Jet Set Style: 5 Suitcase Essentials for Your Summer Vacation
Updated: July 27, 2009
Summer getaways should be breezy, fun-filled affairs, and nothing kills the travel buzz like lugging around a huge, overloaded suitcase. Local stylist Eric Himel to the rescue! Himel, who learned his style sense under fashion expert Tim Gunn, has chosen five essential summer pieces that are versatile, trend-perfect, and best of all, compact enough to fit into your tiniest carry-on. A bathing suit and sandals are the only other pieces you’ll need to complete the look, so throw 'em in your weekender and get out of town already!
Look Hot This Summer
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Apartment Number 9
Read Reviews1804 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)
THE ITEM: Aviator sunglasses. FAVE EXAMPLE: Mosley Tribe Aviators, $250. ERIC SAYS: "You can channel icons like Paul Newman and James Dean. Need I say more?" WE SAY: How can you improve on a classic? Aviator shades look as snazzy on girls as they do on guys, and this well-constructed pair won't get bent out of shape like the cheapies you picked up at Walgreens last summer.
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Beadniks
Read Reviews1937 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622 (map)
THE ITEM: Ethnic jewelry. FAVE EXAMPLE: Indonesian carved bone or wood earrings, $28-52. ERIC SAYS: "The ethic look is big right now. It says, 'No problem man!'" WE SAY: We dig how these earrings add a touch of the whimsical and unexpected to any outfit, even a basic tank top and shorts combo. They'd look great paired with the Rachel Pally dress for a day of shopping the local markets.
His Stuff
Read Reviews5314 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 (map)
THE ITEM: Tailored khaki shorts. FAVE EXAMPLE: Modern Amusement Weekender Bermuda, $88. ERIC SAYS: "Casual enough for vacation but tailored enough to say 'I'm not doing a beer bong on spring break.' Look for shorts with no pleats or cargo pockets. No shorty-shorts or long-and-baggies, either. They should end right above the knee." WE SAY: Thank you, Eric! We're beyond ready to declare the frat-boy cargo short dead and buried. These send a different message: polished, but fun. That's a statement any guy can get behind.
Lori's Discount Designer Shoes
Read Reviews824 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)
THE ITEM: Rattan clutch. FAVE EXAMPLE: Straw Studios Rattan Clutch, $46. ERIC SAYS: "Rattan is the perfect summer material, and the neutral color goes with everything." WE SAY: Loving the metallic bronze-toned leather accents and the turn-lock for keeping all of our important stuff safe. The overall look is casual, but the chain dresses it up enough for a night sipping margaritas at a beach-side bar.
Veruca Salt
Read Reviews1921 N Damen Ave , Chicago, IL 60647 (map)
THE ITEM: Jersey dress in any color except black. FAVE EXAMPLE: Rachel Pally Short Jersey Dress, Teal, $238. ERIC SAYS: "Jersey packs like a dream and feels like water on your skin." WE SAY: It's the ultimate material for a hot day--it keeps you cool and makes it feel like you’re wearing nothing. The rich, jewel-like teal color would look even better with a tan (faux or real--your call), and the shape is universally flattering.
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