February came and went.  that was fast!  i cannot believe Spring is right around the corner.  before we leave February totally behind, let’s do a recap of the month’s top posts as chosen by you.  it was travel month over here on the blog and the top outfits to travel with this winter took most of the spots in the list.  here they are:  

1.  there’s no place like home | ruby red slippers

it’s travel month over here on the blog.  one of my favorite months.  we kicked things off yesterday with some tips and tricks for airport travel.  and today, i’m showcasing an outfit geared for traveling when it’s cooler outside.  i’m all about the color pop today.  and in that spirit, i’m featuring a pair of classic red shoes—something everyone should have in their closet.    

but before i set off this weekend, i wanted to take a moment and (preemptively) reflect on my favorite thing about travel:  coming home.  as much as i love jet-setting, there really is no place like home.  we spent last month touring my home.  and as the blog continues to grow, i thought i’d do a little bit of a roll call.  i’m curious where you all—especially my new readers—call home.  let me know in the comments below!

[read entire post…]

peacoat (J.Crew) | ankle jeans (Talbots) | sweater | scarf (Talbots) | lipstick (Sephora) | loafers (J.Crew) | similar shoes | similar bag | similar bag 2 | similar bag 3 

2. airport style for winter

come February it’s time to plan a vacay and get out of dodge for a few days. a winter getaway is always a good idea whether you’re headed to a ski resort or you’ve decided to sip a piña colada on a sandy beach. no matter what your travel plans are let’s talk about airport style for winter. because half the battle is getting to our destination.  so let’s talk how to dress for the airport

anyone remember the good old days when we were dressed to the nines when it was time to board our aircraft? skirts, pumps, hose, jackets were commonly worn to fly the friendly skies. kiss the past goodbye, ladies, because it’s all about comfort in 2020. can you blame us? what with the airlines giving us little wiggle room in coach. many of us travel with a carry-on so we’ll have to hoist our bag into the overhead bin with ease. then if you’re seated by the window you have to squeeze past two seats before you buckle up and settle in for your flight. of course, business and first-class still offer luxurious seating but even if we upgrade our seat selections comfort is still key.

[read entire post…]

airport style for wiinter

airport style for wiinter

airport style for wiinter

3. how they held up | Florida: an outfit retrospective

for those of you that have been following my blog or my social channels, you know i’ve been in Florida the past few days.  don’t worry, all this week i’ll be showing you what i wore in Florida and how i wore it.  but being here has made me a bit nostalgic for trips past.  for my long time followers, you know that mr. style and i have traveled to Florida many times over the past few years.  and while i’ve had to make this trip without him, i’ve got junior style with me to enjoy this week.  

[read entire post…]

today, i wanted to do something a bit different.  i want to show you what i wore in Florida in days past— a retrospective of sorts.  some of these photos have popped up here and there over the past few months, but after collecting them all into one place, I’m curious how you think the outfits have held up.  

hello florida

similar jumpsuit | handbag | chronicle bracelet 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a Gretchen Scott shirtdress while visiting Panama City Beach

similar dress 1 |  similar dress 2

what i wore in florida

similar button down | similar button down 2 | similar chinos | similar chinos 2 | monogramed bag

4. travel diaries | what i wore in Miami

is it winter where you are? cold and dreary?  my son told me this weekend that Athens, GA has gotten more rain than Seattle this winter:  24″. i haven’t checked as to whether that’s true, but i can tell you, i was more than glad to escape the rain and head to Florida for a week.  if it’s winter where you are, and you’re looking for a mild escape, join me today as i show you what i wore in Miami.  

all this month we’ve talked travel over here on the blog.  yesterday, i gave you an outfit retrospective of my Florida trips over the past few years.  i’ve also compiled some lists of tips and tricks on how i stay healthy traveling, as well as my tried and true packing strategies

for those of you who follow me closely, i put together my Florida lay flats last week.  and today, i’m going to show you how they actually look.  

