time - Pack You Bag!
As I mentioned before, investing in a leather bag like this gives you more than a briefcase. It's like having an extra piece of luggage when you fly or hop a train. I like to keep everything close at hand. Still, even if I'm only boarding the train into the city for the day, there are certain things that go with me everywhere as you never know if you will need to spend an unexpected night away from home. 
So this is my Work Survival Kit: 
Mason Pearson Comb, Silk & Cotton Travel Sheets, Mini Emergency Kit, Croc Leather Organizer Wallet, (doubles as an evening clutch), Hand Sanitizer, Phone/Mobile Device Re-charger.

Travel light but travel right!

Pack Some Play Things Too
Lole's Soho Shop has some lovely pieces this SS2015 in the way of Travelwear.  While Lole is primarily known for their active-wear, the Leena Dress (shown below blue), packs easily and resists wrinkling. It is a faux wrap dress and the V-neck details are lovely. Dress it up or down. See Lole's SS2015 Travel Wear Collection online at LoleWomen.com

Leena Faux Wrap Dress in Blue

Packing Tips: Roll everything up to optimize space and keep things from wrinkling. I like to use a steamer at home to take the wrinkles out. Use it before you pack the clothes and you'll be pleased once you arrive at your hotel.

Leena Travel Dresses by Lole. Silk Scarf by Oscar de la Renta.

Mulholland Leather Bag-Mine
Ray Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses-Mine
Silk Scarves-Mine
Gabrielle Dress c/o Nora Gardner NYC
Leena Dresses c/o Lole
Simone Pumps  c/o SofiaZ