Vacation on the brain

The weather has been unbelievably beautiful lately, and it’s making me dream of my next vacation. Vacation season is right around the corner, and whether you’re planning to relax on a beach, see the sights in Europe or trek through Asia, you’ll need to bring the right outfits. I’m thinking easy dresses, versatile pieces and of course the right accessories! Here are some of my favorite picks – wherever your next vacation might take you:

1. Ruffle Wrap Dress - The relaxed fit on this wrap dress will make it super comfortable! Love the bright color – you could wear this during or day, and dress it up for going out at night.
2. Melanie Dress  T-shirt dresses are a traveler’s best friend, just put it on and go! The print on this one is so pretty, and you can also easily transition this one from day to night
3. Caftan Cover-Up - I admittedly don't get much use out of caftans but I love them!  I love how chic they make you look beachside or poolside.  Plus you don't feel so self conscious when you're wearing a bikini and get to cover it up with something so cute.
4. Printed Henley - How cool is this print? It pretty much embodies vacation. Wear this with shorts and sandals during the day and you’re set.
5. Denim Jacket- Denim jackets are a closet staple, and perfect for traveling. They’ll go with every outfit and will give you just enough warmth for chilly nights. Another great option here for under $50.
6. Embroidered Shorts  The embroidery on these shorts are amazing! Wear these with a t-shirt during the day, and dress it up with heels and accessories for going out at night.  Need something a bit more budget friendly?  These are so cute and only $16!

And of course let's not forget some fab accessories!

 

Lucite Heel Sandal Super cute sandal! The lucite heel is on trend and will short enough to be comfortable while you’re walking around!
Retro Sunglasses  You can’t really go wrong with a pair of Ray-Bans. They’re universally cool and I love this retro take on the classic Wayfarer. 
Classic Gold Watch - Watches are a necessity while traveling. They’re functional, and this classic design will go with everything.  Get a free bow bracelet with watch purchase this week only!  Use code FREEBOW
Passport Holder  Want to make sure you don’t lose your passport? Stick it in this neon holder! Love it. 
Bamboula Market Tote If you’re heading to the beach, you’ll need a cute tote. These are super cute and handcrafted in Kenya!

Lookbook: Beachside

What I'm Wearing
ShopSosie Dress - I added the black belt.  Runs true to size.  Similar style at Urban Outfitters for $20.  I love the chevron print, I have the long sleeve version too.  On another note, how gorgeous is this sequin chevron dress?  Perfect for the holidays!
Kate Spade sandals - sold out, wedge version here for 45% off.  Also love these ones and 65% off!  I'm a big fan of Kate Spade sandals, always the cutest embellishment and are really comfortable.  These ones have a cluster of pearls with a bow.  Too cute!
t+j Designs Gold and Pave Link Bracelet - get the set with the necklace to save $36.
Chloe Sunglasses
Foley + Corinna Disco City - I love this little clutch/cross body.  I got it early in the spring so this color is no sold out but get the black or blue one on sale.
 

Cabo Trip

I wasn't planning on writing a post about my vacation but then I looked through my phone and had quite a few pics so thought I'd share.  My husband and I have been so busy the past few months and we wanted to really just get away and have a nice relaxing vacation so I thought very little about my blog during that time and just enjoyed the moments without thinking "I should blog about this." We of course took photos with our DSLR but I wouldn't be me without taking a million photos on my phone.  A day does not go by without me taking photos on my phone.  Sometimes I share them on instagram but mostly they just stay on my phone for memories sake :)

A quick snap of the beach on the day we arrived.  It was wonderfully warm and a bit humid but not TOO hot which was great. 