[read entire post here…]

boyfriend jeans | similar tee | similar handbag | similar sandals | similar sling backs | sunglasses

5. travel diaries | how i wore it in miami | Vizcaya Museum day trip

as we speak, i’ve started packing and getting ready to head to the Miami airport.  by this evening, i’ll be back home in Athens, GA.  i’ve had a wonderful time here in Florida with junior style.  sad to go, but happy to return home to oscar and ollie.  we’re off to a great start this week on the blog, and we’re we’re showing no signs of slowing.  i’ve got some more shots of how i wore it in Miami, Florida; specifically shots of my day trip to Vizcaya Museum. 

in case you’re just joining us, its travel week over here one the blog.  we kicked things off on Sunday with a Florida outfit retrospective. yesterday, i posted my first collection of outfits i wore in Miami.  and today, i’m featuring the outfit i wore for some day touring.  

[read entire post here…]

similar shirt | similar shirt 2 | similar shirt 3 | shorts | tote | sunglasses | similar shoes | scarf 

 

top 1o best selling items 

many of us love to add short getaways into our travel plans. i’m thinking one of those long weekends when Monday happens to be a holiday.  there’s nothing better than packing our weekender and heading out of town fast. but what to wear? what to pack when space and time are of the essence? you know me.  when faced with a dilemma, i always bring it back to the basics.  when you want to travel elegantly and in style, that’s when a neutral color palette comes in handy:  blacks, blues, grays, whites, and camels are perfect choices.  

this post sponsored by Ann Taylor.

flat lays 

ann taylor spring fling

today i picked black and white for my color combo. and a few key pieces from Ann Taylor that will mix and match all weekend long. the weekend wardrobe starts with a black tweed blazer. a pair of white denim and black boardwalk shorts are next. a feminine blouse can be dressed up or down. and i never leave home without at least one striped tee in my suitcase.

but don’t forget shoes. to keep things streamlined, i chose one pair of sneakers for walking and one pair of strappy sandals (old, similar here and here) for evening. add a white tee for good measure, and you’re done. how easy is that? now, how many outfits can we mix and match for the weekend? we’ll need two outfits for saturday, sunday, and monday. six in all. so let’s get this party, errr weekend, started.

ann taylor spring fling

blouse | tee

ann taylor spring fling

blazer | denim | tee | sneakers

ann taylor spring fling

blazer | tee | denim | sandals (old, similar here and here)

blazer | tee | shorts | sandals (old, similar here and here)

blouse | denim | sandals (old, similar here and here)

blouse | shorts | sandals (old, similar here and here)

Florida travels 

for my getaway to Florida, i made sure a pair of black shorts came with me. they’re so dang versatile! and i am loving the longer length of these boardwalk shorts that come in three colors. for a casual day bumming around the Keys (and, yes, it was chilly due to high winds) i chose to pair the boardwalk shorts with a mixed media striped tee. for those of you wondering what a mixed media top is, it’s just an easy way to identify a top made with two different fabrics. in this case, a woven hem was added to a knit striped tee. a match made in heaven. and it gives a little oomph to a simple tee. but the piece de resitance to this outfit has to be these adorable sneakers with a pop of red.

shorts | tee | sneakers

there’s something magical about a beautiful sunrise. add the sound of roaring surf, and you have the beginnings of a glorious day.

this mixed media striped tee looks fantastic with the boardwalk shorts. but it would look equally good with the white denim. and striped tees and tweed blazers go together like sand and surf.

all right, ladies, that’s a wrap for today. can you believe it’s Wednesday? time to put a smile on someone’s face, including yours.

a big thank you to Ann Taylor for this sponsored post and helping me travel elegantly and in style. and thank you, lovely readers, for supporting the brands that allow me to bring fresh ideas.

as we speak, i’ve started packing and getting ready to head to the Miami airport.  by this evening, i’ll be back home in Athens, GA.  i’ve had a wonderful time here in Florida with junior style.  sad to go, but happy to return home to oscar and ollie.  we’re off to a great start this week on the blog, and we’re we’re showing no signs of slowing.  i’ve got some more shots of how i wore it in Miami, Florida; specifically shots of my day trip to Vizcaya Museum. 

how i wore it in Miami, Florida

in case you’re just joining us, its travel week over here one the blog.  we kicked things off on Sunday with a Florida outfit retrospective. yesterday, i posted my first collection of outfits i wore in Miami.  and today, i’m featuring the outfit i wore for some day touring.  

