I have to admit that am as giddy as a school girl!! In a couple of weeks we are heading to Italy!!! I’ve never been to Europe and it has been my dream to go for my 40th birthday. There are four couples travelling together. We have lots to celebrate…my  birthday, two 15 year anniversaries (one being Scott and Laurel’s!) and a 20 year anniversary!!

Packing for a vacation like this is a bit more challenging than your usual summer vacation. We aren’t beaching it so we need more than just swimsuits and cover ups!! We are spending part of the time in Rome and the other time in Tuscany. There will be tours, dinners and lots of driving!!!

All four of us ladies have been discussing our “Italy” wardrobes! I have to admit it’s been a rather fun excuse to shop!!! Here are some of picks for our Italian adventure!!

Pam’s picks….

Pietro Alessandro Convertible Fold-Over Tote in Taupe

I wanted a medium-sized, neutral colored, cross body tote that would accommodate my wallet and any other essentials if we are gone for several hours on a tour without being too big and killing my shoulder!  I am a bit on the short side and when I tried this on, it hung much too low on my hip.  So I took the strap to a shoe maker and had him add the buckle and holes so I can adjust the length.  It was about a $5 fix and now it’s perfect!  I purchased it from Endless on sale. It currently is not on sale, but other colors are.  I’ve even seen this bag on Hautelook.

My other pick is a pair of fun, colorful gladiators.  I also ordered these from Endless.  I’m planning on packing a fairly neutral wardrobe and then adding color with shoes and accessories and these will work perfectly.  I like ordering from Endless because they will ship to Canada.  There is a bit of a premium, but they don’t gouge you like some other companies do when you order from the US to Canada.

Sam Edelman Women's Gable Gladiator Sandal

 

Laurel’s picks…..

Laurel has had her eye on these Matt Bernson gladiators for several years. I’m NOT kidding. Well, waiting paid off as she got hers on sale on Piperlime. Unfortunately, they are not on sale at the moment, but it does pay to keep your eyes out and be patient if you know what you are looking for.  She wore them today to “break them in”.  I thought her whole outfit looked amazing.  How chic would she look touring the Vatican in that ensemble (considering your knees and shoulders need to be covered)!

 

Laurel's wearing Matt Bernson KM Gladiators. She said they feel like walking on a cloud!

Here’s a closer look at the gladiators…

Matt Bernson KM Gladiators in Tan

 

We’ve all chatted and figured that we should be able to each get away with bringing just one pair of higher wedges for nicer dinners.  Here is Denise’s pick…

 

Denise picked up these TOMS wedges.

The TOMS  Sierra Women’s Strappy Wedges can be ordered online in Canada and the US.  I have to say, once again, I LOVE the whole ensemble.  Denise topped off her dress with a collarless, fitted denim tunic from JoeFresh.  She paid under $20 for it!  That’s a perfect outfit for touring….the dress can be worn with or without the tunic.  Denise looks fantastic!

Andrea’s been considering bringing some skirts along.  Laurel and I are all about skirts as we are finding that we don’t feel totally great in shorts any more.  For me, it’s a bit of a wrinkly knee thing that I have going on!  Oh well…skirts are super cute and are perfect for a European vacation.  Here are Andrea’s picks for skirts….

Andrea found this Electric Vines Skirt at Anthropologie…I love the neon yellow color…SO fun!

How cute would this be with a simple tank and a tied denim button down?

 

Here’s another one…Andrea’s unsure about bringing this one, but I adore it!  It’s so fun, yet dressy…perfect for a dinner in Rome, don’t you think?

 

Sunblaze Lace Skirt from Anthropologie

 

Laurel, Andrea and Denise all have birthdays within a couple of weeks of each other.  I found them the perfect birthday gifts that they need to bring along on the trip.   But I can’t ruin the surprise here.  As soon as I can get all of the ladies together, I will have them open their gifts at the same time and I’ll post a picture!   I think they might be curious now!

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Spring Break will be here soon and I know that many of you have planned to fly to warm destinations.  The airlines have very strict weight restrictions on bags, so packing is tricky.  I remember back to when Jason and I were first married and we got our first set of hard case luggage.  It was awesome because nothing would get damaged inside.  But with most airlines now having a 50 pound weight restriction, that luggage just doesn’t fit the bill anymore as the suitcase itself weighs about 10 to 15 pounds.

We now prefer soft, rolling bags that on their own weigh very little.  When we travel as a family, each child is responsible to deal with their own bag!

Sierra Trading Post and Backcountry.com both carry many brands of soft, rolling bags at discount prices.  We especially like the ones from Oakley and DaKine.  I have ordered from both companies and have been super happy with the product and quick delivery times.  Both companies do offer shipping to Canada.  Backcountry.com offers free shipping on orders over $50 to the US.

This large DaKine split roller bag is available at Sierra Trading Post.

Berkeley has a bag very similar to this DaKine one. This bag is available for $124.59

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/dakine-split-roller-suitcase-large~p~2803n/?filterString=rolling-luggage~d~4872%2F&colorFamily=17

This bag is available for $131.96.

DAKINE Wheeled 90L Duffel Bag - Women's

http://www.backcountry.com/dakine-wheeled-duffle-bag-large-womens-5480cu-in

Laurel has this Oakley rolling bag. You'd be amazed at what she can all fit into it!

This Oakley Women’s Miss Thing Roller Luggage is available for $195 at http://www.altrec.com/oakley/womens-miss-thing-roller-luggage-100194?cm_mmc=Mercent-_-NexTag-_-Oakley-_-100194&mr:referralID=32dcf92c-5b75-11e1-ac63-001b2166c2c0

My go to bag for on the plane is one that I bought at Lululemon a couple of years ago.  Their current Flow and Go Tote is similar and not only works for the gym but for travel too.  Lots of pockets and zippers work great for boarding passes, passports and your phone.  We love that it can be worn messenger style.  It will hold your wallet, all of your travel documents, magazines, iPad, snacks and a bottle of water!  You’ll be good to go!  And Lululemon offers free shipping in Canada and the US and if you live in the Lower Mainland, you usually get your package within 1 to 2 days!

Lululemon Flow and Go Tote $128

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also really love this Mosey Life Weekender Tote available on Endless.com I recently put an order in and I received it to my door in two days! That’s what I’m talkin’ about!  They offer free shipping on orders over $100, but do expect to pay duties.

Mosey Life Weekender Tote $152, available in 5 colours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When travelling, it’s key to have light weight luggage and a great carry on bag that’s super functional!

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Spring Break is quickly approaching and with the awful weather that hits most of Canada and at least half of the US at this time of year, many people desperately book vacations in the hope of finding some sun and a warmer climate. Right now I’m listening to the wind howling, shaking the French doors, and rain pelting the side of the house. A tropical vacation can’t come soon enough!

So, you’ve booked your vacation and now, what to pack! In Laurel and my experience, we tend to pack WAY TOO MUCH when we go to a tropical location. Jason always looks at my suitcase with bewilderment… “Are you really taking ALL of that!?!” And, I often come home having only worm about half of what I packed. Really…there’s only a few things that you need. And most tropical places are just more casual in nature.

Jessica Alba looks positively chic!!! This is the perfect warm weather ensemble! Photo courtesy of www.my.pclady.com.cn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, to take a cue from Jessica Alba, here are a few warm weather essentials..

1.  Gladiators – they look great with most anything and are just a step up from flip flops.  Jessica Alba is wearing Matt Bernson KM Gladiators which are a bit of a splurge.  We love the pop of colour!  Steve Madden has just come out with some colourful gladiators….I’m super tempted.   Endless  has them for $60.  I love the turquoise!  They also come in coral.

2.  Light weight scarf – tropical locale’s can have a breeze, so it’s a great idea to pack a scarf that you can throw over your shoulders.  It’s also a great way to a bit of colour to your outfit.

Joe Fresh at the Real Canadian Superstore has these colourful scarves for $14. I picked up one in green, but I tempted to get a few more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Dresses – Laurel and I are big fans of what we like to call “easy breezy” summer dresses.  Whether they are shorter like Jessica’s or longer, dresses are comfortable, easy to pack and look a bit dressier than shorts.  If you pack about 3-4 dresses, and mix up the lengths, you should be good to go!  We are big fans of Ella Moss and Splendid .  Just a little tip – Splendid and Ella Moss have  been on Haute Look a few times and last time I snagged a Splendid tank style maxidress.  J Crew has a “Vacation Shop” which we LOVE.  You can buy swimsuits and shorts, year round!  We love this maxidress from their vacation shop!

 

Amie maxidress from J Crew comes in 3 colours

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a great knee length dress from Ella Moss on on sale now on Revolve Clothing for $111

Revolve Clothing has free international shipping. Check their website for the deets!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Hats – ok, I don’t do hats….but Jessica’s straw fedora has inspired me to maybe try!!  It looks pretty chic.  I might try this one from Nordstrom.

Hinge fedora. It's available in three different colours. $28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Swim Suits and Cover Ups – how many you’ll need will depend on how long you are gone.  I like to switch up the styles that I wear to reduce tan lines, so it’s probably optimal to have about three suits and one or two cover ups.  Where can you buy suits at this time of year?  Joe Fresh has some in stores right now.  You can also check out the J Crew Vacation Shop, American Eagle, Roxy and of course, Nordstrom.  Winners has a good selection in their stores as well.

I don’t love to spend a ton of money of coverups so I often look to Roxy and Billabong for something fun, like this great coverup on sale for $36.80

Roxy Beach Blanket Coverup

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Flip flops – this is really my go to on vacation.  I do really love Havaianas.  I never really understood the hype until I actually tried them.  They are super comfy!  My fave are the Havaianas Slim and they run about $26.   But, I have found them at Winners and at Nordstrom Rack!  My girlies love them too…I’ve found them theirs on sale on AE Kids.

Havaianas Slim in Grey Silver go with almost anything!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s kind of fun to have a pair of flip flops with some bling.  So cute with a sundress or maxidress and you’re not sacrificing comfort.  I love the graphic pattern on these Tory Burch flip flops $50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also love these jeweled flip flops from J Crew $ 30.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look for our upcoming post on “how” to pack featuring beach bags, carry ons, and luggage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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