Spring Break Essentials

I love Spring Break. It comes at the perfect time and it is always fun. Last year I went skiing in Jackson Hole and went on a girly vacation with my mother in Scottsdale, Arizona, but this year I am SO excited because my family and I are going to Palm Beach!! The last time I went to Florida was when I was 9 and I went on a business trip with my dad. It was great and I can't wait to go back!!

Since I'm going on a sunny getaway, filled with tanning and relaxing before I hear back from my last college notification and get ready for the extremely busy graduation festivities, I've decided to make a list of my must-have's to pack for Spring Break!! 

1. The Hat: Seeing that sunscreen is an obvious must-have for being in sunny conditions, the next step to be sun-safe would be to have a great looking floppy sun hat or baseball cap!! The sun hat is great if you want more coverage. I recommend the J. Crew summer straw hat in natural...or if you want to tap into your inner prep, buy a monogrammed floppy sun hat from Marley Lilly!! I got one last summer in pink and green and I looove it. Other than the sun hat, get a baseball cap!! I think that the cutest ones come from Vineyard Vines, Southern Proper, and Ralph Lauren.

2. The Sunglasses: I think that Ray Ban's are the best sunglasses ever. Whether it be aviators or wayfarers, you honestly can't go wrong with them!! You can either get the real deal, but there are also great alternatives online. Urban Outfitters and Topshop have cute sunglasses, as well!!

3. The Entertainment: Even though lounging on the beach or by the pool can be super fun, especially after a busy fall and winter, it can get a bit boring. So, in order to combat the boredom, I always bring along a book (or 10) and my iPod! With technological reading devices such as the Nook, the Kindle, and the iPad, it's so much easier to have all of your books in one place without the bulk!! Just a side note: If y'all have any reading recommendations, let me know!! I'm trying to build up my reading list for vacation. Anyway, an iPod is a must-must-must have for vacation. Remember to bring your chargers!!

4. The Bikini: I know that I have been working extra hard these past couple of months to look extra good in a swim suit, and it's totally worth it!! There are so many cute bikinis (as well as one-pieces!) out there. My favorite bikini is, of course, from Lilly Pulitzer...specifically the Keene Bandeau and the Boardwalk Bikini Ties top. From J. Crew, I think that the seersucker bikini is absolutely adorable. Otherwise, I've heard that Victoria's Secret makes a great selection of bikinis in tons of different styles and colors. To remain classic and preppy while donning a swim suit, look for pink, pink and green, navy, seersucker and Lilly prints.

5. The Coverup: To layer on top of your adorable swimwear, you must have a cute coverup!! They can range from a sheer tunic to a brightly colored mini dress. I found a super old super small Lilly Pulitzer dress and I'm going to use that for my swimsuit coverup!! But, Lilly also has some cute current coverups, such as the Cassie dress and the Ciara tunic. I also like the Cat Island Coverup from Vineyard Vines, which comes in white and navy!! Either way, it makes you look extra tan!! Lastly, J. Crew has a large selection of coverups that are perfect for a sunny getaway.

6. The Beach Bag: In order to carry all of the summer-y goodies that are essential for Spring Break, choose a cute, brightly colored beach bag! My vote definitely goes to Lilly Pulitzer for best tote bag. They had better prints (not targeted to the sorority crowd) a couple of seasons ago, but eBay has a great selection. Since my mom stocked up when Lilly had their Endless Summer Sale a couple of years ago, I have a hard decision on which to choose for Palm Beach!!

7. The Sandal: Meaning, Jack Rogers. They are the best of the best and I love them so, so much. Yes, they do take "breaking in", but they are reliable and forever classic. My mother owns almost every color and I am slowly building a "collection." I get a new color every year and this year I chose light pink!! The best colors to own are silver, gold, nude (bone), hot pink, pink and orange, and green and turquoise. I prefer the metallic colors because they honestly go with everything. Yet, if y'all are looking for less expensive, not-as-nice sandals, check out Lilly Pulitzer.

What are y'all spring break essentials?? Let me know!!

Have a great day!!

xoxo, Hannah

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Preppy Summer Wear

Here are my preppy summer essentials!!

Headbands from Lotus and Lilly

I love, love, love Lotus and Lilly. They have such cute new and vintage Lilly Pulitzer fabrics. Also, the headbands don't give me headaches, which is a plus!! These handbands will go with all your preppy summer clothing, whether they be printed or solid!! You can also get a clutch to match!!