similar shirt | similar shirt 2 | similar shirt 3 | shorts | tote | sunglasses | similar shoes | scarf 

what i packed for miami beach and key west

it’s all about shorts for me today.  shorts are a controversial topic for women of a “certain age”, but as you can see, i don’t shy away from them.  i’m wearing a pair of chino shorts from J.Crew, but if shorts aren’t your thing, swap them for a pair of chinos proper

what i packed for miami beach and key west

what i packed for miami beach and key west

if you’ve noticed, i’ve been all about the scarves this year. today is no different.  again, i’m featuring a one from J.Crew, accessorizing my tote with it.  and that’s what i love about scarves: they’re just so darn versatile.  (check out last week’s post where i styled one as a belt.) 

(an editorial note:  how fun is this shot?  junior style is getting so good!) 

Vizcaya Museum

junior style and i spent a day touring Vizcaya Museum.  if you’re visiting or live the Miami area and haven’t been, i highly recommend it.  you can read the wikipedia entry about it here, but in short it was the villa of executive and socialite James Deering of the Deering Harvester company.  

similar shirt | similar shirt 2 | similar shirt 3 | shorts | tote | sunglasses | similar shoes | scarf 

taking it easy 

what a blast junior style and i’ve had this week in Florida.  i feel totally blessed to be able to get to take trips like this with my family and share them with you my readers. i hope you enjoyed another installment of how i wore it in Miami, Florida and stay tuned for pictures of our few days in Key West. 

similar shirt | similar shirt 2 | similar shirt 3 | shorts | tote | sunglasses | similar shoes | scarf 

is it winter where you are? cold and dreary?  my son told me this weekend that Athens, GA has gotten more rain than Seattle this winter:  24″. i haven’t checked as to whether that’s true, but i can tell you, i was more than glad to escape the rain and head to Florida for a week.  if it’s winter where you are, and you’re looking for a mild escape, join me today as i show you what i wore in Miami.   

what i wore in Miami 

all this month we’ve talked travel over here on the blog.  yesterday, i gave you an outfit retrospective of my Florida trips over the past few years.  i’ve also compiled some lists of tips and tricks on how i stay healthy traveling, as well as my tried and true packing strategies

for those of you who follow me closely, i put together my Florida lay flats last week.  and today, i’m going to show you how they actually look.    

i’m loving these boyfriend jeans from Ralph Lauren. the literal Pollock style color splash just puts me in a good mood, particularly when i’m walking the beaches.  the long sleeve shirt i’m wearing is out of stock, so i pulled in a similar tank here. if there’s  concern about exposed arms, check out Gap’s long sleeve Athleta line—great alternatives. 

what i packed for miami beach and key west

boyfriend jeans | similar teesimilar handbag | similar sandals | similar sling backs | sunglasses

what i packed for miami beach and key west

what i packed for miami beach and key west

reader favorites

we started our Florida trip in Miami, making sure to take a walk along the boardwalk and Collins Ave.  junior style and i ate at Juvia.  it came replete with a stunning view.  i’ve had a lot of readers write in this week with restaurant suggestions.  here are some of them in case you’re headed to Miami in the near future. 

i can personally vouch for Joe’s Stonecrab house.  junior style and i were there in December.  it has outstanding seafood and has been in business for over 100 years.  i’m also delighted to say that Prime Italian is fantastic.  we went there with the great Nikol Johnson.  what a fun night out! 

boyfriend jeans | similar tee | similar handbag | similar sandals | similar sling backs | sunglasses

fun in the sun 

junior style and i headed to Florida last week and we’re headed back to Georgia tomorrow.  so stay tuned this week for more pictures of our trip.  i’m going to miss the weather, that’s for sure, but i’ll be happy to get home to my fur babies: oscar and ollie.  

boyfriend jeans | similar tee | similar handbag | similar sandals | similar sling backs | sunglasses

for those of you that have been following my blog or my social channels, you know i’ve been in Florida the past few days.  don’t worry, all this week i’ll be showing you what i wore in Florida and how i wore it.  but being here has made me a bit nostalgic for trips past.  for my long time followers, you know that mr. style and i have traveled to Florida many times over the past few years.  and while i’ve had to make this trip without him, i’ve got junior style with me to enjoy this week.  

