GALTime Style Expert Amy Gordon's Summer 2010 Buying Guide
With summer just a few weeks away and vacation on your calendar, it's time to think about what to pack. This buying guide is chock full of great solutions for your get away. From clothes and shoes, to beauty and gadgets, to luggage and more, it's the ultimate buying guide for your next journey.
Part 1: Clothing, Footwear, & Accessories
As a stylist, fashion is always first. I have put together a list of pieces that are both functional and fashionable, as well as easy to pack, wash, and hang dry.
Perhaps the most innovative solution to packing I have ever seen is Vanessa Vogel's "Vogel 10". Featured on vogel10.com, the "10" are ten versatile pieces of offbeat, yet basic, clothing and accessories that you can mix and match to create a myriad of outfits. All of the items fit into a small tote and are extremely lightweight. The Vogel 10 website shows you how to coordinate different looks with the various pieces. Each month Vogel10.com features a new "10." Buy all ten pieces or mix and match them with some of the basics you already own. This is the perfect way to pack for European travel when you need to keep weight and bulk to a minimum. Vanessa believes that all you need for travel are three tees, tw0 sweaters, a dress, a pant, a necklace, and a bag. All of the Vogel 10 garments are made from luxurious and washable fibers, including cotton and silk. Not only are the pieces fabulous, Vogel 10 gives you style in a bag!
Comfy USA makes comfortable, soft, and slightly funky fashions that are great for travel. Everything is wrinkle-free and many are multi-functional pieces. Their Harem Pant/Skirt is the ultimate in multi-functional. Wear it with your favorite top or pull it up and try it as a romper. It looks great on the body. Available in many colors, I love the turquoise for summer. Available for purchase beginning mid-June at Artfulwears.com.
Spy Zone Collection offers printed tunics and dresses that are lightweight, easy to pack, and won't wrinkle; which are all keys to the ultimate travel apparel. I adore the Racer Back Tie Dye Print Dress. It's colorful, made of a quick dry fabric, and is good for day or evening. This dress, as well as other items from Spy Zone Collection, are perfect for tropical or island travel.
For more adventure-oriented vacation, check out Nau. Nau is an urban and outdoor apparel company focusing their designs on beauty, performance, and sustainability.Their Lightbeam Jacket is perfect if you need a little extra warmth or protection from the wind or rain, yet still want to be stylish. It's breathable, quick to dry, and made of 100% recycled polyester. The Lightbeam even has a stashable hood.
The Out Skirt, a blend of organic linen and organic cotton, offers softness and ease of movement, perfect for travel. The asymmetrical seam and safari-inspired cargo pockets keep it unique.
Melding stylish comfort, eco-friendly and durability, Ocean Minded sandals are perfect a whether you are lounging by the pool or heading out on vacation. Thanks to the slim construction and light, these sandals are great for travel. They are supportive for much longer periods of time than your average flip flop and there are some very fashionable choices available.
Check out the bronze colored Dylana. It's a basic style but the metallic color give it a little pop. Or if you want something a bit strappier, try the Kapu. These are perfect with your favorite bathing suit or sundress. Check out all their latest styles at OceanMinded.com.
The Sunday Belt Bag by Sienna Ray is the perfect blend of fashion, luxury, and function. While not quite big enough to fit all of your daily essentials, it can accommodate your cell phone, credit cards, cash, and lipstick. Gray is the hot neutral for Summer 2010. Sienna Ray uses the finest leathers in its products, and the Sunday bag is no exception. Made of lambskin, it's soft and lush. The Sunday Bag is available at SiennaRay.com.
You can't travel without a stylish and versatile pair of shades, but you also need versatility. Meet Zeal Optics Airestream in geo blue. Zeal has created a fashionable eyewear line that works equally well for outdoor adventure. Their ZB-13 polarized lenses are perfect for all lighting conditions. The collection is designed to fit all face sizes and shapes. Icing on the cake, Zeal makes most of their glasses from recycled materials. Zeal glasses are extremely durable and come with a hard and soft case, perfect for travel. Purchase them at ZealOptics.com.
Part 2: Packing Etc.
Great innovations in travel bags and accessories have simplified the way we pack, and have taken some of the stress out of travel. While, traveling it's always nice to have a few comforts from home too. Check out the list of the best packing tools and comfort items around.
Part 3: Techie Gear
Where you are going and the type of trip you are taking will determine your gear needs. Today there are so many great and very portable products for sound, photography, phones, and more. Here are my favorites, along with some guidelines on the perfect way to utilize them.
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