Out Of A Suitcase

Make a list of whats missing for each family member and shop with a plan. Restricting everyone to two main colours with coordinating accents makes life on the road easier. It means that when youre down to your last clean pair of pants and top, theyll still work together. To make dressing babies, toddlers or preschoolers a no-brainer, organize complete outfits from tops to socks and pop into resealable freezer bags. Even older kids may like packing this way,
if they get to choose their own outfit ts and do it themselves.

Be sure to pack plenty of breathable cottons for everyone, like comfy polos, colourful board tops or that summer staple, the Hawaiian shirt, to protect tender skin from the sun. Stylish sunglasses with UV protection finish off the touristy look with pizzazz.

JOE FRESH at Loblaws offers fashion on a budget with cool deals like foot-friendly flip flops ($3). Mom can check out the sweet eyelet dress ($29), airy voile printed skirt ($19) or lightweight classic runners that all say summer.

Other versatile pieces include sateen capris ($19) that deliver a classy Hepburn look when paired with a little black patent belt ($8). Budget-conscious prices. Go to joe.ca 

If you dont have time to shop, Toronto designer DIANE KROE has a womens Travel Collection with six easy pieces three tops and three bottoms which coordinate to create 18 outfits. All are made in a luxurious jersey blend that has stretch and memory and needs no ironing. Wash them in your hotel room sink and wear the next day. The fabric dries really fast and DOESNT WRINKLE! Pieces are sold separately. Available at dianekroe.com

H&M offers bright, easy summer cottons for every member of the family. Look for sassy sundresses, comfy cropped pants and smart polos that beat the heat in style and travel well. Kids sizes are available from newborn to 14 years. Visit hm.com for a list of stores.

Make dressing the kids foolproof and fun with head-to-toe outfits from the Childrens Place. Its easy to mix and match styles from their summer collection that work for your holiday and beyond. The striped jersey tees for boys or crinkled knit skirts for girls are ideal for travel. Just roll them up and pack. Accessorize with baseball caps, sun hats and flip flops in every colour. Sizes newborn to 14. Shop childrensplace.com or at The Childrens Place stores across Canada. PC