Jet Set Style: 5 Suitcase Essentials for your Summer Vacation

Summer getaways should be breezy, fun-filled affairs, and nothing kills the travel buzz like lugging around a huge, overloaded suitcase. Local stylist Eric Himel to the rescue! Himel, who learned his style sense under fashion expert Tim Gunn, has chosen five essential summer pieces that are versatile, trend-perfect, and best of all, compact enough to fit into your tiniest carry-on. A bathing suit and sandals are the only other pieces you’ll need to complete the look, so throw ‘em in your weekender and get out of town already!

APARTMENT NUMBER 9
1804 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 (map)
THE ITEM: Aviator sunglasses. FAVE EXAMPLE: Mosley Tribe Aviators, $250. ERIC SAYS: “You can channel icons like Paul Newman and James Dean. Need I say more?”WE SAY: How can you improve on a classic? Aviator shades look as snazzy on girls as they do on guys, and this well-constructed pair won’t get bent out of shape like the cheapies you picked up at Walgreens last summer.

BEADNIKS
1937 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622 (map)

THE ITEM: Ethnic jewelry. FAVE EXAMPLE: Indonesian carved bone or wood earrings, $28-52. ERIC SAYS: “The ethic look is big right now. It says, ‘No problem man!’” WE SAY: We dig how these earrings add a touch of the whimsical and unexpected to any outfit, even a basic tank top and shorts combo. They’d look great paired with the Rachel Pally dress for a day of shopping the local markets.

HIS STUFF
5314 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640(map)

THE ITEM: Tailored khaki shorts. FAVE EXAMPLE: Modern Amusement Weekender Bermuda, $88. ERIC SAYS: “Casual enough for vacation but tailored enough to say ‘I’m not doing a beer bong on spring break.’ Look for shorts with no pleats or cargo pockets. No shorty-shorts or long-and-baggies, either. They should end right above the knee.” WE SAY: Thank you, Eric! We’re beyond ready to declare the frat-boy cargo short dead and buried. These send a different message: polished, but fun. That’s a statement any guy can get behind.

LORI’S DISCOUNT DESIGNER SHOES
824 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614(map)

THE ITEM: Rattan clutch. FAVE EXAMPLE: Straw Studios Rattan Clutch, $46. ERIC SAYS: “Rattan is the perfect summer material, and the neutral color goes with everything.” WE SAY: Loving the metallic bronze-toned leather accents and the turn-lock for keeping all of our important stuff safe. The overall look is casual, but the chain dresses it up enough for a night sipping margaritas at a beach-side bar.

VERUCA SALT
1921 N Damen Ave , Chicago, IL 60647(map)

THE ITEM: Jersey dress in any color except black. FAVE EXAMPLE: Rachel Pally Short Jersey Dress, Teal, $238. ERIC SAYS: “Jersey packs like a dream and feels like water on your skin.” WE SAY: It’s the ultimate material for a hot day–it keeps you cool and makes it feel like you’re wearing nothing. The rich, jewel-like teal color would look even better with a tan (faux or real–your call), and the shape is universally flattering.