Looking Ahead: Spring Break + Warm Weather

Every year around this time the stores come out with their resort collections and the beginnings of Spring collections. It always throws me into a bit of a tizzy because it feels like we've just gotten done with winter shopping, the weather is still cold, but now I'm entranced by all the new color combos. If I was your personal shopper or stylist, I would tell you that planning ahead is never a bad idea. Pick three outfits that you will want to wear in the summer, purchase them now and enjoy working them into your closet as the weather gets warmer.

This is also a great time to start thinking about Spring Break. Are you going somewhere warm? If you are, it's a great way to go through your summer wardrobe from last year and pull out some things to mix in with new things. Mixing and matching from season to season is one of the best ways to create an outfit that is all your own. It also helps your bank account.

So, let's dive into the Spring Break: The Warm Edit.

SHORTS

A must have. No matter how you feel about your legs, just do it. Trust me when I tell you that all women feel the same. Should I wear shorts? Should I get leg makeup? When I was working at Sephora women were constantly coming in asking for leg makeup. First of all, let's all just take a breath and love on one another. No one's legs have seen the light of day for months. It's OK. Let's embrace it. Start lotioning up your skin for a healthy glow. If you really feel like you need leg makeup then I love Sally Hansen Airbrush Leg Makeup. I think it's one of the best body makeup products on the market.

Shorts can be hard to come by at this point and time, so you're probably looking at denim shorts and maybe navy. Both are great to have because they are so versatile. Pair them with T-shirts for the beach and a dramatic wrap for movement. Easy beach and travel outfit complete.

STATEMENT DRESS

Again, everyone needs one. Something that can take you from seeing the sights to dinner. This dress will feel easy, breezy, and most importantly make you feel like a million bucks. I'm sticking with the same color scheme to make packing easier. I love the ruffled shoulders on this dress, the cinched waste, and the flow of the skirt. Pair this with a cropped denim jacket for cooler nights. This dress also looks great with dress sandals (heeled or not), and I've also seen it look cute with sneakers.

MIX & MATCH SEPARATES

This really depends on how you like to spend your vacation. If you're on a beach holiday then pack easy pieces to slip on and off. If you're also planning on hitting the town for museums or other attractions then you'll want some kind of a versatile pant option. Keep it simple. Whenever I overcomplicate the packing process it backfires. Pick separate pieces that you LOVE, and I mean LOVE. The worst thing is to get somewhere with new items that you've only worn in the fitting room and then realize that you should have gone with a different wash, color, or silhouette. Hey, we've all been there.

GREAT BAG(S)

Whether this is for a flight, car, train, etc. You need some kind of a killer bag to put all your stuff in and then some kind of bag for your actual exploring and maybe, if you're really on it, a dinner option too. Again, keep it simple. A lot of these bags can do multi-purpose. For travel a big tote can also double as a beach bag, or day out bag. Maybe you want a messenger or backpack version to sling over your shoulder because you've got little ones and all their stuff to bring too.

Your dinner version can just be a pouchette (pouch), or a small clutch. You're on vacation. You don't need to bring everything out to dinner. Keep it small and simple.

I hope this was helpful on getting you started with your packing and shopping lists. I know I always wait until the last minute and am so thrilled when I've thought ahead. Maybe, you're not going anywhere for a month or more but thinking about this stuff now will stop you from panic shopping (we've all been there) and ending up with 5 dresses and nothing warmer...Enjoy the video, and let me know how you get on.