Packing for a Casual Vacation

Up north, we spend our time playing outside with the kids, walking through dirt and gravel, sitting on the dock, and taking the dogs along. As much as I love it, I’m not about to wear my floor-grazing Marimekko dress to tromp around in the woods.

I’m bad at posing for photos, clearly. I tried to make up for it with illustrations!

My ideal everyday look could probably be described as business casual meets art teacher. Gimme a quirky accessory and then I’ll choose blouses over tees and pointed flats every time over sneakers, but as much as I love my regular wardrobe in Chicago, it isn’t suited to the time we spend up north each summer. I’ve learned to add a few pieces to my closet that I would have otherwise passed over for being too casual so I’m not stuck with only workout clothes to pack. I do the t-shirt and jeans thing a lot more, and my wide-leg cropped pants were on heavy rotation this summer. I even bought sneakers this year! Look at me, branching out.

1. Wide Leg Marina Pant, Ann Taylor
   I bought these in white too, to wear to Dîner en Blanc.

2. Curvy High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Lucille Wash, Madewell
   My favorite jeans in the world got even better when they introduced the curvy fit.

3. 4″ Pleated Shorts – A New Day, Target
   How many times can I tell you about my favorite shorts? They have been restocked in almost every size, and they are now down to $6.88. Get some.

4. Slice of Stone Pendant, Kate Spade
   I don’t have this one. YET. I wore a different pendant necklace that’s no longer available so I found this one, and now I must own it as well.

5. Mid-Rise Soft Pants, Old Navy
   Pants that feel like pjs!

6. Lampshade Hat, Shopbop
   The best shape.

7. Avianna Low Vamp Kitten Heeled Mules – Universal Thread, Target
   All day, every day. A comfortable low heel, they stay on while walking (not all mules do so well), and the best light neutral. Love these!

8. Anniemae Woven Slide Sandal – Universal Thread, Target
   A little pattern that still goes with just about everything else, printed or solid.

9. Triple Decker, Keds x Designlovefest
   Cap-toe sneakers! They give a little height and bouncy cushion, too.

10. Northside Vintage Tee (Weathered Olive), Madewell
    Ooh boy do I love this color. I’m so glad it’s popping up in home and fashion again.

11. Northside Vintage Tee (White Wash), Madewell
    Yay, simple white tee.

12. Whisper Cotton Crewneck Tee in Creston Stripe, Madewell
    Striped tees forever.

13. Monterey Hooded Pullover, Anthropologie
    Far cuter than the mens’ hoodies I wore in my youth, eh? Just as comfy though.

14. Wide-Sleeve Pullover Hoodie in French Terry, Gap
    The blousy shape I like, but in casual sweatshirt form.

15. Hallie Glasses (Lapis Crystal), Warby Parker
    It’s hard to see here, but the finish is a lovely blue with a lot of depth to it.

16. Iridescent Square Sunglasses, LOFT
    Flattering shape, large scale, and hi, only $12.

17. Shapes Statement Earrings, Madewell
    Get these before they sell out! $28 and they are SO good. I almost bought them in more colors. (Still thinking about it.)