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Here Comes the Sun

If you are anything like me, the minute you see the mercury start to climb, an all-out panic sets in about what you are going to wear! Don?t get me wrong, I grew up worshipping the sun, loving the beach, bikinis and mini dresses. These things are great when you have a twenty-something body that you?re always dying to show off, but as I have aged, I have realized the balmy summer months present something of a wardrobe challenge- how do I stay cool while covering my arms and should a forty-something woman still wear a bikini?

As creative director of Shop Latitude I travel a good part of the year to destinations so warm (think Marrakech or Southern India during the summer) I have made the art of trying to keep cool while looking stylish something of an obsession. Figuring out a perfect wardrobe that can both cover figure flaws (think pale limbs, a curvaceous body and ample boobs) and easily fit into a small suitcase has taken years to perfect. Luckily, I am here to share all my warm weather must-haves, and to make things even easier, we now sell all of the things that top my list.

1. THE SILK PONCHO

Every time I see Lotta Stensson I cannot thank her enough for designing an effortless silk poncho that I toss over everything! Ladies tossing on this caftan will instantly ramp up the look of your everyday jeans, dress up any black pant or make even the palest New Yorker look chic at the beach- this is a my go to item all summer long, it is so weightless, I could carry it in my handbag if needed!

Lotta Stensson, Brown Silk Peacock Poncho, $220

2. THE BASKET

I am always carrying too much stuff, regardless if it?s my Macbook Air and samples or some new found treasure, the best way I have found to haul my excess is in a basket. These eco-friendly and lightweight totes look ?Jane Birkin-chic? in an urban environment, farmers market or at the beach.

Matonyok, Tan Palm Woven Kikapu Basket, $145

3. THE OVERSIZED SCARF

The scarf usually tops everyone?s travel list, and it should! This lightweight piece of cloth can be worn as an arm cover, a turban, and a sarong. I would definitely keep silk and cotton scarves at the top of my never-leave-home-without-one list. Check out the many ways you can tie one on here!

Rumisu, Lady-Pus Cotton Scarf, $180

4. THE CAFTAN

Absolutely nothing is chicer than slipping into a caftan, my go-to item for everything from breakfast at posh hotels to lounging at my friends? seaside homes. I also like to slip into a caftan apr?s beach for cocktails - just add an oversized earring and a sandal and I promise you will be the chicest and most comfortable woman anywhere!

Muzungu Sisters, Blue Tassel Caftan, $280

5. THE ARTISANAL SHOE

Summer travel requires a comfortable shoe you can walk in for miles. For years I have only worn classical espadrilles form Spain or handmade sandals from Greece. These styles have changed little through the ages and they have never been more in style than now! Luckily these authentic shoes can now be bought on line! No more schlepping multiple pairs of sandals back via luggage for me and all my gal pals.