packing


Disneyland summer packing list

What to pack for Disneyland in the summer

Disneyland summer packing list what to pack for Disneyland in the summer when it is hot

Disneyland summer packing list from top left: shorts / sunglasses / beaded bracelets (local designer, $25 each) / white drop earrings / black eyelet sleeve tee / Gucci sneakers / black eyelet skirt / stripe puff sleeve top / summer jeans / cross-body bag (hot IT bag under $300) / coral ruched sleeve tee / silver ears (sold out, also love this pair) / linen joggers /

Disneyland is open! We are so excited to take a trip to Disneyland and enjoy ourselves! This is a fun road trip we are familiar with, and the whole family can enjoy. I mean, who doesn’t love getting lost in the fun at Disneyland? I know I do!

We normally head to Disneyland during the cooler months. Hot summer days at Disneyland are foreign to me, so I had to be strategic in how I packed for the trip because Anaheim can get really hot in the summer. So if you are like me, and you are wondering what to pack for Disneyland in the summer when it is hot outside, then read on!

In order to combat the heat, I knew I needed to pack cool clothing that also protected me on rides. I like to wear pants on the rides because it feels cleaner, and it is more comfortable. In the cooler months, I usually wear jeans; they’re just easy. Of course when it hits 90 degrees outside, jeans are not exactly what one would call comfortable. Despite this, I did pack one pair of jeans just in case the weather ended up cooler than expected. Otherwise, this pair of linen pants will be my Disneyland go-to pants when the weather is really hot. They are cool pants and just as comfortable as shorts on a hot day. Plus, since they are pants, my legs feel protected on the rides. Love that!

Tee-shirts are a must when it is hot outside. Of course, we don’t always want to wear a basic tee. These tee’s with ruched and puffy sleeves are right on trend, and are more elevated than a basic tee. The fun part is that these tee’s don’t look like basic tee’s, yet they offer the same comfort as one. Plus, the fabric is so soft, love!

The shorts and the skirt are for when we are back at the hotel and I want to change for dinner, or another activity. Stay tuned for my Anaheim trip coverage to see what else we did besides Disneyland!

A small, cross-body bag is a must. This one has two straps, so I can wear it cross body at Disneyland, then switch the strap for other activities. It’s two bags in one, which is great for travel. Love that!

Shop my Disneyland summer packing list online:

Now you know what to pack for Disneyland in the summer when it is hot outside! What is your favorite time of year to visit Disneyland?

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned for my trip coverage!

XOXO
Cathy


Packing for Hawaii with Chico’s

Hawaiian luau outfit ideas

The perfect luau outfit for Hawaii: sun hat / woven tote bag / palm print dress / convertible statement necklace / statement earrings / wedges /

I’m packing for a trip to Hawaii today, and thankfully it is really easy to do! As you know, I am a huge fan of Chico’s. They have in-house artists who create the beautiful, exclusive prints you can find on Chico’s scarves and clothing. So when we started to plan our family vacation to Hawaii, I knew Chico’s would be my go-to source for island-ready prints, fabrics, and style.

When packing for a trip, it’s always important to make sure you pack clothing and accessories which can be mixed and matched. This cute little woven tote by Chico’s is perfect for travel. It can be worn two different ways depending on the outfit and/or activity. There is a detachable strap which can be worn over the shoulder, or cross body. This is great for travel since it is always nice to be able to be hands-free. It can also be worn hand-held, or on the arm with the strap detached. This is a great look for dinner, the pool, or the beach. The interior offers a zipper pocket and two slip pockets which are perfect for a phone, and other small items. The woven texture offers a tropical vacation vibe too. It’s the perfect handbag for Hawaii and summer vacation! Love!

I know you have heard it from me before, but Chico’s has the best convertible necklaces. This convertible necklace can be worn three ways. The top layer can be detached and worn close to the bottom of the neck. The bottom layer can be detached, and offers an adjustable 18″ drop with a statement. Of course, both strands worn together offers a huge statement; and isn’t it fun to be bold?! Love it! I picked up the matching earrings too in order to complete the look. I don’t need to pack any other necklaces or earrings, these will carry me through the entire week! Love that!

The first outfit pictured above, will be my luau outfit. The outfit below will be perfect for sightseeing and dinner on the beach.

