Who What Wear Feature - A Chic 54-Year-Old Shares Her Under $125 Summer Vacation Wardrobe

Below is my third home page feature on Who What Wear and I’m super excited to share it with you today! It’s gratifying to be a content creator in my mid-fifties getting some major play on what I’ve always thought of as the modern online version of Instyle meets Vogue Magazine. I hope you enjoy my lifestyle blog posts filled with advice and tips that inspire you to lead a more enhanced life. I can’t wait to share some exciting projects with you soon and thank you for again for being a loyal follower. Read on to see the full article!

xxMelissa

VACATION - JUL 24, 2019

A Chic 54-Year-Old Shares Her Under-$125 Summer Vacation Wardrobe

by NICOLE KLIEST

Melissa Meyers is a Los Angeles–based influencer with a focus on beauty, style, travel, and wellness. Her blog, The Glow Girl, aims to empower women to embrace the best version of themselves, age gracefully, and cultivate a glow from the inside out. She also happens to be 54 years old and has a penchant for masterfully styling summer vacation looks. Below, hear from Meyers on her favorite pieces for getting away in the sun and shop her affordable picks for your next holiday.

I like to take along a few new things when traveling on vacation that are stylish, functional, and budget-friendly. It always seems to be a challenge not to overpack, so I put together a list of great fashion finds to wear on vacation and throughout the summer that are super versatile. A good thing to keep in mind when you are packing is to stick to a color scheme (I prefer staying away from black during the summer), which means you can say goodbye to bringing an extra bag just for shoes. Most of these pieces can be worn from the beach to dinner, and all are under $120. Bon voyage! 

Swimsuit and Kimono Cover-Up

I am a huge fan of retro high-waisted bikinis. Pair with a kimono worn as a cover-up that can also be tied or belted as a dress, or wear as a light layer if it’s chilly at night.

Power 2 The Flower Betty Bottom

Madewell Second Wave Ruffled Drawstring Bikini Top

Free People Leeward Kimono

Sandals and Sneakers

Pack shoes that are lightweight, comfortable, and versatile. The ones I bring go with pants and dresses (including sneakers). Simple flat sandals in nude or gold go with everything and are great if you are doing a lot of walking or touring. If you must bring heels, I recommend simple raffia wedges.

Nike Cortez Sneakers

Sam Edelman Deena Platform Wedges

Sunglasses

I usually like to take a few pairs with me since they are a great way to change up your look quickly. Plus, they don’t take up a lot of room in your bag.

Diff Carson 53mm Polarized Square Sunglasses

Hat and Accessories

A hat is a must-have to protect your skin, and it also completes your day look, too. A hat clip is genius and attaches to your bag or luggage. It makes for the perfect travel companion and keeps your hat crush-free.

Halogen Woven Panama Hat

Sunnies by Diff, Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket by Levis, Tote bag by Mansur Gavriel & Hat by Halogen, Hat Clip by TOPTOTE.

TOPTOTE Hat Clip

Jackets

On those cooler evenings when dining alfresco, a light jacket in denim or white linen is the perfect dinner-date piece. If your travels take you on a plane, just wear it so you don’t take up room in your luggage.

Levi's Original Trucker Jacket

Luggage

It’s best if you can travel with just a carry-on, but I get it. This can be tough! If you pack smart, you’ll never go back and will love breezing through those airports. 

Heys Luggage

Cropped Pants

Wear them when traveling and out on cooler casual evenings. 

Madewell The Dadjean

Want More Ideas?

Shop more picks from Melissa Meyers for your next warm-weather summer vacation.

Zara Long Linen Dress - SOLD OUT, but similar here by Free People

Topshop White Rope Tote

Nordstrom Cashmere & Silk Wrap

Coolife Carry-On

BlankNYC Mesh Detail Crepe Jacket

Zara Raffia Hat - SOLD OUT but similar here by Topshop

What to Take on Your Summer Vacation

I like to take along a few new things when traveling on vacation that are stylish and functional. For me, it always seems to be a challenge not to overpack but I am working on making smarter packing decisions like sticking to one color scheme and taking along pieces that work from day to night. I put together some great fashion finds for your next summer vacation that are super versatile and can be worn throughout the season.

1. The perfect swimsuit - High waisted bikini styles are so on trend right now and they are flattering on most body types! Some great brands include Cami and Jax, P2F and L'Space. Plus a great kimono (like the Free People one pictured above) can be tied and worn as a dress or used as a jacket to wear from day to night. 

Order a swimsuit from Cami and Jax and use code glowgirl10 for a 10% discount!

Dress by Natalie Martin

2. Dress to wear from the beach to dinner - I love this gorgeous Natalie Martin dress which is perfect for Italy. I’m also a huge fan of dresses from Ba&Sh, Love Shack Fancy, Sunday Saint Tropez, Self-Portrait, Faithful the Brand, and Misa. 