hello florida

today, i wanted to do something a bit different.  i want to show you what i wore in Florida in days past— a retrospective of sorts.  some of these photos have popped up here and there over the past few months, but after collecting them all into one place, I’m curious how you think the outfits have held up.  

hello florida

similar jumpsuithandbagchronicle bracelet 

because many of these posts are a few years old, many of the items featured here are no longer available.  i’ve done my best throughout to give you similar and/or comparable items and outfit ideas.  make sure to share your thoughts in the comments below! 

stripe jumpsuit

Panama City Beach (May 2018) 

years ago when we lived in Houston, TX my curiosity was piqued about the Florida panhandle. every year, Houstonians would pack their bags, load their cars with beach paraphernalia, and head east for a week’s worth of sun in the fun. let me tell you, when those Texans came back home they raved about the sandy beaches that looked like white sugar. for some reason or another, our family of five never made the trek over, but my interest in the region remained.

decades later you can imagine my delight when the invitation arrived to explore the shores of Panama City beach. finally, i’d see first hand what the big star state residents fell in love with. honestly, i didn’t quite know what to expect. if you’ve seen one Florida beach, you’ve seen them all. right? wrong! completely, one hundred percent wrong. not only have i spent time on Florida beaches, but i’ve had the pleasure of visiting Hawaii, Bali, Thailand, Australia, Vietnam, well the list goes on when it comes to beaches. i kind of like to consider myself a beach baby connoisseur of sorts… 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a Tommy Bahama Rash Guard and matching bottoms in Panama City Beach

similar rash guard | similar swim bottoms | similar hat

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a Gretchen Scott shirtdress while visiting Panama City Beach

similar dress 1similar dress 2

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a white shirt, chambray shorts, jean jacket and scarf at Panama City Beach

shorts | shirt |similar jacketsimilar scarf 

how do you feel about these looks almost two years later?  if you’re interested, you can check out some more photos and read the full sail away to panama city beach post here

Fort Lauderdale (Sept 2018)

whenever Fort Lauderdale comes to mind, i think of images of bright colors, beaches, flamingos, alligators, pools, tropical storms, boats, golf, and shopping. not certain if we’ll make it to the sawgrass mills mall but it claims over 350 designer outlets, specialty shops, and restaurants, including my favorites Tory Burch and Bloomingdales. 

for this look, i chose a silk button up blouse, purchased specifically for Florida.  it’s paired with white chinos, green flats, and an adorable monogrammed straw handbag. (and yes, my initials really are BAD.) 

what i wore in florida

similar button down | similar button down 2 | similar chinos | similar chinos 2 | monogramed bag

what i wore in florida

what i wore in florida

how does this outfit hold up a year and a half later?  let me know in the comments below.  you can read the entire original post what i wore in Florida.

Delray Beach (Sept 2018 cont.) 

here are shots of my stroll along Atlantic Ave. If you visit or live in the vicinity of Fort Lauderdale this outlet mall is a must. it’s ginormous, but we focused on the luxury stores located outside on the promenade—Dolce Gabbana, St. Laurent, Tory Burch, Frette, Ralph Lauren, and Tod’s. (and, yes, i did some damage at the Ralph Lauren store—i love him.)

i’ve worn this top with white denim. since then the top has sold out! but i paired it here with a matching maxi skirt which is still available. don’t forget the skirt looks terrific with a simple white tee or blouse! white sandals finish today’s OOTD. and i grabbed a straw handbag for good measure to keep the summertime vibes alive and well.

delray beach

similar blouse | similar blouse 2 | similar maxi skirt | similar maxi skirt 2 | similar maxi skirt 3 | wicker tote

delray beach

delray beach

are you still liking this outfit?  share your thoughts below.  below, i’ve put together a fun list of non-matchy-matchy comps with a focus on blouses and maxi skirts.  you can’t go wrong with either, and if you’re interested you can read the original Delray beach post here

alright, gang!  that’s a wrap.  i hope you enjoyed a little tour down memory lane.  stay tuned this week for more outfit warm weather outfit ideas from my trip in Florida.   

