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    Off The Cuff

    Travel light & stay chic: Everything you need to look great on that perfectbeach vacation

    Lindley Arnoldy
    Apr 20, 2012 | 9:00 am
    • Photo by Shelley Seale
    • Suits by the Austrlian line Zimmerman make great bikinis, like this one with acute print mix.
    • Super chic shades handmade in France by Thierry Lasry
    • A personal favorite, I love the Issa kimono dress.
    • A metallic flat can carry you through an entire weekend on a beach vacay andchic up any outfit.
    • More important than any other accessory, make sure to protect your skin with afabulous sun hat.
    • Try this 3.1 Philip Lim T-Shirt dress as a non-traditional alternative to atypical maxi dress.
    • Throw on a pair of horn bangles with your cover up for look that is instantlystylish.
    • Invest in a pair of funky, colorful flats like these from Vionnet.
    • I am loving the retro silhouettes in sunglasses right now, like the cat eye inthese Tom Ford sunnies.
    • Substitute your stilettos for a fashionable wedge. (Shown: "Gilda" by AlejandroIngelmo)

    Bikini season is upon us! Having been in the midst of a quick trip to Brazil last weekend and heading out to Florida with friends this weekend, I am reminded of all of the packing essentials needed for the perfect beach vacation.

    If done right, you shouldn’t need more than a cute little weekender to carry you through your trip, because, let’s be honest, how much space do your bikinis really need?

     

      From suits to shorts, flip flops and sundresses, here is my list of everything you need for the perfect beach vacation… 

    By now, hopefully you have enlisted some sort of regular workout regimen (I recommend Erin’s classes at DEFINE on Tuesdays and Thursdays), purchased a good sun block for your sun-bare skin and invested in a cute swimsuit.

    If you are super pale, I recommend doing a light spray tan at GLO Sunspa (no harmful side effects) to help you look better in your bikini right off the bat and also add a layer of protection from the sun. But be careful not to go overboard, while a light spray tan will give you a glow and make you look thinner in your swimsuit, "oompa loompa orange" is not sexy.

    After you have your body and skin prepped, it’s time to start packing. From suits to shorts, flip flops and sundresses, here is my list of everything you need for the perfect beach vacation…

     Suit up

    I am a water baby at heart. I love any type of water, be it a beach or a lake, taking boat trips and just being in the warm open air. Therefore, I love a good bikini! For a good quality bikini with removable straps for those pesky tan lines, I highly recommend the Australian line Zimmerman. The delicate prints and girly accents make these suits perfectly feminine. Currently, I love the color and cut outs on the blue bell bikini and the contrasting prints on the Savannah bandeau bikini.

    The other swimwear designer I cannot get enough of right now is Lisa Marie Fernandez. Fernandez draws her inspiration from scuba gear, '80s color blocking and Bond girl glamour which is, in my opinion, the perfect trifecta of influences for a killer swimsuit. I love the idea of pairing this sleek metallic silver Natalie suit with a pair of oversized sunnies.

    If you are a one piece kind of gal, I recommend going for the rad, retro look of the Daphne Maillot or its two piece counterpart, the Lauren bandeau.

     Sunnies

    No bikini look is complete without the complementing pair of chic sunglasses. Three trends I am loving right now in eyewear are nude colors, oversized frames and retro silhouettes.

     

      Celine makes the best nude sunnies, but this coveted brand is tough to find. 

    For a good two-in-one with a budget friendly price tag, I love these oversized, slightly cat eye frames from Sabre. For total retro glam, I love the Tom Ford Nikitas, the Karen Walker Number One sunnies and anything by Thierry Lasry - the amazing line of shades all handmade in France with a "futuristic-vintage" feel.

    Celine makes the best nude sunnies, but this coveted brand is tough to find. Ask the sales women at Neiman’s or Saks to special order you a pair – they are amazing!

     Cover-Up

    Cute cover-ups are also key to a good beach look. For a total splurge, I recommend the amazing prints and colorful caftans by Matthew Williamson. For a more budget friendly look, try this trendy caftan with a touch of neon from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.

    If you are looking for a bit of boho glam, I recommend the macramé fringe dress by Mara Hoffman. For a cover up that can carry you straight from the beach into a casual lunch or dinner, go for this number by Michael Kors. Throw on a pair of wedges and a couple of bangles or some statement earrings and voila! Instantly chic.

     Dress it Up

    For simple beach ensembles, nothing is easier and more wearable than a good dress. Jersey dresses pack well, don’t wrinkle and take up very little space. For a non-traditional take on a typical maxi dress, try this 3.1 Phillip Lim T-Shirt Dress. The soft color will work well with your freshly tanned skin, and the flowy detailing is perfect for the beach. Pair it with a few gold bangles and dress it down with a great pair of flats.

     

      For shorter women who can’t get away with a long maxi dress, try a baby doll silhouette in a fun print like this tie-dyed Darby Dress from Lindsey Thornberg or my personal favorite, the kimono dresses from Issa.  

    For shorter women who can’t get away with a long maxi dress, try a baby doll silhouette in a fun print like this tie-dyed Darby Dress from Lindsey Thornberg or my personal favorite, the kimono dresses from Issa. For a sexy beach number in this season’s it color, try this off the shoulder jersey dress in bright yellow. Pair it with some camel colored sandals, bangles and a pair of statement earrings for a bit of a tribal vibe.

