The temperature is on the rise out here in Southern California, and all I can think about is the beach, warm summer nights and getting out of town!!! Most of us try to plan a summer get away of some kind. Whether it’s our dream vacation to some far off island where we can sip drinks with little umbrellas in them or a good old-fashioned family road trip, summer is the perfect time to get moving and see the sites.
That said, if you should choose to travel it is essential to do it in style!! To get the look of the jet-set crowd and look as good as your favorite celebrity walking through the airport, I have one word for you – HALSEA (www.halsea.com). Halsea is a complete line of beach-chic luggage and travel accessories that are as stylish as they are functional. Some of Halsea’s celebrity fans include Alison Sweeney, Kristian Alfonso, Jenna Fischer and Vanessa Hudgens.
After spending a decade designing accessories for surf apparel giants such as Roxy, Volcom, Modern Amusement and Paul Frank, Sally Bartz started Halsea for gals who want sophisticated, casual beach style. The line is based on the laid-back California style of the 1970’s, with Sally’s days growing up across the street from the beach in Orange County serving often as the inspiration behind Halsea’s products.
With 10 styles and three coordinating collections to choose from, there is something for everyone in the Halsea line. Sally’s latest offering, the Boat Canyon Collection features two new styles – the Wallet Clutch and Roller Duffle in addition to the essential Roller suitcase, Weekend Bag, Cosmetic Bag and Make-Up Bag that are available in both the China Cove and Crescent Bay collections. All styles feature laminated printed canvas in, leather trim and Halsea’s signature shell-pink satin lining – a feminine touch for sure but also practical, ensuring that even the smallest accessories are easy to spot. Thanks to Halsea’s playful patterns, you’ll never waste time checking tags at the luggage carousel again!
Here are some of Sally’s hot travel tips…
*A printed silk flirty and feminine dress is a must for any trip. I think of it as an optimistic gesture - you never know what fun party or dinner you could be invited to. And I feel much cuter than if I tried to dress-up that knit beach dress.
*Havianas Flip-Flops - my cousin, a surfer in Hawaii, turned me on to these years ago. Used to be you got them at the ABC stores in Hawaii - along with kitschy sunset-print towels and coconut suntan lotion. Eventually they became such a hot item that I started seeing them at all the cutest boutiques in CA. There's a reason the locals wear them. The richly colored rubber straps and bottoms are so comfortable, and they last forever.
*Stash some playing cards in your bag. --Much more social than burying your nose in the latest Vanity Fair during a flight, when traveling with others. Plus, it's fun to pull cards out during the cocktail hour and learn a new game.
*Kai scented oil comes in a teeny-tiny bottle and packs a great tropical flower scent - perfect for getting you in vacation mode.
The large laminated Halsea tote folds up nicely, and is perfect for a stashing a book, sunblock, sunglasses, and a scarf if I'm at a beach resort. Or, if I'm in a city it works so well for all the goodies I find at the local Farmer's Market. Needless to say, it also gets used to hold all of Henry's accoutrements: Hot Wheels, a bib, diapers, and mini DVD player...
Sally recently opened her first Halsea retail shop on the Newport Beach peninsula and with that is launching a new line of home accessories for those who want to bring the look of Southern California’s laid-back luxury into their homes. The table cloths, napkins, pillows and more let you extend your summer vacation even after you return.
In celebration of her opening, she is hosting several events in the next month including a Lowd Suga’ trunk show!! For those of you in and around Southern California, swing by the Halsea Shop Saturday, May 3 between 12-3 and check out the latest from both Halsea and Lowd Suga’! Mention this article and get 10% off any purchases from either line.
Bon Voyage!!
Halsea, 409 31st St., Newport Beach, CA 92663 – www.halsea.com