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Baggage you'll want to carry around

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You've been planning your summer vacation for months – Bora Bora, here you come!

Or maybe you're sticking closer to home this summer – it's time to relax and enjoy a good book for you.

Either way, a great-looking travel bag is a must-have for any trip, near or far.

The line of beach-inspired travel essentials by Costa Mesa, Calif.-based Halsea (pronounced "hallzee") is sure to inspire you to get out and explore your world.

Owner and designer Sally Bartz, who grew up in an artsy family in Corona del Mar, Calif., wanted her line to reflect the relaxed vibe of 1970s coastal California. And Bartz, 34, wanted to offer women fun, sophisticated travel bags that aren't too expensive or young-looking, she says.

The UCLA fine art major has spent the past decade designing for fashion and surf companies, including Roxy, where she created the company's line of girly luggage.

Bartz, now a mom of two, launched Halsea in March 2006, after deciding it was time to branch out on her own. "I realized: I'm a mom, it's time for me to take charge."

Her line of resort-style accessories range from suitcases, weekend bags and totes to makeup bags, sunglass cases, and tennis racquet covers. The line features two ocean-inspired patterns, China Cove (conch shells) and Crescent Bay (seahorses and coral), which come in vibrant shades aptly named "sunset pink," "salt water blue," and "sand."

The various patterns and colors complement each other, so the pieces can be mixed and matched to create your own unique collection.

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HALSEA

Hot ticket item: The large tote bag ($135) made of laminated canvas with inside pockets. "It makes a good beach bag."

Star appeal: Actress Jenna Fischer, who plays Pam on the TV comedy "The Office," uses the blue China Cove tote bag as her script bag, Bartz tells us.

Price range: $35-$55 (sunglasses case, makeup bag) to $225-$325 (weekend bag, rolling suitcase).

Where to buy: anthropologie.com; lucy.com

Web site: halsea.com

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