Vacation Essentials

Hello hello, friends! How was your weekend? We are home and trying to find some semblance of order after almost a month of travel. Life came back quickly this weekend in the form of a 7am volleyball tournament!

I’m happy to be home, but I loved every second of our travels! I truly think I could live as a nomad! My dream would be to alternate a month of travel with a month of being home… all year long! Does that sound like a dream or a nightmare to you, ha?

There’s no question I travel light, especially for beach trips, but this time I surprised even myself! Knowing St. John is a super casual island and that we’d spend the majority of our time exploring the different beaches, I grabbed a handful of my favorite swimsuits and cover-ups, a few dresses and sunscreen, and away we went!

Nordstrom is always my one-stop vacation shop, with a huge selection of everything from swimsuits and cover-ups to maxi dresses and sunscreen… plus all the travel essentials! They also have a perfectly curated Vacation Edit HERE, and as always, fast and free shipping!

Cover-Up | Ruched Bikini Top (size 4) | Hipster Bikini Bottoms (size 4) | Flip Flops | Similar Straw Tote Bag | Similar Bracelets | Similar Sunglasses

I’ve had this gauzy cover-up for years…it’s super lightweight and packs easily. It comes in a few fun colors now, too.

Cover-Up | Ruched Bikini Top (size 4) | Hipster Bikini Bottoms (size 4) | Flip Flops | Similar Straw Tote Bag | Similar Bracelets | Similar Sunglasses

I’ll share a full Trip Report soon, but here’s a little peek at St. John’s beauty!

I sang the praises of La Blanca swimsuits HERE, they’re one of my most-worn brands, not only for their fun styles and flattering fits, but the long-wearing quality! I’ve had some of these for years already.

I love the colorful, bold print of this two-piece! The top has removable cups that actually create a full, smooth shape… bonus! Most of the La Blanca prints are available in a range of styles, so you can mix-and-match depending on your preferred fit. I opted for the Hipster Bottom with this top, and love the fun beaded side-ties.

And just like all La Blanca swim, it’s fully lined!

Fit Tip: I’m in a size 4 in both pieces.

Ruched Bikini Top (size 4) | Hipster Bikini Bottoms (size 4) | Similar Straw Hat | Similar Bracelets | Similar Sunglasses

Ruched Bikini Top (size 4) | Hipster Bikini Bottoms (size 4) | Similar Bracelets | Similar Sunglasses

Can you believe this is the view from our Airbnb?! I’ll share a full Trip Report with links soon!

Ruched Bikini Top (size 4) | Hipster Bikini Bottoms (size 4) | Similar Straw Hat | Similar Bracelets | Similar Sunglasses

This swimsuit was my most-worn…and most requested in my messages, too! The top is a classic French fit with adjustable straps and a tie back. The bottoms have a flattering ruched waistband and a perfect high-waist for added tummy support.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a size 4 in both pieces.

Bikini Top (size 4) | Similar Sarong | Flip Flops | Similar Straw Hat | Similar Straw Tote Bag | Similar Sunglasses

This two-piece is a gorgeous, deep fuchsia with an eyelet pattern for a subtle print and texture. Halter styles are my favorite flattering fit that also provide good support and coverage. Both the top and bottom have beaded tassels, but I cut them off the bottoms.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a size 4 in both pieces.

Eyelet Swim Top (size 4) | Eyelet Swim Bottoms (size 4) | Similar Straw Hat

Eyelet Swim Top (size 4) | Eyelet Swim Bottoms (size 4) | Similar Straw Hat

Another gauzy cover-up I’ve had for years, this one has a popover style with a longer length in the back for full coverage.

Gauzy Cover-Up | Similar Straw Hat

You know I love my Agolde jean shorts, but they do come with sticker shock, so I was thrilled to find a great alternative! These Free People shorts are a similar fit and style, but half the price. They have cute seam details on the back, and a great rinse without much distressing.

My shirt is a splurge item, but truly nothing compares to a Rails cotton gauze top! It’s one of the top things I look for (and grab!) in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale each year… they feel incredible on and last forever. I just found this similar style, and it’s a really good option, too!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a size 26 shorts and Small shirt.

Organic Cotton Button Down (Incredible look-for-less HERE) | Jean Shorts | Similar Sandals | Similar Sunglasses | Similar Bracelets | Similar Earrings

Organic Cotton Button Down (Incredible look-for-less HERE) | Jean Shorts | Similar Sunglasses | Similar Bracelets | Similar Earrings

Men’s Swim Trunks

One of my go-to’s for literally years… this jersey knit dress is as soft as pajamas, but with such a chic, easy-to-wear style! I throw it on over swimsuits, or dress it up for dinner out… it’s truly the perfect, versatile vacation dress!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a size XS dress.

Maxi Dress | Similar Straw Hat | Similar Sunglasses | Similar Bracelets | Similar Earrings

Maxi Dress | Similar Straw Hat | Similar Sunglasses | Similar Bracelets | Similar Earrings

Swim Top (size 4) | High Waist Swim Bottoms (size 4) | Similar Sunglasses | Men’s Swim Trunks

The greatest thing about most beach vacations is anything goes! As long as you have a swimsuit and SPF, the rest is bonus, right?! What essentials are always in your vacation suitcase? Better yet, what beach locations are on your travel agenda this year?!

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