With spring break only 12 days away and Boston's winter still in full force, it's cumbersome to leave the couch and trudge through the snow to prepare for your 80-degree-weather vacation.
Though conditions outside might be a little behind, Boston's fashion world has already sprung into the next season, offering numerous items ready to be worn on the beaches of the Caribbean. Luckily, with one quick ride on the T, you can get all your spring break essentials - and stay warm - in Boston's heated shopping destination: the Copley Mall and the Prudential Center.
Women
This season, one of the top trends is white. To update your look, pop into Bebe and pick up a pair of white pants to pair with shirts that you already own for a more summery look. Try either white linen pants ($119) for a looser casual look or white jeans ($149) for a tighter, sexier option.
Another spring trend? Dresses. Stop into Armani Express and slip on a comfortable cotton dress in teal, ivory or brown ($150) that can appropriately carry you from day into night.
Pair the dress with the colorful, fun accessories that are found just around the corner at Coach. Their classic wrist clutches ($78-$98) now come in a montage of spring pinks, blues and greens, and they're the perfect size to carry a lip-gloss, some cash and the hotel key.
For feet, slide into another spring trend: the platform wedge. Coach offers the Mila Espadrille sandal ($150) in light blue, khaki or black monogrammed fabric. For more shoes, head over to Jasmine Sola and check out BCBG's gold platform wedge ($89) or Seychelles' embroidered wedge ($70) to add some height to your fashion.
Already taller than your boyfriend? The store also offers adorable shorter options such as Nandini's gold ($98) or Glamlua's champagne embellished flats ($98). On top, try on a cute bohemian skirt with some sparkly flair in pink, red or orange ($42). Pair the skirt with a Genera classic tank ($48) for an understated look.
Jasmine Sola is also one of the few stores in Boston that sells bikinis - can you believe that Neiman's doesn't carry any? Though the selection is scarce, you can score big with Juicy Couture's metallic two-pieces ($92 each) in gold or silver.
Aside from an adorable bikini, sunglasses are an absolute essential for the beach. Not only do they shield your eyes from harmful rays, but they also yield a powerful fashion statement. Pop into Sunglass Hut and pick up a new pair to update your style.
What's hot right now? Aviators are still all the rage and come in numerous frames and styles. For round or square faces, stick to traditional Ray Bans ($99.95-$119.95) and modernize them with rose or gold colored lenses or a contemporary white frame. For longer oval faces, opt for a set that wraps the face such as D&G's plastic aviators ($275).
If you're a little low on cash, pass Sunglass Hut and head upstairs to Nine West. Though shoes might be the store's forte, they also carry numerous accessories, including more affordable sunglasses. So try on a pair of their aviators or large plastic shades ($33-$36) and give your wallet a break.
Even with all your new purchases, your best accessory is still your face. So with your last bit of cash, head over to Sephora and stock up on skin and hair essentials.
For the face, you'll want to have an oil-free sunscreen to leave your complexion flawless during and after your trip. Try Shiseido non-allergenic sunscreen sticks ($23), which are small enough to stick in your shorts to protect your skin all day long. If you usually get splotchy in the sun you may want to try the foundation stick ($23), also with SPF 35, to hide any imperfections.
For the lips, Shiseido offers a sun protection lip treatment with SPF 36 ($18) that is so smooth and silky upon application that you'll want to use it in and out of the sun.
If you hate rubbing your body with coconut-scented lotions from CVS, pick up Clinique's Suncare Spray ($17.50), which comes in SPF 15 and 30. The light spray makes application easy and even.
For a little treat, you can also purchase Evian traveling companions ($15) for yourself and your friends.
When the sun gets too intense, you can spray away the heat with three travel size water sprays, serving as instant re-fresheners for your face.
And don't forget about your hair: The moisture down south can cause your waves to act out of sorts, so apply some Fekkai wave spray ($18.50) and allow your natural waves to follow the flow of the ocean, sans frizz.
Men
While most guys don't necessarily go shopping just for spring break, it doesn't hurt to update your look - the ladies will definitely be impressed. And luckily, it only takes three stores to do so.
Stop one: Sunglass Hut. Sunglasses are just as important for men as for women. Stay simple in a classic pair of large Ray Ban metal aviators ($99.95) - either with black or gunmetal frames - to portray your confidence and poise. Not only will the shades never go out of style, but the dark lenses will hide your eyes when they begin to wander across the beach.
Stop two: J.Crew. The ideal location for preppy but relaxed style, this season J. Crew has stocked up on swim shorts with matching flip-flops, mostly in shades of blues and greens. Match a plain or flowered navy cargo-style short ($49.50) with navy sandals ($12.50-$24.50) and show the ladies down south just how hot New Englanders can be.
Before you leave the store, make sure to pick up at least one of the new tailored-fit washed shirts ($49.50).
Whether you decided on a pink, green or blue, the pre-wrinkled lightweight cotton will keep you cool in the Caribbean heat. Even better, you don't have to worry about squeezing an iron into your overstuffed bag.
Stop Three: Villebrequin. A less known name in New England is Villebrequin, a company that began making swim shorts in Saint-Tropez in the 1970s. Though they may be a little pricey, the shorts are the ultimate in water resistant fashion.
Choose from five different styles ($150-$170), featuring koalas, turtles and coconuts all splattered across unique and colorful designs.
