travel


5 summer must-haves

Summer is here! This means we are all planning day tips, weekend getaways, and exciting vacations. In order to make summer beach days fun, air travel organized, and the season stress-free, I wanted to share with you my five favorite items to use while traveling this summer season. They are not revolutionary, just practical; and I happen to love them, so I hope you do too!

Sturdy and identifiable suitcases

The summer season usually includes at least one vacation getaway. This means we all need sturdy suitcases which are easy to spot when they come off the baggage claim carousal. It is a good rule of thumb to not have expensive luggage since someone might want to steal it; that being said, you also don’t want something so cheap that is falls apart when it gets tossed on, and off, the plane.

I love my purple luggage set. I have had it for about two years now and it holds up really well. I check my bags when I fly, and aside from some scratches, they look great! They are also easy to identify during baggage claim. You can find my set on sale right now here. That handbag is a favorite of mine, and can be found online here.

Comfortable yet fashionable shoes

addidas IT shoes

Comfortable doesn’t have to mean frumpy! If you don’t already own a pair of Adidas Superstar’s, now is the time to grab a pair! Everyone from grade school students to Fashionista Grandmas own a pair of these sneakers. They are comfortable, and offer some serious street style cred. You will need a pair this summer for walking around theme parks such as Disneyland or Great America. You will also need a pair if you are traveling; they are great to wear while site seeing! You can find them in stock online here.

Essential travel accessories

tde travel accessories

So remember that thing about sturdy luggage for flying? You will want a luggage tag for your checked bag. Now that TSA is planning to make us take more out of our carry-ons, it is getting to the point where we might as well check everything! We will all need another luggage tag for that.

Also, we are heading towards the era of the “Real ID,” this means we all should have a passport and/or passport card. If you plan to travel a lot, a passport cover is essential for keeping your precious ID protected while you are on the go. Mine can be engraved with your initials and can be found online here.

Beach beauty travel-size products

garnier travel products

Summer vacation usually includes a lot of time in the sun and sand. These travel beauty products are TSA friendly and also help combat humidity and tired skin. I swear by the Frizz Guard for hot, humid summer days! I don’t do well with frizz, I would die without this product. You can find it online here.

Summer friendly beauty products:

*Garnier products were gifted by the company, all thoughts and opinions are my own

Thin, packable beach blanket which doubles as an airplane blanket

If you read my recent Tahoe trip recap, you may have noticed this beach blanket. It is actually really thin, and folds nicely into a small little shape which fits inside a handbag. Love that! It is great for sitting on while at the beach, using as a lightweight blanket in the car on road trips, or as a giant blanket on an airplane. It could also be used as a large beach wrap. Love it! You can find it for under $40 online here.

These are five things I find essential for the summer season, for both stay-cation days, and vacation days! What are your favorite items to help make summer fun and stress free?


Easy breezy flowing summer outfit

summer modest outfit ideasanta barbara mission summer style blogmisson santa barbaracool summer outfit idea mansur gavriel handbagchloe flats mansur gavriel handbag express skirt

Pictured: Earrings: Kendra Scott / Sunglasses: Chanel / Lipstick: Chanel  / Top: Express / Necklace: Unknown-purchased at art fair (also love this one) / Skirt: Express / Bracelets: Kendra Scott, Kendra Scott / Handbag: Mansur Gavriel / Nail Polish: Christian Louboutin Nude Rose Gold / Shoes: Chloe

For our big summer trip this year, we decided to take the kids down south to Universal Studios, Disneyland, and Legoland. On our drive down, we stopped at the beautiful Mission Santa Barbara  for a little bit of California history. What kid doesn’t need a little summer history lesson?!

When we left the Bay Area, temperatures hovered in the 90’s, so I chose to wear this flowing, breezy skirt with a lightweight, cotton cropped top. It was the perfect ensemble for beating the heat while on the road! The flowing silhouette, and lightweight fabrics, kept me cool all the way from NorCal to SoCal. Love that!

This skirt is really fun to wear too. I have worn it with a high, stacked heel, for a dressier look, as well as with the flats shown above for comfort. The shoes really make a difference; making the skirt fabulous for day into evening this summer! Love that!

My new Chloe flats were perfect for walking around the mission; and they were also comfortable for driving down the coast! I’m addicted to these flats 😉

The Santa Barbara Mission was a great place to stop with the kids on the drive south. Not only did we get to stretch our legs, and get out of the car, the kids learned about a small part of California history! Who says you can’t mix education and fun?! 

Thanks for stopping by,

xoxo

Cathy


Resort 2015

resort 2015 outfit

Pictured: Bracelet / Jumpsuit / Handbag / Shoes / Cuff

Although we are barely through the fall season, and winter has yet to start, the resort 2015 collections have started to hit store shelves. This gives us a sneak peek into what to expect for the spring 2015 season. 

The resort season, also referred to as “cruise,” was originally conceived to give people a chance to buy weather appropriate clothing for their exotic vacations to warm locations during the cold, dreary winter season. Over time, resort has become a glimpse into what the spring collections will bring; as well as a way to shop early for the upcoming warm weather season.

What trends should you look for in resort 2015? There are a few select trends this resort 2015 season which are fabulous investments for spring and summer 2015.

All-white: White on white on white is hot for resort 2015. Spice it up with gold, silver and rose gold accessories mixed together.

Prints: As always, look for large floral prints. Also look for bi-color prints and any print which tickles your fancy!

Colors: Look for shades of grey, blue, orange and red.

If you are looking for just one piece of resort to jump-start your spring shopping, invest in a pair of white shoes or a white handbag. White shoes, or a white handbag, is an easy way to update last years’ spring attire and bring it into 2015.

Of course, if you are one of the lucky few going someplace exotic and fabulous for the resort season, then you have some shopping to do! Look for easy jumpsuits and white accessories. Do not be afraid to mix gold and silver; and find one, all-white ensemble. Not only will your vacation be absolutely fabulous, you will be too! Love that!

I found a few amazing resort 2015 pieces from around the web and assembled them into the shopping widget below, enjoy! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

All-white for resort 2015:

Shades of blue:

Reds and oranges for resort 2015:

Classic pieces for resort 2015: