Picnic Glamour Hamptons Style: Craghoppers

Craghoppers SolarShield & insect repellent separates make any outing amazing.

THE HAMPTONS, LI: Here is a cool but polished look that's perfect for the beaches of South Hampton, NY. I've spent many happy summers on the pebbled shores of the Long Island Sound and this outfit is perfect for really any inlet beach but especially those on the Island.  Here's why.

Craghopper's

Amelie with UPF 40+

Craghopper's hails from the UK and makes very fashionable, well made outdoor, travel and resort-wear. One of their innovations is the NosiLife line which includes insect repellent built into the fabric itself. This repellent action is good for up to 70 washings, basically the life of the garment. Added to that is SolarShield offering a UPF of 40+ sun protection. Many of the beaches facing the Long Island Sound have HUGE biting flies. We used to run into the water and stay submerged to avoid them! Clothing like this can be your best friend for a beach picnic or outing where you plan to spend some time out of the water. Sunburn and biting insects will no longer be an issue at your next picnic or outing!


Top: Amelie in White with chest pocket and SolarShield UPF 40+
Maxi Skirt: NosiLife Catilin in Brown with insect/solar protection
Scarf: Pistil Designs
Leather Sandals: Maeve by Naya
Bag: Victoria's Secret Amber Fragrance Gift Set

Do some resort shopping in Sag Harbor in this Gabriella dress!

Craghopper's NosiLife Gabriella Dress
The good news is that you don't have to give up, fashion, style or comfort when spending time outdoors. This Gabriella Dress combines sunblocking, moisture control and insect protection all in one smart outfit. It is fitted under the bust-line, has cap sleeves and a v-neck so it's quite flattering for all figures. Soft, stretchy and ready for anything, it packs and travels well.  Dress it up or down with a belt, scarf, etc. these are great choices for a day at the beach, a summer picnic or BBQ. No one will know your secret, only that you look fantastic!

Gabriella NosiLife Dress in Litchen Green

Hat & Scarf: Tinsley Fedora and OKeefe scarf by Pistil Designs
Bag: Guilden Carry All in Bone by Give Love Cycle
Shoes: Maeve Sandals by Naya available at Nordstrom

Craghoppers Collection c/o Craghoppers UK

Taking a Bicycle on Vacation

Citizen's Barcelona Folding Bike at the Beach

Summer is here and perhaps you've already made your vacation plans: Trips to the beach, a cruise or my favorite, a woodland cabin retreat.  Any of these destinations and more can be made all the better by taking along a bicycle.  Cycling is the best way to intimately enjoy the local atmosphere.  It also takes care of the problem of getting in your exercise while vacationing.

Some people use car mounted bicycle racks to take their bikes along. I've done that too but if you're staying at a hotel you might want to bring your bike with you into your room. Traveling by plane or train? Well, that car rack isn't going to be much help so why not consider taking a folding bike?

Folding Bikes like this one by Green Zone are ideal for vacation and travel.

Green Zone Alloy Folding Bicycle
We've taken this folding bicycle on the train to New York City last summer.  We took a trip downtown to the Marina at Chelsea Piers via the New York City Bike Path / Greenway. This Green Zone folding bicycle packs easily into a canvas bag which comes with it. However it is a folding bike with a LOT of features:  Rear spring rack, fenders, 7 Speed Shimano shifters and a sweet bell are ALL included.

The Train Trip

The folding bike itself was very quick and easy to pack into my car trunk, carry on the train and then set up at our destination. It took about 30 seconds (seriously) to unfold on the street outside the train station - ready to ride.  We clipped on our Trek Trunk and effortlessly zipped down the Bike Path!

Our Green Zone in its bag for the train ride!

I've seen full sized bicycles rolled onto trains but ours was very compact and secure in its own neat tote bag.  The picture above shows our folding bike in the bag sitting on the train seat.

Weighing in at only 25 lbs, this folding bicycle was very easy to transport while the 20 inch wheels gave us a safe and comfortable ride downtown.

While New York City is relatively flat, it's good to have 7 speeds at your disposal for hilly terrains. I've ridden the Green Zone through rural towns with rolling hills and it does just great.  The fact that it has fenders means you'll stay cleaner and dryer during a rainfall or if you hit a puddle or two.

The Green Zone at our destination - Chelsea Piers, New York City

A folding bicycle like this can go where YOU go.  Take it with you when you check into your hotel room. Ride it instead of renting a car, especially if your destination is a resort or other attraction. Need a bicycle built for two?  Yes, Green Zone makes FOLDING TANDEMS as well.  Visit their website and get some wheels to go for your BEST summer vacation ever! GREEN ZONE FOLDING BIKES