 

we’ve spent a lot of this month talking about travel tips, tricks, and hacks.  i’ve also given you some travel outfit ideas and shown you my flat layouts for Florida.  today, though, i want to focus on a slightly different topic:  staying healthy while traveling.  

staying healthy in general can be a challenge no doubt.  whether it’s tailoring our diets or managing to make it to the gym regularly, there’s a lot to consider and do.  and things can get particularly difficult when we leave our familiar environment and venture away from home. 

forget routine; it goes straight out the window. 

healthy eating?  yeah right.  dinner out again.

caught a cold. again. that darn recycled airplane air.   

so what i want to do today is just give you some plain, practical advice on staying healthy while traveling.  whether it’s just a weekend getaway or a week on the coast, i’m hoping some of these tips (many of which seem totally obvious when you see them in print), will make for a slightly healthier and happier vacation.  and if i missed any, let me know yours in the comments below.   

staying healthy while traveling 

keep it clean

there is a lot going on the world right now.  and while i generally stay away from current events over here on the blog, it’s impossible to ignore the inherent health risks in traveling at present.  hand washing is your first line of defense.  and while washing your hands with soap may seem obvious, it is the easiest, cheapest way to protect your health on a plane. keep a pack of sanitizing wipes easily accessible to clean your hands and surfaces on the plane like your tray table. 

stay hydrated

staying hydrated is key to avoiding catching a cold while traveling by plane. bringing your own bottle or buying a large one at the airport is important because the amount of water you need on a plane far exceeds the amount the attendants give you in the air. pack a large bottle of water like this one

give your immune system a kick start

supplements can get your immune system into gear. if you don’t already use supplements, start taking them a few days before you travel to give your immune system a head start.  here are a few must brings. 

  • Vitamin C (Emergen-C).  add a packet to your water and get supplement support while you stay hydrated.
  • Zinc Lozenges. zinc can help regulate the immune system to keep you from catching a cold and it can shorten the duration of a cold. 
  • Olly Super Foods Multivitamin. super foods including wheatgrass and açaí, plus a blend of vitamins D, E, B6 and B12 will have you feeling super!  

road trip

supplementary meals

it’s also important to keep your body humming along and often times airport restaurants and newsstands don’t have the best foods for us (or if they do, they’re often overpriced). you will feel better and your immune system will thank you for packing healthy snacks. plus you never know if you might find yourself unable to get a snack due to delays, so it’s always good to have a snack that will work for you and not against you. 

meal bars are easy to pack. there are so many flavors on the market that you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. i vote for meal and protein bars that aren’t loaded with sugar. sugar will spike your glucose and leave you feeling even hungrier and tired. 

  • for a slightly sweet bar that is gluten, dairy, soy and added sugar free, try: Sans 
  • for a savory bar that is really satisfying, try Epic Bars 

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a Gretchen Scott shirtdress while visiting Panama City Beach

delray beach

jet lag is a pain!

if you happen to be traveling where jet lag is an issue, acclimating yourself to your destination time zone as early as your arrival for your departure can help with jet lag symptoms. this includes a schedule for eating and sleeping on the plane. 

if you are traveling west, studies have shown that exercising in the evenings as a recovery method can be beneficial because exercise blocks the production of melatonin, helping you stay awake later into the evening. 

getting out in the sunlight has also been proven to benefit the symptoms of jet lag. if you arrive in the daylight hours, take a 30 minute walk outside when you get to your hotel. in order to regulate your circadian rhythm to your new timezone, waking up and being in the sunlight early, during normal hours will help tremendously. 

it’s here, it’s finally here, va-ca-tion. guess who’s ready? with rain and more rain since the beginning of the year, i’m looking forward to sunshine, sandy beaches, and balmy temps. yes, junior style and i are headed to Miami Beach and Key West for a little R & R. there may or may not be a pina colada (or two) in my future. so it’s goodbye, Athens hello Miami.  here’s what to pack for a warm weather vacation.

what did i pack for a week-long getaway? the temps in Miami are hovering in the low eighties with Key West in the mid-seventies. so i kept this in mind. there will be days spent at the beach, a little walking around town, and of course dinner and drinks once the sun sets in the west. 

