Packing List: Beach Vacation

dress // bikini (on sale!) // sun hat // rash guard // pineapple towel // shorts // cooler bag // sandals (on sale!) // deodorant // sunglasses // straw bag // book

We're heading out for vacation soon! We'll be hitting the Delaware/Maryland beaches, then flying out to my brother in law's lakehouse in Michigan, then heading back to Delaware! It's going to be a lot of beach time, pool time, ice-cream-cone-eating time, and just hanging out and (hopefully) relaxing. It's not one of the super glamorous blogger vacations that we all drool over on Instagram, but it's basically exactly what I need right now. 

Here's a quick look at a few things I'm bringing, and a few things I'd love to bring--and just might be ordering soon.

Kate Spade Sundress - I've had my eye on this dress for months. It's a fun, more structured twist on the traditional embroidered Mexican style, and it looks like it's really flattering.

J.Crew Bikini - Seersucker for the win! (And the top is on sale!)

Eric Javits Sun Hat - I try to always wear a hat for sun protection when I'm outside, but bucket hats/fedoras aren't really big enough to provide adequate shade, and I would feel like a crazy person walking around the city with the same ginormous straw hat that I would wear by the pool. This is the perfect, happy medium! The brim is smaller than a traditional sun hat, but quite a bit wider than your basic bucket. My friend Dawn has one and I've admired it forever. Now, I'm finally going to spring for one for myself! (Bonus: It's made of a squishy, straw-like material that allows you to stuff it in your bag without destroying its shape.)

J.Crew Tropical Stripe Rash guard - I no longer go anywhere near a pool without a rash guard. It's just not worth it; the ultra-UV-sensitive skin on your shoulders and chest really needs that extra protection. And how fun is this one??

Pineapple Beach Blanket - Who wouldn't love a giant, plush, and oh-so-cheery pineapple towel? And unlike similar towels, which can run around $50, this one is under $20!

J.Crew Ruffle Chambray Shorts - Am I the only one who thinks it's really hard to find good shorts? That's why I love these: The ruffles add a cute, interesting detail, and they're not too, too short.

Ban.do "Beach Please" Cooler Bag - Cooler bags are one of those things you don't really think to bring to the beach, but once they're there, you're so glad you have them. (Cold water, juice, or--let's be honest--rosé, anyone?) This one also gets big bonus points for being adorable.

Dolce Vita sandals - When I'm going on a lazy trip like this, I leave the heels at home. (I always think heels look out of place anywhere near a beach, anyway, am I right?) Instead, if I go out to a slightly more fancy-ish dinner, I wear gold flat sandals, which can also double as a nicer shoe for day. These are really pretty, comfy, and on sale for just $62!

Schmidt's deodorant - You guys, I have tried to wean myself off antiperspirant and switch to natural deodorant for years, but I've never been able to do it. I'm probably going to do a longer post on this product soon, but let's just say, it's the only natural deo I've ever found that actually works. (And as a longtime beauty editor, I've pretty much tried them all). It's really amazing. It comes in lots of different scents, but I love this lime one. So refreshing!

Kate Spade sunglasses - I always love Kate Spade sunglasses and this shape works really well for my face. I'm never brave enough to wear crazy glasses, so I love that these look normal from the outside, but have a fun, colorful stripe-y pattern on the inside.

Permanently Poolside straw bag - So fun, and--since "permanently poolside" is what I hope to be--totally accurate.

In a Dark, Dark Wood book - My goal is to get a ton of reading done on this trip. (I mean, is there anything better than sitting next to a pool reading? NO.) I just finished a really great page turner called Behind Closed Doors (get it!), so I wanted to read something really good next. This one is supposed to be awesome, and since Reese Witherspoon just bought the rights to turn it into a movie, so you know it has to be good. (Also, if you've read any good books lately, please let me know. I am always looking for recs!)

SHOP THE POST

Wish List: Warm-Weather Preview

pink dress // hat // bikini // t-shirt // blue dress // sunglasses // denim shorts //  popsicle bag // rings // sandals // pink bag

So, I'm in St. Lucia right now! (Without kids!) We're staying at the Ladera resort, which is insane. (The rooms have only three walls, so one whole side is open to a view of the sea, jungles, and mountains!) 

