Packing for a summer vacation can be a daunting task, but if you pick the right items, it really doesn’t have to be. Enter Stephanie Steinman, who knows a thing or two about travel. This experienced editor has just launched Le Postcard where she’s sharing insider travel tips from some of the chicest tastemakers as they travel the globe. Based in her native Los Angeles, Stephanie gets just as excited about a getaway to Vancouver B.C. as she does for an exotic trip to India or Japan. Here are her own must-pack essentials for a perfect summer holiday. Get to packing!
in the bag: Good luggage is a must! Truth be told, I’m a bit of a luggage snob and I think Tumi is really fantastic. It’s beautiful and functional, but it’s also incredibly durable. They’ve got new styles that you can customize with different colors – I still chose basic-black, but I added royal-blue accents because in a sea of black bags, I’ve now got a better chance that someone won’t walk off with mine.
SUnny outlook: You just can’t go wrong with a great pair of sunglasses. I love the classic Wayfarers from Ray-Ban (they look good on almost everyone!). I always pack a pair in black and another in tortoise. They’re also helpful when your vacation has involved a few too many pina coladas and you’re not quite ready to face the sunshine. Plus, every beach outfit requires a cool pair of shades.
on your feet: Despite my petite stature, I love wearing flat sandals all summer long. I always pack multiple pairs from K. Jacques and Ancient Greek Sandals. They look great with jeans, shorts, dresses and skirts – just make sure you have a great pedicure!
good jeans: I’m a huge fan of denim in the summer. White jeans are without a doubt my go-to summer staple. They look great with everything and can literally be worn everywhere – from the plane ride to Rome, to sightseeing in Prague. I love cropped pairs from Current Elliott and Frame Denim. Oh, and I also always have a Levi’s jean jacket with me, for chilly nights (a girl can never be too prepared).
water wear: No summer suitcase would be complete without great swimwear. I love bikinis from Eres. I’m actually not an overpacker, so I usually only bring three bikinis; white, black, and then I bring one in a solid color. The one-piece is also making a comeback, and so this year I’ll bring one along too.
camo travel: I always pack an L.L. Bean tote bag – it’s lightweight and inexpensive, and can be carried on the plane or thrown into my suitcase to use later in my trip. It’s great to use as a beach bag or a purse, and also comes in handy for shopping in foreign cities. My favorite is the camouflage print – I can’t tell you how many people stop me to ask where I got it!
skin deep: Packing a good sunscreen is incredibly important – and since you’ll want one that is all natural, it’s important to plan ahead. I really like all of the products from Suntegrity. That being said, I still love the ‘look’ of a sun-kissed glow, and Caudalie makes a great sunless tanner (plus it smells delicious!).
to the t: I always make sure to pack a huge stack of white tees. I wear them on the plane, to the beach, while I’m lunching, sightseeing, shopping (you get the idea). A clean, fresh, white tee can really pull an outfit together. J. Crew makes my favorites – crew neck, V-neck, cotton, linen… I love them all!
