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Get Away to the Sun!

I'm not sure when I reached the point of no return; perhaps it was being woken by the sounds of birdsong--which meant it was way past time to be awake (last night's torrential downpour = power outage = no alarm = fastest shower on earth). Or maybe it was the heated rumor (once again) of Katie's departure from Today (that particular replacement shuffle should prove fodder for the media analysts for quite some time). Or perhaps it was standing at the corner waiting for the light to change when a Metro bus whizzed by, splashing me (and my gorgeous new über-chic pumps) with gallons of grimy street-water from last night's deluge. Whatever straw broke the cashmere camel's back, it is blatantly evident that everyday drear and gloom has gotten to me. My normally perky self is suffering from seriously droopy doldrums and this is just not tolerable. Lucky for me I recall last year's bout with SAD and a cure is in the offing.

At our recent retail therapy session, the "Lovelies Who Lunch" as I like to refer to my dearest girlfriends, had a very deep philosophical discussion of the merits of light therapy for treatment of SAD, and while such therapies are all well and good, we have decided that a zippy little jaunt to sunnier climes would work an absolute treat, plus put a little flush in our cheeks! Also, it just so happens that darling Bailey has offered her timeshare in sunny Baja for a Girl's Weekend in the Sun--and to also celebrate the engagement of our dear friend Pilar. (Here's to hoping for an exotic destination wedding, as it appears we will all be bridesmaids!) We would also be celebrating the birth of Whitney's newest babe, but the dearest swollen girl is two weeks past due and in a not-so-festive-mood. But I digress. Anyhoo, since I was able to self-diagnose my malady prior to incurring the expense of a new designer handbag, I find myself with sufficient funds to attire and accessorize myself in style and make our extended Girl's Night Out a weekend to remember.

What to Pack for a Weekend in the Sun:

Remember that time you went on a cruise to the Bahamas and the airline lost your luggage, so all you had for the first four days of the cruise were the clothes you had traveled in: jeans, cashmere sweater, cool car coat and Uggs, supplemented by two Cruise Line logo tee shirts, a pair of cut-off Cruise Line sweat pants, an extremely un-hip one-piece swimsuit (from the gift shop) and a spangly gold kaftan (also from the gift shop) that positively screamed Palm Beach Geezerfest 2005? Oh wait, that was me. Anyhoo, from personal experience I have learned the art of the carry-on tote bag. This bag contains the items of necessity and luxury that can save your stylish rep should you ever again suffer from the inconsistencies of airline travel.

The Carry-On Tote Bag:

• First and foremost, a great carry-on tote bag (make sure it fits within airline specs--you'd hate to have to check it on after all!) I prefer a duffle. You can roll, fold, stuff and cram many essential items into just such a bag.
• A complete change of stylish clothing--you know, those items that can get you through a day of sightseeing and on to a casual dinner with equal ease. A fluttery skirt, a chic top, and neutral espadrilles should do the trick.
• A pair of jeans, a go-anywhere tee and a lightweight cashmere sweater (takes up little packing space and even warmer climates can get chilly when the sun goes down). A cozy, travel-friendly pair of tennies (which can be part of your plane travel ensemble) completes the look.
• Swimsuit--an absolute must! If you have a roomy duffle, toss in a coverup too.
• Fresh undies--one bra, two panties.
• Prescription medications, sunscreen, basic toiletry and cosmetic items.

This duffle bag should provide you with the basics to hold you over until either your luggage catches up with you or you find a really great boutique. An ongoing fantasy of mine is to board a flight for Tahiti with just a handbag, a bottle of Evian, Vanity Fair and a Visa with a very generous credit line.

Serious Fun-in-the-Sun Packing:

• The mother-of-all-suitcases. The better in which to pack an uber-stylish wardrobe my dear! Don't forget the chic cosmetics bag!
• A great sundress (or two). Something that can be worn on the beach or on the dance floor. A colorful necklace for day and something with a little sparkle for evening.
• A lovely, feminine top. This can dress up your jeans or add spice to the floaty skirt that you have tucked away in your carry-on tote.
• Cropped pants, a super-chic option for day time.
• Tanks and camis. They are tiny and take up little space so pack a bunch! Go for all the colors of the rainbow, because they can be layered over each other, worn under a sexy, sheer blouse or even tossed over a bikini top!
• Swimsuits and bikinis. A sexy one-piece for serious swimming and a gorgeous bikini for serious sunning.
• And speaking of sunning, don't forget the sunscreen! It is vital that you protect that gorgeous complexion whenever you expose your tender skin to those golden rays of sunshine. An SPF 45+ specifically for the face, reapplied every 4-6 hours and an SPF 30 everywhere else. Don't forget your hair! It needs protection too. A lovely straw hat will provide you with shade and style.
• Footwear: You already have espadrilles and flats; toss in a pair of thongs for the pool, comfy mules for sightseeing, and, if you still have room, a pair of sexy skyscrapers for a night on the town.
• Sunglasses, iPod, a roomy beach tote, twirty beach towel and a great beach read.

Word to the wise, don't stuff your suitcase to the brim--leave room for those one-of-a-kind treasures and exotic trinkets that will always be a memento of your weekend in the sun!

Ta ta girly girls!

She She Me

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