I'm off to Maui!

In a couple days, our family is headed to Maui - I'm so excited to leave this Minnesota weather and step into the hot sun! I wanted to share my top five items I'm most excited about bringing on my trip...

First - my new shades! I don't know what it is, but every time I travel somewhere warm, I need to purchase a new pair of sunglasses. I feel like it's an easy way to make my outfits feel fresh, new, and updated. When shopping for sunglasses, I look for sunnies that are both on trend and timeless. I want to know I can wear these shades now AND 10-years from now. I always feel much better about my purchase knowing it's not a wear-once-and-done item.

I found these cute Dior sunglasses at Nordstrom on the clearance rack... SCORE! And the cute Chanel shades my husband surprised me with for Christmas... also from Nordstrom. So - I'll be taking two new pairs to Maui... bring on the sun!!!

Second is my new swimsuit. I ALWAYS pack that one swimsuit that makes me feel confident, sexy, and cute. My all-time favorite 'it' swimsuit of 8+ years bit the dust this past fall. It was a leopard print Dolce & Gabbana bikini - perfect fit and compliments every time I wore it. That suit traveled everywhere from Barbados to Hawaii to Minnesota Lakes. I went to pack it last September for our Disney Cruise, and the elastic was completely out of the bottoms. I'm still super heartbroken over my loss... BUT, I did find a fabulous replacement suit at Nordstrom - another D&G.. The fit is fabulous and the print is perfect! PLUS I love that it came with a little matching bag. I'll be tucking that into my beach bag to use as a clutch at the poolside bars and restaurants.

Of course I'll be bringing more than one suit. One of my favorite swimsuits is the Seersucker Ruffle One Shoulder Top by Vineyard Vines. I actually own it in black and in white. The fit is super flattering and the bottoms are not too skimpy. It's cute and stylish for hanging out but still secure enough to run around and swim with my boys. My only struggle with this suit is finding a coverup that works with the ruffled top.... until now!

My Nordstroms stylist helped me pick out this super cute Missoni fringe cape which works perfectly over my black suit.. Throw on a pair of cut-off shorts and I'm ready for whatever my family's daily adventures may be. And for my white suit, I threw on a Burberry wool and silk blend scarf. These outfits feel trendy, cute for my husband, and mom appropriate for my boys. My coverup struggle is over!!

Next up - my bucket hat! I love the bucket hat trend. I wore bucket hats all the time in college, and I'm so excited the look is back. PLUS my 13-year-old just picked up a couple bucket hats of his own for our trip - they were at the top of his packing list... so now I feel extra cool and on-trend. Ha!

Lastly, I just picked up the Louis Vuitton Bum Bag. This cross body is such a convenient size. It effortlessly fits my wallet, lipgloss, Doterra peppermints (my addiction), sunglasses, and phone. It looks so cute worn as a cross-body or just flung over your shoulder. Effortless and easy - two of my favorite things. Plus, I LOVE the coated canvas Louis Vuitton uses - it seriously wears like iron. I purchased my LV Neverfull forever-ago and it still looks fabulous. Honestly - I truly believe you get what you pay for.

So there you have it. My top 5 favorites for my Maui vacation. Hopefully I've inspired you to try some new trends for your upcoming getaway. Happy travels!

Remember to check out my Instagram @smalltownme

Love Emily.