By Michelle Crowe
Bygone travel, Diana Vreeland photographed by Louise Dahl-Wolfe.
Summer packing — in theory, it’s easy, breezy and done in a snap. Toss a bathing suit, some loose linen pants, a hat and a pretty dress in a tote bag, and you’re cruising down the great American highway, hopping on a beautiful boat or boarding a plane somewhere fabulous.
Truthfully, even those who are the most devoted to the capsule wardrobe concept find the bare bones packing policy a little bit challenging as a trip progresses. It always helps to have a multitasking extra item or two along for the ride.
The Leigh Butterfly swim shirt by Mott 50 looks great in or out of the water.
Mott 50 is one place to look for the unexpected, especially when your plans will have you out in the sunshine. Founded by Monique Hypes and Anne Reilly in 2011, everything in the fashion-forward collection offers UPF 50 sun protection. Look to this chic duo for classically chic, slightly sporty pieces that work on Lake Michigan or Lake Como.
Shop online at mott50.com.
Mott 50 founders outside their boutique.
Always pack a wrap. It can be worn 100 ways on 100 days. The linen travel wrap from Mer-Sea & Co. is fabulously versatile, the sort of understated luxury piece that ensures upgrades and alleviates inconveniences like overpowering air conditioning or a forgotten beach cover-up.
Mer-Sea & Co. linen travel wrap in bleu.
Founded by three friends looking to capture the essence of carefree days at the beach, the linen travel wrap is a new addition this summer and available in bleu, blanc, gris and coral — the preferred seaside palette of the founders. The subtle French appears in the name of the company, too. It’s pronounced merci, to invoke the thankfulness these entrepreneurs feel. Surely anyone who receives one of these gorgeous wraps will feel it as well.
Order or find more information, including Chicago and suburban retailers, available at merseaandco.com.
The Kansas City-based founders of Mer-Sea & Co.
Bon voyage! We’d love to see photos of your travel style. Post them to our Facebook page:facebook.com/classicchicagomagazine/
