
Bright Escape
Get inspired by the style and travel tips of lifestyle expert Kelly Rizzo of “Eat Travel Rock” and her besties, Aggie Merz and Jaclyn Swartz. Their recent trip to Punta Cana was as vibrant as they come.
Sunscreen Routine When you shop for sunscreen, look for a “reef-safe” label. This is mineral-based protection that doesn’t contain toxic ingredients that could harm the ecosystem, should you go in the ocean. “I start with SPF 50 on my face, 30 all over my body, and I bring a spray with me to reapply throughout the day,” says Rizzo.
Swimsuit: Dixperfect, $26.99, Dixperfect.com; Cover-up: Acacia, $154, Acaciaswimwear.com; Watch: Swatch, $80, Swatch O’Hare International Airport, Terminal 5
WELL & GOOD Think beyond the fitness center. Wellness moments can happen wherever you feel inspired. “When I travel, I do yoga as much as possible,” says Rizzo. “You don’t need anything to do it. In a tropical location you have built-in hot yoga and can enjoy the nature.”
On Aggie Top: Ultracor, $125, Neiman Marcus, 737 N. Michigan Ave.; Bottom: Nike, $90, Nike.com or Nike Chicago, 669 N. Michigan; On Kelly Top: Nike, $40; Bottom: Nike, $90; On Jaclyn Top: Nike, $40; Bottom: Nike, $60
WAVES, HELLO Water sports are for everyone. “Most all-inclusive resorts have free paddleboard rental. Try it as a girlfriend bonding thing. It’s a bigger workout than you’d think.”
Top, on Aggie Swimsuit: Body Glove, $90, Bodyglove.com; Sunglasses: Oakley, $173, Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan Ave. Both,
on Kelly Swimsuit: Speedo, $69.95, Speedousa.com; Sunglasses: Balenciaga, $490, Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan Ave.
DINING TIME The biggest joy on vacay? The food. “I love discovering the regional cuisine and exploring healthy takes on it,” says Rizzo. “The best way to do that is the seafood route. I’m a pescatarian so am definitely into local ceviche and grilled fish.”
Swimsuit: Karla Colletto, from $265, similar styles available at Bergdorfgoodman.com; Earrings: Charter Club, $24.50, Macy’s, 111 N. State St.; Ring: Eshvi, $158, Iris Trends, 2104 N. Clark St.; Sunglasses: Tom Ford, $495, MyEyeDr., 1212 N. Wells St. Suite 1
PICTURE THIS If you don’t take photos, did your vacation really happen? “You have to document your trip,” says Rizzo. “For great photos, as a subject always have the light facing toward you, otherwise you’ll be washed out.” Rizzo’s favorite apps for editing photos are Retouch and Facetune.
From left, on Jaclyn Dress: A.L.C., $595, Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave.; Earrings: Thalia Sodi, $29.50, Macy’s, 111 N. State St.; On Kelly Dress: Ronny Kobo, $458, Shopronnykobo.com; Earrings: Guess, $25, Macy’s, 111 N. State St.; On Aggie Dress: Azeeza, $2,495, Azeeza 900 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 5; Earrings: Alexis Bittar, $245, Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan Ave.
FRIENDS FOR INFINITY “I love girls’ trips,” says Rizzo. “You can do things with your girlfriends that you can’t with anyone else — really let loose, goof off, and bring back that sense of fun growing up.” For Rizzo’s group, bonding, wellness, and relaxation ruled. “But that doesn’t mean we didn’t have a glass of wine from time to time.”
On Jaclyn Bikini: Bound by Bond-Eye, $105 (top), $85 (bottom), Shopbop.com; On Kelly Swimsuit: Dixperfect, $26.99, Dixperfect.com; On Aggie Bikini top: Beach Riot, $88 (top), $88 (bottom), Revolve.com
CONSCIOUSLY COCKTAILING Every resort has a bumping bar scene. Sip smartly by ordering low-cal cocktails or mocktails that won’t wipe you out at noon. “Just like eating local, you want to drink local to support the economy,” says Rizzo. “The Dominican Republic is known for its high-quality rum, which is best pure, without mixers or sugar. If I do order cocktails, I ask for something with local juices to see how it adds to the flavor profile.”
Top: NEW girl ORDER, $11.50, ASOS.com; Skirt: Signature 8, $22, ASOS.com; Earrings: Robert Ferlito, $280, Iris Trends, 2104 N. Clark St.; Rings: Lynne MacLachlan, $50 each, Iris Trends, 2104 N. Clark St.
SUNRISE AWAKENING At least once, get up and seize the daybreak. “There’s nothing more beautiful than the sunrise — it’s a great time to get photos with a beautiful golden haze,” says Rizzo. “But, first things first, I always have to start with a strong cup of coffee.”
Dress: Young, Fabulous & Broke, $128, Revolve.com; Necklaces: Gorjana, Both $65, Bloomingdale’s, 900 N. Michigan Ave.
Travel provided by Apple Vacations, which offers unlimited-luxury trips to Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa (including round-trip airfare, transportation to and from the hotel, all meals and drinks), starting at $749/person for three nights in May; applevacations.com
AT THE SHOOT
Our crew created an idyllic girlfriends’ getaway in the Dominican Republic for our fifth annual Spring Break cover story. Packing their passports with us on this trip arranged through Apple Vacations were lifestyle influencer Kelly Rizzo (@eattravelrock) and two of her besties, Jaclyn Swartz and Aggie Merz. Using Secrets Cap Cana Resort as our playground, we dressed in neon, hit the beach, and documented the best moments.
Photographer: Maria Ponce
Wardrobe: Kimmi Ade
Makeup: Lynee Ruiz
Hair: Angie Chavez
Cover
Luli Fama Romper Lulifama.com; Charter Club Earrings Macy’s; Eliurpi Hat Matchesfashion.com Left Young, Fabulous & Broke Dress Revolve.com; Gorjana, Both Necklaces Bloomingdale’s