     Wedges and good flats

    I am definitely a stiletto kind of girl, but there is really hardly ever a need for a stiletto on a beach vacation, even in the most glamorous beach towns (this rule does not apply to cruise ships). If you are not surrounded by sand, you will often time find roads are cobblestone or simply not equipped for your pencil thin stilts. So, swap out your stilettos for a chic wedge or a least a chunky heel, if you are like me and simply cannot leave your heels behind.

    However, a chic jeweled or metallic Grecian sandal can carry you all weekend long! For a fun and funky print, try the Marina leopard sandals by Charlotte Olympia or the colorful embellished flats by Vionnet. K. Jaques St Tropez also makes amazingly chic sandals, perfect for your daytime activities. They are carried at the local boutique Abejas, along with the store’s eponymous line of leather, suede and metallic lambskin flip flops that are by far the chicest pair of flops you will ever own.

    There you have it! Plenty of options to stay chic and glamorous on your next beach vacation, while still packing light. Don’t forget to bring a cute sun hat to protect you from harmful rays and wrinkles. I recommend playing the part and wearing it on the plane to keep it from losing its shape.

    To keep up with the items mentioned in this story and my other latest obsessions, you can "stalk" The Flip Side on CurrentlyObsessed.me. Don't worry, it's completely anoynmous!

     Lindley Arnoldy writes the fashion and style blog The Flip Side.

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    WHERE TO SHOP IN JULY

    Where to shop right now: 10 Houston stores with summer fashion finds

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Jul 3, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Dolly Parton
    Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott
    Kendra Scott’s latest collaboration with Dolly Parton features vintage-inspired pieces with hearts and butterflies, available for a limited time.

    Temperatures are heating up, and so are the fashion finds in the Bayou City. With summer sales in full swing and new limited-time collabs hitting the racks, Houston shoppers can refresh their closets before fall styles roll in.

    And let's be real, the summertime temps will be here through October, so a mid-year update is in order. Here are 10 standout spots to check out this month.

    Chloe Dao
    July marks the halfway point of the year, but it also means the countdown for Chloe Dao's Annual Birthday Sale is officially on. On Saturday, July 26th, shoppers will receive 50 percent off most items in the store (some exclusions apply) from 10 am-12 pm. The sale continues with 30 percent off for the rest of the weekend, and shoppers will also find 25 percent off select Dao Chloe Dao Original Designs.

    Jimmy Choo
    Jimmy Choo recently debuted a line of jelly shoes, blending the nostalgic trend with the brand's signature glamour and craftsmanship. The summertime staple is available in a variety of colors and styles at the Jimmy Choo boutique in the Galleria.

    Kendra Scott x Dolly Parton
    Country music legend Dolly Parton teamed up with Texas jewelry giant Kendra Scott for a second time with a line of vintage-inspired accessories inspired by her music. The limited-time collection features 10 styles, heavily featuring hearts and butterflies.

    La Fragancia
    The premier perfume chain store, with locations across California and Denver, opened its first Houston outpost at Houston Premium Outlets, near Saks Off 5th. It offers high-end fragrances for men and women, carrying all major brands from Armani to Zegna. La Fragancia also specializes in niche perfumes from France, the Middle East, and Italy, as well as exclusive imports and gift sets at discount prices.

    Loewe
    Fans of the luxury Spanish brand known for its iconic puzzle bags can now get their hands on the 10th anniversary Loewe Confetti bag. Available at the Loewe boutique in River Oaks District, the limited-edition design is made from leather and hand-embroidered with thousands of confetti pieces in colors perfect for summer.

    Maison Francis Kurkdjian
    Maison Francis Kurkdjian has officially opened its only Texas boutique at River Oaks District. Houstonians can now discover the world of Kurkdjian's artistry, featuring cult-favorite Baccarat Rouge 540 and exclusive boutique offerings. In celebration of the opening, Houstonians can receive a complimentary gift with purchase and complimentary engraving.

    Perigold
    The leading online luxury retailer recently debuted its first brick-and-mortar store in Highland Village. The massive 20,000-square-foot flagship store features a curated selection of furniture, decor, and lighting, showcasing over 150 luxury home brands. [Editor's note: Read CultureMap's full visit to the store here.]

    Rag & Bone
    The iconic denim retailer recently opened a boutique in Houston Premium Outlets. Customers can find favorites, including authentic heritage clothing with modern details for both men and women.

    Tiffany x Pharrell Williams
    Available at Tiffany in The Galleria, the Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams collection incorporates sharp spear-like spikes in everything from necklaces and earrings to bracelets and rings. The collection is available in 18K gold or titanium, featuring all-metal and diamond styles.

    Veronica Beard x Head Sportswear
    The exclusive Veronica Beard x Head Sportswear capsule collection is available at Veronica Beard in River Oaks District. This eight-piece collection, designed for athletes and fashion enthusiasts, features versatile women's tennis and activewear, crafted in Head's signature high-performance fabric. The new line includes a zip-front dress, jacket, skort, and top set, as well as a bra and leggings in limited-edition colorways of white, sage, and terracotta, complementing Veronica Beard's Pre-Fall 2025 collection.

    Dolly Parton
      

    Photo courtesy of Kendra Scott

    Kendra Scott’s latest collaboration with Dolly Parton features vintage-inspired pieces with hearts and butterflies, available for a limited time.

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