We Aim To Slay

After taking a much needed mental health break, I’m back with a special series dedicated to our favorite activity – vacation! There’s nothing better than getting away from the rise-and-grind, whether you’re having an overnight-staycation in your local city, getting away for the weekend, or jetting off to a tropical paradise – nothing beats a vacation! 

If you’re anything like me, the only thing that stands between you and the joy of traveling is the dread of packing!

This week, I’m walking you through the ideal capsule wardrobe for your trip – no matter where you’re headed! And as an added surprise, I’ll be featuring looks styled entirely from the inventory at Renee’s Resale Clothing Outlet in Orange, Connecticut!

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

To start, what is a capsule wardrobe? In my November article,“How to Make the Most of Your Wardrobe”, I shared my favorite definition coined by New York-based stylist, Kelly Olson (@outfitted_by_kelly): “a collection of clothing and accessories that can all mix and match to make several different outfits. While it contains fewer pieces, it’s built around a color palette, and all those pieces coordinate.” 

Most people create their capsule wardrobe using neutral colors such as black, white, beige, and navy. But I believe your capsule wardrobe should reflect your personal style, especially when you’re packing! That means building an interchangeable wardrobe using the colors (or patterns!) you like to wear most! For me, that includes black and various shades of blue and red!

Because the point of a capsule wardrobe is to make getting dressed easier, selecting pieces that can be worn interchangeably will give you the “most bang for your buck” – like packing two pairs of denim shorts to be worn with five different tops.

Where Are You Headed? 

Now that we understand how to pack with intention we can get into the most important details – where are you headed?! Regardless of your destination the Renee’s Resale team and I have you covered, to crafting some adorable looks that will be perfect for your next holiday!

A Tropical Getaway!

If you’re like me, vacation means heading to a tropical destination – regardless of the means of transportation! I want to feel sunshine, see the sea, and feel the salty breeze in my curls! So, whether you’re flying to an island, or sailing through the Caribbean, these are my picks as wardrobe essentials! And to make things even easier, all of these looks were paired with the neutral ballet flats that I found at TJ Maxx in February!

When the sun is shining, nothing feels better than an easy & breezy look like these black and white culottes by Clara Sun Wu! Here I’ve paired them with a faux-croc tank top by Alberto Makali, that features a zip closure in the back, which I’ve opted to leave open for an added sexiness!

As soon as I came across the beaded vest in the (EXTENSIVE!) vintage section of the store, I knew I wanted to pair it with a little slip dress – and this vintage negligee was pure perfection! I decided to wear the vest backwards, and only fasten the top button, for a similar effect as the look above!

Whether you’re touring a Mediterranean village, headed to lunch in Miami, or touring around your new favorite city, something handsfree yet spacious such as this Moschino fanny pack is the perfect accessory! And in this denim-and-gold colorway it’s sure to coordinate with everything you’ve packed! Here I’ve paired it with a cobalt blue, collared dress by With Jean – Australia which is perfect for vacation as well as the office!

A white t-shirt is a wardrobe staple, and the bodysuit variation is one of my favorites; and just to prove its versatility, I’ve paired this Truth by Republic bodysuit with two different pairs of printed vintage trousers!

Once the sun sets you’ll be headed out to enjoy a bite to eat and some lively entertainment! Dancing is my personal favorite, which to me means a flowy skirt or dress! This green, ruffled number by Misa LA is paired with this draped black Cecico tank top that features a zipper detail up the back!

Music Madness!

Music festival season is well underway, and that means finding the perfect balance between looking cute and remaining comfortable while on your feet all day!

Did someone say Eras Tour?! These pistachio green satin cowgirl boots by Jeffrey Campbell were the first item I picked up upon arriving at the store, and if they had been my size, I likely would have went home with them that day! I knew they would pair perfectly with this vintage-inspired For Love & Lemons floral print dress!

These Express Bleus floral-print-bleach-washed-flared jeans were so unbelievably cool that I had to style them with three different tops…

…Starting with this vintage halter top, made entirely of little gold discs and necklace-sized chains. When Renee and my mom both suggested I try this top on, I have to admit I was quite nervous ; this top felt way too brazen for me when I saw it on the mannequin. But I’m so glad I tried it on! I felt sexy and confident – the motivating force behind We Aim To Slay!

Next I went back to the Jeffrey Campbell boots, matching them to this Plisse green top with white flower detailing. To keep handsfree while dancing all night, I opted for a champagne colored Tory Burch crossbody bag with gold metal accents!

…And finally, I’ve gone for one of my favorite accent colors with this Bling-Bling red cropped and fringe tank top!

Stay cute and comfortable all day long with this crocheted dress by Lulus! Here I’ve opted to continue the earthen color palette with these peep-toe booties by Crown Vintage, a brown leather bag, and some bangles and necklaces I found in the store!

This Anne Klein knit set is something I deeply regret not buying. Not only is this spaghetti strap dress the perfect length for literally any setting – ever have trouble deciphering a dress code? Check out my how-to guide! – but this duster can also pull double duty, working as a set and as knockout separates! Here I’ve chosen to belt the dress, adding a bit more shape to best flatter my figure, and matched my accessories accordingly!

As soon as I saw these Express fringe jeans I knew they would be perfect for a concert no matter the artist! Personally I’m a fan of rock music, so I knew I’d want to pair these jeans with something edgy; enter this fuchsia bodysuit by Noam with it’s myriad cutouts and subtle braided details!

A Wellness Retreat!

And, we can’t forget about our sporty babes, the ones who couldn’t take a rest day even if their lives depended on it! If you’re headed to a wellness retreat, or even just a laid back and relaxing break, check out these comfy looks that will move with you!

As soon as I saw this “Melanin” top by On Fire I knew it would be perfect, for any of these locations! Here I’ve paired it with a pair of harem pants by Blue Island that feature slits along the legs – perfect for a yoga class, lounging in your room, or even over a bathing suit!

Stand out in spin class with these Lululemon multicolored leggings and pink tank top! Because the hem on this tank top was rather long, I’ve opted to tie it in the front, but it could be worn at full length with any of these bottoms!

Headed to a yoga or meditation class? You’ll want comfy clothes that move with you! Here I’ve selected this Eri + Ali marigold tank top that features lacy details on the back and button details on the front. I’ve paired it with a pair of Galinda Wang brand cullote pants!

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy early morning runs through any location – a city, a forest, a mountain range, or along a beach! Regardless of where I am I like to layer up, reaching for pieces such as this Lululemon black wind breaker ¾ zip! And this dark charcoal color ensures that it will match anything in my wardrobe! Here, I’ve paired it with a pair of black and white leggings, also by Lululemon.

What Do You Think?

Are you headed out of town this season? Let me know where you’re headed and what you’ll be packing! I just got back from a camping trip with my mom and our dogs – our first trip in our new Coleman Camper!

I’ll be back next week to share my camping experience and to share some tips and tricks for those of you who may want to give it a try!

Have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!