Vacation Packing For Florida

I’m heading off to Florida again tomorrow night!  To be honest, my dad is not in the best of health, so he asked me to fly back for another visit (I was just there in March).  But at least this time he’s out of the hospital and looking forward to enjoying some time with me and my hubby.  Florida is not a traditional vacation for me since I was born and raised there (in a tiny beach town halfway between Miami and Palm Beach).  But it’s still a nice resorty area and I will definitely sneak in some time for relaxation and meals with old friends.  Traveling there at this time of year is always a bit of a challenge because it will be SUPER hot and SUPER humid.  When I was there in March it was lovely, but not so for the end of May.  Hence I’ll be packing a lot of lightweight, airy pieces and of course a swimsuit or two…

~ OUTFITS ~

FL Collage 1We’ll be there exactly one week so I don’t need to bring a ton of stuff, but there are some key pieces I wouldn’t do without.  I just scooped up this boxy printed crop top at H&M.  It’s from the Conscious Collection and the material is super soft and light.  I’ll probably pair it with some crochet shorts or slouchy cropped joggers.  I’m also in love with the kimono/tank combo I scored at Kohl’s last month. Such a pretty print to pair with denim cutoffs (or simply throw the kimono over your swimsuit)!  And of course a resort vacation wouldn’t be complete without at least one maxi dress.  Stripes are a classic choice.  This dress is great because it’s loose and airy.  A bikini is an obvious must, and I love this floral embroidered suit from Topshop.  I also bought this adorable palm print sundress from H&M.  The fit is lovely, and it’s a perfect Florida piece that I’m really looking forward to wearing.

~ ACCESSORIES ~

FL Collage 2

I try to be smart about accessories, especially for shorter trips.  No need to bring more than three pairs of shoes and two handbags, if you choose wisely.  For this trip I’ll definitely bring my strappy black gladiators, some trendy flat espadrilles, and a nice neutral wedge.  Between the three, I’ll have shoe options for all of my outfits!  I’ll bring one handbag in a pop of color and the Rebecca Minkoff MAB is a great choice.  It’s classic, and big enough for all my stuff, so this is probably the purse I’ll carry on my flight.  Then I only have to worry about packing a smaller bag, and I like the idea of a leopard crossbody.  The leopard is essentially neutral, but a little more exciting, and the small size makes is easy to dress up for an evening out.  Of course I can’t forget sunglasses, which are a must no matter where I go.  I love love love two-tone sunglasses in black and white because I feel like they go with everything. This pair is beyond cute!  I always take my grey suede DVF luggage everywhere I go.  That set is sold out now, but I absolutely adore this option, also by DVF.  I might have to scoop it up as a back-up!

Stay tuned, because I’ll make an effort to shoot most of these looks while I’m there, and I’ll definitely post what I’ve got when I get back 🙂

My Trip To Florida

A beautiful Cali sunset across the freeway on my way to the airport.

A beautiful Cali sunset across the freeway on my way to the airport.

Whew I’m happy to be back in LA!!  After two freezing weeks in England, then an emergency trip to Florida, I’m soooo behind on everything that I barely know where to begin.  The good news is, my dad appears to be doing better.  When my mom called during my trip to England, he was in really bad shape and we thought we might lose him.  By the time I arrived in Boca, he was still in the hospital and still very weak, but he had been moved out of ICU.  During the week I spent there, at first I wasn’t sure how he would fare, but by the time I left I saw a marked improvement and felt okay about heading home. It’s not easy to watch a loved one struggle and suffer, but I know he was happy that I was there to hold his hand, even if only for a while.  I want to share just a few snaps from my trip.  The truth is, I spent most of my time in the hospital, obviously NOT taking pictures.  But since my dad spent a lot of time resting, I did have some free time, mostly spent outdoors in the beautiful spring weather, or otherwise meeting with family.

How I dress for a day at the hospital.  In a floral dress and my favorite Report gladiator sandals.

How I dress for a day at the hospital…in a floral dress and my favorite Report gladiator sandals.

How my brother dresses for a day at the hospital...in coated denim and gorgeous Dries Van Noten sneaks.

How my brother dresses for a day at the hospital…in coated denim and snazzy Dries Van Noten kicks.  We live for fashion no matter what.

Of course I chilled out in the backyard I grew up in <3

Of course I chilled out in the backyard I grew up in.

My dad is a lover of boating and fishing, so we've always lived on the water.

My dad is a lover of boating and fishing, so we’ve always lived on the water.

My grandmother lounging in the shade.

My grandmother lounging in the shade, looking so very Florida.

While digging through old photo albums, I found this gem of me as a baby, swimming with my dad <3

While digging through old photo albums, I found this gem of me as a baby, swimming with my dad ❤

My mom is an exercise nut and copes with stress by working out.  She'll probably kill me for posting this pic...

My mom is an exercise nut and copes with stress by working out. (She’ll probably kill me for posting this pic.)

I joined her for early morning walks on the beach...something she does religiously.

I joined her for early morning walks on the beach…something she does religiously. 

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Breakfast with my grandmother at the Broken Egg Cafe, on our way to the hospital.

And a yummy organic lunch with my cousin at Farmer's Table.

And a yummy organic lunch with my cousin at Farmer’s Table, before I hopped on my flight back to LA.