Shoes by Vision Quest. Cropped jeans by Mother. Tote by Mansur Gavriel shown with TOPTOTE hat clip.

3. Comfy Chic Sandals & Sneakers - My latest obsession are flats by Vision Quest Shoes (use code glowgirl10 for 10% off) as well as some staple faves by Ancient Greek Sandals block heels or slides from Loeffler Randall and Nike Classic Cortez sneakers as shown above.

4. Cropped pants - I love my classic Franne Golde magic pants in white as seen in the above picture with Janet Gunn! Other faves include Levis Wedgie Icon, stretch high-waisted by Mother Denim, and cropped white linen pants by Faithful The Brand.

Sunnies by Diff, Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Jacket by Levis, Tote bag by Mansur Gavriel & Hat by Halogen, Hat Clip by TOPTOTE.

5. Sunnies - I usually like to take a few pair with me since there are so many amazing styles out now, they can change up your look depending on the style. I wear styles by Illesteva, Le Specs, Diff Eyewear, Oliver Peoples and Ray Bans.

6. Pretty Straw Hat + TopTote. A hat is a must-have to protect your skin and completes your day look too! Make sure to take the new TopTote with you - this chic hat clip is genius and attaches to your bag or luggage. It makes for the perfect travel companion and keeps your hat crush-free. Halogen has a great selection of budget-friendly hats that are stylish and chic.

8. Jacket - Pack one for those cooler nights and if you are flying, wear on the plane! A light jacket in denim like this Levi's Denim Trucker Jacket or a white linen blazer are classic and go with everything.

7. Tote bags and fanny packs make great travel bags - I love Wandler, Maje, Zimmerman, and these Bandolier phone cases for hands free photos.

9. Tech must-haves to stay connected - Xcentz.com phone charger - small size does 1.3 charges and comes in several colors + Skyroam Solis, wireless airpods, longer charging cables for phones and devices is so important during travel. Use code GLOWGIRL10 to get 10% off your Skyroam wireless device!

I hope this gives you some helpful packing ides when planning for your next summer vacation!

xxMelissa

Trip to Rome and Southern Italy

Italy is one of those places that gets in your soul. The culture is so rich you can’t help but take in every part of it during your time there. I visited Rome, Sicily and Puglia last year with my family and want to share my experience with you in case you are planning to visit there this summer or some time in the near future. This part of Europe is a favorite of mine (my 5th trip there) and is rich with the most incredible, art, cooking, traditions and history. These experiences are so impressionable that you can’t help but bring some of them back into your home country.

I used an incredible luxury travel company called Lux Voyage to help me plan this trip including activities and restaurant reservations. I was also lucky to have been able to meet up with my blogging partner Janet Gunn and her family for part of the trip!

Below are highlights of where to stay, dine, explore and what to pack for this European vacation.

Click items directly in the carousel below to shop ‘what to pack’

ROME

Poolside at the Gran Melia Rome

STAY
First up we stayed at Gran Melia Rome, a nice family-friendly hotel in the ‘heart of the eternal city’ - close to the Vatican in Rome. The Gran Melia has delicious food with a restaurant run by one of Italy’s most famous chefs. It’s well-priced and very conveniently located if you plan to spend time in Vatican City. The green oasis and beautiful pool area brings peace and quiet to a bustling city. I also recommend staying at the JK ROMA if you want to be in the historic center of Rome near the Trevi Fountain, The Villa Borghese and the designer boutiques of Via del Corso. We stayed in Rome for two nights!

Vatican City

EXPLORE
With so much to explore in Italy, where do I start? Well, the Vatican is an absolute must-see at least once in a lifetime! We took an early morning tour (earlier the better) to the Vatican City, one of the most sacred places in Christendom, it attests to a great history and a formidable spiritual venture. A unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces lie within the boundaries of this small state. At its center is St Peter's Basilica, with its double colonnade and a circular piazza in front and bordered by palaces and gardens. Here you can also visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel! All this in one morning and we then took a tour after lunch through the Jewish Ghetto. Hidden in the heart of the city, it is one of the best attractions in Rome (and also one of its least-known). As the oldest Jewish community in all of Europe, this beautiful, thriving neighborhood is as central to the history of the city as it is to the Jewish faith.

The Jewish Quarter, Rome

“Best pasta in Rome” at the authentic Taverna Trilussa

DINE
What a treat! Italy is renowned for full flavor, olive oil, herbs, fresh mediterranean living and I love it!
When in Rome, we had dinner at Dal Bologese,  in piazza del Popolo. A true Italian experience, where sophisticated Romans mingle with models and celebs at this historically chic restaurant. Dine inside, surrounded by wood panelling and exotic flowers, or outside, serving timeless cuisine serving dishes of the Emilian tradition: including tagliatelle Bolognese and tortellini in broth. We also found the “best pasta in Rome” at the authentic Taverna Trilussa. A high end, rustic taverna famed for serving pasta in steel pans!