last week i shared a packing formula with you. two or three tops to every bottom. and i like to mix things up with shorts, skirts, and pants. versatility is key as i want my clothes to pull double-duty from day to evening. shoes are important as i like to pack one pair for walking, one pair for the evening, and one pair of sandals. since it’s a beach va-cay swimsuits, cover-up, flip-flops, and a beach bag are prioritized. but handbags, a jacket (or two), sundresses, tees, and pajamas are all coming along too. jeez, that’s a lot of packing just to get out the door.

but i’ve done the heavy lifting for you. and the packing list can be contracted or expanded depending on your suitcase size. so let’s hop to it as i have a flight to catch.

the list starts with three bottoms. green joggers (old, similar here) are a wardrobe staple, so they’re first in the suitcase. recently, i picked up an adorable pair of denim from J.Crew and Ralph Lauren. pinstripes and paint-splattered, respectively. they’re fun, cute and colorful. perfect for Miami. if there’s room in your suitcase add a pair of silk pants (old, similar here) that are perfect for parties and vacations. tropical prints are trending this year so pick a print any print. silk pants can easily be dressed up or down, and i always have at least one pair hanging in my closet.

pack for a warm weather vacation

what i packed for miami beach and key west

similar green jogger | striped denim | paint-splattered denim | similar silk pants

what i packed for miami beach and key west

black shorts | white shorts

shorts are a must-have when the temperatures are warm. i stuck to neutral colors for versatility.

what i packed for miami beach and key west

pink striped shirt (similar here and here) | denim shirt | oversized white shirt (similar here and here) | similar pink linen

linen shirts are perfect for a tropical vacation. but i added a versatile denim shirt for good measure that goes with anything and everything. the white blouse is oversized and looks fantastic paired with shorts or jeans. it can even double as a cover-up if needed. 

tees are easy to slip into a packing cube when rolled. and they take up little space. i’ve been collecting graphic tees for-ev-er as they look fantastic tucked underneath a blazer. but they look just as good when they fly solo. striped tees are a wardrobe staple as are white tees. but i’m always on the hunt for bright colored tees too. 

what i packed for miami beach and key west

similar yellow tee | similar white tee | similar graphic tee | similar striped tee | similar sleeveless graphic tee

what i packed for miami beach and key west

knit blazer | white jean jacket

don’t forget to pack a jacket or two. this knit blazer is light and airy and perfect for mild temps. and a white jean jacket goes with everything.

what i packed for miami beach and key west

sneakers | similar ballet flats | similar yellow sandals | cap toe espadrilles | similar black sandals

espadrilles or sneakers are great choices for walking around town. so take your pick. i’m definitely a sneakers girl these days. one pair of sandals, one pair of evening shoes/sandals, and ballet flats, and i think i’m covered for the week. if suitcase space is tight, you can easily whittle your list down to one pair of walking shoes and one pair of sandals.

what i packed for miami beach and key west

yellow mini ( similar here and here) | wicker handbag | tote

handbags are important accessories even when you’re on vacation. totes are the perfect choice if shopping is on your agenda. a wicker handbag can go from day to night with ease. and i couldn’t resist adding a mini handbag for evening. both the wicker and mini handbags have crossbody straps which free up both hands. i don’t know about you, but i need both hands when i’m on a coffee run. packing all three handbags is easy as the mini fits nicely into the wicker handbag, which in turn slips into the tote. but if i had to bring only one handbag, it would be the tote. didn’t i tell you that my packing list can be trimmed down? 

what i packed for miami beach and key west

 white sheath (similar here and here) | striped shirtdress (similar here and here)

for a tropical vacation pack at least one sundress that can be worn in the daytime and nighttime. if there’s room in your suitcase, add one more.

what i packed for miami beach and key west

pajama bottoms | pajama top | robe

swimsuits, hats, and cover-ups are must-have’s on a beach vacation. i like to bring along two swimsuits, which means one suit can be worn while the other one is drying. a straw hat or cute baseball cap will keep the sun off your face. but don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen.

this pajama set is from Neiman Marcus. it was my splurge. if you hadn’t noticed i shopped my closet for this trip with new pieces sprinkled in here and there. but i have to point out that the robe has pockets! and we all know pockets are a girl’s best friend.

