The lazy, hazy days of summer are finally upon us. Some of you are, no doubt, off to local escapes like Nantucket and the Cape, while others will seek more exotic environs such as South America or the Greek islands. What better way to get into the swing of all things summer than to ask the experts for advice on the essentials for a season of fun in the sun. Here's the scoop from two of Boston's boutique owners and style mavens.

Betty Riaz, world-traveler and owner of Stil

Summer Plans: "We are going to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in July (hot, hot) and then on to Lebanon. After Lebanon, we go to Oslo, Norway for 10 days and will also take a fun overnight ferry to Copenhagen for a quick shopping trip." Luggage: "I have lightweight luggage by Mandarina Duck, which is my favorite!" Her policy for a long trip: "Don't take extra junk you won't use." Beauty: "Good cosmetics include Holistic Sunscreen from Dr. Haushka, Plastic Lined Cosmetic Bag from Orla Kiely, Hand Cream from Kiehls. Another important item for keeping cool is a can of Evian Thermal Spray (basically aerosol water in a can). Also, the Cosmetic Filofax by Trish McEvoy, which keeps all your makeup in a Filofax format, very compact with only the essentials." Shoes: "Espadrilles are back big time. Check out the ankle-tie ones from Helmut Lang, or the thong espadrilles by Prada. I also have five pairs of Pakistani sandals, which I got in Pakistan, but you can get them everywhere now." Summer Style: "I can't live without my Marc Jacobs Superfly white sunglasses! I love my Lumi beach bag (available here in the store at 30% off during our summer sale). Summer skirts and lots of fun beaded tank tops. Also, I love cropped cargo pants and my tunics with beading. They are sheer and comfortable and perfect for summer."

Kristine Irving, interior designer and owner of Koo de Kir

Summer Plans: "We've been going to Watch Hill, Rhode Island, for years. But if I can't go that far, I head to Rockport on the North Shore. I love to sit on the beach, eat lobster, drink wine and bike ride." Luggage: "The luggage I use is the Dobre Goods expandable tote, which we carry here. You can zip it up so it's small and unzip it and it becomes twice the size - yet it's still regulation carry-on size. The bag I covet is the leather weekend bag from Coach." Beauty: "I honestly can't live without Clarins sunblock - because I have a convertible." Shoes: "Flip-flops... Mine are from J.Crew with the thick wedges. I also love my Jack Rogers sandals from Moxie in gold. I wear them every day." Summer Style: "My essentials are a great straw bag for the beach and a straw cowboy hat. I got one at Target for $7.99, and my 70s-style vintage sunglasses by Nour, which we have here in the store as well."