Last summer, I did my Shade of Shay about what I wear/read/take on a trip…and it was the most popular shade to date. So, seeing how I just returned home from a vacation and you lovely ladies have asked me a lot of questions, I thought I would go ahead and do Part 2 of that Shade.
Today, I’m dissecting our recent vacation. You asked, I’m answering!
I was asked this question a lot! And the answer is simply my iPhone. I use a fancy schmancy camera when photographing my food, but I do not know how to use it to take pictures of moving objects (just nice, still food). About 18 months ago, I stopped using my basic camera completely and started only using my iPhone. So…if you see a pic on this blog and it’s not of food, it was taken with my phone.
I kept my phone in a plastic baggie in our beach bag any time I wasn’t using it. I did not want sand and/or water getting into my phone.
Andrew and I both brought $12 sunglasses with us on vacation. We didn’t want to worry about our glasses breaking, getting lost, damaged, or pulled on by little kids. Never bring glasses on a vacation that you will be sad to lose! Click here to see girl options and here to see guy options.
I was asked a lot about what I wore while we were gone…and it was my summer uniform…shorts, tees, and neutral shoes. I feel like with these three things, you can mix and match your summer casual all season long (and that stuff really never goes out of style!). For instance, the tee I’m wearing in the far right picture is five years old! Yes! It’s one of Gap’s essential v-neck tees and I have worn and washed that thing a zillion times and it only gets better.
Here is what I took…
I love me a good pair of shorts and all 3 of these Gap shorts did me well! The eyelet pair also comes in navy and after wearing the white pair all week, I really think I need the navy too. I just loved them! Also, both pairs of denim shorts had stretch to them and were so comfy!
People…you know how I feel about my J. Crew colored chino shorts. They are the BEST shorts out there! I’m wearing the 3″ inseam but they also come in 4,5, 7 and 9 inch inseams as well. And in so many fun colors! These are the orange ones…but as you know, over the last 3 years, I’ve collected pretty much every color they make…because they wash and wear so well and also elevate any old summer tee!
With my shorts…I love a good tee…especially a striped one!
I bought this tee in both the navy and orange stripes. I feel like a light long or 3/4 length sleeve really counter balances shorts…and if you’re wearing a stripe, I think you get to accessorize less. My favorite tees come from Gap…click here to see them all.
All of these tees came from Gap…seriously, they should hire me to be their spokesperson!
I wear a lot of neutral shoes. I just do. When we were packing up in Lana’i and getting ready to leave, I looked down and saw the shoes I had packed for the entire 10 days…every single one, a neutral. I brought one pair of strappy heels, two pairs of sandals, one pair of wedges, one pair of cheap flip flops for the pool and a pair of Toms. I love neutral shoes because they just go with everything! No matter what you pack, they match!
Here’s what I brought…
I love these Steve Madden Strappy Heels. They also come in black and orangish-red too. I wore them with shorts on our trip and then with my Easter dress last weekend. They’re the perfect neutral heel!
My neutral sandals are no longer in stock but I found three very similar styles and colors that you will love! I will be wearing my neutral sandals all summer long!
I bought my white sandals last summer, so they’re no longer in stock but here are two like options…
Of course, I brought a pair of wedges! I wore those babies on the flight going and returning home and then out to dinner with my shorts. I just love me some wedges! The ones pictured above are from two seasons ago, but I found you a few similar styles…
My all-time favorite flip flops come from Gap. I have walked the world in these shoes…seriously. Dozens of countries have felt the thud of my cheap Gap flip flops. They just never let me down. Unfortunately, other than a few select sizes, they are sold out right now. But have no fear! The minute they’re back in stock, I will shout it from the rooftops (or I’ll just type it in a really big font on my blog). You need a good cheap pair of flip flops for the pool and beach when you’re on vacation.
And my Hemp Toms…perfect for walking, site-seeing, lunch or dinner out…just nice and neutral (and comfy too!). I would order a half size down! I usually wear an 8 but these are 7.5.
When packing, I always put out everything that we’re all going to take. Each of us has our own stack of clothes and shoes. Then, I get out all four of our suitcases and divide our stuff between the four suitcases (so a fourth of everyone’s things are in each suitcase). This way, if we only make it to our destination with one bag, at least we’ll all have some undies, a swimsuit, some shorts and a few shirts. Lost luggage can ruin a vacation…this at least helps you out until the rest of your luggage is found.
Oh goodness! I have never had so many questions about earrings until this week! I had to go back and look at my posts again just to see what you ladies were talking about. Apparently, you’re into your colored earrings as much as I am!
Most of you wanted to know about my pink studs and and yellow drops.
