And just like that, it’s Wednesday! Ahhh, short weeks…the next best thing to long weekends! It’s amazing what just one extra day does for the soul! I put my phone/computer down for an entire 24-hours over the weekend…and although I felt a little panicky at times (I had no idea how reliant I’d become on being constantly connected!), it felt so good to be ultimately connected where it matters most…at home.
I started these no-phone breaks for myself earlier in the Summer after my kids made a few flippant comments about always seeing the top of my head (not because they’re taller than me, but because I was always bent over my phone). I realized if I want our kids to stay engaged while we’re together, I needed to lead by example.
I used to think I was a really good multi-tasker, using the phone to stay on top of work, emails, and social media. But never fully separating myself from those responsibilities was causing me resentments and stress, and at the same time, diluting my time with the family! My inbox might be a little scarier on Monday mornings now, but I’m a lot more sane and content to tackle it!
Wow…hello, side rant! How about we get to the business of today’s post…looking effortlessly stylish on beach vacations!
We spent our last full week of Summer on Anna Maria Island (read the {Trip Report} here), and like my no-phone rule, the point of beach vacations is no stress! So I packed very little (everything for the week fit in my favorite new Weekender Bag), and left the hair dryer and most of my makeup at home.
I chose only pieces that could be worn everywhere from the beach and cafes, to boat excursions and evening cocktails. And with a few statement accessories, the outfits transitioned seamlessly, and still looked chic.
These beaded tassel bracelets have been my go-to accessory lately…they add such a fun dash of color, and pair with virtually every outfit. The response to them has been so overwhelming, they’ve decided to extend the special price one last week, for Hi Sugarplum readers only! Use code SUGARPLUM at checkout, and the trio set is only $20! Hello, great Christmas gifts, too!
And don’t forget to smile, relax & have fun….that’s the most stylish look of all!
Sidenote: Mr. SP told me to jump in the air, and he snapped this in one take! Looks like this girl’s got hops! #notreally But remember this one?
What are your tips for staying stylish and chic while traveling to beach locations? Do you have no-phone days at home or on vacation?
See more Packing Tips here, and more Beach Style here.
And P.S…just because we’re now past Labor Day, that doesn’t mean you have to pack up your whites…see my {5 Ways} White Jeans After Labor Day post here!
You look WAY TOO GOOD hopping in the air. I would have 23 chins. Gorgeous pic today and great tips!
I think the camera caught me coming down, so I had the momentum of gravity working in my favor! š xo
Love your beachy looks! Not only do you look great with those adorable outfits, but the backgrounds are gorgeous as well! I took a lot of breaks from technology over the summer and now I am excited to get back to indulging in blogs again now that the kids are back to school.
Shelley
Anna Maria Island is such a gorgeous, special place! I can't wait to get back! Hope you had a wonderful Summer, Shelley!
very nice shot. i like it. very nice timing
Have you viewed Seattle State Farm Agency
Always adorable! I love that pom pom top! So cute! You (and Mr. Sugarplum) take the best pics of you and your kiddos. Do you have a photo post coming up in the future? I'd love to know some tips! š
Thanks, friend! I do not have any tips when it comes to the camera…other than get a good DSLR, and the 50mm lens! I swear that thing does all the work for you!!
I know what you mean about technology interfering with quality family time. I work from home and it became increasingly difficult to shut down the computer and spend time with my kids. I finally implemented technology free Sundays and its been great. My boss knows I do no work on Sundays and it is a day of church, rest, and family. It was a little strange at first, but now I wake up Sunday mornings so excited to have a full day off with my family.
Love the idea of a dedicated no-phone day!!
I completely agree with all of these beach style secrets! The biggest one for me is embracing my natural hair–it's super curly and tends to get frizzy, but at the beach–I just go with it and wear lots of top knots and hats š
Yes ma'am…there's a reason why I'm wearing a hat most all Summer! š xo
I so need to implement some technology free days!
I love your less phone rule for the weekend :). You are exactly right about all of it! And that blue dress…you should wear it 24/7. #smokinhot
Looks like I'll be wearing it night and day now…thanks, girlie!
I love the palm print romper and the spotted dress. I think you look great in that fedora. I definitely can not pull off a hat. So props to you for rocking that look.
Jenn
I'm challenging that statement…I bet you'd look great in hats! It's just a matter of finding the right scale for your face and head, and just going for it!! xo
I love all of your picks! Such versatile and colorful ones. That dress is so perfect.
liz jo @ sundays with sophie
LOVE the ignoring your phone for 24 hours. Luckily, we've been close on our data on many of our lake trips this summer which seems crappy but is actually wonderful. I'll check the weather and texts but mostly ignore my phone besides that and it's WONDERFUL. Need to remember that in normal life at home too!
Yes! I been on a few flights lately that didn't have wifi, and I was almost livid! Then I realized the forced break was actually a treat!! xoxo
This is nice to see…enjoying your children. I love that you take them on vacations & spend time with them. Our children are grown and we know that spending time with them taught them that they were important to us. Now we have adults that we love being with…and they are good parents to our grandchildren. It's a gift that truly keeps on giving.
Thanks for resharing your 5 ways for white jeans after Labor Day! You've convinced me and gave great ideas we can still wear these beauties
so many cute outfits! i love the racerback dress š xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Curious what size you went with in the racerback dress? Is it true to size or did you size up? I should ask as well what size you typically wear to give me a better idea of what would work best for me. š
Hi Stacy…you mean the dress I know have in three colors? š #houstonwehaveaproblem
I wear an XS in it…and that's my usual size. I've tried a Small, just for comparison, but it's kind of potato-sacky and drapes too low in the front and armholes. Hope this helps!!
How does your hat not fly off at the beach? I have this gorgeous beach hat but any little bit of wind and its off. By the way you have a rocking body!! Have u done a post on what u do to stay fit? Would love to see one
Ha! I guess it flies off from time to time, but my big head usually keeps it in place! š Thank you for the sweet compliment…I've never done a fitness or health post, probably bc I don't know/do much! A lot of dog walking!! x