1. Lonely Planet Travel Guides

Forget all the normal, run-of-the-mill travel guides out there.  Lonely Planet offers a fresh, fun look at ways to travel nationally and internationally with themed entries including 60 Lighthouses in 60 Hours, Prison Tours, Top 10 Places To Have A Midlife Crisis, and Top 10 Places To Go Skinny dipping.  Spice up your trip.  You deserve it.

2. Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Supima Shirts

While the Ritz might have an iron and ironing board, not every place does, especially if you’re on a road-trip.  So what if you want to continue looking Ivy-league chic as you travel the northeast?  Pick up a couple Brooks Brothers non-iron dress shirts.  Made of high-quality Supima cotton and coming from Brooks Brothers, you know it’s going to be both comfortable, classy, and classic.

3. Samsonite Bright Lites Suitcases

Move away from the luggage that everyone has (and that leaves you scratching your head at baggage claim).  With a Samsonite Bright Lite, you’ll know exactly which bag is yours.  On top of that, the bright sheen is totally reminiscent of golden-age America which, thanks to Mad Men, everyone’s going gaga for.

4. Bacardi Torched Cherry

It’s still summer for a little while and a cool Bacardi mixed drink is about as refreshing as a dip in the pool.  RVTips provides a recipe for a killer Bacardi drink: 2 parts Bacardi Torched Cherry, 3 blackberries, 2 lemon slices, and a bunch of mint (6 leaves).  ”Muddle blackberries, lemon slices and mint.  Shake, double strain and pour over ice.  Garnish with mint, blueberries or raspberries.”  Voila.  Refreshment on the road.

5. Red Envelope Tailgating/Grill Set

For the sports fan and/or burger enthusiast in all of us, Robert recommends the above grill set which comes with a bag that doubles as a cooler and which you can also attach the accompanying grill accessories to, and of course the grill itself.  Easy to carry, easy to pack, and the end result–delicious, delicious grilled foods–is worth it.

All these products and tips, along with many more, are available at Robert’s blog.  While it’s still here, get your summer on.  And don’t forget to thank Robert Verdi (and his recommendations) for making it that much easier.

Check out the video from the party for more:

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Quite possibly one of the greatest collaborations ever, this collection is now for sale on Gilt. This handbag was only $158. CRAZY. CLICK HERE NOW

Rumor has it that Alexander McQueen might launch a Target Go International line. But, don’t get too excited cuz even McQueen’s McQ diffusion line can easily run you upwards of $400 for a dress and $200 for a top. He already has done collaborations with Puma and Samsonite, but the luggage cost upwards of $800. Also, with all the hype, we may have to knock some people down in order to get even one t-shirt (think craziness from H&M Cavalli collection).

Thanks NY Mag.

The fairly new series of ads feature some of Samsonite’s priciest items and unique celebrity choices on or preparing for a journey.  What’s more surprising is that the ads run in the same magazines that feature Louis Vuitton’s, which means flippers might be getting a double dose of core values.

Samsonite’s tagline – “Life’s a Journey”.

Louis Vuitton’s – “Get ready for the journey”

A reason for the swipe of ideas might be coming from Samsonite’s new direction and CEO.

Samsonite has been venturing away from their original customer base lately, focusing more on pushing the luxury aspect of their luggage instead of its sturdiness and functionality, a selling point which was the focus of their former campaigns.  A big part of this is due to the brands fairly recent hiring of CEO, Marcello Bottelli, an ex LVMH top executive.  My guess is that Marcello brought along Louis Vuitton’s image focussed ad campaign with him.