Here’s the thing…my mama always told me growing up that earrings were a must. I don’t believe I’ve ever even seen my mama not wearing earrings…so needless to say, I’m always wearing them too. I love these big colored studs for more casual looks and I even wore them in the pool and on the beach. They’re light and you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. They come in 18 different colors…just look at a few other fun choices…
As for my yellow drops, I’ve been eyeing Kendra Scott earrings for a long time now, so I bought me yellow ones for our trip…and I’m obsessed. I love the small oval size because they’re not too big and I can wear them all day without them bothering me. Here are some of the other fun colors they come in as well…
I didn’t want to get my ears pierced when I was little because I was a wimp and thought it would hurt too much. Finally when I was 12, my mom kind of insisted and I instantly fell in love with earrings. I have 4 holes in my right ear now and two in my left. I always fill two of them with random studs and then wear two regular earrings each day.
And now…swimsuits.
This year, I changed my whole thinking with swimsuits. I bought all separates and then mixed and matched them to create different looks. This works beautifully with bikinis and tankinis! I got the idea from this Nordstrom ad…
I saw this ad and thought, well geez, I can do that! So, that’s my swimsuit tip for you this summer. Instead of always wearing your coordinating pieces, mix and match them! It would take me FOREVER to highlight all of the different suits you could buy…so instead, I’m just going to send you to a few key places for mixing and matching swimwear.
First, for bikinis, click here.
I paired this pink top with my chevron bottoms (and then reversed it on another day)…and then I could still wear them as a unit and voila…four different swimsuit combinations!
It’s hard to tell but in this pic, I’m wearing the chevron top with pink bottoms :). I really am the Mix and Match Mama!
I know a lot of you love tankinis, so…
…for tankinis, click here.
I really have found my favorite swimsuits over the years at two places…Nordstrom and Athleta. I like that they both offer me free shipping and free returns so that I can order online and try them on at home (because trying on swimsuits in store is about the worst thing EVER!). I also love their big selections but most of all, I love how their swimsuits last. I was laughing when I began packing for Hawaii because I still have an old Nordstrom suit in my dresser from my honeymoon in Hawaii..10 years ago! And I still wear it! A good quality suit that you wash and hang dry will last for years!
Here are a couple of pics I found of me in my Athleta suits…
…these mix and match separates come in both bikini and tankini styles. I bought two solids and one black and white pattern…this way, I can mix and match all summer long!
As for my kiddos’ swimsuits, they are all from Gap or Old Navy. If I wash them in the machine but hang them to dry, they will last all summer long and even look great next year too!
This is the third year that I’ve bought these little rubber shoes for Smith. They are just so perfect for little boys! I feel like he can wear them from March through October, they hose off when they get yucky, they don’t hurt his feet and they’re super cute on his little feet! He wore these every day on vacation!
Books
Needless to say, I have an eclectic taste in books. I love to read anything biographical or lighthearted (two very different genres!). I really loved all three of these books…despite how different they all three were ;).
1. Bring trash bags for dirty clothes. I bring one bag for swimsuits and one for other clothes. This way, when I get home, my laundry is separated for me (you could even do a third bag for whites).
2. Bring a cheap beach bag and cheap beach toys from home. I went to the $1 section of Target and loaded up on cheap beach shovels and such for my kiddos and then left them at the hotel. This saves so much money (because that stuff is pricey at the beach!) and then I didn’t feel obligated to take wet/sandy/gross beach stuff back home in my suitcase.
3. I always put conditioner in my hair before swimming so that the chlorine or salt water doesn’t mess with my color. Just run a glob through your hair, twist it up and swim. It really protects my color.
4. Bring your own sunscreen from home…that stuff isn’t cheap at the beach either!
5. Carry a crossbody bag when traveling because it’s nice to have your hands free.
6. Last year, I did a Shade of Shay on traveling with kids. Click here to read those details.
Whew! Did we cover most of it?! Next week…everything is back to normal :).
Happy Friday! And don’t forget to check out my yummy dinner tonight…
Enjoy your weekend!
Tab & Erika says
I totally could have modeled for your tankini picture!!! hahaha!! Thanks for all the tips!!
Dani {Adventures of a Pharm Girl} says
I am so glad for this post! Your pics look soooo good! I don't have a really fancy camera too. Instead I just just use my phone as well ; it saves time and money. Im glad Im not the only one haha. And the chino shorts are on sale! YAY! Thanks so much for sharing! Have a good weekend!
x Dani
Narci says
I really love that chevron swimsuit!! Such great tips! I never thought to split everyone's clothes up between all of the suitcases! So smart!!
MJ says
Great tips! off to check out this lovely recipe on your foody blog, the pic made my mouth water! (yes it's lunch time over here)
xx from France
The France Family says
Great tips!! And how fabulous do you look?!! When I dont feel like working out or I feel like eating junk I need to come back to this Shades of Shay to stay motivated! You look fantastic!
Anonymous says
Great post! What about snacks (granola bars, goldfish for the children, etc…)? Do you take those with you or find a grocery store once you arrive at your destination?
Mix and Match Mama says
When my kids were smaller, I would take little snacks with us…but now that they're older, we don't really eat snacks, so I didn't bring anything. They had breakfast, lunch and dinner and then during the afternoons, we usually got them a little scoop of ice cream or a Popsicle by the pool.
Kimm Atwood says
LOVE all the great tips here!!! And I will say the Tory burch flip flops are my favorite summer shoe. I bought my first pair last year. The neural patent brown ones and I just recently bought the gold ones! Definitely worth the investment!!!!!
Mandi Moore says
Shay! You did it again! I am clicking purchase on my Gap and Nordstrom shopping cart right now! Thanks for all the wonderful tips and of course, your adorable fashion advice! What would I do without you?
Mandi
Best Little Moore House in Texas
Amanda D says
Thanks for all the fun tips and tricks! I'm taking my family to Hawaii this summer so I will definitely be following your ideas. 🙂
Loving the Kendra Scott earrings! Are they lightweight?
Darcy says
What a great post! Thanks for sharing links to the tops & shorts too!
Jenny says
That's it! I'm exercising today. You look way too good after having kids. 🙂
kmknowles says
Love love love the Tory Burch Miller sandal. I have the tan and black and they are my favorite! I always thought about suggesting you or Shaeffer highlight them because they are just so wonderful. Comfortable, cute, and can be dressed up or casual, they really are the best!
MorganizewithMe says
I Love this post! I got so many great tuck away ideas! We just got back from a 10 day trip and I should have seen this before. Glad you had a great trip. xo
kate says
What I love most about your style is that it is NOT fussy or fancy, but you can look just as glam in a $20 striped tee by knowing how to style it right! A few bangles, some pretty earrings (thanks for the links- I'm loving the neon yellow KS ones!), some lovely sandals and you look amazing! And I agree- you look fantastic in you bikini pics- wow!
Gap better grab you while they can… you would make a fantastic stylist or marketing/ad person for them!!
Calley Wyatt says
Okay, you got me! Just ordered my first pair of J Crew shorts…and YAY they are on sale! Can't wait to try them on!
Leslie says
Hi Shay! Hallelujah! I get to go in swimming pools now?! I am a blondie just like you, and I have steered clear of chlorine because my hair has turned green way too many times to count! Thank you for the tip about the conditioner!
Anonymous says
Love these tips! But I have to confess, I was waiting all week to find out where you got your swimsuit coverup that you were wearing in the elevator selfie. Please share!! 🙂
Anonymous says
I just love these posts on travel with kids! Great blog!
Leslie says
Love this post! Thanks for all your great tips.
Jennifer Cannon says
Ohhh how I love your vacation posts! Gives me beach fever!!
And, now i want to go buy every shoe you just linked too. Thanks a lot Shay 🙂
Love the shulls!
xoxo
jennifer
Ashley says
Thanks so much for the great coverage of your vacation! I wanted to let you know that I usually receive your posts via email and I haven't been receiving them. I tried to re-subscribe and was told that I am already a subscriber. I hate that I'm missing your great posts!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
When you stop receiving the emails it either means you need to delete your cookies in your browser or the emails are now going to your junk folder…that should fix it!
Amy Lynn says
I love wedges too for vacation, but since they are so heavy, do you just pack one pair? I have black, brown, white, and orange ones, but I'm not sure which would be the best to bring since it seems like each go with different outfits. I guess I'm asking, what pairs would you bring if you could only bring one (or two at the most.)
Susie says
Which pair if the sunglasses are you wearing?
Mix and Match Mama says
I only brought the one pair of wedges that you see pictured…a neutral pair. I would try and bring one pair that will go with everything!
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Okay. This is in my TOP 3 Favorite Posts you've ever done. EVER! Sooooooo informative and soooooooooo many great pictures – THE PERFECT COMBINATION!!!!! Seriously friend, great post! Love you and can't wait to finally see you today after WAY too long!!!!!
Amy McNamara says
I love this post! My family is going to Maui in 3 weeks (my MIL lives in Wailea- how lucky am I?!) and you have given me great inspiration for packing! This will be our first trip as a family of 3 (we have a 7-month-old boy). I already went out and bought 2 pair of neutral sandals and a fun colored tankini. Next purchase- some KS earrings. Can't wait to hit the beach with our little man. Great post!
Melanie says
Thanks
Jaren says
Great tips about the neutral shoes and the trash bags! I'll definitely be using these tips when I start packing for Disney World next month. I'll be packing in secret too because we aren't telling the kids until we leave!!! And you could so be a spokesperson for Gap and Nordstrom!!
Anonymous says
Do you wear Tieks shoes and if so, are they as great as they say for travel? They are an investment,lol, so I wanted to hear a real travelers experience 🙂 Thxs
Amanda Brezgel says
I'm in love with my Kendra Scott earrings! Beautiful magenta color and is gorgeous for summer. I didn't want to spend $50+ on earrings but I'm thinking of asking for another pair for my birthday.