With all of the craziness and disruption of routine that has gone on since the end of May, I haven’t had much mental energy left to be excited about our upcoming family vacation…
THE STORY
…Actually, when my husband got injured, I wasn’t exactly sure there would be a vacation. We haven’t been on any sort of holiday for over ten years and I had decided way back in January that was going to end this year. So I had booked a small condo in Key West for the end of July for my husband, daughter, son, son-in-law and myself. I have been so excited about it ever since and my heart was broken thinking that there was a good chance we would have to cancel it.
Fortunately, he is feeling well enough that we are able to go! Now I’m in a flurry of activity trying to get prepared; purchasing travel sizes of various beauty products for my mini and I, deciding what clothing to pack, and also luggage pieces that I need to purchase.
Since it’s been so long since we’ve been anywhere our luggage is woefully outdated. In light of the fact we are going to Key West, it’s summer and we are only going for 3 nights/4 days I feel like the clothing I need will not take up much space. A couple sundresses, a pair of shorts and a top, a lightweight cardi or kimono, a couple bikinis, my Birks and a pair of sneakers should do it. So I’m thinking that a carry-on for each of us might do the trick, although I’m not sure.
That’s where all of you come in. Feel free to throw me any travel tips/tricks you might have, packing suggestions and even suggestions on things to do/visit in Key West. Please share in the comments…your thoughts and ideas would be much appreciated!
THE OUTFIT
It’s no secret that I love a good kimono; bold floral print, black lace, pink lace, paisley print, mixed print…you name it, I probably have it. If not, I have something that’s pretty damn close. I wear them all year ’round too…from the hottest summer day to days when the snow is flying.
I’m sure that you’re picking up what I’m saying…kimonos are insanely versatile and work no matter what the season. The little lovely that I’m wearing today is a gift from my friend Raine at Shop Essentially Raine. It’s a super soft lightweight woven cotton material with lace insets. It would go with so many things, but when I pulled this lace tank top that I’ve had for years out of my closet I knew I’d found a winner because they are perfect together.
I finished off the casual look with my much loved denim shorts from American Eagle (this pair is no longer available, but I’ve linked others below). Like my AE jeans, their denim shorts are pretty much all that I wear. They offer sizes 00 thru 24 and extra short through extra long lengths so they definitely aren’t your stereotypical cookie cutter junior’s jeans. The sandals are from Freebird by Steven. I got them on clearance last year and unfortunately, they are no longer available.
THE TIP
Kimonos make the perfect third piece. What’s a third piece? I discovered the third piece rule years ago. I’m not one to subscribe to fashion rules because they’re just silly. This rule however makes sense and I keep it in mind with almost every outfit that I put together. Your bottom is piece one, your top is piece two…the third piece is something that you add to give your look that little extra something to make it special. Good third pieces options include:
- blazers
- cardigans
- kimonos
- vests
- scarves
- belts
- statement accessories
The next time you put together an outfit, try keeping the third piece rule in mind and see if it works for you.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Kimono: c/o Essentially Raine; Tank Top: Similar; Shorts: American Eagle (Similar); Sandals: Freebird (Similar)
