The Stern Opportunity

J.Crew Chambray Cara Dress

Madewell Tee

Marc Jacobs Necklace

With a blizzard one week and temperatures in the upper 50s the next, New York City in March seems very confused. It’s so disappointing to break out the spring wardrobe and cast off your winter coat only to realize it’s a false alarm. Though it may be too soon for flip flops and shorts here, the stores are chock full of airy sunny spring merchandise – and it’s all just in time for spring break. Here are a few key pieces that will make your travels infinitely more stylish.  And everything listed costs less than $100 (most under $50!).

Checklist:
A Day-To-Night beach dress
J. Crew Chambray Cara Dress ($68) – In peach or stone blue cotton, this will go effortlessly from cover-up to dinner out. And the removable halter strap gives you more ways to wear it!

American Apparel’s Le Sac Dress ($38) is the ultimate multi-tasker. You can wear it in as many ways as you can dream up and it’s one-size-fits-all. This is perfect for the girl (like me) who cannot commit to an outfit for a whole day – let alone decide on clothes to pack for an entire week!

Chic Sightseeing Attire
Piperlime’s Bensimon earth-friendly shoes – ($55) I have these in both grey and a bright orangey red because I love them so much. They have far less structure than an actual sneaker, so don’t wear them hiking – but for bike rides or jaunts around town they are just perfect.

Madewell’s 1937 French Navy Tee – ($48) Classic chic stripes in a boat neck tee are so classic. Perfect for sightseeing and for cool and breezy days at the beach.

Statement Jewelry
I would be sad if I lost this very cute Marc Jacobs plastic and metal fringe necklace on vacation – but then I would just go buy another one for $25 at the Bleecker Street store upon return! It’s perfect for adding edge to an otherwise too sweet look. While you’re there pick up the next key piece…

A Does-It-All Tote
This $18 Marc by Marc Jacobs canvas bag makes me happy just looking at it. It’s also indispensible when traveling: big enough to tote around maps, water bottles, beach towels, whatever, but small and lightweight enough to stuff into another bag. Feel free to get it wet and sandy, then toss it in the washer. There’s also a more gender-neutral solid colored version ($15) for men.

Beauty Notes:
Lipstick – it’s back, and it’s definitely not your grandmother’s. Last month, Chanel launched a made-over version of its core lipstick, Hydrabase, called Rouge Coco ($30). The brand’s head makeup director, Peter Philips, intended for this to be the lipstick that would progress the “lipgloss and flip-flop generation.” It’s much more grown-up, pulled together and lady-like. Think Audrey Tatou, not Snooki. The formula is the perfect mix of longwearing and comfortable, so you’re good to go with just one swipe. Mademoiselle – the shade worn by Vanessa Paradis in the ad campaign, is a natural warm pink that is perfect for everyday.

Braids – If you caught either Alexander Wang’s Spring Show last fall, or Think Social Drink Local last Saturday – you know that braids are still in for another season. Thank goodness this is a trend that is very vacay friendly. A cute side braid can overcome whatever humidity level or bathing conditions you and your hair’s natural texture is facing. Cost: Free!
With that, I wish you a fantastic spring break, Sternies! And not to sound like your mom, but PLEASE wear SPF 45 on your face, and SPF 30 on your body if you’re going to be in the sun. Bon Voyage!

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