SOUTHERN ITALY: SICILY & PUGLIA

View of Taormina, Sicily

STAY
A 3.5 hour flight after our time in Rome to Catania we checked into Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina where we spent three nights and then went to the sister beachside property, the Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea. Taormina is a renowned resort area in Sicily; a small and elegant town with balconies covered in flowers, ancient ruins, and views over the sea and towards the volcano, Etna. Plus, there are some cute boutiques to shop and no shortage of great restaurants. Another great way to experience Taormina from its most privileged point of view is to take out a boat for the day!

With Janet Gunn Grateful Gardenia in Sicily at The Belmond Grande Hotel Timeo. Wearing Franne Golde magic pants in white.
Use code MM10 for 10% off while shopping www.frannegolde.com.
Silk top by Hark + Hammer, Bag by ClareV, Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals.

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo. Wearing a Zimmerman ruffled floral playsuit. Similar here.

Click items directly in the carousel below to shop swim and beach wear

At the beach at Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea. Swimwear - Black one piece by Cami and Jax. Similar here

Day trip to Volcano, Mount Etna

Sunset at Borgo Egnazia

Climbing the steps at Borgo Egnazia

Borgo Egnazia. Dress by Nudz Beachwear. Similar dress by Natalie Martin

Our last stop in Italy was Puglia (pronounced “Pulia”), staying at the 5 star hotel Borgo Egnazia. Here ‘nature is powerful, peace is intense, harmony is full’ and it certainly was! This beautiful and unique destination is a visionary interpretation of a typical Puglian village, surrounded by olive groves within the gorgeous landscape in Southern Italy. You get your own designated concierge who will guide you and offer the best in local and authentic experiences there. The service is impeccable and a stay there is certainly a “bucket list” experience. Another great small boutique hotel worth a visit is La Perschiera—this 13-room five-star (adults only) hotel offers sea views from every room within its own private beach. We went for lunch and spent some beach time there.

La Perschiera. Solid and Stripe swimwear by Mara Hoffman. Similar here.

Poolside at the Borgo Egnazia

Lunch at the Borgo Egnazia

EXPLORE
In Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot and the home of Italy’s pasta, we embarked upon a full-day journey. Beginning in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discovering its unique prehistoric trulli houses. Afterwards we continued to Locorotondo taking in its luminous white houses, charming churches, and panoramic views of the Itria Valley. Then continued to Ostuni one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia, extending across three hills, and known as "the white city" for its dazzling white walls and white-painted buildings. The genuine charm of these white-washed villages were simply beautiful. Our stop in Locorontondo, known as one of the most beautiful cities in Italy continues with everything in bright white apart from the blood red geraniums that fall from the window boxes. The streets are paved with smooth ivory stones, with the church of Santa Maria della Grecia as its sunbaked centerpiece.

Visit to Alberobello. Dress by Natalie Martin. Sunnies by Oliver Peoples. Sandals by Ancient Greek sandals. Similar dress here.

Town of Alberobello

I highly recommend taking a bike tour through the olive-tree covered countryside of Puglia! The culture of olive oil is one of the region's greatest treasures. Starting from Albergabici in Montalbano we experienced the region’s famous “Apulian gold” -  an underground olive oil factory, and flourishing olive farms. Extra virgin olive oil of Puglia is one of the most famous products in the world for its taste and it’s quality! The Borgo Egnazia with it’s full service concierge set up this tour for us from their property and it was well worth it.

DINE
A little more casual, was our lunch spot in Puglia at La Taverna del Duca, serving excellent apuglian cuisine and in Taormina we encountered Tischi Toschi a small family run restaurant with a relaxed Sicilian atmosphere serving locals with their fresh authentic flavors and recipes.

Lastly I wanted to note the brand new restaurant, Casa Gioli in Taormina mixing Sicilian art and upscale cuisine set in a splendid location.

WHAT TO PACK FOR A EUROPEAN VACATION
During this trip I took some of my favorite casual chic outfits  - think straw hats, flowing dresses, white jeans, swimsuit and comfy sandals.

Silk top by Hark + Hammer. Dress, similar here. Bag by ClareV. Belt Bag similar here.

Tips to remember for your trip to Italy
• Wear light layers, beach cover ups and tunics. Comfortable shoes a must!
• Bring jeans or light-weight athleisure pants if you plan on visiting Mt. Etna or take a bike ride
• Pack a straw hat and fanny pack (not your grandma's!). They also sell amazing hats in Italy so you can pick one up there too!
• Visit the Vatican early morning and book your Museum tickets in advance online from the Vatican website!
Or you can set up a private behind the scenes tour BEFORE the Vatican is open through Lux Voyage.
• Pack your Skyroam for safe wireless everywhere! Use code GLOWGIRL10 for 10% off your skyroam!

Have fun, eat well and embrace the romance of this beautiful country!

xxMelissa

La Peschiera Hotel. Swim suit by Cami and Jax. Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals