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• Mar 30, 2009 - 11:10 AM
• Posted by tierra
• Category Women's Fashion, Accessories

Let’s all Brake for Spring Break: Easy to Pack, Stylish to Wear.

Let’s  all Brake for Spring Break: Easy to Pack, Stylish to Wear. 

Plus, a quick shopping list for those lucky enough to be heading to hot weather.

Is it just me or has it been a longer-than-usual winter this year? I hate to complain we DO live in California, not Wisconsin!  But I’ve been ready for sandals and sundresses for weeks and dreaming of going somewhere where I can wear both 24/7.  With spring break season here and relaxation in mind, the last thing you want to do is stress about what to take and how to pack.

Here’s how to do it.

First, figure out what you’re wearing on the way. Whether you’re driving or flying, try to wear the same thing going and coming back. In nice weather, my go-to outfit is a full, long skirt (short rides up on planes and doesn’t keep your legs warm in a drafty cabin), a tank or T-shirt and a cardigan. On my feet are walking sandals or flats that will allow for a quick run through the terminal if I must hurry.

Whatever you pack should serve double duty. The cardigan can be worn on cool nights, the tank can be worn over your swimsuit or pants. Or to sleep in.  I rarely take jeans if I’m going somewhere hot, but I do take white, lightweight denim capris. They can be surprisingly dressy for an evening out if you take espadrilles or high heeled sandals and a top with a little sparkle or sexiness.

During the day, white capris are great for sightseeing worn with a T-shirt and flip flops or tennis shoes. Have your fashion moment with a couple of lightweight sundresses. This is where you can show of your seasonal style savvy. Make sure they’re washable in the sink if you have to rinse them out and hang them in the shower for a quick overnight dry. This spring, I plan to buy a long sundress that looks great lounging poolside or out for a fancy dinner.

Two swimsuits and an appropriate cover-up, such a sarong that can be worn tied to the side a skirt for a drink at the beach bar at sunset. Please, no frayed short shorts or random thrift store items you were thinking of getting rid of anyway. Why ruin the look of your cute new bikini?

A no-wrinkle, black dress that can be dressed up for dinner of dancing. I have a simple, washable stretch jersey dress that never goes out of style and takes on the personality of whatever accessories I put on. This summer, a chunky inexpensive necklace I recently purchased will make it look brand new again.

Add vacations staples like shorts, a few t-shirts, nightgown, toiletries, hat and flip flops. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Even for a week away, all of this should fit in a carry on, saving you $15 or $25 of baggage fee.

Your spring break shopping list:
1. A sundress or two. One should be a full-length, halter-style dress. Think Valley of the Dolls.  The bouffant do is optional.

2. A stack of Ts and tanks in colors like yellow, lilac, pink, cantaloupe, lime. They’re wearable layered, and the colors don’t have to match or even coordinate.

3. Swim wear. I know you’re pale and you want to lose 10 pounds. But wait longer and the best styles are sold out, never to be found again. You’ll end up with a suit you’re not happy with, still pale and still in need of a crunch or two. Most clothing, I advocate sales, for swimwear, I say you might not see it again.



SIGNATURE HALTER MAILLOT
BCBG
$138.00

4. If you didn’t buy a pair last year, it’s time to add to your shoe wardrobe with a pair of flat sandals. I said this in previous blog: color, color, color is the fresh way to go. Or, gladiator and cage style in bronze, brown and black are still hot this season.

5. Color lifts mood like nothing else. It’s been a dark winter. No more black and beige and gray. Choose pink, fuchsia, turquoise, seafoam green. Shades that make us happy and signals winter is no more.

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Tags: Accessories, Fashion, Sandals, Sundresses

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