Essentials for a Beach Getaway

Summer is still two months away, but with the days growing longer and the weather warming up, it feels like it’s right around the corner (at least in this part of the country – apologies to our friends in the Midwest who are being slammed by more snow!). If you’ve been daydreaming about your first visit to the beach, or if you’re planning for an ocean-side vacation, this post on beach essentials is for you.

Essentials for a Beach Getaway

Double-stripe bandeau top and double-stripe tab hipster, J. Crew ($48 per piece)
Want a cute bathing suit? Check out J. Crew’s 2013 line of swimwear, which features fun patterns like summer stripes and playful polka dots. With a variety of cuts and styles – for example, bottoms are available in hipster, high-waisted brief, bikini and lowrider cuts – you can mix and match tops and bottoms to create your ideal bathing suit.

Mossimo Supply Co. Floppy Hat, Target ($14.99)
Too much of a good thing can be bad, and that definitely holds true for sunshine. Protect your face from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays with a stylish, oversized hat. This floppy hat from Target gets the job done without leaving a dent in your wallet.

Slingback Boardwalk Sandal, Madewell ($49.50-$59.50)
I’ve never been a fan of the thong style of flip-flops, so I’m much more likely to reach for a pair of slingback sandals like these. Plus, the two-tone textured leather makes these sandals extremely versatile – they can go straight from the beach to boardwalk to bar.

Printed Canvas Tote, Gap ($39.95)
A big, sturdy beach bag is a necessity for safe-keeping your beach towel, sunscreen, reading materials and snacks. Choose a canvas bag, like this printed tote from Gap, for easy cleanup, as it wipes clean after a long day at the beach.

Open-stitch Poncho Cover-up Sweater, Victoria’s Secret ($49.50)
This cotton and cashmere poncho is light, airy and soft – everything I want in a beach cover-up. Even better, it’s currently on sale for $49.50 off $10 from its original price.

Did I leave out any of your favorite beach essentials? Share them in the comments!

Photo credits: jcrew.com, target.com, madewell.com, gap.com, victoriassecret.com

Festive Frocks For Under $100!

In the spirit of the season, we’ve been bringing you fun, festive ideas on how to elevate your look for the holidays, be it at the office party or new beauty tricks to try. Now that we’re in the thick of soiree season—this weekend alone, we have a holiday housewarming brunch, coworker cocktails and a white elephant exchange—we’re taking the stress out of holiday dressing with a roundup of our favorite frocks, all for under $100!

MM COUTURE, $89

Green Sequin Skirt Dress - Jade/gold

Sparkle all night in MM Couture’s dazzling skirt dress ($89 from Piperlime, get an extra 20% with code HOLIDAY), featuring a sequined gold skirt and blousy jade top. Pair with nude pumps for an extra leg-lengthening effect.

TOPSHOP, $84

photo[1]

Topshop’s cherry red skater dress ($84, score free shipping!) makes our spirits bright, thanks to a festive red hue and full-skirted silhouette. Try cinching it with an ornate belt to add extra sparkle and accentuate your silhouette.

ALI RO, $35

$(KGrHqFHJDUE OcFrOgkBP9uPo6Ol!~~60_35

Put the Midas touch on your holiday look with Ali Ro’s golden Grecian dress (on sale for $34.62 from $285 at Neiman Marcus Last Call, use code LCDEC75 for free shipping on orders over $75), spun of gleaming taffeta and dressed up with bow-topped shoulder and pleated sweetheart neckline.

VICTORIA’S SECRET, $70

V296865TOP_2Z4

Steal kisses under the mistletoe in a seductive silhouette, like Victoria Secret’s Multi Way dress ($69.50, free shipping with code SHIPANY). Crafted of flattering matte jersey, it comes in 4 colors and can be worn a whopping 10 different ways (halter, strapless, V-neck, one-shoulder and so on…) to carry you through the season. If the vibe of the party is on the conservative side, top with a shrunken tuxedo jacket to balance proportions.

J.CREW, $99 

49388_PK5977_m

Look pretty in pink with J.Crew’s bright Sinclaire dress ($99, take and extra 30% off + free shipping with code WISHLIST). The vibrant color makes it a perfect choice for the holidays, though the whisper-weight fabric works well for all of spring’s social events.

ADRIANNA PAPELL, $65

photo

With crisp tiers and graphic neckline, we think this jazzy little number by Adrianna Papell ($64.35 at Bluefly, take $40 off your order of $200 with code FLY40) is black, white and delightful allover. Channel a modern Holly Golightly by pulling hair back into a French twist and show off a pair of sparkly earrings.

ZARA, $70

1165022800_1_1_3

Whether the invite calls for creative cocktail or black tie optional, we can always count on Zara to find the perfect LBD for every occasion. Case in point: this coquettish dress ($69.90) trimmed with lace and chic ruffles.

ELISE RYAN, $39

image4xl

Make the rounds in this party-perfect dress by Elise Ryan ($38.70 at Asos), spun of floral lace with a sweetheart neck and scalloped hemline for an extra dose of demure. (While at Asos, send fun holiday e-cards to friends!)

SHOP IT: WINTER COATS

Baby, it’s cold outside! In light of the Nor’easter blustering through New York City, not to mention snowstorm Brutus making his way west, it’s time — in most of the country — to bundle up in your warmest winter threads. And with all the pre-holiday specials going on, there’s no better time than now to invest in a chic winter jacket. After all, it’s the first thing people notice with your outfit, plus if you find the right one, you’re sure to keep it for many more seasons to come. Read on for our roundup of the season’s warmest, most winsome offerings.

BEST NYLON PUFFER
 
   

If you’re looking for a plush down-filled jacket that won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a sleeping bag, Victoria’s Secret’s knit collar coat (on sale for $126, use code FALL12 to receive $15 off) is cinched at the waist to flatter your figure, and comes with a built-in knit scarf to keep you extra cozy. Another great option is DKNY’s opera coat ($495) cut in a relaxed, robe-like silhouette and perfect to pair with leggings or skinny jeans. As for our favorite, most luxurious non-puffy puffer? Burberry Brit’s down trench coat ($995, use code NOVGV to score a free Neiman Marcus gift card), featuring belted cuffs, rain flaps and a chic double-breasted silhouette. (This one’s a keeper.)

BEST BRIGHTS
     

Perk up your look on even the coldest day with a cheerful pop of color. We love how Banana Republic’s sunny yellow jacket ($225, take 30% off with code BRSAVE30) instantly boosts our mood. Or go pretty in pink with J.Crew’s sweet coat ($325, take 25% off + free shipping using code OURTREAT), lined with special Thinsulate to keep you extra toasty. Asos’ darling cobalt blue design ($92.35), complete with a cute hood, is sure to wake up winter doldrums.

BEST (FAUX) FUR-TRIMMED
   

For the perfect day to dinner jacket, opt for luxurious faux fur flourishes, such as Victoria’s Secret’s cherry red topper ($131) which has a removable collar, or Rachel Zoe’s Trish peacoat ($404, get free shipping) which looks equally chic over office outfits and cocktail party ensembles. Or go all out in Kate Spade New York’s Allie coat ($898), crafted in season-perfect pumpkin with a generous plush trim.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT

As for those of us living in the warmer parts of the country, there’s no real need for a  heavy-duty jacket, of course. But you can still bundle up on our chillier nights in Rachel Roy’s perfect throw-on-and-go sweater coat ($189) For something a bit more daring, try Via Spiga’s sleek black cape ($100, marked down from $170) to wear with skinny jeans and heels, or stick to something classic with BCBG’s khaki trench ($398, enjoy free 3-day shipping) to wear with just about everything you own.