Travel Faves

Hot on the heels of another fun trip, I’m sharing some of my fav travel tips that get me through the crazy. One of the fun perks to my job is that there’s lots of fun incentive trips up for grabs, plus my company frequently asks me to help train in different places several times a year, and my crew back at home loves to go and do and that means finding new fun adventures as well- so I find myself constantly on the go. While I love to see new places, actually getting there can be a little stressful- hoping some of this tames the crazy for you too.

One of the things I always do before I start packing is make a list of all the events and fun things we have planned so I know exactly what to pack. And then I turn on a tiny bit of OCD and write down exactly what I’m wearing to each of those ... down to the undies I need to pack for that outfit and the accessories. Weeee bit high maintenance. But it works. 💁🏼‍♀️

I hate getting places and realizing I forgot to pack shoes for this outfit or earrings for that one. And this way I have it all! With a lot of my work trips there can be several events in one day where you need an outfit change or two and so being organized helps me to not overpack and all the stress out of "what to wear" once I get there. But this can be the same on a family beach trip. If you’re going to breakfast with your people and then a day on the beach, followed up with a dinner out you’re doing a couple outfit changes, too. And knowing what’s coming just HELPS. Here's a mom tip: back in the days of yore when my kids let me have input on what they were wearing, I would grab a Ziploc and put all three kiddos outfits for that day in one bag ... shoes, bows, the whole deal. That way I would just go to the suitcase grab the bag that said "Wednesday" and have little thought on getting them all ready to go.
Disclaimer: I totally realize that these are first world problems and in the big scheme of things holds little weight. But I also know that when you’ve put yourself together and like how you look you are more confident, you engage in more conversations and you just feel better. I love beauty in all places: flowers, pretty things for my house, gorgeous views and fun clothes! So whether you like dressing cute for a creative outlet or you're not sure what you're doing but know you need to pack clothes to have on your body, I promise having this picked out ahead of time can be a big time/stress saver and I’m all about that!

Here are some of my travel must haves:

1. ANKER portable charger

This portable battery charger is the best one you’ll ever use. Fa reals. It stays charged for months and you can get almost five full iPhone charges out of it. I’m definitely on my phone a lot and taking ALL the pics and videos so my battery life is not the best. And as my survival skills are lacking, the last thing I need is to be all alone without a GPS or app for Uber to come get me when I’m far from home. So this thing is always in my carryon.

2. POWERBEATS

I'm pretty obsessed with my wireless Powerbeats and keep them with me on the go. There's probably a less expensive dupe out there, but almost any kind of ear bud usually hurts my ears or I’m constantly trying to get them to stay in place but these guys work great. I also love that there’s a mic on here so I use my phone hands free when multi-tasking. {read:every second of my life.}

3. TRAVEL SHAWL by BAREFOOT DREAMS

I have all the heart eyes for this Travel Shawl by Barefoot Dreams. I get stopped while traveling SO many times by people asking me where I got this thing (which is actually how I found it too! One of my friends kept wearing one and I knew I needed it!). Dillards has this on major sale right now and let me tell you why you want it- It wraps you up in this light-weight-softest-fleece you didn’t even know you needed; it’s shorter in the back to avoid bunching when sitting down for a long time, is easy to get on and off while seated and y’all ... it has POCKETS. Basically it’s a blankie you can wrap up in while in public. Hashtag yes, please.

4. Backpack.

While I love my fancy purses/ carry ons, my back and shoulders do NOT love that I end up loading that big bag down with way too many things and I end up sore and annoyed with the bag after a couple days of carting it around. I’ve traded mine in for a cute backpack Eli got me for Mothers Day that I thought I would just use at the ballfields, but turns out I carry it every day and it's the perfect travel companion!  There’s too many darling choices out there to overlook this option! You may miss your pretty tote for a minute, but I think you’ll end up loving this change. Here are some of my current faves:

Here's the link to each option:
@lululemon
@vicidolls
@hershel
@rebeccaminkoff

5. TRAVEL CUBES

Okay, so I snubbed my nose at these for a while thinking they were too fussy and I didn’t need them but it’s a total GAMECHANGER in packing your suitcase. I’m able to fit more in my bag, things stay organized, and I don’t need to steam as much once I get to my destination.
It’s an inexpensive travel hack I think you’ll be glad you tried out!

6. TRAVEL STEAMER

Mini moons ago I invested in a little travel steamer and where I go, that steamer goes. So much easier than ironing, gets out heavy duty wrinkles from traveling and fits easily in my bag. I love this thing and I always have people running in my room to borrow it on trips ... you’ll be glad you brought one!

7. JEWELRY BOXES

I have deep love in my heart for big baubles, mainly earrings. I just think they’re fun and an easy way to add color or interest to an outfit. So when traveling I want options- and lots of them. And since a lot of said baubles can be splurge items for me I want them to arrive safely at their destination. I’ve tried packing my bling several ways but this cheap hack is my go-to. I love packing them in little jewelry gift boxes that have the padding/fill in there. It keeps them in place and then I'll put several of the boxes in a little bag (or cube!) to keep safe. It works so great!

8. Joyōme:

 This has been one thing that has absolutely simplified traveling (and life), and my one step skincare routine. I have a serum for day and a serum for night. Washing my face and applying this serum has given me time back and years off my face! Who has time for tons of steps in a regimen? Not me. This is too easy, has the best ingredient that are up to par with European standards, oh and within just a few days my skin was softer, brighter, and gave me a dewy look I love! Sold!

9. SUPPLEMENTS:

Between flying, sleeping in hotel rooms, eating different foods (some rather indulgent), and in and out of congested areas I used to come home puffy, worn out, ragged and on the brink of a sinus infection, oh and suffering with digestion issues almost every time I traveled.
Enter these guys. It’s amazing what adding a complete multi, anti-inflammatory (aka skinny face in a bottle), BioCleanse (to help with regularity, which while traveling can be an issue), an omega supplement and a daily probiotic can do. We don’t leave home without them.

10. Eli.

After years of traveling with this dude, I seriously hate when he’s not here. He thinks of everything, has a freakish sense of direction and packs snacks and flip flops for me in his backpack, ha! He’s a total TWO on the Enneagram which means he has the biggest servant heart EVAH! He’s the best travel accessory and I’m so glad he’s mine!


Happy Travels!

Girls in White Dresses ... and Other Colors.

This chambray dress is by Free People and is $98. I love that it's an easy, light-weight wear that could easily go from a fun lunch dress to date night or even to a graduation. And helloooo, POCKETS!! 
The clutch and earrings are all from the same store which you can find on Instagram @tulipsinlittlerock. While they don't have a website, they post pictures of cute items EVERY day in their stories and on their walls. Oh, and you can keep a card on file to simply comment or message and they'll ship right to you!

There's something about springtime that makes me want to wear pretty dresses. Whether it's a shower, a graduation, a wedding or even just wanting to spice up your date night- I just think it's fun to have a few dresses in your closet. And knowing that there's one in there might even make you plan a special outing! I have several events coming up that I was needing dresses for and wanted to show y'all some of the cuteness I found. I've ordered several of these and can't wait for them to arrive!
Oh! And the FANTASTIC news is that all the dresses I'm posting are under $100! #yourewelcome

**Simply click to image to direct you to the site to shop!

This white show-stopper from has me feeling all the feels! I feel like that V-neck might be little deep for me because I'm on the bustier side, but the ruffles, the flattering shape and an $82 price point has me singing it's praises anyway. Just darling.

Midi dresses are so trendy for spring and this is such a flattering style on almost any body and I'm crushing hard on this blush color right now. Overall I just think it's precious, can be worn almost anywhere and at $66 it's worth trying! The only thing I'll say about this length is I really, really like a heel/wedge with this length. Maybe it's just me, but I'm 5'9" so I'm kinda on the tall side and that length can cut me off- I just like it better with some height. But you check it out and see what you think.

I have deep love in my heart for this little shift dress. This is one of the main sites I find cute items and they're always super affordable! This little dress could be worn from anything from a shopping day with flats or sneakers to a wedding shower with cute heels and all for the low, low price of $52. 
#yesplease

Don't even try to act like you didn't just gasp at this cuteness! I ordered this dress as soon as I saw it last week! So stinking cute! I love the adjustable straps, that ruffled top and the precious pleated skirt. Just a parfait of sweetness served up for $44.50. Their sizing can be a little different so make sure to refer to the size guide.

I always love fashion finds that are simple enough to not be crazy-memorable (so I can re-wear it a bunch!) but have just enough detail to be special- and this dress fits the bill. It comes in several different colors and retails for $89. Cute, cute.

This dress has caught my eye several times while scrolling because that green is just SO pretty! Also if you're large chested then this is always such a flattering cut. I love that this has a little fullness to the skirt, beautiful neckline and is just such a pretty dress at $99.  I feel like this is one of those dresses I'd find myself wearing again and again. 

Okay, I'm fully aware this is a little out there ... and maybe reminds me of a circus tent, BUT, I also think it's crazy fun! And how flattering is that little peplum waist with the vertical stripes! Again, this is a little low cut for me (big boobs are not all they're cracked up to be), but someone buy this and tag me so I can live vicariously through you.

I am totes obsessed with this fun number. I just feel like off the shoulder dresses are the absolute prettiest on women and are flattering on just about everyone. Add in the trumpet layers, darling all-over pleating and prettiest color all for $88. Listen, if you're brunette and have some big gold earrings you are doing yourself a disservice if you don't buy this dress!

