Vacation Style for a Steal

My kind of vacation style is easy to wear, pack, and stylish gear for a fantastic price. Since we traveled with the kids this last time, I had to be even more efficient with my packing and the below items were perfect.  See my post for some tips on vacation gear and where I got them.

One essential I always take on my trips is a sunhat.  I ALWAYS have one. This one is under $40 and super cute. And my bathing suit top with ruffles is less than $40 also and I just matched it with suit bottoms I already have.  I mix and match my tops and bottoms so that I don’t always have to buy both!

I tend to bring cover ups to match each suit (I know crazy, there’s such good deals out there) but a fantastic white one matches everything.  The one I have here is sold out but I love this one as a coverup and dress and I have this one with pom poms which I love.

Rompers are trending this season and a good floral one with color is great for so many occasions.  This is a favorite and has cute ruffles on the bottom (less than $60).  My clutch is a bestseller and so fun for spring/summer.  I always bring a clutch for dinner as I don’t like carrying big bags at night.  

Bring clothes for night that are easy to pack – look at fabrics – this one was super easy and didn’t wrinkle.  

Oh yes and always pack a good pair of earrings or necklace.  That one item that will match everything.  For me, it was the tassel earrings you see me wearing here. They also come in blue and black.

My boys and I hitting the dinner scene.  

A great pair of denim shorts matches EVERYTHING.  This is most similar to mine, and I also have these and these. And if you plan on wearing a good pair of shorts, all you need than are some killer tops. This fringe one is one of my favorites. My wedges are from André Assous (super comfy).

 I got dressed and my kid says, “Mom, where are your pants”.  True, hard to see, but I got shorts on (always :). 

Another great top – in eyelet and off the shoulder.

Another essential –  a cute tote that holds your magazines, sunscreen and anything in between.  I carried this rainbow tote the whole time.

I always pack one more dressy item but this isn’t necessarily needed.  My rainbow dress was just a perfect vacation dress I had to bring.  

My top tips for packing for a tropical vacation:

#1 A good hat and beach tote

#2 A great stylish one piece swimsuit and than a fun one like these.

#3 A great pair of denim shorts 

#4 Definitely don’t forget the sunscreen.  We packed 5 bottles and had to buy one and it was $25 at the hotel. Hotels are pricey.

#5 Roll your tees and if you can, your tops as well – this helps with space and wrinkles

#6 Go for color on your trip – you’re on vacation!

#7 Shoe wise – one good pair of flip flops and espadrilles that match everything is perfect (if you are a light packer, I pack like 4-5 pairs 🙂

#8 A fun color lipstick – red or pink is my favorite.  This is my favorite pink, Schiap.  For everyday at the pool, I do put on lipstick – it brightens up my face since I’m not wearing makeup.

#9 Go for one tropical dress.  This is a favorite and my rainbow parrot dress. 

#10 A stylish pair of sunglasses that don’t break the bank.

We had the best time at Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya (seen in the backdrop in all these photos).  I did a whole post of our stay here.  And oh yes, one last tip – if you really want to be organized – lay out each outfit for each day, mix and match, etc. than you’ll pack exactly what you are going to wear and don’t forget a lightweight jacket of some sort for cooler nights.  I pack a good denim jacket.