What to Pack - Matthew Williamson for H & M

(photo by Solve Sundsbo)

Matthew Williamson's summer line for H & M launched today and there are definitely some items I would like to pack in my suitcase for my summer trip to Hawaii. Number one on my list is the silk tunic pictured above. It is the ultimate glamour cover-up for lounging on the beach. It kind of reminds me of the sexy version of something Mrs. Roper would have worn on Threes Company, but flamboyantly perfect for a tropical local. At $50 I'm thinking it will probably fly off the shelves!

Guide Books For Foodies - Italy, Paris

When we were traveling around Italy on our honeymoon, Fred Plotkin's: Italy for the Gourmet Traveler was our bible. Encompassing all of Italy, it covers bakeries, markets, wine bars, restaurants of all price ranges, local cheese shops, regional culinary specialties, and so much more. If you are traveling to Italy and want to eat your way through, I seriously recommend you buy this book. It's hefty, but you'll be so happy you packed it. 

I have been searching for a similar guide for Paris and was not having any luck until I came upon Clotilde Dusoulier's new guide: Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris. If you are not familiar with Clotilde, she is the author of one of my favorite blogs, Chocolate & Zucchini. 

 And if there is one thing this girl knows, it's food. The new book is organized by arrondissements cataloguing  her favorite bakeries, restaurants, ice cream shops, chocolate stores, cheese shops, cafes, bars, and markets. She even gives tips for French etiquette and ordering. The best part is that you are getting advice from a true Parisian who loves food. C'est bon!

Charlotte Moss Travel Accessories

Pagoda ZipLoc Travel Bags (25) - $25.00 & " Mine" Luggage Tag - $25.00

Set of Three Mini books - $85.00 & Lucite Tote - $220

Even though the Charlotte Moss townhouse has closed its doors, I am pleased to report the website is still in full swing and selling new goodies. You can count on Ms. Moss to have stylish travel accessories. After all, there is no reason why even the most mundane items can't be pretty!

Breeze through security with your toiletries secure in her pagoda patterned pouches, or spot your luggage on the carousel with her faux croc. "mine" luggage tag. If you're like me and want to keep track of all the cool new haunts you discover on your adventures, these mini notebooks could come in handy.

Last but not least, it would be a cinch to spot your passport in this see through lucite tote. Although, then you might have to splurge on a fancy passport cover because everyone else will be seeing it too!

Peter Alexander Slippers - Los Angeles

Peter Alexander, an Australian lingerie designer has just opened a boutique in Los Angeles on trendy Robertson boulevard. The store carries adorable pajama bottoms, bags, and fun gift items. I was particularly taken with the slippers which would be so cute and comfortable on a red eye or international flight. Slippers retail for around $40. www.peteralexanderusa.com

Mackage Travel Raincoats - Everywhere

Daily Candy today sent an e-mail about Mackage's super cool travel rain coats. The light weight jackets fold up into a pocket in the back and can be reduced to a size small enough to fit in your purse. They definitely out style your basic sporting goods store variety, but come with a much more expensive price tag: $190 for the motorcycle jacket and $250. 

I also thought their trench coats were very stylish although very expensive. This trench retails for $550. 

Rigaud Travel Candles

Whenever I look up reviews of budget hotels on Trip Advisor, it seems that one of the criticisms is always "hotel has a funky odor."  I have rejected many a hotel based on those words, but I started to think --  if everything else about the hotel is great and the price is right -- maybe there's a solution: a Rigaud travel candle!  These candles have been around for over 100 years when they were used to freshen Madame Rigaud's Champs Elysee boutique. The most famous and original scent is the Cypres, a woody pine scent, but now the line carries many others. Plus, they come in a stylish zebra print tin.

Calypso Pom Pom Throw

I am always freezing-cold on planes, and keep thinking I should pack a small throw in my bag for long trips. This cute Pom Pom Throw from Calypso seems like a good option. 
Made from soft cotton, you can roll it up for easy packing, and it it comes in all of the above fun colors. When you're not traveling, it would also look great thrown over the back of a side chair and the best part is it's only $50. 

Bensimon Shoes

Bensimon shoes, previously only available in Europe, are now being sold at Madewell in the Los Angeles Century City Mall. Their tennis shoes are so Parisian retro cool that I can imagine them being on the feet of Charlotte Gainsbourg or Sophie Marceau in the 80's film La Boum. They  look like they would pack well in a suitcase, are comfortable, and can be washed in a washing machine. If you're headed to France,  Bensimon has several retail locations where they also carry clothing, bags, bikes, home goods, and travel accessories.

Maharaja Tents

I'm not usually much of a camper (it's the lack of indoor plumbing and doors with locks), but, Maharaja's tents are so pretty, I've changed my mind. This Cottage tent is water and wind proof, and can be customized with your choice of interior and exterior fabrics.  It would be the perfect tent for my dream safari vacation. Of course, there is no mention of price anywhere on their website. My guess? Really obscenely expensive. Oh well, I guess I'll have to keep dreaming.

Nankeen Totes - Rhode Island

From Left to right: Nankeen Ascot Tote $225, Ming Tote $225, and Ying Tote $225

On my trip to Rhode Island, I discovered Nankeen, a bag company  that makes a great weekender tote. Their bag is huge, the perfect size for a carry on, and has lots of little interior pockets to keep you organized. My favorite is the Ascot with it's persimmon interior, but they have more patterns and styles on their website: www.nankeenstyle.com. If you every find yourself in Rhode Island, check out their factory store in Portsmouth. They offer hefty discounts.

Jean-Vier Store - Los Angeles

The French company Jean Vier has just opened their first store on U.S. soil in our very own Pasadena. They carry bright summery linens and accessories in bold linear patterns.

Their sturdy totes would make great beach bags, and the coated linen caught my eye as another great picnic blanket option. It's sold by the foot so you can choose the size, it rolls up easily, and the slick coating allows you to hose it down when you're done.
http://www.jean-vier.com/overview.aspx?idcat1=2&idcat2=0&idcat3=39&couleursearch=-1

Diana Camera

I love taking pictures on vacation, and even though I have a Hasselblah, I sometimes prefer to experiment with cheap novelty cameras. I've heard for years of the elusive Lomo Diana camera, but have never been able to acquire one. The Diana was a plastic camera manufactured by Lomo for about a $1.00 in the 60's, but due to poor sales, very few were made. It became a favorite among artists who discovered its cheap camera body leaks in light in the most artful of ways, producing dreamy photographs. Previously hard-to-find and expensive, Lomo has re-issued the original camera with some new features. Hopefully, these do not include fixing the light leak. Available at: http://www.lomography.com/diana/

Vacation Swimsuit Shopping

Top row: Carmen Marc Valvo $136, Diane Von Furstenburg $154, Carmen Marc Valvo $158, Lily Pulitzer $110.60
Bottom Row: Shoshanna $108.50, Anika Brazil $167.00, Le Truc $285, Anika Brazil $167.00

Shopping for a swimsuit is always a nightmare situation, and being of the fair persuasion, I opt for the suit with the most coverage. Finding a one-piece that's not matronly, but sexy and sophisticated without showing all the goods can be difficult. Thankfully, there seem to be more options out there this season. So far, the Anika with the sash is my favorite, and it's on sale at Saks!