summer travel

Summer Travel :: Take Time For Lunch

[trip style = any]

"On the coasts of France and Italy, a midday meal isn't some grab-and-go affair. It's the centerpiece of your day--every day." - Adam Rapoport, EIC Bon Appetit Magazine

When's the last time you had a lengthy lunch? The kind where you sit under the shade of an umbrella or low-hanging tree without a care in the world?

I recently read an article in Bon Appetit Mag {my new magazine obsession} extolling the lost art of the long lunch. Inspired by a summer vacation to Tuscany and the daily afternoon ritual of gathering with friends and family to eat fresh food and cheap wine, the mag's editor, Adam Rapoport, examined the leisurely European midday meal.

It made me think. In the past few years, I can only recall two instances of an nhurried afternoon nosh. The first was in Europe three years ago. I was with friends in the Cinque Terre. There were long pasta lunches AND long pizza dinners {it's Italy ok, you eat a lot} atop the stone cliffs of the Italian Riviera. The second was on Wilson Island, Australia last year. Sitting at a long table in a bathing suit cover-up {hair messy from a morning snorkel in the great barrier reef}, an Italian chef prepared a four-course meal every day at noon. Not surprisingly, along with the free-flowing fine wines, the gourmet lunch lasted for hours. I haven't had a long lunch since.

It's true; we're just past summer's midpoint but that's not to say we can't adopt the not-so-lofty luncheon for an upcoming weekend or late-summer trip. In fact, I'm going to attempt to channel a smidgen of the Europeans' August holiday tradition this week on vacation in Washington's backcountry. There will be market-fresh food, there will be laughter and there will be cheap rosé, and aside from my book and a morning bike ride, I'm banking on lunch acting as the centerpiece of our three-day getaway.

Cin cin, I hope you find time to clear your schedule and fill it to the brim with family, friends and food to reclaim lunch.

[photos by @tripstyler]

Seven Ways To Beach Chic

[trip style = beach + sun]

{Editor’s Note: One of my fave things to do in Vancouver is attend the Vancouver Art Gallery’s seasonal FUSE events, and this summer’s edition is going to be BIG: think dance, DJs and world-class art… Matisse, people! Comment on any TripStyler.com post—and like us on Facebook if you’re not already a fan—FOR A CHANCE TO WIN two FUSE tickets for Friday, July 6th (8pm – 1am), a $50 value. Contest closes Wednesday July 4th at noon. Winner must be from Canada or the US, be over 19 and respond to the email with winner details by Thursday, July 5th at noon.}

First of all, happy Canada Day long weekend to our Canadian readers!!!

A few weeks ago I saw this Seven Steps To Beach Chic cheat sheet on NET-A-PORTER and LOVED it in theory and in practice. As summer beach season heats up, here's THE luxe fashion website's beach go-tos, plus a petite TS commentary:

1/ I go through bathing suits like sox, so why not find your local 'fast fashion' shop and suit-up in a scuba-style bikini or one-piece. Men: the trend for you is shorter, Euro-style boardshorts.

2/ I'm a huge fan of having a staple pair of high-quality shades with timeless frames and ultra UV protectant lenses---you just don't want to mess with the sun---but if you're on the lookout for new sunnies, check out last month's check out Fashion Friday installment all about sunglasses: Fashion Friday :: Oh Mr. Sun.

3/ Normally I like practical cover-ups, because let’s face it, when you’ve been in the sun all day and you're covered with 20 layers of sticky screen, the idea of a gorge garment on sweaty skin is gross. That said, this kimono cover-up could be worn down to the pool and at night. Win, win. {Trip Styler Tip :: If you're really serious about embodying beach-chic but don't want to get sun cream on your cover-up, bring a lose T or simply wear your towel back to your room at the end of the day. No one will notice, they'll be in a 'beach daze' anyway!}

4/ I'm not into jewels or costume jewelry beachside, but après-beach I'm in like gin. I only travel with a carry-on, so jewelry is a tried-and-true way to dress up or dress down the 'inventory' in my suitcase's real estate. For example, the same beach cover-up I wear to the pool in the AM can be dressed up with jewelry for a PM knockout.

5/ Even if you're into neutrals, you can bid adieu to beige with beachwear and be bold with color and prints. We all need a little color in our lives. Currently LOVING this belted one-piece.

6/ We just suggested some gorgeous double-duty travel carry-alls from Claire Vivier---perf for bringing to the beach or throwing into your beach bag.

7/ Keep sandals sweet 'n low at the beach or pool. 100% agreed. Please don’t wear high heels at the pool. Just don't.

[graphics via net-a-porter]