With spring break only a few weeks away, I wanted to make a list of my spring break essentials. While this year my family is road-trippin’ through South East Colorado (hitting up Glenwood Springs, Cortez, Mesa Verde, and Telluride), we usually go to a warmer climate with a beach, so this list is for that kind of a trip.
Day-to-night Dresses: I like breezy dresses that can go from the beach to a dinner and drinks without having to change. Think lightweight fabrics, cute cutouts, and fun prints and colors. For the maxi-lover, I like this one and for a shorter dress, I like this one.
A cute cross-body handbag like this one by Steve Madden. I like that there is some straw on it. Anything with rope, jute, or straw makes it more summery. I like them big enough to stow away the essentials but not too big that they are cumbersome if you are hitting up the beach and then the clubs. In mine, you’ll find: sunglasses, my phone, lip gloss, a tube of sunscreen, and dental floss. Ask my husband or cousin, I am never caught without floss….blame it on years of wearing braces and being self-conscious that I had shit stuck in my teeth.
Two or three cute swimsuits. On my last girls trip to Vegas with my cousin, Mary, I only packed one swimsuit like a dumbass. And naturally, when I put it on I realized it had a huge hole in it and had to borrow one of hers. Luckily she packed a whole trunk full of shit and had about 5 for me to choose from. Thanks Mar 😉 I am tall with a long torso so I have a hard time finding one-pieces that don’t go right up my ass. But I am also 36 and a mom of two kids so I don’t really love showcasing my stomach. Therefore, my go-to’s as of late have been high-waisted bikinis. They look retro but are so cute and are comfy too. I have this one. I also like this one piece if you are of a standard height and won’t get camel-toe.
Sunscreen. Don’t overthink it. This shit works just fine. It does sometimes get a bit heavy on my face so in those instances I use ones specifically made for the face like this one by Coola.
Rompers: If you’re not ridiculously tall, rompers are always cute. I can’t wear them for the same reasons I can’t wear many one-piece suits. (Read – camel toe.) But they’re so darn cute, as long as you don’t mind peeing in a public restroom fully in the nude since they have to come off in one piece. Here’s a cute one.
Swimsuit cover up: I generally get mine at Target because I destroy them quickly. I like this sweet flamingo pattern. For a longer one, this one from ASOS is a good basic.
Cut-off jean shorts: These Levis ones stand the test of time, so long as you don’t have severe hail-damage on your thighs.
A basic white t-shirt. Great with jean shorts, flowy maxi skirts, or as an easy cover up to a bathing suit. You can’t beat this one.
Work out gear or sweats. Even if you don’t intend to work out while on vacation, (I never do…it’s vacation after all,) it’s nice to have comfy clothes for the plane or to knock around town in.
Sunnies: You know the saying, “The bigger the hoop, the bigger the ho” in reference to huge hoop earrings? No? What about, “The bigger the bow, the closer to God”? (One of my Grandma Susie’s favorite sayings and her excuse for making us wear HUGE bows when were kids.) Well, for me, the bigger the sunglasses, the less sun damage I get on my face. I love aviators like these.
Leather sandals. When my husband and I honeymooned in Greece, we got custom leather sandals made at Stavros Melissinos, the “Poet Sandal Maker of Athens” and seven years later I still cherish them. They’re comfy, easy, and go with any outfit. Don’t be the girl wearing huge heels that you can’t walk in. People will judge. Go for comfort. I like these ones from DSW. Bonus if they have embellishments or studs to up the “it factor.”
A big floppy hat. Once again, get that f’in sun out of your face. You’ll thank me later in life. I like panama hats or basic floppy straw ones like this.
Lotions or bronzers that makes you glisten like a goddess. I love this Bronze Goddess Spray by Estee Lauder. It smells like summer and gives your legs and hair a nice sheen. And Estee Lauder always reminds me of my mama, and when I think of her, I try to make good choices on spring break – like not drinking my body weight in “jungle juice”.
Lastly, don’t forget to pack your cell charger, toiletries, pj’s, dry shampoo and makeup remover wipes for the lazy girl. And isn’t relaxing and being a bit lazy the best part about going on vacation?
