Our team is kicking off the start of Summer right with our own unique plans for this holiday weekend. We each intend to soak up the sun (and time) with our family and friends, remembering those who have given their lives for our country.

Since each of us has totally different itineraries with our loved ones scheduled, our packing needs vary greatly. While Lauren needs chic sneakers and a lightweight dress for the summer heat in NYC, Lacey is opting for a bikini and hair mask for her beach days at the St. Regis resort in Punta Mita, Mexico. Wherever the destination, pull some inspiration for your own long, summer weekend plans with our roundup of what we are bringing along for the holiday.

Somewhere on a Beach

“I’m so excited for a beach escape with friends to the St. Regis resort in Punta Mita, Mexico. A long weekend of sun, fresh seafood, and Herradura margaritas will have me ready for summer.

A new, fun swimsuit is a necessity for this relaxed location where you can go from daytime to dinner at Mita Mary’s right on the beach. I found this cheetah-print two-piece at Crue (top $106, bottoms $128) that I love.

Not that much is needed for the beach, but a tote to carry sunscreen and beach reading material is great. I’m bringing along this Love Stitch tote from Hemline ($115), and throwing a hair mask in there, too. The Shu Uemura hair mask ($68) can be found at Escape Day Spa and is a life-saver.”

– Lacey K.

 

A Summer Evening in Florida

“Unless I have social plans at some upscale resort, beach time for me is completely low key. The only piece of jewelry that I take (aside from my wedding band and diamond studs from King Jewelers) is the custom lariat ($2145) that designer Vincent Peach made for me a few years ago. It’s a long necklace that wraps around to be a shorter choker and even a statement-making bracelet. I’ve even used it as a low-slung belt with knit dresses beachside. I’ve had it for years, it’s been wet, wound and manipulated into various shapes so many times and just looks better over time.

Nothing smells more like summer to me than this Beach fragrance ($78 range). I love layering the lotion with spritzes of the fragrance and then keeping the rollerball in my bag for a little pick me up on the go. Find the collection at WOO Skincare and Cosmetics on Bandywood.

For wrapping around your waist as a cover-up, to keeping sun-kissed shoulders from chilling at night, these luxurious lightweight scarves are ideal for any trip and come in colors that blend so perfectly with an oceanside setting. I’ve even been known to use one for an impromptu backdrop for a picnic style set up on the sand—much more chic and lighter to carry than the typical blanket and any sand shakes right off.”

– Stacie S.

 

A City Escape

“My husband and I are taking our two sons to New York City and we are staying in Times Square (per their request…) to get the ‘full’ NYC experience.

We will be spending our days sight-seeing, taking a helicopter tour, and spending a day in Central Park and at Rockefeller Center. Our evenings will be spent at Broadway shows and dining out to get our yearly taste of the amazing New York restaurant scene.

We have a packed itinerary and will be walking a ton, so I am packing a comfortable dress from e. Allen ($235) that can be casual for day time with sneakers from The Perfect Pair ($258), and transitioned to evening with a fancier flat.

This Chanel cross bag from Gus Mayer ($3020) completes the outfit for day or evening and is a must-have for traveling (plus looks super chic).”

– Lauren H.

On the Road Again

“My best friend and I are renting a Jeep Wrangler and road-tripping up and down the California Coast over this long weekend. Starting in LA, we will be taking Highway One all the way up to San Francisco and back. I’m taking this Lulu Lemon backpack  ($128) along to carry my laptop and camera. It is also great for the hiking that we will be doing around the Big Sur area. Anything Lulu can be locally found at the Lulu Lemon in The Hill Center.

For my camera, Canon has been my go-to brand. My very first camera was the Canon Rebel t3i until I graduated to the Canon Mark III ($3249). The colors and contrast on Canon cameras are unmatched and capture warm, golden tones sure to be in every California sunset better than any other brand that I have tried. This camera is the perfect companion for a for my holiday plans and can be purchased at Dury’s or online on Amazon.

Comfort will be key on this trip. I love the Frye Ivy Sneaker ($198), as it can easily be paired with a casual sundress or with athleisure wear. I found mine at Frye in the Gulch.”

– Alaina M.

A Relaxing Staycation

“With my recent move, my husband and I purchased this Summer Classics Croquet Teak Collection for our outdoor patio. I love the recliner with its wide armrests and plush cushions. It also features an adjustable back with stunning brass hardware. Enjoy a cocktail or take a nap – the recliner offers the best of both worlds.

Along with updating the rest of the house, it’s time to update my barware. I’m loving this ice bucket from Ash Blue on Bandywood. Add a lemon/lime squeezer, and of course cocktail napkins. Having the right accessories always makes entertaining a joy!

Of course, a summer weekend wouldn’t be complete without a bit of day drinking (especially when there’s a lot of family in town…). I like to be prepared so I always have a couple of bottles of Herradura on hand. Personally, I like the Herradura Silver for mixing up a margarita and Herradura Ultra for sipping. Cheers!”

– Kimberly H.

Away at the Lake

“I always try to spend my summer weekends in a swimsuit. My boyfriend and I are meeting some friends in North Carolina for a lake weekend, so that means I’ll be packing very little (and doing nothing but reading on the boat).

I’ll be sporting this Zulu & Zephyr swimsuit from Hemline (top $70, bottoms $70) pretty much the entire weekend. It’s super comfortable, but also very stylish. For time spent off the boat, I’ve gotten this Robin Piccone coverup from to wear to dinner ($138). It can be found at the Nordstrom in Green Hills.

While the rest of the crew will be drinking margaritas and flipping burgers, I’m stocking up on tons of bottled juices from The Urban Juicer (forever in a health-kick). Urban Juicer is my go-to for healthy food/juices throughout the work week, so I’ll purchase their alkaline water bottles and charcoal water before I head out of town. Pro tip: After a weekend of cocktails, drink some charcoal water to absorb some of those pesky toxins. You’ll get to feeling better in no time.”

– Ellen W.