We’re heading on vacation soon, so I decided to focus on a few new accessories to freshen up my existing wardrobe. If you know me…you know that I am an accessories girl! You take something basic like this…
…and wear it over and over again by just changing out the accessories. This is how I pack for vacations…basics with a lot of accessories.
Not only does this make packing simpler, it makes your suitcase lighter too! And whether you’re going away for the weekend or for two weeks…this gives you the freedom to pack less and wear your clothes more than once (but with a completely different look!).
Let’s start out with some jewelry…
I was at Nordstrom the other day with Smith and we were admiring the new Sequin Bracelets for the season. Every spring and summer, they bring out a new batch of fun and bright shades. Well, sweet Smith said “Mommy, you should buy the orange bracelet and think about me when you wear it.”. Sweetest.words.ever.
So, I bought the pink one for Kensington, the orange one for Smith and the white one for Ashby. Three bracelets to make me think of my babies…and they will also accessorize a boring old tee while I’m on vacation ;).
The easiest accessory to pack on vacation…some fun bracelets.
Other than bracelets, a bold statement earring can really change up a look too!
It’s funny how a pair of earrings can really make a look. I just love these!
Click on each picture to see each earring.
After we left the bracelet department, I started thinking about my shoes and a crossbody bag. For me, vacations need comfy shoes and a bag that I don’t have to carry. You can conquer any vacation if you just have those two things!
This was me last summer in Italy…wearing my Toms and a crossbody bag. Don’t I look like I’m conquering this vacation?!?!
I thought it would be fun to pair shoes with a bag today…because that’s just fun, right? Here are some of my favorite pairings (and of course, you can mix and match this any way you like!).
All of these shoes are comfy for walking and light enough to throw in your bag and carry with you on a trip.
Aqua Chuck Taylors (also in Purple) with an Aqua Crossbody Bag
Pink Vans with a Pink Crossbody Bag
Yellow Toms with a Yellow Crossbody Bag
A cute shoe with a cute bag and you’re ready for any trip!
Here are a few other options I like too…
And of course…my beloved neutral Toms…
…and some other fun crossbody bags too…
OK…I get this next question all.the.time. Like every.single.day.
What kind of sunglasses do I wear?
This is what this question tells me…I must take waaaaaaay too many pictures with my sunglasses on!
Here’s the thing…on a normal day, I wear the same pair of Ray Bans that I’ve had for years. Love them! But when I’m traveling or in a pool with my kiddos, I wear these $12 glasses from Nordstrom. Yes.
These are my $12 babies. I buy a pair every year and wear them on days when I think they might/could/possibly/potentially get damaged…and traveling is just that kind of occasion.
The perfect sunglasses for any trip are the ones you wouldn’t cry over not coming home with.
After you pack your sunglasses…it’s time to pack some scarves. Scarves are the perfect packing accessory! They not only keep you warm, they are the perfect accessory in place of a necklace. You could wear the same boring tee but by changing up the scarf, no one would ever know!
I love how light the weight is of this scarf…perfect for layering over tanks and tees this spring and summer!
And you guys…the fringe scarf is still available and less than $9! I love, love, love mine! I have this one (sold out in this color) the grey and the rose.
Scarves are a traveling girl’s most valuable companion.
And of course, there is my favorite leopard scarf…
And the fabulous fringe scarves…I love them all.
One last vacation accessory I have recently discovered…
Have you ever heard of Yummie Tummie????
Meet Heather…
…she’s on The Real Housewives of New York and she is the designer/owner/creator of Yummie Tummie and also my new favorite person. The reason she looks tired and over-worked in the above picture? Because she’s at her desk creating sheer genius. Sheer genius.
I’ve been watching RHONY for years and when she joined the cast last year, she kept talking about her company and how they make Spanx-like products for women. Well, well, well, the other day, I needed some seamless undies for our trip (because ain’t nobody want to see my undie line under my clothes!) and I tried a pair (I will spare you a photo of me wearing seamless undies) and loved them! I also think they’re very affordable compared to other brands.
These seamless undies are not only comfy, they don’t show under clothes and they hold you in…that’s right, there is shaping involved!