We have really great wifi here, so I'm able to keep up with all of the (horrible, shameful, disgusting) news happening at home. But I'd be lying if I didn't say that it does feel nice to be able to get my mind off of it somewhat. If only for a few days.


If you need to clear your mind for a brief period of time, too, I've got you. Before I left, I realized I needed to do a little refresh on my vacation wardrobe, so I came up with a little wish list/inspiration board. I thought it might be fun to share it with you. I know the weather is still horrendous in much of the country, and the last thing you're probably thinking about is warm clothes (for multiple reasons). But now is actually the best time to buy if you fall in love with something. Best selection of styles and sizes! Anyway, here's what I'm loving for vacation (or summer!) right now.

Mi Golondrina Dress - I've wanted one of these forever. I love the forgiving cut and the intricate stitching.


Eugenua Kim Hat - Always a must. And I just love the pretty feather detail on this one.


J. Crew Seersucker Bikini - Those ruffles! That seersucker! It's totally the bathing suit I would get if I didn't hate my tummy--LOL. So, instead I got this navyone-piece and I'm OBSESSED. It's really beautiful and so flattering.


Madewell Split-Neck t-shirt - This tee from Madewell is my all-time favorite. The cotton is super thin and soft and the cut is perfect--not-too-tight, but not baggy. I discovered it last year and plan to add a few more fun colors this year.


Madewell Denim Shorts - I love this distressing, the wash, and the fact that they're not too, too short.


J.Crew Chambray Dress - Can you tell I'm obsessed with ruffles right now? I love that this one could be dressed down for weekends or dressed up for work.

Lonchamp x Jeremy Scott bag - Does anything instantly say "summer" quite like a bomb pop? And if you look close, these pops are shaped like the Empire State Building! This bag is hands down the cutest.


Gentle Monster Sunglasses - I love, love, love the pink and black pattern. It's so unique, but not crazy. I want these so bad!

Gorjana Shimmer Bar Rings - A trio of delicate gold rings at a very, very nice price. (All three for $55!)


Rebecca Minkoff Studded Sandals - They have such a cool, edgy vibe, and they're not ridiculously expensive.


Steven by Steve Madden Fringe Tote - It's the cutest-ever beach bag that's sophisticated enough to use as a regular bag, too.

Have you guys done any warm-weather shopping yet?

SHOP THE POST

The 6 Best Maxi Dresses For Vacation

From left: Loveappella; Mara Hoffman; Jessica Simpson; Karen Kane; Mara Hoffman; Karen Kane

I'm going on vacation in about two weeks (yay!), and thanks to this hellish winter, I am ready. I can't wait to ditch my boots, read by the pool, sip fruity frozen drinks, and perhaps most exciting of all, wear maxi dresses. I've mentioned before how much I live for a good maxi dress. Especially on vacation. They are just so easy. Plus they're one of the only pieces of clothing I can think of that manages to be both super comfy and incredibly sexy.

I am due for a new maxi (or two) so I'm splurging for this trip. I'm hoping to get a dark, solid-colored one for fancier evenings, as well as another one in a fun print that can take me from day to night. These six are at the top of my list right now. (Plus, there's a few more that I love below!)

Which ones do you like best?

SHOP THE POST

The Best Stuff For A Beach Vacation

Top row, from left: Fedora; bikini top and bottom; sweater. Middle row: embroidered shorts; denim shorts. Bottom row: sandals; bag; sunscreen; headphones

My husband and I are leaving this week on a much-needed, much-overdue vacation. To Anguilla! And without kids! So it's actually going to be a vacation! I can't wait. Doing a little bit of shopping--and a lot of daydreaming--has really gotten me excited. Here's a few of my favorite beach-vacation finds--plus why I love each one.

