Traveling to the seashore is a time-honored summer tradition. Sadly, not all of us can budget for these seasonal excursions. But just because your wallet or schedule won't permit a visit to Montauk, Outer Banks, Carmel or Cannes doesn't mean you can't dress for one.

Sea NY channels the sand and surf of the coast from their Canal Street location in New York. Friends and cofounders Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan create fascinating and carefully wrought clothes to kick back in-although many of these peasant blouses, shirtdresses and denim skirts would also breathe fresh life into your work wardrobe.

Inspired by the bohemian style of French icons like Françoise Hardy, Marine Vacth, Jeanne Damas and (French residing) Jane Birkin, Sea NY seems to contain something of the global port city DNA of Marseille in its intricate prints, tassels, weaving, embroidery and vintage-inspired lace. Scarf prints on silk dresses evoke a blend of North African influences. Italian yarns on a braided jacket (above) create a border-blurring carpet coat. Pretty laces appear in both Old World and New World patterns.

But faraway destinations aren't the only ones influencing Sea NY's global style. "Before developing Spring '16, we spent some time in Venice (LA) and found some inspiring vintage," says Sean. "In Spring '16 we used a bandana embroidery that came from a bandana bought in an LA vintage store. Also, the handkerchief embroidered cotton and two different pineapple prints-we develop all our prints and embroideries in-house."

Monica and Sean work together to balance their designs; their separate influences come through in the casual but inventive shapes and fabrications of their clothing.

"We pick all the fabrics together and work on the prints," Sean says. "Then Monica starts to focus on the shapes for each group, and eventually I come in and add and subtract as the groups develop. Mon and I balance each other out-she tilts more towards lace and the feminine, and I bend more to modern cleaner styles."

And while there are definite throwback elements in some of the silhouettes and patterns, each item bucks the retro aesthetic in favor of a novel approach. Take the lace-hemmed cargo pants or the off-the-shoulder shirtdress: both incorporate top trends in common and immensely wearable items. These are clothes so stunning and so comfortable that you can't help but want to live a beautifully outfitted life in them.

Although the clothes seem like an escape in themselves, we couldn't help but ask the Sea team about their favorite coastal towns and vacation spots. "After last Paris market, I spent a few days in Sweden and visited Faviken. And I just got back from Korea and Japan; that was for work but I stole a few days for fun," says Sean. "Mon loves Comporta, Portugal, and visits each July. "