Happy Monday, friends!
Guess what?
It’s my annual…
…post!
I started doing this years ago, and you ladies seem to appreciate it, so I’ve done it again. With our annual beachy vacation less than two weeks away, I thought I’d share some outfit deets and sunny finds should you be heading somewhere warm too (or just gearing up for summer). I have a wide variety of things from multiple retailers and varying price points.
As usual, this is just “my stuff”, but later this week, I do have a post about what the littles are taking, so stay tuned for that! What are the teens taking? Good question! They’re harder to nail down these days, but while we’re out of town though, should you spot something on a kiddo that you love, send me a DM/email/whatever, and I’ll share the details with you.
Here we go, let’s start with a few things I’m taking to wear at night…
I stepped out of my “wear all black” comfort zone and bought THIS DRESS in a super fun floral! It also does come in black (and 20 other colors and prints!), but this one spoke to me the most. I love how it also comes in not just “regular” but petite and tall too.
My FUN PALM PRINT DRESS is under $30 and also comes in many other colors/patterns. So cute, right?!
And then, of course, I shared these on Friday, but they’re going in my suitcase, so I’m going to share them again because they’re 5 black dresses for spring (or summer!)…
I mean, my favorite kind of little black dress 🙂 . This one is soft, easy to dress up (with FUN HEELS) or wear with flats for running errands. It has pockets (yes, please!) and is just simple and easy to wear. A little knit dress works for all occasions (this one also comes in a nice “oat” color too!).
You guys, THIS DRESS is only $25 but looks so much more expensive. I have it in both navy and black. Love.
THIS DRESS was such a surprise! I loved how the fit was slim but still loose and flowy, the straps are adjustable, it zips up the back, the material is nice and not sheer, and the price is oh so right! Super, super cute for spring!
If you’re looking to show off those shoulders…
…this PLEATED MIDI DRESS can be worn with or without straps. It comes in so many other colors, but…I loved black the best!
I will be wearing THIS DRESS on repeat. It’s going on spring break with me and to Nantucket this summer as well. It is just easy and adorable.
I would also like to remind everyone that for YEARS now, I’ve only worn…
…these strapless bras (and this underwear). Seriously, Y-E-A-R-S.
If you’re heading to the pool or beach, you should check out these cover up options. I found so many cute ones!
A BLACK TANK + GAUZY SHORTS (also in black) + A HAT + AND SANDALS= THE PERFECT COVER UP OUTFIT!
I love me A HAT for time in the sun!
I love A VISOR style too!
I also found…
…THESE SUPER CUTE BOARD SHORTS too!
I first bought THIS ROMPER COVERUP in white and loved it so much that I ordered it again in orange 🙂 .
Speaking of rompers…
…I thought THIS ONE was perfect for pool days too!
I feel like CROCHET COVERUPS are all the rage these days, but I didn’t want to spend a lot on a trend…which is why I thought this one was the perfect option.
And here’s another CROCHET COVERUP option that also comes in a variety of colors. See what I am carrying with it?! It’s my all time very favorite BEACH BAG!!
Year…
…after year…
..after year and year, I use THIS BEACH BAG! I just love it so much! The pockets are fabulous, they’re sturdy, they’re durable. In fact, this beach bag was the #3 most popular item on my blog in all of 2022!
