7 Favorites Things: Poolside Packing for Grownup Girls

I am really looking forward to our family trip to Hawaii for spring break in April, especially with the constant monsoon that is happening here in soggy Seattle. I feel lucky to get to go, and of course terrified of shopping for a swim suit. The usual.

Getting ready for a trip is both fun and challenging, but being organized is key to arriving to your destination both in style and without forgetting your undergarments. Although my teen daughter packs herself these days, most trips involve me making sure that the house, pets, mail, work, and kids are all pulled together before departure. Oh, and I have to pack myself too. Lists are essential, and so is being organized. How much happier will you be when you are poolside with that first umbrella drink if you know in fact that you made sure everyone has a swimsuit? And no one wants to buy a $10 toothbrush at the gift shop, so it pays to have your act together prior to heading to the beach.

J.Crew One Shoulder Swimsuit

From great swimwear to a festive little straw clutch, here is what I am bringing along to make certain I have a great vacation that is easy-breezy. Make that list and check it twice, people! Aloha.

Maslin & Co. Zebra Towel

1. The Masin & Co. Beach Towel 

I am so obsessed with this uber chic towel, which I know seems silly. However, what is not to love about a animal hide shaped cotton towel in a bright zebra print that comes with its own leather carrying strap? I mean, can it get any cooler than that? It was $225 but is now on sale for $97 bucks at The Outnet. It would make a great gift too!

2. Paravel Luggage

The Paravel Stowaway

Paravel is the affordable luxury bag company that will help you say goodbye to that trashed ugly black suitcase of yours. All under $350, these beautiful pieces are stain proof, waterproof, and lightweight. The cases are trimmed in Italian leather and are built to beautifully withstand the trauma of modern day travel. My favorites are the Stowaway, which collapses flat and can fit inside another piece of luggage, and the packing cubes. My entire family used packing cubes to keep ourselves organized within our suitcases during a three week trip through Europe, and it was a life saver. We continue to use them even on weekend excursions and they are the best! I would never travel without them again. 

Anthropologie Solid & Stripe Lexi One Piece

3. The Swimsuit

I have always had amazing luck with J.Crew swimwear. Since I am in mid 50s, (gah!!) I look for a chic and flattering one piece that makes me feel good. It can be a tall order, but J. Crew seems to know how to fit women's bodies. The J.Crew One Shoulder Suit in their classic red stripe is a great take on the one shoulder trend happening right now with summer tops. I also am a fan of a fabulous seersucker swimsuit because the fabric is just so summer. I am loving the red piping detail on this Tipped Seersucker Suit.  That being said, Anthropologie also carries a chic and flattering collection of one piece suits as well. The Lexi One Piece is minimalistic modern take on a classic style. 

Kayu Pineapple Clutch

4. Sunny Holiday Clutch

I love little straw clutches and one with a pineapple on it is just all that much better. This Kayu Pineapple Clutch is the perfect little bag to stash in your bigger beach bag to hold valuables, and can accompany you to cocktails when the sun begins setting. Fruit seems to be a major theme in summertime prints, so why not debut it during spring break? 

Etsy by LifeHasJustBegun Beach Hat

5. An Awesome Sun Hat

These custom beach hats are the best. You can find them in many styles, sayings and embellishments on Etsy. You can choose a custom saying, have it embroidered or spelled out in sequins, add pompoms or a colored ribbon...the sky is the limit. I chose "Aloha" from LifeHasJustBegun because I like to keep things simple but feel free to let the hat do the talking for you if you are out of the office! 

Goddis Voyager Summer Knit Poncho

6. Cool Cover Up

There are a million great way to cover up at the pool or peach, but I love the idea of a poncho best. Often you want to be covered up enough to walk to your room comfortably or go sit at the poolside restaurant and the poncho allows you to do this in style. I like the shorter sleeves of this beautiful Goddis Voyager Summer Knit Poncho in "serene sea" blues. A poncho is an easy way to show low-key elegance. 

Zara Floral Pool Slides

7. The Pool Slide

The Pool Slide is the hottest shoe around for summer, both on the street as well as at the actual pool.  Many of the high end pool slides, like Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Vince are awesome with a summer dress or pants, but perhaps not as great at the pool. I would leave the fancy slides in the hotel room for later and grab a pair of these embellished Floral Slides from Zara for the actual pool. And believe it or not I like this Kendall + Kylie pair as well. 

Rainbow Drink Floats from Urban Outfitters

As a side note, the world of fun and festive pool floats have reached epic proportions. You can float on your own clam shell or pizza slice, and have a seperate flamingo float for your drink! Lots of great options at Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom! 

Plan ahead for your warm weather adventures and you can score some great prices on clothing and other sunny vacation essentials. Aloha to sunny days ahead! xx

Feature image via Paravel Instagram.