This is so NOT that style story.

Nothing is more boring to me than the word “basic.” In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s a dirty word in Gina’s style book—we are talking about the woman who didn’t have a basic black pump when I first arrived on the scene, but did have a special occasion shoe for almost any event you can think of.

By now, I’ve accepted the fact that Gina enjoys a novelty shoe—who can blame her? And while I understand and appreciate the need for traveling with a suitcase full of foundation pieces that work overtime in the woman entrepreneur’s wardrobe, Gina has actually taught me how much more fun it is to dabble in statement pieces that up your wow factor—especially while “en vacances.”

Below are my 10 statement-making travel necessities that you should really consider adding to your summer packing list. You’ll notice right away that they’re anything but basic, which is totally the point!

WARNING: Some of these gorgeous pieces might be a tad aspirational, but please don’t let that hinder your shopping juju. Just pull up these pretty pictures on your mobile, and use them as inspo for similar items that won’t melt your Amex—all the best.