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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So, you’re flying to a warm destination…what to wear??  Trust me, I’ve made many mistakes in the past.  Like the time I was flying alone with all three kids, the flight was delayed about 3 hours and all I was wearing was a cardi.  I didn’t have any blankets with me and the airline had none to offer.  We all four froze all the way home!  It’s a bit tricky when you’re flying from a colder climate to a warmer climate, but there are a few tricks…

1.  Wear a scarf that can double as a blanket.  Some with snaps like the one from Lululemon below can even be worn as a vest!

2.  Uggs are THE BEST for travelling.  They keep your feel warm and cosy, you don’t need to wear socks, and knit Uggs are easy to pack and lightweight.  Don’t forget to throw some socks in your carry on for walking through security, though.  And remember, NEVER buy Uggs at retail price in Canada.   They are a rip off….unless you find them at somewhere like MTF or Costco, then fill your boots…pardon the pun!

3.  I prefer a short sleeved tee under a wrap or jacket.  Often the plane can get very warm before take off, and it’s better to have a short sleeved shirt than just a tank if you feel your temp rising and you need to take off your jacket.

4.  Keep jewelry to a minimum!  Otherwise, you’ll be beeping though security!

5.  Don’t forget a great travel bag to hold everything you’ll need for the flight, including some flip flops for when you land!  Make sure it has enough room to accommodate your jacket when you get to your tropical locale!

Travel Outfit by sugarplumsister featuring slim shoes

 

Part of a well thought out travel outfit is a smartly packed carry on. Here’s what I pack in mine:

 

what’s in your carry on?? by lolojoy74 featuring zebra striped shoes

Beyond the scarf, socks and flipflops that Pam talked about, I never step foot on a plane without:
~A bottle of water…the air on planes leaves you dehydrated so water is paramount (it also helps keep you cool, pre take-off)
~snack packs of nuts…these protein rich snacks will keep you away from spending lots of money on sub-par airplane snacks.
~mags…I’m a reader, so ’nuff said!
~my IPad…download your favorite book or movie and the time will literally “fly” by
~my Bose sound cancelling headphones…I wasn’t a believer until I tried them. They truly cancel all noise, making for easier sleeping or reading.
~lip balm…well, i’m never without it, so why would flying be any different?
~hand lotion…to combat the dry air…and to add a pleasant scent to my personal space!
~sunglasses…because i’m hopin wherever i get off this plane will be a whole lot sunnier than home!
~anti-bacterial wipes…for wiping down the tray table, hands or my Starbucks that spills EVERY time I bring it on a plane
~a woman’s survival kit…with 24 different tools to help the woman on the go. Items, such as a folding hair brush with mirror, hair spray, clear elastics, earring backs, emery board, clear nail polish, nail polish remover, mending kit, double-sided tape, lint remover, shoe shine wipes, stain remover, breath freshener, dental floss, pain reliever, deodorant wipes, tampon, adhesive bandages, facial tissues.
~passport holder…which also holds my accomodation & rental car info and foreign currency.

Once I’ve got all that packed into my Lululemon carry-on, I’m pretty sure I can handle most any flight, long or short!

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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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Mac, my 8 year old son, loved the beach in Kailua, on the east side of Oahu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know it seems like we just barely got through Christmas, but I’m already looking ahead to Spring Break.  The kids are off school in about 9 weeks, so if you are planning to get away, you need to book something very soon!  Thank goodness school districts, provinces and countries have staggered their spring breaks.  When we were growing up, it seemed like all of Canada and the US were off for the same one week and consequently,  prices for flights and hotels skyrocketed!  Now,  many school districts also have two weeks off allowing you some wiggle room for travel dates, especially if you are trying to get away for say, about 10-12 days.  You can leave on a weekday and potentially get a lower fare.

Laurel and I love to travel and we feel the need to get away from our gray weather as much as we can.  But in order to do that, we need to get great deals.

Here are our top 5 travel tips!

1.  If you know where you want to go, check out flights on Hotwire and mark the box that says “Watch this Trip” or “Notify Me When Price Drops”.  They will send you alerts when prices are going up and when they are going down.  Flights are generally inexpensive the first week in January, but they change quickly!  I waited about 4 hours after finding great flights to Hawaii and I ended up paying $20/ticket more!  When you find a good deal, be prepared to “pull the trigger”.

