I can't believe this trip is finally here! I'm headed to the Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata) early tomorrow morning with 5 of my girl friends for a relaxing vacation by the beach! We have our own 3 bedroom villa with our own private pool which is awesome! I have been looking forward to this vacation, but also a bit nervous about leaving the boys for 6 full days and 5 nights. This is the longest I've been away from them (besides when we went to Germany/Austria for 10 days when Camden was 8 months old). It will be nice to have some time off of work and 'mommy duty', but I'm sure I will come home feeling refreshed and ready to hug my boys!!
I've basically been shopping for the trip for the last 3 months! I've been so excited about wearing some new things and fitting into some smaller sizes since I've lost a little bit of weight since the beginning of the year. I actually bought a few bikinis to wear too! I never thought I would be in a bikini again, but I'm feeling more confident about my body and the fact that it will be my close girlfriends at our own private pool anyways lol!
I wanted to share with you guys what I packed for the trip in case you need some ideas for an upcoming vacation or just some items to add to your summer closet!
Here's what I'm packing broken out into categories for easy shopping (just click on the image to shop)...
Swimwear:
Dresses/Rompers:
Tops/Cardigans/Kimonos:
Shorts/Bottoms:
Shoes:
Handbags/Accessories:
Skin Care:
Make Up/Hair:
Other/Travel Accessories:
I will be taking a little blogging break for the next week or so, but I'm hoping to still be able to post on instagram from time to time, so make sure to follow me for photos from our trip!
I've been working on 'upping' my shoe game this season. I am very picky about shoes (and they only go on my feet... name that movie!) so, it takes a lot for me to commit to a pair that I like. I'm all for spending a little more for a pair that I know will not only last a long time but that is actually comfortable to wear.
However, I'm loving all the different sandal trends that have been popular this season and I wanted to be able to have a handful of options for different occasions to choose from. So, I have been successful at scoring some really cute, trendy sandals for less!
Here are my top 8 favorite shoes for spring and summer:
1. Tory Burch Miller Sandals (I have the color 'make up'): My favorite (and most expensive) pair are these tory burch miller sandals. It took me a while to understand why these were so popular. They are really just leather flip flops with the tory burch logo. But, they are the most comfortable pair of nice looking flip flops of all time! You can dress these up or down. And the fact that they have been popular for years and years now makes me think they are not going out of style any time soon! I'm all about investing in one pair of shoes for each season and for me these sandals were going to be my 'splurge' for spring and summer because I know I will wear them constantly! I got the color 'make up' for reference and it is the perfect neutral tan color with just a hint of blush tones. It is definitely a flattering color on my skin tone. FOR SIZING: It was recommended to me to go up at least a half size in these. I'm typically between a 6.5 and 7 with shoes and I ordered a 7 and they fit great!
2. Jack Rodgers 'Georgica' Jelly Flip Flop (I have an off white color, probably closest to the 'bone' color): I got these a few years ago and they have been such a great summer sandal! Because they are made of the flexible 'jelly' material, they are perfect for the pool, beach, etc. I love that these are fashionable, comfortable AND functional summer shoes!
3. Old Navy Bow Slides: I actually have these in 2 colors, black and blush! They are the perfect slide on your feet and go shoes. And the cute bow just adds a little more to your regular slide sandals.
4. Old Navy Double Strap Sandals: I bought these because they actually look a lot like a designer pair, but of course for a lot less! The gold tone is a great neutral shade and the double straps make for a comfortable fit.
5. Old Navy Bow Wedges: I mean, I obviously can't say 'no' to any shoe with a bow! And when I saw the wedge version of my bow sandals, I had to get a pair!
6. Target (A New Day) Ema High Block Heel Pumps: I bought these pumps because I needed a more 'dressier' pair. I LOVE the block heel trend and the simple, classic look of these (plus the price tag) got my attention! I have been wearing them more than I thought I would and they are surprisingly comfortable! I love that I can pair them with jeans or dresses!
8. Nine West Wedge Pump: These are actually a few years old and it looks like there's only one size left in a white color (mine have nude colored straps), but they have been a great pair for spring and summer over the past few years! I actually have this pair on my current wishlist and I've linked to a few others that are similar below... I think a classic pair of nude/neutral wedges are a closet staple for spring and summer!
Hi friends! Happy Tuesday! Should I name this day 'Try On Tuesday?' If you caught my instagram stories yesterday, I posted a mini try on session from Nordstrom. I had a lunch date at the Nordstrom Cafe on Friday, so I snuck in a quick try on with a few tops (and one dress) I've been eyeing from their website. Sometimes, it's easier to post the links on a blog post since I don't have the swipe up feature yet (if you could find me 8k more followers, that would be great!).
Below is everything I was able to try on! For sizing reference, I am 5'2" and usually wear a size Small in tops and size Small Petite dresses in most Nordstrom brands.
*As always, Nordstrom offers free shipping and returns! So, you could try on these items from the comfort and convenience of your own home and return if they don't work out! Just one of the reasons I love shopping there! This is not sponsored FYI!
1. First and foremost, I had to try on this insta-famous Madewell striped tee! And I totally get the hype now! It is just the perfect t-shirt. Perfect cut, fabric, v-neck, stripes... Totally worth all 25 dollars spent. Why? Because I will most likely be wearing this tee all summer! I sized down to an XS in this tee. I would say it runs a bit big, so if you like a more fitted look I would size down.
2. This cute, little peplum top was second on my list and it came home with me! BONUS: It's on sale for less than $15! I sized down to a XS (runs big).
3. This floral embroidered top was so pretty in person! I am wearing a size XS here and it is the perfect length for a front tuck! I have a short torso though, so if you have a longer waist I would suggest ordering your true size.
4. I also wanted to try on this striped short sleeve top that is similar to my favorite long sleeve version that I love. This short sleeve version has a really cute twisted, cut out on the back! I put the photo from the website below bc it was hard to get a photo of the back!
Lastly, I wanted to try on this very popular short sleeve, shift dress. This one comes in a ton of colors and the black is just such a great basic piece to have in your wardrobe. It is a really nice, quality fabric, but also breathable which would make it perfect for spring and summer. The cut and neckline just makes it so flattering on any figure! This one runs big, size down. I am wearing a size small and would probably order a size small petite.
That's all I was able to try on this time! I have linked to everything below as well for easy shopping! Feel free to leave a comment with any questions!