It wouldn’t be a spring break post without SWIMSUITS! I rounded up some of my faves for the whole family right here:
#1: Pearl Twist Front Underwire Tankini Top
#2: Reina Tropical Bikini Top
#3: Heidi Colorblock High Waist Bikini Bottoms
#4: Sunscape Swim Top
#5: Island Goddess Hipster Bikini Bottoms
#6: Color Code Hipster Bikini Bottoms
#7: Essential Tube Bikini Top
#8: Varsity Support Crop Bikini Top
#9: Jewel Cove (D-Cup & Up) Underwire Tankini Top
#10: Paradise Wrap Bikini Top
#11: Ruched Tankini Top
#12: Color Code High Waist Bikini Bottoms
#13: Island Goddess Halter Bikini Top
#14: Ava Knot Front Bikini Top
#1: Cross Front One-Piece Swimsuit
#2: Sunscape Bandeau Mio One-Piece Swimsuit
#3: Island Goddess Ruched Colorblock One-Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit
#4:Fine Line One-Piece Swimsuit
#5:Paradise Ruffle Off the Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit
#6: Stripe Cross Front Multifit One-Piece Swimsuit
#7: Desert Dream Twist Keyhole One-Piece Swimsuit
#8: Illusionist Palma One-Piece Swimsuit
#9: Dot Com Odyssey One-Piece Swimsuit
#10: Joyce Cutout One-Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit
#11: Lace-Up Underwire One-Piece Swimsuit
#12: Painted Cross Back One-Piece Swimsuit
#1: Kids’ Little Eva & Emmie Colorblock Rib Two-Piece Swimsuit
#2: Kids’ Floral Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit
#3: Kids’ Sunsets Ruffle One-Piece Swimsuit
#4: Kids’ Long Sleeve Rashguard
#5: Kids’ More Beach Long Sleeve Rashguard Top
#6: Kids’ Icon Long Sleeve Rashguard
#7: Terry Cloth Swim Cover-Up
#8: Kids’ Island Chappy Swim Trunks
#9: Kids’ Cotton Caftan Cover-Up
#10: Kids’ Paradise Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit
#11: Kids’ Sailor Cap Sleeve Two-Piece Swimsuit
#12: Kids’ Cactus Eyeballs II Swim Trunks
#13: Kids’ Print Swim Trunks
#14: Kids’ Crush Stripe Swim Trunks
#15: Kids’ Print Swim Trunks
#1: Short Sleeve Rashguard
#2: Staple Logo Embroidered Swim Trunks
#3: Crush Stripe Mid Swim Trunks
#4: All Day Wave Long Sleeve T-Shirt
#5: Rainbow ‘302Alts’ Flip Flop
#6: Gender Inclusive Adilette Comfort Sport Slide Sandal
#7: Tropicadas 7-Inch Swim Trunks
#8: The Bungalow Swim Trunks
#9: Naples Shore Swim Trunks
#10: The Bayberry Swim Trunks
#11: All Day Layback Swim Trunks
#12: En Fuegos 7-Inch Swim Trunks
#13: Starfish Print Swim Trunks
Plus, no matter where you’re heading, make sure you check out my 18 KEYS FOR PREPPING FOR A TRIP post…
…where I deep dive into how I pack and prep so that going on vacation with my crew isn’t insane.
Also…
…you can catch SHAY’S ULTIMATE BEACH TRIP PACKING LIST where I share all the details on what we bring on every beach vacation (the list is comprehensive!!).
Or…
…if your family is heading somewhere cold this spring, make sure you check out my TOP 10 TIPS FROM A SKI MOM!
One last thing…
…if you’re looking for a workout to do before your next vacation (or any old day!), check out ANDREW’S BEACH READY WORKOUT!
And finally…
…hey, hey, hey, it’s my new SPRING BREAK PLAYLIST!
Wait for it…it does lean a little country (shocking, I know!), but I wanted to keep it upbeat, fun and very beachy and thus, here you go. It will 100% put you in a good mood 🙂 .
Okay, that wraps up my annual WHAT I’M PACKING FOR SPRING BREAK post!
If you have any questions about sizing/fit/etc, leave it below in the comment section. If you still haven’t planned your spring break (or summer!) vacation yet and need help, please reach out! It’s not too late!
Have the very best day, friends! I’ll see you back here tomorrow! xx
Erika Slaughter says
So many cute things I was prepared to comment on but wait-what? A country playlist? I’m shocked!! 😂😂😂
Elspeth says
I love the board shorts and all the patterns they come in! Super cute!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Alison says
Love this!! So many cute things! Thank you for sharing. I am excited to see what you share for the girls. 🙂
Shannon says
Shay given Catherine’s admission to a “mommy makeover” can you please finally admit?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have never had a “mommy makeover” but anything I have had done, at this time, I’m going to keep to myself as my teens would prefer not everything in life be on the internet. That’s not “not admitting” something, that’s being sensitive to my kiddos wishes.
