Summer is in full bloom, as evidenced by the empty streets each weekend as San Antonians head for the beach, the lake, or the river. We don’t care where we’re going, just anywhere to escape the insufferable heat. What you shouldn’t avoid on summer road trips, however, is style. It’s still easy to pack a weekender bag with light, easy pieces that will look as good as you feel on your getaway. Take the following options with you the next time you’re headed out of town.
1.) But first, sunscreen.
Don’t step outside this summer without SPF. If you’re looking for your sunscreen to do a little double duty, I’m obsessed with Supergoop’s Healthy Glow Sunless Tan. It’s SPF 40, and builds a slight amount of color every time you use it. So you can be at the pool, and still look like you were out in the sun without the damage to your skin. It’s brilliant, it doesn’t have an unbearable smell, and it retails for just $38. The cherry on top? Supergoop is founded by San Antonian Holly Thaggard!
2.) Fiesta Feet
That’s not a cute pun, that’s the actual name of this local footwear brand you’ve probably seen on the feet of 
every stylish chica in San Antonio. They’ve expanded their line of colorful Mexican huaraches to include flatforms, kid’s styles, and even these Susana wedges. Perfect for an outfit that needs to shout, “I’m on vacation!” This pair retails for $89.00 and is available on their website or local boutiques across town.
3.) Go with the flow
Caftans, kimonos, or similarly casual dresses, it’s all about the juxtaposition of excess in fabric that’s magically lightweight this summer. Expect to see dramatic pieces like this Elaine Turner Larissa dress floating their way down the boardwalks in fun multi-color palm prints or bold monochromatic statements. This chiffon number hits at the knee and ties at the waist, retailing at $69 from the Texas brand. And if full length is more your style, don’t miss their newest “Global Tropical” summer line with plenty of lightweight, travel-friendly options.
4.) Over-the-top sunnies
The pièce de ré·sis·tance of any summer look is one’s eyewear, since it will transition with you from beach, to 
pool, to dinner al fresco. Stand out while shielding your eyes with tortoise frames like the Alright model from Quay for just $55. The gold-tinted lenses add a hint of luxe, but the neutral tones will go with every outfit change.
5.) Bag it up
A great weekender bag should be both stylish and functional, proving its worth in both the heads it turns and the years it lasts. Look no further than San Antonio-based Jon Hart Designs for this very on-trend millennial pink overnight bag that is as utilitarian as it is adorable. You’ll be on your way in style with plenty of room to spare, and although it retails at a hefty $270.00, you can add a personalized monogram for just $10 more.
Wear what makes you feel comfortable above all, because a get away should never get you down. But there’s something to be said for putting a little effort into your look in the heat of Texas, and you never know when a summer romance might be around the corner.
By Aquila Mendez-Valdez
