Summer Vacation: 5 Must-Pack Essentials

Summer is finally here… FINALLY! If you live in the Midwest, specifically the Twin Cities area you know that it’s been a long road to get here after what felt like a winter that just wouldn’t quit (i.e. April snow storm). But that’s behind us now and it’s all sunshine, summer Fridays and “Out of Office” messages from here on out. Now, what to pack for vacation?

Whether you’re beach bound, heading up north or hopping on a plane for the 4th of July holiday break, these five summer travel essentials must make their way into your weekender bag.

1. Hat

Hats have quickly become one of our favorite summer fashion accessories. They serve so many purposes, all while looking oh-so-chic. Beach hair? Toss on a hat. Protect your skin from the sun? Yes, always - insert a nice, big straw hat. Accessory for an easy-breezy outfit? Top off your summer look with a hat.

If you’re looking for something practical to pack in your suitcase or to wear with your travel outfit, try a foldable Panama hat, like this beauty from Cuyana. 

Folding Panama Hat, Cuyana

BAGTAZO Tulum Hat, Queen Anna House of Fashion

We love hats so much that we’ve taken it one step further and started accessorizing them. Try wrapping a bandana around the base of one of our new BAGTAZO hats for a pop of color. Voila!

2. Sunglasses

Now that you’ve got your head and face protected from the sun, it’s time to move on to sunglasses. We’ve recently brought in a new sunglass brand to our boutique, Established Eyewear from Australia. This season we’re gravitating towards versatile and timeless styles. Full of refined detail, the vintage-inspired AMOS frame is a top pick. 

Effortlessly stylish, summer is not complete without sunglasses.

Established Eyewear AMOS "HAVANA FADE" Designer Sunglasses, Queen Anna House of Fashion

3. Sunscreen

The most important item in your travel bag. Before heading out the door each morning be sure to apply sunscreen. We repeat, apply sunscreen! An easy way to include SPF in your summer beauty routine is by swapping out your foundation for a BB or CC cream, or tinted moisturizer that offers SPF protection. One of our go-to's for summer beauty products and all around skincare is BeautyCounter. 

We have a wide-variety of BeautyCounter makeup and skincare travel products available for purchase at our North Loop boutique. 

BeautyCounter Countersun Sunscreen, BeautyCounter

BeautyCounter makeup and skincare products, Queen Anna House of Fashion

4. Coverup

Coverups have come a long way in the last few years. With brands creating dresses, jumpsuits and wide-leg pants in breezy summer fabrics such as linen and cotton, the coverups of today allow you to pop from the beach to lunch and back again without doing a full wardrobe change.

Mara Hoffman is known for chic resort essentials and the Sylvia Dress is just the thing to keep in your beach bag.

Sylvia Dress, Mara Hoffman

5. Carryall Tote Bag

Now you need a carryall to fit all of your essentials in! Straw bags and colorful woven satchels are at the top of our list. This straw bag by Draper James features a removable blue checked lining, very 4th of July fashion. It’s the perfect size to fit your necessities such as a water bottle, book, SPF, coverup and more.

Bonus, it turns into the perfect picnic basket!

Draper James Straw Tote, Draper James

Now that you've got your travel essentials it's time to bring on the BBQs, fireworks and red, white and blue. Where are you heading for the long Fourth of July weekend? 

Show us your 4th of July style, packing essentials, vacation outfits, and overall summer style by tagging us @queenannaliving or #queenannamn.