S.King says
100% class act answer! You owe us strangers on the internet nothing! Whatever you have or have not had done is your business and you look amazing! You share so much of yourself with us and it is ALL appreciated! I have been reading your blog for 10+ years and this is probably the first time I have commented. Just felt the need to say your classy response was noted and I truly do enjoy your blog. You are the reason I have started reading again. You are the reason I now take much better care of my health. You are the reason I started Nutrafol after losing so much hair in menopause. So thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Goodness, THANK YOU for being a part of this community. Sending you so much love back this morning! xx
Shannon in PA says
Shay, I got upset at this original comment for you. I’m so sorry that some people feel this is okay to say.
Leslie S says
I love this response! You’re entitled to a private life and you’re so kind in your responses. I thank you for sharing as much as you do bc it’s helped me to take better care of myself, encouraged me to start reading again, helped me find Christian Bible studies and parenting resources, find new recipes and gosh just have a good post to read daily. This community is generally kind and supportive and I enjoy the community you’ve cultivated here and the faith you share openly. Have a great day!!
Mix and Match Mama says
And YOU have a great day too! I am so blessed by this community. The love, encouragement and support we show one another here is truly so special. I have learned so much from all of you, felt prayed for by all of you…it’s a gift. This community is a gift. xx
Sheaffer says
I added a couple of cover ups to cart! Thanks for the inspo!
S says
Thanks for a great post! What size are you wearing in the black Caslon tank from Nordstrom? Would you say that it is TTS? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I bought it in an XS. It fits great but if you’re between sizes, I would say you could probably size down. I’ve already washed and dried it several times with zero shrinking.
Daniellem02 says
Great post! Have you ever done one on first time cruise advice? I searched but couldn’t find one. We are considering one but I am very crowd averse lol. We have 3 kids–13, 10 and 8. My kids really want to do one but I am nervous. Also, I know I will only want to do specialty dining haha. Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
You should reach out to my travel agency! We would love to help you with this cruise, but more than anything, we would love to go over all the details to make sure it’s the right vacation for your family (it’s not right for everyone). info@mixandmatchtravelagency.com I will make a note to do a “first timers guide to cruising”. Great idea!
Jennibell says
I would love a post like that! We are doing our first family cruise through your agency in December (originally scheduled December 2020 – this is the first year I’ve been able to convince my husband to try again – ha!) It would be great to share information like that with our kiddos 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwwww! We are so happy that you are cruising with us!! You’re going to have so much fun!
Kay says
I absolutely love your playlists! Thank you for making them seasonal. It’s always so fun to have something new to listen to as the weather and scenery outside changes…
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay! I love a seasonal playlist too. It just gives every day a little extra thing to be joyous about.
Angela says
Love these great recommendations for a beachy spring break!!! I just clicked “add to cart” on some swimsuits and a cover up! :)You always look amazing and can I say that Shay, soooo many of us just love you a ton!!!! I’m sorry when there is an unacceptable and snarky comment. That hurts my heart for you, but it just reminds me that, “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – Jesus, John 16:43. Shay, not only are you encouraging in your blog posts that you write, but thank you for modeling how to react to people’s comments when they are hurtful. I tend to get hurt easily, but God is continuing to help me be stronger. Thank YOU for showing me ways that I can respond when someone is hurtful to me. Keep shining bright for Jesus, dear friend!!
Mix and Match Mama says
You are so, so sweet. Sending YOU so much love! xx
Jennibell says
Shay, I saw a terrible comment back a couple weeks ago (since it was the last one I could tell not many had seen it – I love how your internet friends stand up for you!). Anyway, I was so impressed with your response I pulled it back up later to share with a friend. Truly, you are an example in so many ways. Thank you for showing us there IS a kind way to respond in any situation.
Bernadine says
So many cute things!
Blog post request…. Could you consider doing a monthly or quarterly “stats” post? Perhaps alongside your Friday Favorites, you could include a list of OUR top 5 products clicked on or purchased from your blog? Emily Ley shared a snippet yesterday on her Instagram where you could see how many people clicked on and purchased a certain item. I LOVE behind-the-scenes stuff like that. It would be fun to see what your readers like and how many of a certain item we purchased.
Mix and Match Mama says
Writing that down! Thank YOU for the suggestion!
Bernadine says
Forgot to add – your hair looks AMAZING!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU!!!!
