Warm Weather Edit
Or, What to wear on your spring break (or think about wearing if you're counting down to summer!)
What does it mean that this is the second time in just a couple of months that I’m writing about being sick of winter? A couple of days ago, while moaning about winter with a co-worker, we both laughed and reminded ourselves that we actually choose to live in New England. Like, I love it here, I honestly do. Even though I often fantasize about living somewhere with a different climate (somewhere with more months of warmer/milder weather), there isn’t much that I can think of that would make us actually want to move. I choose to live here. At the same time, I am counting down the days until spring.
This part of the year is always hard because you start to have a spring mentality — March signifies the beginning of spring, we’re seeing spring fashion hit the stores, other parts of the country are getting warmer weather, and the days are getting longer. But spring, in the sense of wearing dresses without tights, exposing your ankles, hanging up puffy coats…it’s still a ways off. Our recent ski trip and overall enthusiasm for skiing on the weekends definitely helped prompt a renewed appreciation for winter, but we are not quite at the point where we are enthusiastically skiing every single weekend. And so, even though I grimace every time I find myself complaining about winter, I can’t stop. It’s in my nature. Even if I’m not the one to start it, I find it impossible to avoid partaking in the winter woes.
I’m fairly certain the only anecdote is to have a trip to a warm-weather destination that you can look forward to. A trip that promises a reprieve from the cold, snow, and ice. Ideally, it involves a beach, sparkling blue water, and cocktails. It involves reading a book or two, taking dips in cool water, eating easy meals outside, and getting dressed up in flowy dresses, strappy sandals, and easy coverups. It involves days without a ton of plans, maybe a bit of a looser schedule, sunrises, sunsets, and naps that everyone takes. Man, I am relaxed just thinking about it. It’s the type of reset that we all need in the middle of this season.
We are so lucky that we do have a warm getaway coming up! It’s not quite the tropical destination I was originally picturing - the reality is that a trip to a destination like that is not only complicated to orchestrate with two small children (multiple flights, finding the right family-friendly destination, navigating hotel rooms and nap, and sleep schedules with kids, etc.), is it EXPENSIVE! And it requires a lot of advance planning that we did not do! So, this year, we’re heading to South Carolina. It’s not the Caribbean, but it is warmer than Massachusetts, and we actually do have a chance that we might have some warm weather days. And there will be a beach! The South Carolina beaches are really something spectacular, and I’m excited to spend hours out there with my kids while they run around, dig holes, search for shells, catch crabs, and build sandcastles. I’m crossing my fingers and toes that the sun will shine strong enough that we will enjoy at least one day on the beach in [JUST!] our bathing suits. And I can’t wait for long walks outside, lots of time on the playground, dinner al fresco, and several days where I’m not glued to my desk & working! We have a few special dinners planned in Charleston and I’m excited to do a little shopping as well!
My thoughts on traveling with kids are well-documented. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. Seeing how excited my kids are when we count down the days until we’ll be taking an airplane ride and then we’ll be able to be at the beach is so cute. And, they are at great ages. Not to say it is easy by any means, but they are old enough that we can do a lot to prep them for all the steps of our travel days and that they will have a ton of fun playing together on the beach. It’s our little “calm before the storm” of introducing a new baby into the mix.
Besides panic-purchasing 1000 million things to make sure we have everything we need before the trip (according to my brain we will be without access to the conveniences of normal life which is just 10000 percent untrue, ha!), I have been having some fun planning my outfits. I’ve picked up a few simple new things that I am planning to wear a number of different ways, but I am also trying not to buy too much for this pregnancy, so I’m wearing old pieces as much as I possibly can. But, that hasn’t stopped me from browsing! Between early spring looks and all the resort ware that has been coming out over the past weeks, I am seeing heart-eyes at just about every site I browse. If you are in the mood for inspiration, have a trip coming up, or starting to think about summer, this is for you! Cheers to Spring!
1: Xirena Shirt Dress: Wear as a cover-up, during the day, or out to dinner!
2: Xirena Blue & White Dress: I can’t stop thinking about this dress, I love it so much!
3: Sea Shorts: Gorgeous shorts. I especially love that the leg opening looks wide and the dolphin-hem sitch looks like they would be flattering (and fit) my athletic legs.
