For the first time in my daughter’s academic life, the school she attends does not have a week long February break. We usually go to Grand Cayman over February break but instead this year we plan to travel to GC over Spring Break instead. I know, tiny violins.
I *had* to do a proper shop for the trip as my beach wardrobe is pretty anemic. Last year’s breaks were staycations in Seattle for work and internships and the summer was a blur of house sale and a cross-country move.
Plus, our regular haunt is under construction this year so after 20+ years we are trying a new spot, The Hotel Indigo. It looks fancier than what we are used to so, as you can see, I just had to step up my game!
What I purchased for our Spring Break Trip to Grand Cayman —
Milan Jelly Sandals – Rose – Larroude $140
These were a splurge for a casual summer shoe but I really liked the design and they are comfortable. However, the sizing is difficult in relation to the design. I wish there were solid sizes and half sizes. I had to go with a 8/9 because I usually wear a 7.5/8, I was afraid the 6/7 would be too small. So they do flop a bit more than I would like on my feet.
Seasoft Midi Ribbed Tank Dress – Athleta $115
I love this dress! A weekend warrior that takes you from morning errands to brunch on the patio. Throw on a light jacket or cardigan and you can head to dinner.
Transcend Dress – Athleta $115
To me, this is the summer equivalent of the legging. I wear this during the day instead of shorts.
This is a great everything dress with a chance to pop your collar for some extra pep! This dress will take you from brunch to a barbecue to a casual evening with friends.
Navy Abstract Smocked Waist Midi Skirt – Cupshe $29.95
If a piece of clothing could embody my personality, it is this skirt. The flow, the pattern, the pop of navy color – I’ll be wearing this skirt obsessively all summer.
Boho Floral Tankini & Standard Bottoms Set – Cupshe $37.99
I am usually a black or navy swimsuit person but I really connected with the colors of this swimsuit – bright but not annoyingly so. The fit of the tank is good and does not ride up. The bottoms are medium coverage and stay where they should.
Black Tummy Control Tankini & Floral Bottoms Set – Cupshe $39.99
This may be one of my favorite swim suits in a while. The cons – the tank material is surprisingly thick and the bottoms ride up a bit. The pros – despite the thickness of the material the tank does not add to the silhouette and actually sucks in without strangling you.
ANRABESS Women Crochet Swim Cover Up – Amazon $33.99
I try a new cover up every trip to Grand Cayman. This was by far the best I’ve tried. The right length to wear from the beach to lunch. The right weight to be warm in the cool breeze post-sundown and cool in the heat of the sun. Best of all it did not show the wear and tear of 6 days of sunscreen and sweat.
Saodimallsu Crop Double Breasted Trench Coat – Amazon $49.99
I will admit that when cropped trenches popped up on my style radar screen, I poo-pooed them. How silly, I thought. Well, when faced with travelling to a breezy tropical locale where one needs a light, but chic (yes, I said it) layer for the plane and post-sundown chill, well I changed my tune. This is a solid purchase that I will use again and again.
Square Sunglasses – H&M $17.99
I am an aviator and classic Ray Ban sunglass gal but when I tried these on while waiting in the checkout line with my daughter, a woman in line spoke up to tell me I looked great, like I was in White Lotus. Well, y’all, my ego made me do it!
Flip Flop Sandals – Old Navy $4.99
I will die on this hill – do not pay through the nose for regular flip flops. Years ago I was a huge fan of a popular name brand flip-flop. I bought two pairs with great thrill and both fell apart within the season – one, less thrillingly while I was out to lunch with friends, so I was hardly being rough on them. On the other hand, I have had some of my Old Navy flip flops for about 10 years. Every year I get a new color – for $4.99 that is an easy way to make me smile!
NANA Simulated Diamond Engagement Ring – Amazon $39.95-$49.95 & NANA Eternity Wedding Band – Amazon $24.95
If you know me, you know that my wedding rings are very special to me – I mean obviously, but my wedding stack is made of unique rings with special meaning and I view them as part of my identity. After years of worrying about losing the rings in the ocean and continuously cleaning them from the build up of sunscreen, I decided to buy a “travel ring set”. Realistic looking, my style and the price is right should they slip off in the water. Plus, I save money on getting my good rings professionally cleaned after a week of sea salt and sunscreen!