When I conjure up an image of what my perfect vacation might be ~ it’s generally someplace warm, tropical and immensely peaceful. This is a place where I can completely de-stress, unwind and remove every single thought from my brain…even if it might only be for a few days.

I think of beautiful white sand beaches, cocktails by the ocean and

oops pantsOhhhhh, all you dirty-minded people. Come on. I was about to say “me wearing my swimsuit.” (but I like how you think)

So, alas, my perfect vacay generally starts with me breaking out my swimsuit to see how it now fits.  Normally when I go through this agonizing process, I do it in the privacy of my own home… with the lights out and the bathroom door securely locked.  I may also include a hefty glass of wine and a bag of elf cookies should my swimsuit completely disappoint.

Although I tend to over-pack on every trip, and my bag always weighs in at 49.5 lbs, here are a few must haves that will for sure be in my bag:

Beautiful travel accessories

traveland a really good sunscreen:

clarins

I fell in love with this

lavettLavett & Chin texturizing mist on a previous beach trip.  It’s a totally different look for your “do”.

I always bring a fabulous pair of sunnies ~

bluesun1 that I can wear dressed up or casually.

Packing a versatile dress is a must, like my Studded Dress c/o Endless Rose and you’ve got to bring a hat. Mine is from Sosie.

tuni yel1 If you’re seeing double, were you trying on your swimsuit too?

What’s great about my dress is it can be worn over a slimming swimsuit like this Anthropologie color-blocked one to the beach, it could be worn with leggings and/or dressed up for the evening.

I always pack a great wedge.

g wedgeI think this Gucci pair is perfect.  And I’ve got the proper

beach cover up and beach bag.

I can’t wait to plop down in a comfy lounge chair (as this is where I will be planted for the entire trip) and break out my fave book of choice.

bookCurrently  I’m studying this fashion insiders’ guide, to prepare for my next trip is to the big city.

So, although I may only mentally be on vacay,  my real one isn’t too far away…says the check marks on my calendar. 

Ahhh ~  pretty soon I won’t have a care in the world.

opening-summer-cocktail-umbrella-ssThought?  Who has a thought?