what i packed for miami beach and key west

similar tankini top | similar bottom | similar one-piece | caftan | beach bag | sunglasses | panama hat | pink cap

what i packed for miami beach and key west

now onto the fun part – outfits. this white sheath dress is several years old from Rebecca Taylor (similar here). the pink tote and ballet flats (similar here) add a casual vibe. add the knit blazer switch the handbag and shoes, and you are ready to dine al fresco.

what i packed for miami beach and key west

what i packed for miami beach and key west

black shorts, striped tee (old, similar here), and sneakers are casually chic. add a wicker handbag if you’re headed to lunch. but shorts can be dressed up too and look fantastic with a cute knit blazer, white tee, and strappy sandals

what i packed for miami beach and key west

what i packed for miami beach and key west

these striped jeans are a new purchase from J.Crew. the tote is also new, but the hot pink sold out in a nano-second. there are four colors available, including a gorgeous shade of red. pink ballet flats (similar here), denim shirt, and a snazzy scarf bring this ootd together beautifully.

for a completely different look, keep the striped jeans add a graphic tee (similar here), white jean jacket, yellow sandals (similar here), and mini handbag (similar here). tres chic.

what i packed for miami beach and key west

packing list

  • three or four bottoms (shorts, skirts, and pants)
  • six to ten tops (shirts and tees)
  • two to four shoes (walking shoes and sandals)
  • one to two dresses
  • one to two blazers/jackets
  • pajamas
  • robe
  • one to three handbags (tote is a must-have)
  • one to two hats
  • one to two swimsuits
  • one cover-up
  • one beach bag
  • sunglasses
  • sunscreen
  • lip balm with sunscreen

all right, gang, it’s time to get this show on the road. follow along on Instagram Stories for behind the scenes footage. and stay tuned for future posts as to how i wore it in Miami and what to pack for a warm weather vacation more generally.

 

when it comes to planning a trip picking your outfits is at the top of the to-do list. yesterday, i shared my style formula of how i put outfits together. but i would be remiss if i didn’t talk about how to travel with accessories. because even when we’re on va-cay and suitcase space is at a premium, it’s a great time to accessorize and a great excuse to expand your jewelry wardrobe to include fashion jewelry. it’s fun to dress up even your most basic travel outfit. for those of you who like to pack light opt to pack fewer clothes and bring more fun accessories instead! and since you’re sticking to less expensive jewelry, go ahead and add a few trendy pieces.

how to travel with accessories

for most leisure travel, the simple rule is don’t bring anything you’re going to worry about losing. it’s best to leave items of monetary or emotional value at home. and that might even include your wedding rings or statement watch. because when you travel with expensive, irreplaceable jewelry, you tend to worry about the simplest things. like taking your rings off to wash your hands and forgetting said pile of rings next to the sink…

traveling with accessories

traveling with jewelry

  • travel with fashion jewelry
  • travel with a small amount of jewelry
  • leave family heirlooms at home
  • take photos of what you’re bringing

traveling with accessories

so i’m thrilled to partner with Victoria Emerson today to share a few key pieces that are perfect to throw into your suitcase. and it’s a perfect time to shop their Valentine’s Day Sale from 2.12 through 2.18. one thing i’ve noticed with Victoria Emerson jewelry is that it doesn’t tangle. can i hear an amen?! and every. single. bracelet. comes with a jewelry pouch which makes packing a breeze.

traveling with accessories

denim | turtleneck | coat | similar boots | similar handbag | watch | black bracelet | white bracelet

traveling with accessories

for my trip, i chose a white wrap bracelet, black wrap bracelet, watch, and a boho cuff bracelet for good measure.

traveling with accessories

even cold weather outfits deserve a little bling. and Victoria Emerson doesn’t disappoint. the white wrap bracelet is clearly visible in spite of the layers.

traveling with accessories

traveling with accessories

denim | turtleneck | coat | similar boots | similar handbag | watch | black bracelet | white bracelet

traveling with accessories

there are lots and lots of boho cuffs to choose from in a variety of color palettes at Victoria Emerson. it takes the guesswork out of stacking your bracelets. but enamel bracelets are on trend these days, so consider adding one or two to your collection. if you want to add bright colors to your outfit, the Ivy Stack is a good choice.

