Before kids, my husband and I would try to escape the winter cold by doing our own little mini Spring breaks. South Beach was our favorite. I'd pack my XS bikini top (snort), the tiniest bottoms I could find, a little scrap of a dress and off we'd go. We'd stay out all night, sleep in until noon, and then roll out to the beach around 1PM.
Well. THINGS HAVE CHANGED, PEOPLE. And these changes have resulted in a decidedly different Spring Break uniform:
BAM. Because vacation or no, my kiddos get up around 6:30AM. And can you guess how long I can stand to be in a CONDO with two boys under the age of 7 before I lose my mind?
9AM. If we're lucky.
(And if we're in a run-of-the-mill hotel room, I change my answer to 6:37AM.)
Which means I'm on the beach bright and early, and, typically, freezing.
At least I have the good sense to wear something warm, unlike a certain three-year-old who shall remain unnamed. Ahem. MUMMY WAS RIGHT.
But! Butbutbutbut!! Underneath the pile of sweaters, I am wearing (besides a bikini – no really, it's under there somewhere)…I am wearing something pretty. So if the sun does decide to come out….
Voila! It is, of course, from Free People. No matter where else I look, year after year I find my pretty beach tank at Free People (last year's version, or the one that started my obsession). And while I often find myself inexplicably confused at Free People (why so sheer? why is there no back? does anyone wear a bra in this store?) these are the very details that make for fabulous beachwear. (And most of these tops do OK over a nursing cami. Just saying.)
I don't know. For some reason, these little boho tops feel more chic and…unexpected than my typical t-shirts. And I can pretty much just slip on boyfriend jeans and shoes and go out to dinner.
OUTFIT DEETS:
tank: Free People Fly Away Tank
undergarments: Splendid striped bralet, Hanky Panky Millefleur retro high-rise thong
sweaters (above): Revolve clothing has a similar one….or Forever 21.
denim: J.Brand Aiden
shoes: Tieks in Ballerina Pink
sunnies: Ray-ban
In fact, when I'm really, truly overcome by laziness, when it's WAAAY too early OMG where's my coffee BOYS STOP JUMPING ON THE COUCH WE ARE GOING OUTSIDE RIGHT FREAKING NOW….
Sweatpants. With a pretty tank, like it's a thing. #itisathing The tank above is my 2012 Free People beach tank model. (I may have a problem, now that I see it all laid out here.)
And if it's cold? You just warm those sweatpants up….
….with a sweater. That's my line, Mamas. The one I won't cross. Sweatpants? Yes. But never with a sweatshirt – only with a sweater and a pretty tank. Then I'm OK. (The observant among you may note that my moto jacket is, in fact, a glorified sweatshirt. You are correct. #shutup)
OUTFIT DEETS:
floral tank: Free People 2012…this one from Anthro has a similar vibe (and check out the back!!)
bikini: O'Neil velvet floral. For realz. I feel like a disco queen…even though I had to go up to an XL in order for it look like a top, rather than pasties. I don't understand what's happening with swimwear these days.
sweater: old….similar from Victoria's Secret or Ann Taylor.
sweatpants: Love Michigan sweatpants
moto jacket: Athleta has a cool one
sunnies: Ray-ban
So I don't forget for next time, here are a couple of packing lists, based on my new favorite Spring Break outfit.
1. Uniqlo Printed Parka, $30
I love the subtle check print of this K-Way knockoff (it's half the price).
2. Mango Ribbed Crop Sweater, $60
The easiest way to wear crop tops? Over a longer (pretty) tank.
3. 1.State Sheer Insert Cotton Top, $88
This top looks awfully fancy, but it's still cotton. I love the structured, minimalist vibe. I'd wear this with cut-offs it it was warm enough.
4. Gucci Sunglasses, $295
So Audrey Hepburn classic. I've been drooling over these for a while.
5. Gap 1969 Sexy Boyfriend Jeans, $69
Finally! Gap does the lightwash perfectly. (Denim snobs, beware. These won't be quite as soft as you'd like. I suggest you take a look at Current Elliott's Traveler Jeans, $218. DROOL.)
6. H&M Sweatpants, $35
Really, H&M makes the best high-fashion sweats at really low prices.
7. Sam Edelman Sloan Sandal, $40
I can't believe the price on this sandal. It also comes in a tan and gold that is gorgeous (but didn't match the collage, so….)
8. J.Crew Neon Sculpted halter top, $52 and bottom, $48.
I think I need a neon bikini in my life. Right? Or at least a neon ruched one-piece. OMG LOVE.
1. J.Crew Silk Cami, $60
I own this cami (in blue, from last year) and wore it all summer. I wash it, then dry it in the dryer for just a few minutes (to get the wrinkles out), then hang to dry. Now I'm drooling over this very lux-looking camel. So pretty with gold jewelry and a tan.
2. Adidas Feather Track Top, $60 (on sale!)
So freaking cool. (Was part of my guest post on Rookie Moms, but I just can't quit it.)
3. J.Crew Collection Cropped Cashmere Sweater, $228
The kind of thing I wear all year long. Swingy and soft and fabulous. Lovelovelove.
4. Kate Spade Polarized Aviators, $158
True aviators make me look like a sad clown. I love this slightly-less-droopy shape. And polarized! Yessssss.
5. DV Milena Sandal, $68
These look like Prada sandals. Nuff said.
6. Gap Deconstructed Sexy Boyfriend Jeans, $69
Oooo…some deconstruction. Nicely done, Gap. Nicely done.
7. Old Navy Harem Pants, $20
Old Navy! You are actually on-trend? Thank you!! Wait – what? You've been carrying these since 1988? Oh. Whatever. I'll still take two.
8. J.Crew Cubist Bikini Top, $52 and bottom, $44
This is a seriously chic print. (And YES the top comes with a removable halter strap before you start throwing things at me.)
And thus concludes my dissertation on Spring Break beachwear. I'll be taking questions after a short break.
Hey! Know what I just realized? (One more point then I promise to END THIS ALREADY) I didn't include any of Free People's fabulous beach tops! Would you like to see some?
xo,
S