Some discount airlines do not show on up Hotwire searches.  These you need to check out separately on their websites, such as

Allegiant Air

Frontier Airlines

JetBlue

With these discount airlines be aware of extra costs  like seat selection, priority boarding (I recommend that you DON’T go with this), transfers and, of course, baggage fees.

For Canadians, it can be much less expensive to fly out of US airports, such as Bellingham and Seattle because the taxes are SO much lower.  We recently booked very inexpensive flights to Hawaii out of Seattle.  We usually stay the night before at the Hilton Seattle Airport Hotel because they offer stay and park packages.  Parking at the Seattle airport is quite expensive, so if you have a morning flight, you can stay and leave your car at the hotel for the duration of your trip.  They have shuttles to and from the airport.  Don’t forget to give them your BCAA number if you are a member as this may get you a discount.  Ok….I use all of the potential angles!

2.  Don’t forget about travel points you may have.  Maybe you can rent a car with your Airmiles?  If you like the destinations that Alaska Airlines flies to (Palm Springs, LA, Hawaii, Mexico), it’s worth getting an Alaska Airlines VISA card.  You get one companion fare per year (one ticket for $100 when another is booked) and you can redeem points for a full flight or if you don’t have enough, you can use them to reduce the cost of your ticket.

Photo courtesy of http://palmspringswebsitedesign.com/

Royal Bank also has an RBC Avion Visa Card that has an excellent points system for travel.

 

 

 

3.  Because Laurel and I travel most of the time with our kids, we prefer to stay in condos or homes so we have more space and more privacy.  Here are some great sites to check out for private rentals.

http://www.vrbo.com/

http://www.findvacationrentals.com/

http://www.homeaway.ca/

Laurel recently booked our Spring Break home in the North Shore and was able to negotiate with the owner.  He threw in the taxes and the cleaning for free.  In Hawaii, that’s a sizeable discount!!  Don’t be afraid to email owners and ask for a discount…all they can say is no.  I manage my parents’ home in Palm Desert and I will tell you, getting some rental income is better than none!  You can check out our rental at http://www.findvacationrentals.com/california/palm-desert-condo-rentals-5551.html

This is the great room of the Palm Desert home I manage for my parents. Don't be afraid to ask owners for a discount...some rental income is better than none!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are unsure of a property that you are considering Trip Advisor has reviews on almost everything.  For example, if you know the name of the condominium complex, you could find some information.

4.  Check for packages.  Allegiant Air has some great hotel and flight packages, especially to Las Vegas.  Allegiant Air is definitely a no frills airline, but they do offer some great rates….but you need to check back often and you need to be prepared to buy when you see a great rate.  Rates change often!!  I’ve heard of people getting a fantastic package to Vegas staying at the Wynn, a 5-star hotel.  And Laurel booked a last minute get away at the Venetian and they got a suite for their family for a steal.

Photo courtesy of http://www.tripadvisor.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the suite that Laurel had at the Venetian with their package from Allegiant. Keep in mind that they booked and departed the same day!

The suite at the Venetian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alaska Airlines also offers packages.

5.  When booking a rental car, check out http://www.carrentals.com/  I have booked a rental car in Palm Springs for $10/day…really!  And be aware of extra insurance costs.  Many credit cards cover you for the extra insurance, but check this out before you get to the rental car counter.  This can save you a lot of money.  I heard of someone recently that was going to be charged an additional $600 for insurance  (for a 10 day rental) that their credit card had coverage for!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t be intimidated to book your trip online.  You can save yourself a lot of money.  It will definitely take time.  Laurel and I have said that we feel “car sick” looking online too long!!  But the result will be a fantastic trip and great memories for your family.  And with the money you save, maybe you can squeeze in an extra trip!

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Waimea Bay, Oahu

That’s my comment whenever I hear of someone going to Hawaii!!  It’s got to be one of my favourite places in the world….it’s warm, but not too hot.  There’s no language barrier.  It’s relatively easy to get to and you don’t have to worry about getting sick!  And there’s nothing like fresh pineapple and macadamia nuts!

Our family loves going to Hawaii and Oahu in particular, but I’m not for the commercialized vacations so I’ve researched the local haunts and we’ve visited many of them.  I’m often asked for my favourite places to stay and eat in Oahu and I’ve sent out numerous emails to friends and family with my faves.

Well, here they all are, in our Sugarplumsisters Travel Guide to Oahu!  Look for our plum picks!

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