Fifty and Fabulous: What To Pack For A Weekend Beach Getaway
Barbara, here.
I just had a birthday. A significant one...but not as significant as next year's will be. It's ok though because I'm getting better as I age. And I am excited because starting this month, I'll be blogging about my passion for those of us that are 50+, and want to make a conscious effort to age gracefully, dress tastefully and modern, but not too young and definitely NOT FRUMPY.
I'm more confident than I was in my 20's, 30's, and 40's. I'm always working on losing "that last 8-10 pounds" haha...but I have learned how to dress to accentuate my positives and camouflage what I don't love about my body.
2016 so far has been challenging for me personally. I'm super active...a skier, cyclist, hiker, angler. But I broke my leg in a skiing accident in January. Five days later, I had a tragic family crisis. I needed help. In no time at all, my girlfriends rushed in to pick me up in my desperation. Diane helped with logistics, Mary helped with arranging meals, Tori helped with errands, Lucy opened her home for my extended family, Tina helped me with working my clothes around my broken leg, Deidre helped me with my hair, and the list goes on and on. Their help got me through an extremely difficult time, and I am so grateful for them.
I got to thinking that this is really what I do for my clients. I step in and help them when their life is so busy and chaotic that they become desperate for help to stay current and in style. She may be a 30-year-old songwriter needing help tweaking her personal style towards a more professional look for important meetings; or a super busy mom who shops for her family but doesn't focus on herself til she needs something immediately; or a high-powered, busy executive who needs to spend her time in a board room instead of in stores. Hey, as Tina says, it's just clothes we're talking about.
Clothes...Not important in the big scheme of life...but I can help you have more confidence with what you pull from your closet to spend your day in. I help a broad range of ages including those of us that are 50 + and want to make a conscious effort to age gracefully, stay current, dress tastefully, but never too young and definitely NOT FRUMPY.
My wonderful husband and my best friend for 36 years, Greg, and I are heading to the beach soon for a long weekend (like so many of you I'm sure... It's the beginning of summer, right?) Ok, I have to admit, Tina has rubbed off on me. I used to be a horrible packer. I tried to pack just about my whole wardrobe when I traveled. Sound familiar? Well...I don't anymore. I do my darnedest to pack everything in one carry-on and a tote. Who wants to wait around for luggage when there is life to get on with? Besides, years ago when I was on a girls trip to Chicago, my BIG suitcase with all my favorite things was lost. NEVER FOUND! So I learned my lesson, and Tina constantly reminds me, that if I pack wisely, a carry-on bag is sufficient for 80% of the trips most of us go on.
Caesar thinks he is going, too. Believe me, we'd take him if we could. He's been an especially dear companion these last few months.
So in my carry on, I'm packing my must-haves for a beach vacation (no offense to Caesar who thinks he's a must-have).
Sunscreen (Here are 2 I like: Eau Thermale Avène Mineral Light SPF 50 Plus Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion, 4.2 fl. oz. (Face and Body), and CeraVe Suncare Sunscreen Face SPF 50 2 oz package of 2
- Large beach hat and a visor for exercise
- Flip flops and/or casual sandals
- Heels or neutral wedges
- Exercise clothes & sneakers
- Swimsuit and coverup
- White jeans (preferably boot cut jeans
- White skirt or walking shorts
- 3-4 tops including a white short sleeve t-shirt or shell
- 1-2 belts
- Clutch
- Pashmina
- Minimal jewelry
The most important accessories will be sunscreen and hats to protect my face from the brutal sun.
I LOVE my horn jewelry that I can wear with any outfit! And my necklace is long enough to double it to wear at my neck. (I've found 3 great horn accessories for Vault Insiders to shop inside the June Style Vault.)
The most important tip for packing light is to plan carefully, and limit your shoes to 3 pairs.
I usually wear neutrals, so I'll have fun with this turquoise top AND coral clutch!
I have been wearing shoulder baring tops for years! They are back this year as a hot trend! And my horn necklace looks fresh against the turquoise.
I'll have my stain stick with me just in case I need it because I plan to wear my white top and my navy top with these same white jeans.
When I'm not on the beach, I'll most likely wear this combo with my hat.
My "bee" scarf is light, whimsical, and can easily be used as my pashmina if I get chilly indoors.
I also love navy and white together, so my scarf works with this top as well.
My maxi dress in black is a great color to blend with my neutral accessories. And I love to wear this simple rope belt with it to cinch in my waist.
A few changes with my minimal accessories and I'm ready for dinner!
Caesar, you know I love you and I promise I'll take you next time!!
Don't forget to pack your hats and also check out this great sunscreen at Private Edition! And Vault Insiders, you can shop my beach getaway wardrobe inside the June Style Vault, in Style Notes (including a great black maxi dress, a turquoise top and more). And if you need help getting ready for your beach vacation or just need me to think about your wardrobe so you can focus on your life, I'd love to help you. Find out more here. Or you can email me at [email protected].
Vault Insiders don’t forget to shop the June Style Notes for even more great fashion and beauty, on top of the June must-haves (cute tops, great looking sandals, flattering swimsuits, …). Want more info? Click here.
Best,
Barbara
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Photos by Krissy Leigh Creative