Carrie says
Can you check the link for the “super fun floral” dress? It’s not coming up for me!! Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just checked and it’s working now! https://shopstyle.it/l/b8vrp
Heather says
When will your podcast be out again?
Mix and Match Mama says
I think we’ve officially retired it. It was just a lot of work…when we already have a lot of work. Right now, we just don’t think we have the time. We tried so many times (as you guys know!) to reboot it, but with our work life and kiddos, it was just the “one thing too many”.
Tish says
I miss the podcast too! It felt like just visiting among friends! However, I completely understand the time commitment during such a busy AND FUN season of life! From a fellow mom of 4, SOAK IT UP. I love when you and Andrew record your videos just visiting and answering Q&As. Would love to see that some this spring again with your patio chats! Maybe that is something you and Erika could do a couple times a year as well. 😉 And I agree with the others in your classy reply to the comment. I thought the same thing this morning! Literally thought to myself, that I want God to help me to know how to respond like Shay. If I don’t have anything nice to say, I often don’t say anything at all bc I don’t like conflict. But then I also don’t want to be seen as someone people can walk/push over. And there is a fine line to respond with kindness and grace and being Christ like but also standing up for yourself and your family. Thank you, Shay!!
Beverly says
Can you post the name of the dress & store/company? I can’t open any of your links due to SafeSearch. Love the floral dress & I’d like to be able to find it. Many thanks.
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s Abercrombie!
SC says
Your hair looks so amazing!
I am sorry to read snarky comment too. You are a light in so many ways!! XOXO
Mix and Match Mama says
You are too, too sweet! xx
Laci L Murray says
COUNTRY on Shay’s playlist?? Love the black dress!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am *trying* to give you ladies more of what you want this year…even if that means country music 😉 .
daniellem02 says
Thank you–I definitely will. I have never used a travel agent before, but I know there is a lot to cruising that I don’t know. Specific questions that I would love to see answered on the blog are: how do I know cruising is right for our family? How do you choose a cruise line? Are there cruise lines that are truly all inclusive? I would rather pay more up front than be nickel and dimed for specialty restaurants, onboard activities, alcohol, etc. Is concierge level worth it, or does it depend on the cruise line? And of course you always have good practical tips for traveling with kids–would be interested in cruise-specific ones. Thanks again!
Mix and Match Mama says
All great questions!!! Thank YOU, thank YOU! Adding to my list for an upcoming post!
K.K. says
Shay, love your ‘floral departure’ from my favorite as well – LBDs!! It’s gorgeous…
OK, also… I may be having a false memory here, but I laughed one time at a comment I think you made about swimsuits no longer having sewn-in cups. Just the liner cups. Do you know if any of these or any swimsuits you’ve come across have those light liner coverage cup that’s not padding? Maybe I’m just too old school on that!! With everything removable, I feel like I’m fighting with those things. Ha ha ha…
Mix and Match Mama says
I think they all have the lining cups which BLOWS MY MIND. In 2024, you would think we would have better solutions for swimsuit and sports bras.
K.K. says
Yes, yes, yes!! 🙂
Anne says
About how often do you go through your closet/bags/shoes, etc. and give things away to make room for new items?
Mix and Match Mama says
I like a very tidy closet, so about every month or so, I edit and then put away. I have been donating to one particular family that serves as missionaries for years. When I have enough gathered, it’s sent to them.
Barb says
I love all your clothes and especially that visor.
Have fun!💔
On the Heiress, it should have been called the Murderess.
Carol W says
Thank you for posting these things. I have no time to shop and do not even know what I like right now so its helpful to come find some cute pieces on here for spring break!!!
Mary Jane McNeill says
I’d love to see some tankinis in your swim suit suggestions, being that I don’t have a bikini body anymore, but I definitely have a TANKINI body! 🙂 Those floral maxis are stunning!!
Irene Kelly says
With all those warm weather outfits for both you and the girls I am sure you are not going to Nantucket ? And sure hope you are not going to either the Bahamas or Mexico for our govt has deemed both places very unsafe to travel at this time ! So where are you traveling to in two weeks ?
Mix and Match Mama says
Somewhere warm, but so many people are visiting the Bahamas and Mexico safely and having a wonderful, wonderful time.