Look Chic, Pack Light, Spend Less
Packing for a summer weekend getaway can be difficult because you need things for dinner as well as the beach, but you don't want to weigh down your suitcase, either.
So the editors at Redbook have some great outfits that are not only easy to pack, but if you choose right, they are easy on your wallet as well.
Redbook's Cheryl Kramer visited The Early Show to put Rene Syler, Russ Mitchell and Dave Price to the Chic on a Shoestring test.
Look No. 1: Shopping in Town
This is a great, easy, but fresh look for shopping around your weekend destination. White Capri pants with a jeweled tunic are a big trend right now, as are espadrilles.
Splurge
Catherine Malandrino jeweled tunic $395 - Available at: shopbop.com
Juicy Couture white Capri jeans $115 - Available at: shopbop.com
DKNY straw bag $145 - Available at: Bloomingdales
Coach multicolor espadrille $140 - Available at: Coach stores
Grand Total: $795
Steal
New York & Company jeweled tunic $36.50 - Available at: NY & Co stores
New York & Company white Capri jeans $34.50 - Available at: NY & Co stores
J Crew straw bag $48 - Available at: J.Crew stores
Fioni multicolor espadrille $16.99 - Available at: Payless Shoe Source stores
Grand Total: $135.99
The difference: The Catherine Malandrino splurge tunic has very special beading vs. the steal. When you buy the Juicy jeans, you are paying for the label, though the denim is a bit better quality. Coach shoes are a better-constructed espadrille and have ribbons that tie up the leg. The DKNY straw bag has more handbag "features" than the J.Crew, though both are adorable.
Look No. 2: Dinner and Dancing:
This look is perfect for a romantic dinner during your getaway. It is easy to pack, and the gold metallic clutch is a great accessory you can wear with other outfits.
Steal
Zara silk print dress $129 - Available at: Zara stores
Zara suede sandals $69 - Available at: Zara stores
Gap gold clutch $19.50 - Available at: Gap stores
New York & Company beaded bracelet $18.50 - Available at: New York & Co stores
Grand Total: $236
Splurge:
Diane Von Furstenberg silk print dress $345 - Available at: Barney's NY
Co-op suede sandals $240 - Available at: Barney's NY
Lauren Merkin gold clutch $245 - Available at: laurenmerkin.com
Citrine by The Stones beaded bracelet $125 - Available at: shopbop.com
Grand Total: $955
The difference: DVF dress is cotton-lined and has more fabric than the Zara dress, which has synthetic lining. Barney's shoes are made of a more supple suede, as is the leather of Lauren Merkin clutch. Citrine bracelet has real wood beads; the New York & Co. bracelet uses plastic.
Look No. 3: Day at the Beach:
A cover-up for your swimsuit is a great way to run from the beach to the ice cream shack without feeling too exposed. This look is great if you're not 100-percent comfortable walking around only in your bikini whether you're by the pool or the beach.
Splurge:
Shoshanna print bikini $148 - Available at: Bloomingdales
Theory tiered skirt $165 - Available at: Bloomingdales
K Jacques silver thong sandal - Available at: $165 Available at: shopbop.com
Prada sunglasses $195 - Available at: Sunglass Hut
Grand Total: $673
Steal:
J.Crew bikini $70 - Available at: J.Crew stores
J.Crew tiered skirt $78 - Available at: J.Crew stores
New York & Co. silver thong sandals $18.50 - Available at: New York & Co. stores
New York & Co. sunglasses $20 - Available at: NY & Co stores
Grand Total: $186.50
The difference: The Shoshanna bikini is a bit more supportive up top, and has detail the J. Crew suit does not. For the skirt, the splurge Theory skirt is lined. The Prada sunglasses have a more fashion-forward design, but the New York & Co. shades are just as effective in blocking sun. K Jacques sandals are all leather, New York & Co. are all synthetic material.