The Real Chic Life

If you’ve been following along on social media, you know that George and I spent a magical week in St. Maarten at the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort (more on that in a future post) but you don’t have to be headed to the Caribbean to appreciate my 10 Things For Summer Vacation picks. Aside from that July when we vacationed in Alaska, these picks would work for any typical summer vacation.  And to be completely honest, you don’t have to hop on a plane to add any of these to your cart because they’re summer staples too.

So here are a few things you might want to pick up for your warm weather vacation or add to your summer wardrobe and beauty routine. 

1. The Perfect Maxi Dress– nothing says summer vacation like a sweeping maxi dress. They’re perfect for that summery romantic feel. I always add a couple to my wardrobe each year. This yellow maxi is a beauty, but if the buttery yellow hue isn’t your color it also comes in classic white and black. I also love this one (technically a midi but similar to the one I’m wearing above), and this one which is pricey but fabulous.

2. A Go-To Straw Bag– I love this oversized tote that George bought as a Mother’s Day gift for me last year from Sezane. This one is slightly smaller if you’re looking for something more compact. My daughter has (and loves) it. I’m thinking about adding it to my collection too. And if you are looking for something even smaller, this clutch and this nano bag are both on my luxury wish list.

3. Sensational Swimwear – I took more swimsuits than I needed, but here are my top three- This onepiece worked as a top with linen drawstring pants, which was perfect for a day of exploring that ended with a tryst at Loterie Farm and their fabulous jungle pool. This hot pink bikini is always spectacular, and this Burberry suit made it off of my luxury wish list and into my suitcase just in time. 

4. A Stylish Hat– I love this bucket hat from Janessa Leon and this much more affordable Panama Hat from Lands End- I wore it almost everywhere on our trip. And, this fedora is on my wishlist.

5. Chic Sunnies– I’ll always be a Ray-Ban girl. I love the classic, effortless look (and the price point) of this pair, but these Celine glasses are on my wish list. They’re similar to the ones worn by Anne Hathaway in The Idea of You. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it. I love stories about women 40+, and she serves up some pretty chic looks. 

6. The Best Lip Balm– I am obsessed with these Jones Road Beauty Lippie Sticks. I have them stashed everywhere. They’re made with jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and castor seed oil, and the sheer color actually stays on. They’re perfect for adding a slight touch of color and nourishing moisture. And while I might be known for loving a red lip, I still want an effortless no-makeup look on vacation. 

7. Skin-loving Sunscreen– one thing you should know about me is I don’t play around when it comes to sun exposure. I wish I could say it comes from my preventative attitude (both towards skin cancer and wrinkles) but it actually came out of necessity. I developed an allergy in my 20s where sun exposure would make me break out in hives- ever since, I’ve been very loyal to sunscreen, which I think has helped with minimizing wrinkles too. Here are my favorites- for the face: Elta MD (tinted if you have darker skin, per my dermatologist) and SuperGoop Play Antioxidant Body Mist (it’s pricey but worth it). No white cast or weird smell. It’s also water-resistant and leaves a glowy sheen.

8. A Lightweight Face Cream– I always switch face creams in the summer. I love the Moisturizing Fresh Cream from La Mer, and Tatcha The Water Cream (at a lower price point) is nice too. It’s listed in the Allure Beauty Expert Awards Hall of Fame. 

9. A Nourishing Body Cream—I don’t use travel-size creams when we vacation because life is too short for bad coffee or dry skin. So, my checked baggage will always have either Ouai’s St Bart Cream or the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. I love and use both on a regular basis. They’re super moisturizing and smell heavenly. The Bum Bum Cream is also visibly firming. 

10. A Sleek Electronic Reader (and a beach read). Technically, I’m cheating here as they’re separate. I love to hold a real book in my hands but for vacation, I always switch to my reader. I have the Kindle Scribe and love that I can take multiple books with me without weighing down my tote or carry- on bag. It also has some pretty cool features that you check out in the link above. As for the beach read- I took and finished The Sicilian Inheritance which I wouldn’t call a beach read (which is typically thought of as fast, fun, and flirty). But it was so beautifully written and engrossing that needless to say, I couldn’t put it down. My actual beach read was When I Think of You by Myah Ariel, and it checked all the boxes above. And while we’re chatting about beach books- I just received an advanced copy of Elin Hilderbrand’s Last Novel- Swan Song (from my friends at Talbots). It releases later this month. Swan Song is the last of her Nantucket Novels. Let me know if you pick this one up, too, as I’d love to chat about it virtually. 

So that’s it for my summer vacation picks. I’d love to hear about your must-haves, too. 

Until next post, 

Xo Tonya Parker