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It’s Wednesday, my friends. Are you in a mid-week slump? Well I have the answer for you today. There’s nothing better to lift your spirits than a little bit of virtual shopping, right? Oh, and daydreaming about a vacation. Pair the two together and we’re practically transported to paradise!

You may remember my friend, Anne — fashion blogger and mom extraordinaire! With the help of her sister, Anne writes an amazingly accessible fashion blog called Dos Coquetas. I love it because even un-hip country gals like myself can find inspiration in her posts. It’s not just for the NYC or Paris crowds!

I asked Anne to visit today and share some of her best advice for packing light for vacation. After all, that was one of Caryn’s tips from last Sunday’s travel post, right? Whenever possible, check your luggage! Anne came through once again (my friends are so smart!) and compiled the perfect short list of items that will keep you looking chic, help you stay comfortable, and save you space in your suitcase. Anne, take it away…

Traveling Light

We recently took our first true family vacation (eight days!) that didn’t entail just going to grandma and grandpa’s, and let it be known: I have new respect for traveling families! The amount of STUFF these little people require is quite impressive. And since I typically bring five pairs of shoes on vacations, suitcase space started getting just a tad bit precious.

For once in my life, I was forced to pack efficiently. This meant thinking about my wardrobe in its totality, instead of just bringing singular outfits. Herein, I try to distill a few key essential pieces that are comfortable and can play double duty for night and day for a variety of locales.

1) Tee Shirts: Goes without saying that tees are ideal because they pack well, are versatile, and washable. Pack these and pair them with jeans to sightsee by day, wear them with a maxi skirt and sandals for dinner, or dressy shorts (bonus if they have some leather accents) and heels for an adult night out. You can layer with cardigans, denim jackets, or a leather moto. The possibilities are endless.

2) Simple Maxi Skirt: I’m a recent convert to the maxi skirt camp. For the brave, a cropped top is very current, but a loose tunic tee (untucked) is just as chic. A dressy sleeveless printed top and wedges for night, and any simple tank by day. Warning: Watch the shoes with this, lest you look more like a dowdy middle aged woman than hot mamacita (sandals, wedges, even espadrilles fine. Ballet flats…not so much).

3) Jeans: No explanation needed.

4) Soft Blazer: Aritzia and Joie make great packable versions of soft, easy blazers. Wear with jeans or over any sundress, shift, or with shorts and a tee (see combo from number 1). I absolutely love it when a woman rocks her gams with dressy shorts and a blazer.

5 & 6) A comfy dress (tunic style or shift that doesn’t wrinkle) and then a date night dress. I have a fall back dress for work that I call my “PJ dress” because it feels like glorified PJs. It’s made of a soft thick jersey material with cap sleeves, but even on my most bloated days, I can look pulled together. These sorts of dresses are great for travel because they don’t feel restrictive. And secondly, every lady needs one glam dress for an evening out with the hubs.

7) Breton shirt: This nautical favorite is timeless. I probably own at least four versions of breton striped shirts. Great with shorts, jeans, maxi skirts, a-line flouncy skirts, leggings…I would argue that this is probably the most versatile top one can own.

The key to packing well is bringing colors that all go well together (neutrals, khakis, gray, navy, white, and black) with a few printed/fun pieces that can mix with the basic essentials. Oh, and a great scarf and bag are critical!

blair

Hey, I’m Blair!

Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!

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Square overhead shot of hands serving a chicken pot pie recipe with biscuits
Overhead image of a bowl of chili mac on a dinner table with cornbread
Hands serving a platter of sheet pan sausage and potatoes

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