Travel Tuesday: Summer Fashion Survival Kit

I know, it's been a super long time since I have posted again, but in my defense, being a working mom of a 5 and a half month old baby leaves me with little free time. Luckily we haven't had to sacrifice travel or fashion, as we are happy to expose our son to the world we love to explore, and since my fabulous husband got me a gift of "shopping spree" for my first Mother's Day. He really knows the way to my heart!

Today's post is inspired by BCBG/Max Azria's summer survival kit blog post, as well as their summer survival kit collection. I know I personally have been gearing up for my summer travel plans (Spain!) for the year, which always includes a fitting summer travel wardrobe. So when I was this, I thought it'd be fun to share some must-haves for Summer 2010 for your vacations or staycations.

So here is a sampling of what I feel to be the pieces that should comprise your summer fashion arsenal. You'll find some high-end items, and some lower-priced versions, but know that if you don't ave a champagne budget for your summer wardrobe, you'll surely be able to find more reasonaly-priced versions of even the higher-end items.

Maxi Dresses and New Boho


Diane Von Furstenberg Ferrin Printed Maxi Dress
$465.00, NetAPorter.com


BCBG Chevron-Striped Halter Maxi Dress
$178.00, BCBG.com

Both Boho and Maxi Dresses have a different look for Summer 2010, and a good inspiration of both are the DVF and BCBG dresses pictured above. Pair this with some large sunglasses, a low ponytail, some gladiator sandals and a large beaded bracelet.

White on White


High-Waist Mini Bandage Skirt
$59.50, Express.com


White Sequin Tank
$29.50, Express.com

White-on-white works in many forms (white tunics, all-white dresses, white bags, etc.), but the look above pairs a sequin tank with a white mini-skirt because minis are also a must-have piece in your summer wardrobe if you don't mind baring your gams.

Brights


Stella McCartney Asta Silk-Satin Dress
$845.00, NetAPorter.com


RM by Roland Mouret Osu Dress
$1,560.00, NetAPorter.com

Brights are super hot right now, yellow being one of the most popular for the season. But don't limit yourself, as teals and corals are also hot.

Jersey Dresses


James Perse Double-Layered Jersey Dress
$165.00, NetAPorter.com

Belted or not, with gladiators or studded strappy pumps, or even as a simple swim cover up with a white floppy hat, this is a very versatile piece for the summer.

Day-to-Night Cocktail Dresses


BCBG Sequined Dress
$238.00, BCBG.com

Lighter cocktail dresses that go from day-to-night are popular right now, especially while traveling. You coudl find yourself museum-touring by day, then tapas-tasting at night in this number above.

Rolled-Up Chino


J Brand Inez Cropped Cotton Pants
$220.00, NetAPorter.com

A staple this summer. Wear with a slim button up top in summer's powder pink and nude platform pumps or a nautical stripes, or a blue racer-back tank and chunky heels or platform wedges.

Monokini

 

Victoria's Secret Wireless Push-Up Monokini
$88.00, VictoriasSecret.com

A black monokini is my pick for swim this season. I personally will use a jersey racerback tank dress or a white linen button-up shirt (sleeves rolled to 3/4) for swim cover-ups with it.

Square Linen Bag


BCBG Square Linen Tote
$128.00, BCBG.com

A white purse is a must in many shapes. Bonus points for having a square-shaped linen version as well.

Rhinestone Pave Ring


Domed Pave Ring
$5.80, Forever21.com

You don't need to spend a fortune to get my ring pick of the season. Check out this version from Forever 21 at a steal of under $6.00.

Platform Wedges


BCBG Platform Wedge Sandals
$198.00, BCBG.com

Gladiator Sandals


Jimmy Choo Eureka Studded Suede Sandals
$795.00, NetAPorter.com

Nude Shoes


Giuseppe Zanotti Studded Gladiator Heel Sandal
$790.00, NetAPorter.com

Wear with skinny pants.


Alexander McQueen Iridescent Leather Pumps
$695.00, NetAPorter.com

Wear with chinos or short linen shorts.


That's it for now. Happy shopping!