Spring is here, and with it comes bright color, vibrant patterns and anything-but-boring essentials. These pieces are classic and durable — perfect for vacations, staycations and lazy days in the sun.
Sunshine Tote by Pelcor
Leave the winter gloom and the somber handbags at home and opt for a sunny, cheerful tote bag instead. This yellow one by Portugese label Pelcor is roomy and has an inside pocket for your phone. And, for the vegans out there, it’s made with cork instead of leather — sustainable and stylish.
€54.60 (on sale), Pelcor
Rachel Roy + Piece & Co. Tablet Case
Designer Rachel Roy has teamed up with Piece & Co. to create an affordable travel collection (all pieces retail for under $40), that helps empower women through employment and provide artisans in the developing world with sustainable livelihoods. This cute case is perfect for carrying your tablet around in style.
$29 (on sale), Rachel Roy
Samui Hammock by Yellow Leaf
A good hammock can provide an instant dose of relaxation. Bring it with you to wherever you’re going, or why not hang one inside if you’re staycationing. Custom design a hammock in any colorway you want, and Yellow Leaf’s team of skilled Thai artisans will make it just for you.
$179, Yellow Leaf Hammocks
S’well Water Bottle in Sparkling Champagne
I carry a water bottle with me everywhere I go, and this stylish one from S’well is my current favorite. It’s BPA-free, made from non-toxic, non-leaching stainless steel, and keeps drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for twelve. A portion of the proceeds are donated to non-profit WaterAid. I love the shimmery champagne colored finish, and the fact that the large one holds an entire bottle of wine.
$25-45, Modern Folk Living and S’well
Falling Whistles Vintage Brass Necklace
Falling Whistles works toward ending the war in Congo, the deadliest of our time. Child soldiers too young to carry guns are sent into the jungle armed with only a whistle. The organization uses the whistle as a symbol of protest and advocates the need for whistleblowers to speak for peace and stand up for human rights. By purchasing this necklace, you’re supporting Falling Whistles’ work toward building a global coalition to demand peace in Congo and investing in Congolese visionaries.
$58, Falling Whistles
Big Star USA Denim Shorts
Big Star USA is a true heritage brand, that creates meticulously crafted jeans in true vintage Americana style. I love the fun Hawaiiana-inspired tie dye pattern of these shorts — perfect for instantly transporting you into R&R mode.
$108, Big Star
Macey Straw Hat by Goorin Bros.
A good sun hat is a must-have for warmer weather. Goorin Brothers is a family company that has been making hats since 1895, so they’ve had some time to perfect the art. They also happen to be the makers of the famous Heisenberg hat from Breaking Bad. This everyday straw floppy hat has subtle hand woven texture, comes in a variety of colors and features a traditional grosgrain band — stylish sun protection.
$55, Goorin Bros.