4: Block Heels: If you want a heel for your vacation, make it a comfortable block heel. Silver will go with everything!
5: Pink Midi Dress: I love Poupette St. Barth so much. They always have beautiful, special pieces that I covet!
6: Studded Sandals: Fun, trendy look without breaking the bank!
7: Satin Paisley Dress: If you are going somewhere really hot, satin can be a little tricky, so, something to think about, but I think this dress is just darling! Looks so happy and I think wearing it would put you in a good mood! I can picture it transitioning really well for spring too, with a chunky cardigan and boots! [On sale at time of publishing for 20% off with code H3K9]
8: Farm Rio Jumpsuit: I love a jumpsuit and don’t want to go on vacation without one! This is so cute, especially love the belt.
9: Crystal Earrings: I love to wear fun jewelry on trips!
10: Birds of Paradise Top & Pants: A very fun set that looks great together (out to dinner with espadrilles?) and apart!
11: Rainbow Hem Crop Top: So sweet! This will (and already is!) go fast!
12: Maxi Slip Dress: This is fun and fresh - you don’t see a long-sleeve silk/satin dress that often and I’m obsessed! Pair with cool jewelry and strappy sandals!
13: Linen Pants: You will wear these to death, and would definitely pass any “packing” test you might try to adhere to! Slightly more affordable option (and likely to be on sale sometime soon) in a run of colorways here.
14: Sleeveless Knit Crop Top: This is a closet staple and will be a workhorse if you’re on vacation. Wear with jeans, a mini skirt, denim shorts, a silk slip skirt…the list goes on. Old Navy also makes a similar style that is excellent (can’t beat their price).
15: Cutout Linen Dress: This is chic, simple and classic. Boden always delivers IMO. Dress it up or dress it down, you will get a ton of wear out of this bad boy. (At time of posting, this is 20% off with code H3K9).
16: Black Crepe Dress: A classic, you will want to wear constantly, piece to add to your closet!
17: Black Sandals: A great staple shoe that will go with everything. I could see myself reaching for them constantly all summer long.
18: Aerie Suit: Hunza vibes for less. I just got this for myself and sized up (to a L), and I’m really happy with the fit! High leg but full coverage in the butt which is WILDLY hard to find!
19: Raffia Purse: Chic & simple.
20: Vince Slides: These will go with everything, they look comfy as heck and give you just a tiny bit of height!
21: Pointelle-Knit Top: I am here for knit-everything this season!
22: Green Shorts: A fun denim alternative!
23: Braided Bag: I love the idea of this simple, chic and somewhat casual bag for all your vacation needs. It’s not overtly a “vacation bag,” but would work great on vacation!
24: Zara Sandals: I had these in gold last year and wore them constantly. I am excited to add the brown to my collection for this season.
25: Cropped Embroidered Shirt: Picturing with denim cutoffs or a skirt out to dinner. Love.
26: Satin Top: Just a really fun top to wear for a vacation. This would work so well if you are pregnant, too! I would wear as a cover up, and also with pants for a nighttime look!
27: Stiped Swim Suit: Love me a striped swimsuit, friends.
28: Xirena One Piece: Love this suit so much!
29: Long Floral Maxi: I want this dress for myself, and am planning on treating myself to it postpartum!
30: LoveShack Fancy Dress: Such a flattering cut, and I’m clearly into pink right now - such a happy color!
31: Farm Rio Top & Shorts: Honestly unwell over this Farm Rio Set. Wear it together or separately!!
32: V-Neck Maxi Dress: Some bright color belongs in your suitcase! [On sale at time of publishing for 20% off with code H3K9]
33: Lem Lem Cover Up: Lem Lem makes pieces with the most beautiful textiles. This is so sweet and you know the quality will be superb!
34: Staud Mini Dress: This dress makes my heart flutter. If I could figure out how to wear this while pregnant without exposing myself, I would!
35: Midi Shirt Dress: My soon-to-be nursing self is very grateful to see shirt dresses everywhere I look. When I was postpartum with my son, several years ago, in the heat of summer, all I wanted were easy, breezy dresses that I could easily nurse in, and they were HARD TO FIND! But even if you are not nursing, or not postpartum, this is a beautiful dress, and could be dressed up or down. I could even see this being a great dress for work!