So yes. We’ve reached that dreaded time. When we totally get the tease of spring – 50’s, heck we almost got to 60’s last week and now we are back to dreariness and dare I say the ‘s’ word…snow. Why dear Lord, WHY.
It’s SO hard going back isn’t it? Yesterday around 4:00 I just felt so sluggish and slow and over it. I kept wondering what was wrong with me and then it was pretty clear that I was just missing the sunshine. So, I thought putting together a spring break day dreaming post would help. Imagine it all with me now: sunshine, warmth, sand, ocean. Can you feel it? Ahhhh. Here are some of my favorite go to items to pack, both trusted old favorites and as well as some new finds!
Let’s start at the very beginning. What to wear on the plane. Is this a struggle for anyone else? I alway want to be super comfy, warm enough, but also look put together. The past few trips I have traveled in these ‘on the fly‘ pants (pun intended) from Lululemon and they are just so awesome. Comfortable yet polished and they stay wrinkle free. Pairing it with a fun graphic tee is so cute, love this ‘oh hey vacay‘ one from Old Navy and also this ‘love first‘ option. Then all you need is a chunky cardigan, hoodie, or even jean jacket to keep warm. The jean jacket option works nice as you it’s a great piece to have on vacation as it’s easy to throw over a summer dress in case it gets chilly at night. Wearing it down saves the packing room. Shoes I always lean Birkenstocks as they are beyond comfortable and easy to slip on and off for security.
If you’ve reached the point of being able to read on an airplane instead of tending to babies and/or toddlers every single second, congratulations. That is huge! I am definitely thankful to be in this stage of life. My favorite magazine to grab for the trip? The Magnolia Journal, for sure. Books wise, oh my, I have read so many lately. I could not put this one down, absolutely terrifying in the best possible way. I was extremely alarmed reading Do Not Become Alarmed and highly recommend. The Woman in Cabin 10 was eh for me. Dark which I normally like….but too dreary. If that even makes sense. What I’ll be reading the next upcoming trip? This one for sure.
For sunscreen, I fell in love with this Coola brand out in California. The face cream is literally the best and protects so well. I just always like to order the travel sizes since heaven forbid we check a bag ever. (I packed myself and two boys for seven days in Mexico in two carryons just an FYI. I just feel like that deserves some type of award.) Anyways, if you’re looking for a great and safe sunscreen brand this is it. Love that the kit includes the lip sunscreen, super important.
These pineapple earrings are everything. They are $13.00 people! I swap out my normal diamond studs for these for our whole beach trips and they are so fun. I get asked all the time where I got them. Not a pineapple fan? (Is that even possible). Swooning over this peach pair as well.
Let’s chat clothing. If your spring break is anything like mine, it’s very simple dressing. I normally just pack three to four dresses, one pair of denim shorts, one other fun top and that’s about it. Been eyeing this rainbow striped tee shirt dress, it couldn’t get any easier and would be great paired with flats or the birkenstocks you wore down on the plane. These are the best denim shorts in the entire world, I have had them for three years now with zero plans to replace. If I feel wild sometimes I will pack a white denim jean but honestly they just always get messy somehow (by myself) and then I’m annoyed (at myself).
Ok friends, pajamas. Because if you’re anything like me you may be housing with parents and/or in laws and/or brother in laws. Let’s keep things appropriate and nice. You deserve a matching cute pajama set that doesn’t have holes because you are a real live grown up woman! Here, try this one.
Can’t day dream about a beach trip without talking about swimsuits. My go to spot is J Crew. Love the variety and the fit and they hold up so well. It’s helpful that a lot of their bikini tops come in a bra size so you really get that seamless fit. I have been wearing this ruffle one lately and at least ten people have come up to me asking me where I got it. It is SO cute on. And if you’re like me and lean a tad, well, ‘bean pole’ shaped it helps add some feminine curves to your figure. Nice. Also, I am legit dying over this suit. It is currently sitting in my shopping cart. I do not need another swim suit but OH MY GOSH.
Hopefully you’ll be able to get in a mani/pedi before you go. I typically skip the mani (it just doesn’t last on me no matter what so not worth the money) but a pedicure is a must and my go to color for almost five years now is OPI Don’t Pretzel My Buttons. It is the perfect neutral nude that goes with anything you may throw on and it is perfect. Tragically though, it seems as though it was discontinued. (WHY). In researching the best match, this color keeps coming up as an awesome option. I will be testing it out for sure.
Lastly, the best beach bag in the world. Love the classic shape and style, ours has held up for all the years. Bonus that you can monogram it. My life is now complete.
Now all we need? Vacay or May. The weather in Chicago is typically safe then, well, at least I’d like to think so.
Happy daydreaming!
C