Episode: Weekend Getaway Mission Accomplished

You don't have to herd a pack of suitcases to look great on your weekends away this summer. The key to packing light is finding versatile, hassle-free pieces that can be dressed up or down and don't require too much maintenance.
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Takeaway Tips
  • Pack Light! A Tote or Duffel is All You Need
  • Look for Easy Fabrics that Don't Wrinkle
  • Find Double-Duty Pieces to Take You From Day to Night
Agent Blogs June 2010
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Summer is here, and that means one thing: lazy, sun-filled, relaxing long weekends... sigh! But nothing ruins a weekend away more than a drab, scruffy looking wardrobe – all too often we think casual means sloppy! This summer, break away from worn out track pants, faded bathing suits and old T-shirts, and put together a look that says casual, chic, timeless style.

Whenever I am putting together a look, I pick a fashion icon as a style starting point. For relaxed summer-style looks, no one did it like Jackie O! Breaking down her casual look, you can pull key elements into what makes a weekend wardrobe that is comfortable, flattering and perfectly preppy. When Afiya and I were planning our spa weekend, we made a quick stop at Vaughan Mills and picked up all of our stylish weekend essentials. Our first stop was STYLESENSE for a classic leather tote. I love the one we found, it will last a lifetime and only look better with age.

Here is a quick list of must-have items for short summer vacations:

  • Linen pants in white or a natural shade
  • A simple swimsuit (bikini or tank). Black is best and can be worn under a lightweight cotton V-neck
  • Speaking of which, a white cotton V-neck
  • A maxi dress in a splashy summer colour (avoid overly tropical patterns)
  • Metallic flat sandals (they take up little room and metallic will take you from day to night)
  • A simple silk tank in black or off-white (we found some great options at Aritzia)
  • A cotton shift dress (navy is always nice)
  • Accessories – check out XXI for chic, inexpensive accessories (by dressing up or dressing down your very neutral wardrobe you’ll be able wear the pieces more than once!)

Enjoy your summer!!!
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Is there anything better than a long weekend away? It’s the perfect amount of time to relax and unwind, yet not so long that you return to an abundant amount of voice messages and work to catch up on.

So grab a tote and be on your way. Yes, a tote! With a few simple tips, a small bag provides more than enough space for everything that you need for a weekend voyage.

Ever since I got into big trouble from a teacher who had to help me lug my super huge suitcase on a grade school class trip (my little grade 6 arms could barely lift the thing!), packing efficiently has become a point of pride.

Really, you need little more than a classic black bathing suit and perfect linen pants (like the ones that we found at Lacoste Outlet), a sweater for cool evenings, sandals and a couple of tunics.

Choose items that are easy to care for – meaning that, if you had to, you could wash them in the sink, not iron them, and dress them up or down and still look great. Lightweight cotton and linen are your best bets as they fit the bill above and take up little space.

I’m looking forward to a weekend getaway later on this summer, but until then, I have to thank the fab staff at Fiorio & Faces at Vaughan Mills. They dolled us up with hair care and makeup for this episode and the visit was the next best thing to a holiday!