Spring Fever

What to take on spring break!

Spring break is fast approaching for some (though mine is almost over) and I’m sure the first thing on everyone’s mind is “what do I pack for a warm vacay?” Have no fear; I’m here to help make the task a little easier. With these classic pieces, over-packing will not be a problem.

The first must have for spring break is a bright bathing suit. Sitting by the pool or wading into the cool blue ocean, fun colors will definitely help start lighten the mood and ease away the stress of school or work. A good number of summer collections have come out and the bathing suit options are endless. This mix-match suit from Lilly is definitely on my wish list. The Boardwalk Bikini Top is the perfect balance of flirty and fun with bright pattern options and little ruffles on the edge. I particularly love the Pretty Pink Dot Dot Dot pattern, but I’d really be happy with any of them. The Surf’s Up Bottom is the perfect simple pairing to go along with the fun top. Don’t forget to pack a few suits for a long vacation in the sun.  

One thing that can tend to be a little uncomfortable is walking around a hotel, resort, or beach in just your bathing suit. To cover up during your travels to the water, something like the J.Crew Chambray shirtdress is perfect. The fabric is soft and has a loose fit. It is a super simple cover for a day in the sand or even a casual lunch downtown. Pair it with a straw hat or baseball cap and the look is done. I think this is definitely a staple in any woman’s suitcase.

To keep your feet cool from the burning sand, don’t forget to pack a cute pair (or two) of your favorite flip-flops. I am a particular fan of Rainbow sandals due to the fact that I’ve worn the same pair for the last three years and they are perfectly molded to my feet. The brown leather matches perfectly with any attire and can be worn later in the evening after your beach day is done. Other cute options would be Eliza-Bs or J.Crew sandals.

       

  

For the cool evenings in paradise, it’s important to pack pieces that can be dressed up or kept casual. You can never go wrong with a cotton maxi-dress. This Midori Maxi Dress from Lilly has such a cute pattern and is the perfect example of a dress that can be worn many ways. Pair it with a cute pair of wedges and a statement necklace and you’re ready for a night out on the town. Wear it with gladiator sandals and a couple chunky bracelets and it’s a nice outfit for lunch. Another dress that would get the job done is this Maxi Slip Dress by Forever21. It comes in a few different colors, but I love the coral/pink color.

When it comes to accessories, it is very easy to over pack. What I do to keep my load light is pick one staple piece for each accessory. For example, to keep the sun out of my face, I would choose a white baseball cap or something similar that I can pair with just about anything at the beach or in a casual trip somewhere. For a necklace, I might choose a solid colored bauble necklace that would match any piece of my wardrobe. I would do the same for bracelets, sunglasses, and jackets/sweaters. By doing this, you will save a lot of space in your luggage and make it that much faster to get ready. Vacation should be relaxing and fun; you’re with people you don’t know so no one will care if you wear the same dress twice.

The last items you should think about packing are your makeup and sunscreen supplies. In warm weather, I don’t like to use too much makeup; it tends to feel heavy. For day-to-day wear, I use a little blush, mascara, and concealer; on vacation, you shouldn’t need much more than that. If you want to add a couple extra lip-glosses or eyeliners, feel free; this is just my personal opinion. When it comes to sunscreen though, you can never be too prepared. It is important that you take several bottles or varieties of sunscreen on your trip. A spray for all over, a lotion for your face when you're not at the beach, a chap stick with SPF to avoid burnt lips and an extra bottle of your choice in case you run out.

Although these are just a couple ideas and tips for packing, feel free to throw in a couple extra goodies. When you’re on vacation, it’s nice to get dressed up or stay in comfortable lounge-wear; it’s all in preference. I hope everyone has a wonderful break and please remember to use sunscreen to prevent sun damage. 

Pictured:

Lilly Boardwalk Bikini Top: http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/Tops-Bottoms/Swimwear/entity/pc/243/c/51/5745.uts?swatchName=Shorely+Blue+Mini+Chomp+Chomp

Lilly Surfs Up Bottom: http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/Tops-Bottoms/Swimwear/entity/pc/243/c/51/5736.uts?swatchName=Multi+Mini+Chin+Chin

J.Crew Chambray Shirtdress: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/dresses/Day/PRDOVR~38936/38936.jsp

Rainbow sandals: http://www.rainbowsandals.com/Color301.aspx

Eliza B sandals: http://www.elizab.com/product/EB-AsIs-Wrib-1.html

J.Crew Tortoise Capri sandals: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/sandals/PRDOVR~74571/74571.jsp

Lilly Midori Dress: http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/Dresses/entity/c/38/6040.uts?swatchName=New+Green+Buzzworthy

Forever21 Maxi: http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=dress_midi-maxi-dresses&ProductID=2000027954&VariantID=

Wedges: http://www.gojane.com/80578-shoes-strappy-wedges.html

Gladiator sandals: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/report-mazur-sandal/3416625?origin=keywordsearch&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=722

US Sailing hat: http://store.ussailing.org/browse.cfm/us-sailing-hat/4,710.html

J.Crew Translucent Stone necklace: http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/jewelry/necklaces/PRDOVR~59823/59823.jsp

Makeup:

                  Clinique Airbrush Concealer

                  Revlon Matte Blush

                  Maybelline One by One Mascara

Sunscreen:               

                  Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Spray

Clinique Sun Broad Spectrum 50 SPF Body Cream

                  Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick