How does that translate to packing for a beach vacation during the recession?

Less is more. Go minimal. But don't sacrifice your style.

Start with a bikini. The quintessential summer essential. At very least, bring along a swimsuit.

The bikini top can double up as a sexy summer top when you are away from the swimming pool or the beach. Throw on a sarong, tied around your hips as a low slung skirt and you have classic beach wear that is timeless.

Bikini tops go beautifully with regular skirts as well. So 1 bikini can be worn so many ways. You can swim in it. Or you can wear the top with sarongs, scarves or skirts as classic resort wear that will take you through many summers to come.

If you have stretch marks on your stomach, which make you self conscious if you were to wear a bikini, try a tankini instead. The top can double up as a tank top for summer.

If you have a tummy you want to hide, wear a one-piece swimsuit that holds in your tummy. Try a miraclesuit. The beauty of that one-piece swimsuit is that it can double up as a body suit when you are out of the pool. Just throw on a skirt or shorts.

Why not get all 3. A bikini for the sexy, mid-riff baring top. A tankini for a summer-friendly tank top. A one-piece swimsuit you can wear as a bodysuit. These are all the tops you need for your holiday, which you can wear virtually anywhere on your holiday.

Talking about shorts, bring along a pair of shorts for your vacation. That goes with your three swimsuit tops.

For evenings out, bring a long black skirt you can wear to dinners.

The next thing to get is the little white dress. That replaces the little black dress is Summer 2009's must have dress. The LWD (Little White Dress) would take you from day to night. From a casual day out to a romantic dinner for two in a fancy restaurant.

Makeup wise, scale down and get pretty with pink. One pink or coral lip and cheek color is all you need. You know, those two in one color sticks or cream blushes you can use on lips and cheeks for rosy color. If your lashes are already black, that color stick is all you need. If your lashes are light, add in one mascara and you're done for summer.

Since you will be out in the sun, don't forget the sunblock. Make it at least SPF 15. The sun's UV rays can seriously damage your skin and age you before your time, so be vigilant and use that sunblock all day long.

Finally, wear a pair of a giant pair of earrings. Earrings are easier to pack in than necklaces or bracelets, since you can pack them into a coin purse. Hey, you could bring more than one pair for more looks this vacation.

Going on a vacation doesn't mean you have to stick to only the bare basics. Accessorize!

Bring along a pair of heels to go with your white dress. Thong sandals go with your bikini at the beach. A sarong or huge scarve can be worn as a skirt.

Glam up with a pair of lavish earrings, since chunky is the look for accessories for Spring 2009. Bring along a pair of chandelier earrings. They make all your outfits absolutely stunning!