Okay, now here's the deal. You can make or break an outfit BIG time when you pair it with shoes. But have no fear, I'm going to share a few "no fail" options that you can wear all spring and summer. I'm a fan of pattern and color mixing, but if you're a little more on the conservative side (and the circus tent dress I posted above made you question my decision making...) that's fine too, we'll start with nude. And let's just take a moment to pray a prayer of thanksgiving that these chunky block heels are so in style right now. Stilettos are just not my friend. 

Sam Edelman is one of my go-to's for cute footwear and I love this scallop detail on the toe. 
I found these at Dillards for $119.

So these are such a great example of something simple with just a little extra detail- I love the interest of this cork shoe! Same price as the other pair and just a hair different, but super fun.

I love this super pretty shoe by AD and Daughters. That leather is oh-so-pretty, such a great color and that wide band wrap around ankle strap is just lovely. 

These are $180 at Dillards.

These are delightful ... I love that they're strappy without all the fuss because it's really just for show. There's a zipper along the back so you're not tying that up every time. That heel is super comfy and this shoe will add some fun to almost any of those dresses! Jeffrey Campbell is one of my other faves and you can find this one at Nordstrom for $124. 

So I got a little overzealous when I was first on the hunt and linked a one too many dresses before realizing I was over-doing it ... I tend do this a lot-but, more is more! Since they're already linked to their sites feel free to browse these and see if any others tickle your fancy!
Happy Shopping!

Bikinis and Tankinis and Cover-ups, Oh My.

It's time ... you know it is. The weather is warming up and if you're in the south it will be 147 degrees in a matter of minutes. With that kind of heat my favorite activities involve boats and pool noodles meaning I have to dress for the occasion ... in a swimsuit.

*Dun Dun Dunnnnnnnn.*

I've always been a fan of flowy, boho clothes that can hide any area I don't want on display, but in "swimmy season," as the twenty-somethings say, that's really just not an option. Plus, with three kids in tow and a couple years of the thirties behind me,  I've taken a turn and am not as interested in anything that small hands could "accidentally" untie, or might present a situation where I'm falling out one corner or another. #nothanks

So many women are always asking for cute swimsuits for those that want to cover up a little more, and since I've been known to spend inordinate amounts of time perusing the world wide web while filling my cart from site to site,  I thought I'd share my spoils. So without further ado, here are some of my faves this year:

To find all this cuteness and more, check out my fav sites for swim this year:
- Kortni Jeane (I love a lot of their tops but I've never purchased any of their bottoms.)
- Albion Fit
- Nordstrom
- Dillard's
- Anthropologie
- Lime Ricki
-  GAP
- Boden
- J.Crew


ONE PIECE OPTIONS:
**Click on any of the options below to take you right to the home site for sizing/pricing info.

I'll be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of how one-pieces fit me, but they are sooooo trendy this year and there are so many darling options that I had to post some as well. I tried to include different price points and styles to appeal to whatever your heart desires. My fav Department stores like Nordstrom and Dillard's are always going to have pricier options, but it's almost always a higher quality suit and when you're trying to be tucked and sucked in allllll the right places, the Target juniors section doesn't always cover it. Literally.
My biggest tip on finding cute clothes would be that the FIT trumps all. It doesn't matter how precious the dress/top/swimsuit is, if it's a bad fit on YOU, then it's not cute. I know ... whomp-whomp. But, at the same time, something basic or even not your fav print can totally be redeemed if it's flattering on you ... so keep that in mind when making your choices.

 

TWO-PIECE OPTIONS

 I've been over the word "bikini" for a few years ... it seems synonymous with "itsy-bitsy-teensy-weensy" and I don't want any of that. "Two-Piece" seems much safer. So here are some of my fav two pieces this year. I'm a big fan of mixing and matching and these are almost all separates- you can get creative here or hang on to your trusty black bottoms from days of yore and grab a new fun top making it look like a whole new suit!

TANKINIS

Seriously there are SO MANY darn cute tankini options out there!! Here are a few of my faves! Don't forget- by clicking on the pic it will take you right to where you can shop!

THE ACCESSORIES:

So, I'm a fan of fancy and when dressing for the pool, beach or lake I think it's fun to add in a little. Especially if you're not super confident in your swimsuit!! It is so easy to add a hat, big sunnies and big earrings over a button down and cute cut-offs and you're good to go. I'm going to post a few of my faves. When it comes to cover ups and earrings I find the CUTEST things at Tulips in Little Rock (which you can find on Instagram by searching @tulipsinlittlerock). I also have had great success at finding cute and cheap options on Amazon and then some of the usual suspects I posted at the beginning of the post.

For sunnies I love Quay and Diff (great price points!), RayBan, Tom Ford (if I'm EXTRA fancy and have shopping spree moolah), and of course Target. 

If you have any other fav places to shop for swim season then drop me a comment!! 

Happy almost-summer, friends and Happy Shopping!