I don't usually wear jewelry when going to the beach/pool but we were just taking a stroll along the beach after lunch so I wanted to get a picture of my jewelry against the sand.  I wore a very neon outfit!  (tank by Aerie and shorts by J Crew)

chain link wrap bracelet | neon crystal bracelet  | rhinestone friendship bracelet set | textured chain link bracelet

photo heavy post, click to read more

We've been to Mexico several times and almost every resort we stayed at has just had OK food.  The resort we stayed at this time (Fiesta Americana) had really great authentic Mexican food.  We are not fans of the all inclusive resorts as we've found that food quality is not as great at all inclusives so you do end up paying a lot for food at resorts but it's well worth it to me when it's yummy.  Their homemade tortillas were AMAZING. 

Shot of the resort from the lobby.  It was such lovely weather, I wish I could be there now!

An outfit shot before dinner.  I like to keep it minimal when on vacation so I mostly pack just dresses.

Tulle Dress (c/o) (tank version), Kate Spade Sandals, Foley and Corinna Disco City, Enamel Bow Pendant

There was a hurricane nearby so the waves were a bit more rough.  We had one day that just poured buckets but it was nice to have a day away from the sun as both my husband and I, even though we slathered on sun screen, managed to get sunburned.  We sat in the outside (covered) patio of one of the restaurants with some drinks and watched the rain pour down.  It was actually quite entertaining :)

 

One of those weird touristy photos, where I'm just posing by a giant cactus.  LOL. I'm not a big pop drinker but even I could not resist the deliciousness of Mexican pops.  The coke was delightful of course but I loved the Orange Fanta.  It really is much better in Mexico!

Just another stroll on the beach on one of the last days.  We spent a lot of time laying by the beach, reading and napping but I really enjoyed walking along the beach, dipping our toes in the water and being with my husband, just the two of us.  (That's the awesome part about going to Mexico in September, the beach was almost always empty!)

Forever 21 top | J Crew shorts | Target sandals

It was my birthday during that week and we went partly to celebrate my birthday and partly just to go on a vacation.  I've had a lot of great birthdays but this one with just my husband and I was one of the best ones yet. :)

Beach Vacation

I'm so excited for our vacation coming up next month!  Our flights are booked, but the resort is still being determined as I have two spots in mind and I'm reading every review possible as to which one we should stay at but seeing as both have amazing reviews and are around the same price, I'm having a real difficult time picking out which one to stay at!

Anyway, while I'm still debating on our accommodations, I've got beach wardrobe on my mind.

1. Armani Exchange Crochet Swimsuit  At the risk of weird tan lines, when I'm in the need to be a little more covered up, I'm in love this one piece crochet swimsuit (and it's on sale for $29!)
2. Becca Crochet Cover-Up - I usually go for just cheap sundresses to wear over my swimsuits but I feel like being a bit more "sophisticated" this year so I'm going to get an actual cover up. 
3. Luli Fama 'Cosita Buena' Twist Front Bandeau Bikini - love the color!  I like bandeau bikinis because of the no tan line issue but I feel like they are a bit more flattering on me than halter or string bikini styles.
4.  Echo 'Bright Ikat' Butterfly Cover-Up Dress - trying to decide between this one or #2.  Both are so cute! 
5. Ella Moss Floral Bandeau Bikini - Thanks to SwimSpot who has super cute bathing suits, for sending over this bikini.  It fits great and you can mix and match sizes which I love!

And of course some vacation worthy shoes.  I own only a few pairs of sandals as I really don't get much use for them in Seattle so when I get a pair of sandals, I wear them to death.  I also am not a big wedge person but sometimes you still need a little height even when you're in a tropical locale.  Oh and the best part about shopping for sandals now is that they are all on sale!

1. Joan & David 'Sharone' Sandal - so cute and summery!
2. Elie Tahari 'Weaver' Espadrille - I just got a pair similar to these.  Nude/tan wedges are great for making your legs look extra long.
3. Tory Burch Thong - Great color and comes in blue too. 
4. Vince Camuto Malinda - adore the little bow
5. Loeffler Randall Serafina - love the color and the flower!  I never see this color for shoes.  They just scream vacation to me :)
6. Enzo Angiolini Tootsy - when I buy sandals, they usually look like these.  Simple with a little embellishment.  These are on sale for $35!  I'm going to order today.