Ten new favorites that made my vacation suitcase

The packing is nearly done and as I hopefully whittle down my suitcase from wanting to pack nearly everything I own to a good balance between things I really, really want to wear and things that are both practical and pretty, I thought it would be fun to share some recent buys that are for sure heading on vacation with me.

Inside, details on this glorious stuff, what I’m wearing each item with, plus details on some items that are not new but are also coming along…

First, details on the items in the spread above.

1. Free People Summer Feeling Dress ($128)
// Fits large, I purchased a small (instead of my usual medium)
// Wearing with the Galloon Lace Racerback Halter Bra ($38) in ivory; the Dany Tiered Drop Collar ($38) in gunmetal; the Dolce Vita Ashtyn Sandals ($150), also available here.

2. Free People Jagger Printed Mini Dress ($128)  — see it on me here
// Fits large, I purchased a small (instead of my usual medium)
// Wearing with the Galloon Lace Racerback Halter Bra ($38) in ivory; the Sam Edelman Tyra Sandals ($75-$120).

3. Banana Republic Layer-Back Tank (now $35) in aqua
// Fits large, I purchased a small (instead of my usual medium)
// Wearing with the Level 99 Cuffed Cargo Shorts ($68) in dark grey or dark uncuffed denim shorts (similar); the Dolce Vita Ashtyn Sandals ($150), also available here.

4. J.Crew Crossover Wrap Skirt ($88) in ivory
// Fits TTS, I purchased a 10 so it would sit lower on my hips (also available in tall/petite)
// Wearing with the Tri-Cut Blouse ($78) in either sky or peach; the Swirled Drop Earrings ($78); the Dolce Vita Henlie Heels ($190) in caramel.

5. Level 99 Cuffed Cargo Shorts ($68) via Anthropologie in dark grey
// Fits TTS, I purchased a 29 (they stretch out as you wear them)
// Wearing with the J.Crew Factory Cross-Back Jacquard Tank ($32) in yellow; the Tri-Cut Blouse ($78) in either sky or peach; the Anthropologie Paso Fino sandals (old).

6. Free People Brentwood Fringe Sandals ($150) in taupe
// Fits a little large, I purchased a 39 (I wear a size 9/40)
// Wearing with the Anthropologie Graced Swing Dress (old) and Woven Discs Belt (also old) — you can see the look in this reviews post from 2013; the Sam Edelman Tyra Sandals ($75-$120).

7. Anthropologie Ingleside Pullover ($88)
// Fits TTS, I purchased a medium
// Wearing with dark uncuffed denim shorts (similar); the Sam Edelman Tyra Sandals ($75-$120).

8. L Space Cocobelle Fringed Slides ($75) in grey via Anthropologie
// Fits TTS, I purchased a 40 (I wear a size 9)
// Wearing with the Level 99 Cuffed Cargo Shorts ($68) in mint; the J.Crew Factory Lace-Front Tank Top ($47) in white.

9. J.Crew Mardi Gras Necklace ($158) in fiesta orange — which looks light pink to me
// One size fits all
// Wearing with the Vernalis Maxi Dress (old, one of my best popback scores ever!) in pink; the Sam Edelman Tyra Sandals ($75-$120).


10. Anthropologie Glenzie Turban (now $20) in red motif
// One size fits all
// Wearing with just about anything; mainly I envision wearing this on the walk back up to our condo after swimming to keep my hair out of my face.

…and on the activewear side, we’re planning to be outside enjoying the beautiful landscape and seascape of Kauai a lot. For me the trip starts on Oahu with a triathlon, where I’ll be wearing these Nike Epic Lux crops in black (the mesh panels are fantastic!) and this Nike Technical Running top for the biking/running portions of the race. The swimming part was super hard for me to figure out as I wanted a suit that’s both comfy and supportive — a lot of performance suits still don’t have any kind of shelf bra which is deeply uncomfortable to swim and walk around in — and forget running! I ultimately settled on wearing a Victoria’s Secret bikini I really like (the Getaway Halter that’s on sale right now in electric violet with a matching bottom) because it’s supportive and I won’t have to worry about it falling down as I swim. I’ll be throwing this Koral Activewear Summit bra on over the suit to bike and run.

In the past we’ve hiked the Na’Pali coast, taken the boat tours along the Na’Pali coast and out towards Ni’ihau, walked the botanic gardens, kayaked the Wailua River to the secret falls, surfed and SUP’ed, and hiked the Koloa Heritage Trail. This time around we’re hoping to do a sea cave tour, horseback riding, another hike, and ziplining.

For those activities it’s pretty much all Lululemon for me, with a few Nike Dri-Fit tanks and a pair of the printed Epic Lux capris thrown in for good measure.

Lulu goodness coming along includes:
— The Run All Day backback in mint/coal; some of the reviews say this pack isn’t comfy, but I think it’s great! Love the double sets of clips and all the pockets inside. Perfect for light day hikes.
— The Runbeam Hoodie in floral sport when I need extra protection from the sun/light rain and when we go cave exploring, love how you can poke your ponytail through the hood!
— Multiple Swiftly Tech Racerbacks (these breathe so well)
— Multiple Energy Bras and Free to Be Wild bras, the latter of which doubles as an effective all-day bra for me under strappy tanks or open-back tops
All You Need Tights in palm party (mesh-backed for breathability)
— The Inspire II Mesh Crops in a black-starburst pattern that’s no longer online (totally digging mesh, can you tell?)
— Multiple pairs of Speed Shorts

For swimming, it’s all Victoria’s Secret bikinis. They work very well for me! The newest additions this year are the Getaway Halter and matching bikini I mentioned above and the Banded Getaway Halter which has a cute palm print and will be my go-to surfing bikini. For cover-ups I’m packing this knotted option (which doubles as a fab tank — size up, I took a large) and this cute button-side tunic.

Are you going on vacation soon or just back from one? I’d love to hear what you’ve bought recently for your travels. What are some of your travel go-to pieces?


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