I’m now a believer. Thank you Heather and your Real Housewives of New York business promoting self!
Yummie Tummie also has this shape wear too (everything available in multiple colors)…
So there you have it…it’s Friday and we already have our vacation bag packed and our undies won’t be showin’…that’s a pretty good start to the weekend, wouldn’t you say?!
Another good start to the weekend? My Lemon and Asparagus Chicken Pasta!
My first spring pasta of the year! Enjoy!
Happy Friday everyone!
XOXO
Klm513 says
Love this post!! My husband and I love to travel, and I am the definition of an overpacker! Definitely will be trying that pasta soon! Have a great weekend!! 🙂
Alaleh says
Such a fun Friday post!!! Heading to Paris next week so this was perfect timing!!! And the bracelets to think of your kiddos…so so sweet!!
Tab & Erika says
We should ALL be taking notes on this post. You for sure know how to rock any accessory!!! I always pack way too much because I want to be in different clothes in all my pics! ha!
Traci says
I know you mentioned before that you are an SPF queen and don't tan…so what brand of sunless tanner do you use? You look so golden and not orange. I'm headed to Vegas in a couple of weeks and my Michigan glowing white legs just wont do.
Mix and Match Mama says
That's a Shade of Shay coming up!!
Kelcie_Hansberry says
I know previously you said you dressed in business wear everyday before having kids. I am about to graduate college and would love to know how to start my business wardrobe!! I love your blog and read it everyday!!
Thanks
Kelcie
Tana says
Just wondering if you would wear all 3 sequin bracelets together or mix and match with your other jewelry? I totally need help with my accessories! Thanks!
Peggy says
Hi Shay! Sorry for more sunglasses questions, but which tint do you buy in the $12 sunglasses? It looks like the blue/purple (not the yellow) in the picture, but it's hard to tell.
Thanks!
Tracie says
Did you give your approval to the brief or the thong? Important detail! 😀
Mix and Match Mama says
I wear them 3 at a time :). They stack so well!
Mix and Match Mama says
The two pictured are the ones I bought and they're both briefs…but I have a feeling that I'm going back for the thongs too!
Sara Laverty says
I too am a Yummie Tummie convert….after watching Heather last season. Their stuff is aaaamazing!!! Comfy too.
Off to check up on those crossbody bags for my upcoming vacay!!! 🙂
Anonymous says
Thank you for talking about Yummie Tummie! I also found out about this brand through RHNY, and I think it's the best shaper for the price. The best thing about the shaping tanks is that they don't flatten you out on top. I think I will give the briefs a try. Have a wonderful weekend…..Lana
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
we really are the same person!! of course I love your vacation style and all your picks! 😉
Tiffany {A Touch of Grace} says
I NEED to get more stacking bracelets. They really are the perfect accessory. Along with the scarf. And those panties! Genius! I must get some ASAP. Thanks for the insight Shay!
JenC says
LOVE The yellow tank! Is it a GAP one?
Love love love your blog!
Thanks
court says
Hi! I just found your blog and I love it! Where do you find the $12 Nordstrom sunglasses? Are they on the bottom level with all the rest of the sunglasses or in the BP section like it says in the link? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
In the BP Section just like the link says!
Linda says
I noticed something hilarious in your comments (at least to me!!) Tracie asked if you give your approval to the brief or the thong, and your very next answer was, "I wear them three at a time. They stack so well!!!" So…do I have to multiply the undies needed for my next trip by 3??? Love you.
Linda says
Oh…and I do know you were talking about the bracelets! Even in my mature (ancient) state!
jennstew says
Do you know what size your ray bans are a 55mm or maybe 58? I recently bought a pair online and I'm not loving the shape of the lens compared to the pair you are wearing in your pictures. I'm wondering if a different size would help 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I believe my Ray Bans are the 55 mm.
Brittany S says
Fantastic ideas! Thank you!!!!
Casey says
Hi! I am looking for the sunglasses but the ones linked seem to have a pointier (is that even a word? Ha!) lens/frame at the bottom. Thanks for any help!