Travel: What To Pack for a Beach Vacation

I’m currently vacationing in sunny Florida! It’s super hot in Florida at the moment, and my friend Shannon and I have agreed that we should stick to a grueling schedule of beach-pool-beach-pool with some meals in between. Tough, yes. That’s how we roll when we’re in Florida! Of course, though, there’ll be days and nights of shopping trips, and we’re looking forward to a trip-within-a-trip to Sarasota. Oh – and we’ll be seeing two concerts while we’re here – Gwen Stefani and the Dave Matthews Band. Very cool. Good times ahead!

I’m a decent packer, and I generally have a good sense of what outfits I may need while I’m on vacation. That said, I sometimes pack more than I need and I don’t like lugging around useless weight. For this vacation, I wanted to pack light – absurdly light – because (a) I don’t wear much more than bathing suits while I’m here, (b) it’s too hot to wear more than a bathing suit, and (c) I’m hoping for a few sales which means I’ll be returning with a heavier luggage on my way home. I’m so good at supporting the American economy when I’m in Florida that I should really get a prize.

I’m (almost) ready to challenge myself to stick to a very strict colour scheme this trip. I’m starting with two navy/white bikinis that I picked up in Copenhagen last month from H&M. Most of my packing for this trip revolved around navy/white (quite a departure from the usual black and white, I know). Here’s what I considered (and just about ended up following through on) packing for this vacation (very similar items, not necessarily the exact items).

beach-vacation-White-Cabana-what-to-pack-1beach-vacation-White-Cabana-what-to-pack-2

sunglasses, sun hat, watch, dress, bikini, kaftan coverup, flip flops, white tee, white denim shorts, purse, navy shorts, dress, tank top, striped bikini, sneakers, sweatshirt, pajamas, sandals, sports bra, sports tank, running shoes, running skirt

What do you think? Could you spend two weeks in Florida with these 22 pieces?

Save

Save

Two for Tuesday: Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

I’m excited about today’s twosome. It’s all about Gwen Stefani today because I’m going to see her in concert! Woohoo! I’ve been a fan of Gwen Stefani since the days of No Doubt, and I’m really looking forward to swinging along (really poorly) with her in Tampa soon enough.

I’ll be wearing my Gwen Stefani (via L.A.M.B.) x Le Sportsac purse for nostalgia. I was so excited to buy this purse at Century21 in downtown Manhattan on one of my very first trips there years and years ago. I wore this purse so darn much, and I was in love with the L.A.M.B. purse charm attached. Good memories with this one.

Gwen-Stefani-Lamb-LeSportsac

And here’s Gwen. My sister almost convinced me to bleach my hair blond like Gwen one year. Almost. I was never courageous enough.

12904984_960100690769882_1676567930_n.jpg-ig_cache_key=MTIxOTU3NDEwOTQyODAzNjkyMA%3D%3D

via Gwen Stefani

Save

Fashion: A Round-Up of My Current Fashion Faves

A few weeks ago, I bought a great outfit at Banana Republic, and it was so nice to add some new pieces to my wardrobe. I don’t go clothes shopping as often as I used to, I have to admit. This is partly because I don’t have time and partly because I don’t need or want anything specific (gosh, I sound so practical and boring, don’t I?).

Even still, I love to browse online and in stores (when I can) to see the new colours and collections each season. Here are some of the items that have recently caught my attention.

TH_G0404504_100_0

one shouldered top, $180, Theory

llbean-white-jean-shorts

white jean shorts, $44.95, L.L.Bean

banana-republic-white-embellished-tee

short sleeve embellished tee, $88, Banana Republic (I bought this and love it!)

Bev-heel-Banana-Republic

Bev cut-out heel, $128, Banana Republic

loeffler-randall-sandal-club-monaco

Loeffler Randall sandal, $220, Club Monaco

4258150712_1_1_1

dress, $69.90, Zara

opelle-ISSA-crossbody-bag-MILK-ss16_large

ISSA cross body purse, $318, Opelle (and this, too!)

They’re such pretty pieces, aren’t they?

The Friday Five: White Hot at Anthropologie

The Anthropologie catalogue arrived last week, and it got me drooling! The store is so full of goodness. While not everything suits my style, I do appreciate Anthro’s overall aesthetic. And the pieces that I have picked out in the past for my home and wardrobe have definitely become some of my favourite items.

These five pieces have caught my summer-loving attention.

4130515450405_010_b

Quinn poplin shirt dress, 1 by O’2nd, $178

4130226857315_010_b

Josie poplin dress, Blue Tassel, $138

4122011330434_010_b-1

AG prima jeans, AG, $178

38933800_010_b

Teva universal slides, Teva, $60
(I don’t particularly like these, but I do find it interesting that Teva is making a comeback. I lived in Teva shoes when I was a teen.)

F28857274_010_b

lotus platter, $28

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Two for Tuesday: White Lillies

I love having fresh flowers in my home. I’m good with just about any flower – carnations, hydrangeas, peonies, freesia, orchids, roses…you really can’t go wrong. Fresh flowers add elegance, joy, and sunshine to any room.

Since it’s spring, peonies are in full bloom, but I like today’s focus on the lily flower. Aren’t they both so pretty?

WBRUC408_143

necklace, Kate Spade

arr00113_alt2-1

lily arrangement, Jayson Home

 

1 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 35