traveling with accessories

organizing jewelry

  • invest in a jewelry travel case or jewelry roll
  • roll necklaces in a microfiber cloth
  • thread thin necklaces through a straw
  • store small rings and earrings in a pill organizer
  • jewelry pouches

traveling with accessories

traveling with accessories

packing jewelry

  • pack jewelry in your carry-on bag. checked bags have a greater chance of getting misplaced
  • avoid placing jewelry in outer pockets or compartments 
  • surround the jewelry with soft clothing

don’t forget that you’re taking a vacation to relax and have fun. it’s important to get away from your daily routine from time to time. so keep jewelry simple and inexpensive, so it doesn’t add stress or worries.

traveling with accessories

a big thank you to Victoria Emerson for this sponsored post. and thank you, lovely readers, for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas.

ready, set, go! it’s travel month here on the blog. today, i’m sharing a few tried and true tips, tricks, and hacks for better traveling. because the last thing we want to do is travel unprepared. so from the time you book your airline ticket or plan a cross-country trek in the car, we need to be thinking about our wardrobe.  

clothes

first things first as i have a simple formula that i use when traveling. if my trip is seven days long, i will need seven outfits. same goes for a three-day weekend getaway. three days = 3 outfits. then i break the formula down to two or three tops to one bottom (jeans, skirts, pants, or shorts). so a week-long trip typically has six to nine tops and three bottoms. and i love to travel with at least one dress. after my outfits are planned, i think about shoes. typically i travel with three pairs of shoes (one pair of sneakers that i wear to the airport). if it’s winter, i’ll exchange one pair of shoes for one pair of boots or booties.

travel packing cubes

packing accessories

cubes

what’s in my carry on? well, a variety of things like packing cubestoiletry bagmakeup bag, leather charger roll up for starters. packing cubes have been a game-changer for me. there are so many brands to choose from, but i purchased a 4 piece travel set from eBags. it has a soft mesh top that won’t damage delicate fabrics. and the mesh allows for easy identification, which allows me to see exactly what is in the cube. packing cubes facilitate unpacking as much as they save space. and they keep everything contained in your suitcase. many times, i’ll leave my lingerie in the cube then place the cube inside of the hotel drawer. and i love to tuck my leather jewelry roll up inside a cube too.

don’t forget to use your space when it comes to packing. yes, utilize every single empty space. shoes? place socks inside. hat? place swimwear or lingerie. also, roll not fold your clothes. you will save space inside your cubes or your suitcase whichever way you like to pack. 

travel bottles

there are TSA approved liquid bags that are clear and leak-proof with a travel bottle set. this kit will give you peace of mind if you stress about passing through airport security.

 

another alternative to packing your liquids and creams are Go Tubb travel containers. there are a variety of sizes to choose from – small, medium, or large. and i love, love, love the silicone bottles with a locking cap that is the perfect size for shampoo and conditioner. 

leather charger roll up

tech gear

when we travel with our tech gear, we need to bring along cords and chargers to keep us plugged-in. a leather charger roll-up keeps all of my cords tamed and in one place. headphones are a must-have to cancel all the airplane noise. but if you want to watch a movie on the plane, you will need a headphone with a round plug.

a portable charger is a must-have for your phone. if you need to use Google Maps while traveling, this Anker portable charger holds up to 4 charges. there’s nothing worse than seeing your phone battery die when you’re lost. this charger is also perfect if you have multiple devices to charge. so i suggest having a larger charger on hand. but for everyday use, a small portable charger is the way to go. if you’re traveling overseas, you will need a multi-use universal adaptor.

stay healthy

with the world’s attention fixated on the Coronavirus here are a few tips to help you not get sick when you travel on an airplane. 

  • wash your hands with soap. 
  • touch eyes, nose, and mouth as little as possible
  • cover coughs with your elbow, not your hand.
  • tuck a travel-size Lysol inside your liquids bag.
  • bring along Clorox wipes stored inside a baggie to wipe down tray tables or doorknobs.
  • travel with a hand sanitizer.

night flights

when booking your flight, think about a late-night flight. fewer people tend to travel at night so the lines can be shorter, and there’s a better chance there will be an empty seat next to you.

all right, ladies. that’s it for tips tricks and hacks for better traveling. it’s Wednesday, so time to put a smile on someone’s face, including yours.

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