Genie by Eugenia Kim Crochet Fedora - I am not typically a "hat person," but if you don't feel like bringing home wrinkles and skin cancer as a souvenir, it's essential. I've owned this fedora (with a plain cord in place of the sash) for years, and I love it. It's crushable, so I can smoosh it into my suitcase, and it works just as well for pool days as it does for walking around town. This floral one is a pretty update.

Tory Burch Bikini Top and Bottom - I bought this last week and I am OBSESSED. (I can't stop trying it on!) It's so flattering, and the top is very supportive, which can be hard to find. Plus, it's really sexy in the most sophisticated way. I cannot wait to wear it.

Townsen Zuma Sweater - Sometimes I forget to pack a sweater when I'm going somewhere warm, and I always, always regret it. This lightweight one would be perfect paired with blue or white jeans, thrown over a bikini, or worn on the plane.

Topshop Embroidered Shorts - If I wear shorts, they're usually denim cutoffs. But these are convincing me to get out of that rut. I want to wear them with flat strappy sandals and a breezy white tank (like this one!).

Citizens of Humanity Denim Shorts - I have been living in these shorts this summer so far--they are awesome. They are a bit longer than most denim shorts, which means they cover the top of my thighs (where other, too-short shorts tend to bunch up in the most unattractive way), and that makes them infinitely more flattering. I also love how they're a bit loose in certain spots, but still tight in the right places. They're not cheap, but so worth it to me since I wear them so much. 

DV by Dolce Vita Sandals - I live in flat sandals when I'm on vacation. Honestly, if I'm going to an island, I don't even pack heels anymore--they just end up collecting dust in my suitcase. These flat strappy sandals are sexy and comfy, and when you're on vacation, there's no better combo than that.

Foley + Corinna Tote - A good straw bag is a vacation must. One that's cute like this can double as a beach tote and a day bag for sightseeing, shopping, etc. If you want to be a real packing star, you could even use it as your carry-on, too. Plus, aren't the bright stripes just so fun and cheery?

Oscar de la Renta Sunscreen Stick - I've mentioned before that Oscar de la Renta sunscreen is one of my favorite products--great formula and just so glamorous. This stick version is perfect for travel. I'll slip it into my carry-on, so that I can be protected at the pool...even if the airline loses my bag. (This is totally the kind of thing I stress about!)

Frendz Rose Gold Headphones - Best headphones ever. Cushy (so totally comfy for a long flight), loud and clear (even over the deafening hum of the plane), and just so darn cool (those rose-gold studs--swoon!). I've owned them for about a year now, and I'm never going back to earbuds.

SHOP MY FAVORITES

Sunset Glow

Dress, Leifsdottir (on major sale--RUN!); sunnies, Dolce & Gabbana (similar here); wrap bracelet, Chan Luu; sandals, Jack Rogers (also dying over these GOLD GLITTER ones!); bag, Rafe (similar here and here)

Dress, Leifsdottir; bag, Rafe (similar here and here); wrap bracelet, Chan Luu

Makeup c/o: Shiseido The Makeup Radiant Lifting Foundation; Clinique Chubby Stick in Two Ton Tomato

Okay, so yes, I got back from Hawaii weeks ago, and no, I clearly don't want to let it go. I miss the perfect weather, the way the air seems to always smell like flowers, and of course, the near-constant built-in excuse to wear sundresses. Here, on one of our last nights in Maui, we headed down to the beach to snap a few photos, then ate an early dinner on a patio overlooking the ocean as we watched an incredible sunset. I wore a new "half-maxi" dress that I'm completely obsessed with. It's super comfy, so flattering, and I love the abstract butterfly print and flowy, goddessy skirt. (Word to the wise: I did learn the hard way that its diaphanous layers are a bit dangerous when it's windy though...! Eek.) Anyway, the dress is now on major, major sale here, and if you snatch it up at this price, I'm going to be seriously jealous!

Another obsession? The foundation I'm wearing in these pictures. It's Shiseido's new Radiant Lifting Foundation and it's awesome. Lots of good coverage, doesn't feel heavy, and it gives your skin that amazing, lit-from-within thing that I'm always after. It's radiance with a capital R and it's the perfect way to keep that vacation glow going--even long after the trip is over.