Packing for a Vacation…Without the Kids

Posted March 12, 2014 by Prairie Wife - 3 comments

I mentioned that The Cowboy and I will be doing a lot of traveling here this month, including a trip to Vegas and Nice, France (so excited)! I am looking forward to the time away from the hustle and bustle of our lives, but of course I am already missing the Cowkids! For me the hardest part of traveling is packing for a vacation. What I will need all depends on our itinerary and the weather. Traveling with The Cowboy means we usually don’t have a plan (it drives me crazy but I just need to remember to breathe…breathe…) and as we all know the weather is subject to change at any moment. I usually solve the problem by basically packing everything I own. But starting the trip out with The Cowboy shooting me dirty looks as he forks over $50 for an overweight bag isn’t very pleasant! So, over the past few years I have learned how to pack for just about every occasion and not break the bank with fees. Now, what you pack does of course depend on where you are going. A trip to Costa Rica means a few more flip flops and swim suits, and a trip to Vegas calls for clothes that are a little tighter. I’ve shown some examples that will work for a long weekend trip to pretty much anywhere. Simply change your look from day to night by adding some accessories and vamping up your makeup. Don’t forget to pack a swim suit (you need to prepare for a spontaneous dip in the hot tub) and a cute little track suit for lounging around the hotel, or for the plane ride home!

These first looks will work for traveling on the plane (layer a black tank under in case you start to overheat) and sightseeing, as well as dinner out at quaint local restaurant. Change the shoes from flats to heels and cuff the jeans to take the oxblood and leather sleeved shirt out to a club! A scarf can add some flair and a sparkly clutch makes the striped shirt, leather jacket, and jeans appropriate for a nicer restaurant. Packing a dark wash jean ensures that they don’t show dirt as you wear them more than once, and adds a level of sophistication to your outfit. Trust me it is always better to be over dressed than under!  [Striped Shirt, Black Jeggings, Polka Dot Shirt, Black Sparkle Flats, Print Scarf and Oxblood Shirt with Leather Sleeves from Target, Black Mary Jane Pumps by Steve Madden, Ox Blood Leather Jacket by Sarah Borman, Clutch by Betsy Johnson]

These looks are a little dressier but will still work for wandering around exploring a new town. The Black dress is a sophisticated look that can be made edgier with the leather jacket from the last look. This dress has a lace detail down the side but, if it didn’t, I would add the striped top from above over it and the ballet flats for another versatile semi-casual look. I love this floral dress; the colors are so fresh and go with just about anything (it has pockets too). To make it appropriate for a colder day throw on the boots and chambray top. For a warmer Spring day, slip on your sandals and head out for a lovely jaunt about town. With the new trend of mixing black and brown you can wear the black jeggings from above with the boots and Chambray top (with a light colored tank under) and look classically cool. If a heat wave hits, roll up the jeggings and wear a light colored tank with your gladiator sandals to look effortlessly chic. [Black Dress by Catherine Malandrino from Kohl’s, Black Mary Jane Pumps by Steve Madden, Floral Dress by Simply Vera Wang from Kohl’s, Chambray Top from Banana Republic, Sandals and Boots by Madden Girl]

Categories: Prairie Wife Style

Tags: , casual, date night, Dressy, Fashion, packing, Vacation