Packing can be a daunting task, but fashion editor and co-founder of luxury brand Piamita, Karla Martinez, makes it all seem so easy!  Here she tells us what she packs for a summer getaway, and reveals if she’s an overpacker or underpacker (for full disclosure, we have yet to meet a woman that’s an underpacker!).

Where are your favorite warm-weather destinations?

For guaranteed sun and no rain I love the American southwest – Tucson, even El Paso where my mom lives – it can be 40 degrees and still sunny! I just went to the Amangiri in Southern Utah and it was magical. Tulum is an easy getaway from NYC and each summer our friends invite us to Capri, which is heaven!

What do you typically pack for a summer getaway ?

I change a few times a day at the beach so I always pack a lot!  I am very much a tank and shorts kind of girl – my tanks of choice are from Petit Bateau and J.Crew and Gap are my go-to brands for shorts.  For cover-ups, Vix and Missoni are great because a cover-up can easily work for a night time look as well.  I also love wearing my husband’s linen shirts.  For evening it’s usually white jeans and a billowy blouse or an easy Piamita dress or printed pant.  Prada makes the best summer sandals–I find their metallics match with everything.  My swimwear is by Jo de Mer and Eres–I pack a lot of them because I change my swimsuit at least two times a day.  Oh, and I bring cotton PJ’s by Brooks Brothers.

What accessories do you bring along?

Always a few pairs of sunglasses by Oliver Peoples.  For jewelry I always bring my Andrea Fohrman stud earrings, my engagement ring, a Marc Bicego bracelet and my watch.  My beach bag is Anya Hindmarch

What must-have beauty essentials do you pack?

Eye Cream by Chanel, Diamond Serum by Natura Bisse, La Roche-Posay sunblock, and sometimes a little tanning cream from Tarte.

Are you an overpacker or an underpacker?

I always overpack – one needs to be prepared!  I have found that lingerie bags and swimsuit bags are always helpful. In my dreams I would have the Anya Hindmarch pieces she does for my entire suitcase

What’s your overall summer vacation style?

I would say more relaxed–I will wear a pretty dress at night but off-set it with flats and always a light cardigan – very Italian 1960’s.

 What luggage do you use?

My friend Meredith Melling gave me some monogrammed L.L.Bean bags I adore—they’re great for weekend trips. For a carry-on my mom gave me a Tumi bag that I love and Tumi hard cases are great for long trips—especially when I go to Europe for the shows.

What items are typically in your carry-on bag?

At least 5 magazines, iPad, chargers, Smythson travel wallet, cashmere blanket, hoodie, 2 books, water…and a change of clothes in case your suitcase gets lost.

What’s your outfit for the plane?

I have been mixing it up lately now that its getting warmer.  I have these great Adam Lippes silk pants I love and wear with a sweater and always a light jacket or hoodie, or these new Diesel jogg jeans that are sweatpant material but look like you are wearing jeans that are super comfy and don’t look like you just left the bed. I love traveling with a pair of shoes you can wear with socks and easily slip off like my Celine sandals lined in fur. I am always cold so the more layering options the better.

 What’s the one item you’ve recently purchased that you’re dying to wear this summer, and where in the world do you dream of wearing it?

I bought a Prada printed dress in a heavy cotton canvas fabric that I plan on wearing to my friend Jean David’s wedding in Pau, France.