Hawaiian beach dinner outfit ideas

Hawaiian beach dinner outfit: wedges / ombre dress / blue print scarf / convertible statement necklace / statement earrings / blue bracelet / sun hat / woven tote bag /

This blue ombre dress from Chico’s is absolutely beautiful! I love the shades of blue, and it looks amazing with this floral print scarf worn around the waist as a belt. Of course I am pairing it with my convertible necklace, statement earrings, woven tote, and this fabulous sun hat from Chico’s. This outfit will be perfect for sightseeing, and dinner on the beach. For sightseeing, it can be worn with flip flops or flat shoes, and for dinner, wedges dress it up!

When packing for a trip, it is always a good idea to bring basics which can be worn multiple times, multiple ways. The black pants below by Chico’s are really comfortable, and versatile for travel! I am pairing them with a classic black, v-neck tee for a base look. It can be worn with an island print kimono (mine is currently on major sale) or with a scarf worn as a belt. That’s already two outfits in one! The pants and tee can be paired with flat shoes for sightseeing, wedges for dinner, or sneakers for an aggressive walking schedule. These pants, and this tee, are a must-have for travel!

what to pack for hawaii

Sightseeing look for Hawaii: sun hat / palm print kimono (on major sale!) / statement earrings / statement convertible necklace / blue bracelet / black v-neck tee / black pants / woven tote bag / wedges / Alternate sightseeing look below: blue print scarf / black mules /

Shop my Hawaiian travel looks from Chico’s online:

I’m excited to pack all these versatile pieces for our family trip to Hawaii. Stay tuned! There will be plenty of Hawaiian vacation coverage here on the blog in the coming week, as well as on my Instagram where you can follow along via Insta-stories. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, or anywhere this summer, be sure to check out Chico’s Traveler’s collection as well as all of their fabulous prints! They are the perfect vacation destination!

Check out my Chico’s look from NYFW, and my Traveler’s Collection looks from last summer’s Seattle trip.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

*thank you to Chico’s for sponsoring this post, all thoughts and opinions are my own

outfit ideas Hawaii


What to pack for Tahoe in the spring

Tahoe spring season packing list

Have you ever asked yourself, “What should I pack for a ski trip in the spring?” I just asked myself this same question while planning my family vacation to Lake Tahoe over spring break in April.

We normally visit Lake Tahoe, or go skiing, over Christmas break, or Ski Week. This year, our schedules were a little crazy with fashion week in February, and my husband’s work trip at the same time. So, we decided to take on Tahoe during spring break. The problem? Spring break is April 2016! This means the snow pack could be questionable, and skiing? Not 100% sure it is on the table.

Our trip included two travel days, and five full days in Truckee; just a few minutes north of Lake Tahoe. We decided to plan a few different activities in order to make sure our kids would have plenty of fun, snow or no snow. In order to combine snow activities, lakefront beach activities, hiking, and poolside fun, I had to make sure we were packed for any adventure.

Here is my packing list for what to pack for Tahoe in the spring season:

Skiing and snow activities:

Ski pants / 3 in 1 jacket / boots / short sleeve tee / gloves / snow hat

*If you own ski or snowboard equipment, be sure to bring it along just in case there is still snow on the slopes. If you don’t own your own gear, you can always rent ski gear, sleds and/or saucers.

Hiking:

Shoes / jeans / jacket / short sleeve tee /

Lounging at the cabin:

Flannel PJ’s / book / slippers / robe

Poolside fun and beach activities:

Swimsuit / cover-up / flip-flops / sun hat / sunscreen travel kit

Shopping and dining on the lake, and in Truckee:

Look 1: Dress / shoes / handbag / earrings / bracelet /

Look 2: jeans / lug shoes / tee shirt / jacket / handbag / earrings / ring

This took up one 21” suitcase, and one 24” suitcase. I also carried my handbag separately, and stuffed my tech into my smaller suitcase. A blogger never leaves home without a DSLR, iPad, iPhone, and small laptop!

Since my kids needed less shoes, and no blogger baggage ;-), they were able to fit similar items into one 21” suitcase. My husband fit all of the above, with no tech, and less shoes, into one 21” suitcase, and one backpack. The trunk of our small SUV was quite full!

This turned out to be the perfect packed suitcase for a trip to a snow resort town during the spring months. A little snow, a little sun, and a ton of fun! Next time you travel to Lake Tahoe, consider visiting in the spring. It makes a great family vacation!

Stay tuned! I have more articles posting later this week about all the fun activities for families in Lake Tahoe in the spring months!

Thank you for stopping by to see what to pack for Tahoe in the spring,

Cathy

XOXO