Lilly Pulitzer Shift Dresses

 

Of course, Lilly dresses are the ultimate accessory. There are a lot of great vintage, slightly old ones, and new ones on eBay, the occasional Rue La La sale, and the Lilly website! These dresses are perfect for every occasion.

Jack Rogers Sandals

I have been living in Jack Rogers sandals since I was a little girl. I love them!! They also come in some many cute colors!!

Aviator Sunglasses

Perfect for a sunny day!! Ray Ban is my personal favorite, but Lilly has some cute alternatives.

Bermuda Bags

I did a post on bermuda bags last month, and I can't wait to use them more often.

Light Cardigans from Lilly Pulitzer

Cardigans are great for layering over Lilly shift dresses! My favorite is the new Paley Cardigan Beach. I'm actually wearing it right now! It has 3/4 length sleeves which is great for summer.

J. Crew 3-inch Chino Shorts

I have been wearing J. Crew shorts since I was 12. They come in 3 different lengths (3 inch, 5 inch, and bermuda length), and I love all 3. I prefer the shortest length, and the pink shorts shown above are great for summer! There are so many colors and prints to choose from.

Lilly Pulitzer Bikinis

The ultimate summer staple is the bikini. I like the strapless bikini the best because there are no tan lines! Lilly also has great one pieces. 

Madras Skirts from Just Madras

One of my favorite skirts of all time is my madras skirt from Just Madras. It's a good length, a pretty madras, and so preppy!! Just Madras also has other prints that are cute. 

Have a great day!!

xoxo, Hannah

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Bikinis

One of the most fun (and stressful) parts of summer is bikinis!! I can never find a good size (because I'm flat all over) but they're still so cute to shop for!! 

Keene Bandeau in Bright Navy Look Little Lady

My favorite is, of course, Lilly. I don't really like the string bikini because they make me look weird, but I really like the bandeau top. They have cute removable straps as well!! 

Polka Dot Underwire Top in Navy

I have always thought that J. Crew bikinis are adorable. I've never bought any though, so maybe this year will be the year to try them out!! My favorite J. Crew swim suits are the preppy printed ones (which I'm surprised they still make...), especially the polka dot and seersucker ones!!

Polka Dot Grommet Bandeau Top

I love the pink!! It's such a pretty shade!!

Searsucker Underwire Top in Blue

This bikini is SO CUTE. I had a seersucker one-piece in coral from J. Crew and I loved the fitting of the top. Thank goodness they made the bikini top the same!!

What brands do y'all like for swim wear?? Let me know!!

xoxo, Hannah

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Tanning Must Haves!

When I think about summer, I immediately think about the beach and tanning. Since I'm not near a beach in the summer, I go to the pool right across the street from our place in WY. My mother and I are usually the brightest things in the area, laying on bright orange towels and decked out in Lilly Pulitzer coverups and swim suits. 

My favorite coverup so far is the Elina Tunic in Hotty Pink Floral Punch. 

It's really cute and I have a bikini to match!

Kena Bandeau

This is my favorite bikini top. It fits really well and it gets rid of all the awkward tan lines that you have to deal with with regular halter or string tops. 

This is my favorite bag ever! It's so happy looking! It's the Original Tote in Carson's Grandstand Patch. Since the moment it came out, I have been lusting over this bag, and a couple of weeks ago my mom ordered it (We have a bit of a tote bag obsession)! 

Other things that should be brought to the beach/pool: 

1. Book/Nook/Kindle - It's so important to bring a book to the beach. It keeps you from getting insanely bored and reading is fun! P.S. If you're choosing between a nook or kindle, choose the nook! I got one as an end of the year present and I LOVE it!

2. Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen - Protect yourself from the sun! Even though I probably shouldn't be tanning (I have relatively fair skin), I always do what I can to fight against severe damage. 

This is my favorite sunscreen. It's by La Roche Posay and it is fantastic! 

3. iPod - I couldn't live without my iPod, even in places that aren't the beach. I would post my Summer 2010 Playlist, but my music taste is very alternative rock and not everyone likes it!

I hope y'all enjoyed this post!! Also, I set up an email account, thepinkandgreenprep@gmail.com, if anyone has any questions or comments for me! Have a great day!

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