Monthly Archives: October 2021

What to Pack for an All Inclusive Resort Vacation

what to pack for an all inclusive resort vacation | beach vacation outfits | one piece bathing suits | US Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

After a year without traveling, I had two big trips this year both to all inclusive beach resorts.  My first was a big family trip to Dream Jade, and the second was my honeymoon at Secrets St. James in Jamaica..  It was my first time vacationing at an all inclusive resort, and I loved it!  I used to do a cruise every year, so I went in with the same packing game plan along with a few tips from family.  Since both trips were similar and about 6 weeks apart, I packed many of the same items for both.  Most of these pictures were taken at Dreams Jade in Mexico.  The lead pick was the only outfit photo I snapped on the beautiful Jamaican beach at Secrets St. James.

WHAT TO PACK FOR AN ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT VACATION

Before you start planning outfits, be sure to check out the restaurant dress codes at the resort.   Some require long pants for men, no tank tops during the day, and certain swim coverups.  You will spend most of the day in a swimsuit and coverup, so you may not need much else during the day unless you have excursions planned.

WHAT CLOTHES TO PACK

  • LOTS  of swimuits!  I packed bikinis and strapless suits for laying out by the pool, and  a few that would be comfortable for activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or excursions.
  • Swimsuit Coverups: I packed a variety from skirts that I could tie around my waist, shirts to toss over, and a few dresses.  I would pack at least one dress or shorts/top combo that you can wear into a lunch spot.
  • Beach and Pool Shoes: I packed an old pair of Old Navy flip flops that I didn’t mind wearing in the sand and that don’t get slippery when wet.  My patent leather Tory’s get slippery when wet.  I also packed a pair of water shoes for any water excursions like visiting caves or waterfalls.  These also come in handy if the beach has lots of rocks or shells.
  • Workout/Excursion Clothes: Even if you don’t have any excursions pre-scheduled, I would still pack something you could go hiking or wear on day trip just in case you change your mind once you get there.  I packed leggings, workout shorts, sports bra, tank tops, and sneakers.
  • LOTS of dresses! I preferred loose fitting and flowy maxi dresses for the evenings.  I also brought along a few shorter dresses.  You spend lots of time walking around outside, so flowy or short help with warm evenings or restaurants with no to little a/c.
  • A few other dinner options: I also packed some maxi skirts, tank tops, jeans, and bodysuits that could be mixed and matched into different dinner outfits.  I like my options.
  • Shoes for Dinner.  I packed wedges, comfy caged sandals, and my Tory Burch sandals.  Choose comfy shoes in case you have to walk to the other side of the resort for dinner.
  • A Breakfast option:  I packed a pair of shorts and tank top with built in bra to throw on each morning for the breakfast buffet.  It was quick and easy, and I didn’t have to be completely ready for the day.  I like my coffee as soon as possible, so this is a must for me.  You could also wear a swimsuit and beach coverup as well and head straight to the pool after eating.
  • Accessories including sun/beach hats, sunglasses, and a little jewelry.  I didn’t wear much jewelry, but I like having a few options for the evenings.

WHAT I WORE ON VACATION

what to pack for beach vacation | black amazon swimsuit | black sun hat | Texas Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

black one piece bathing suit | black sun hat

what to pack for an all inclusive resort | blue one piece bathing suit | white shirt coverup | Houston Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

blue one piece swimsuit | white cover up shirt

what to pack for mexico vacation | burgundy swimsuit | black bathing suit cover up | Petite Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

black coverup dress | burgundy bikini top and bottom

what to wear on a catamaran boat | star print one piece swimsuit | white coverup skirt | Texas Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

star print one piece swimsuit | white skirt cover up

what to pack for beach resort vacation | colorful mini sun dress | black sun hat | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

colorful mini dress | black hat | sandals | sunglasses

what to pack for an all inclusive resort | dreams jade resorts | long black bathing suit cover up | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

black dress cover up | black hat

what to wear on beach vacation | brown mini dress | caged sandals | Southern Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

mini dress | sunglasses | c/o pink stone bangle

resort vacation outfits | teal maxi dress | Popular US Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

what to wear to dinner at all inclusive resort | black maxi skirt | striped navy belt bag | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

black bodysuitbelt bag | necklace | c/o teal bracelet | c/o clear bracelet

beach resort outfit for dinner | black embroidered maxi dress | Texas Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

It rained on the night I wore the last one, so I didn’t get to snap a resort pic.  This maxi is perfect for a warm weather but want to look dressed up!  I also wore this outfit to dinner on my honeymoon.

WHAT ELSE TO BRING BEYOND CLOTHING

  • Lots of Sunscreen and After Sun Lotion!  It’s expensive in the gift shop, so bring more than you think you will need.  Depending on your location, you may need Reef Safe sunscreen.
  • Be prepared for humidity! I skipped on straightening my hair and brought a curling gel along with hair ties and bobby pins for lots of fun pulled up and back hairstyles.
  • Towel Clips: You can find these on amazon and they are great for holding your towel in place when a breeze rolls in.
  • Yeti cup and a reusable straw: The resorts don’t really have straws.  We did get paper ones in Jamaica, but these weren’t the best in a frozen cocktail.  We filled our yeti cups with water and ice throughout the day, so we would always have cold water to sip on with our cocktails.  You can also put your cocktails in your cup.
  • Cash: Bring small bills for tipping and purchasing souvenirs.
  •  A pool floatie: This comes in nice if you want to relax in the pool, it and can fit flat in your suitcase.  We also saw balls and pool noodles.
  • Small bag to carry around: I packed a super cute belt bag that I could wear day and night.  I liked that I could just toss it on my waist, have my hands free, and not have to worry about where to set it during dinner.
  • Beach Bag: Bring a good size bag that will fit a towel, books, sunscreen, sunglasses, and anything else you might bring to the pool.
  • Books or Tablets: I love reading on the beach, so a few books were a must!  I preferred a book to a tablet, so I didn’t worry about it getting wet.

I’m sure I’m leaving a few things out, so I will keep adding when I think of other items.  If you have a must have, be sure to leave it in the comments so we can all add it to our list!

SHOP THE LOOKS

Why a Black Bodysuit is My New Must Have for Fall

fall outfit | black short sleeve bodysuit | distressed jeans | Texas Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

spring outfit | black square neck bodysuit | acrylic bracelets | Houston Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall fashion | distressed skinny jeans | light tan booties | Petite Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall outfits | black cap sleeve bodysuit | light blue skinny jeans | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

How many black bodysuits is too many?  Asking for a friend…

Just kidding totally asking for myself, because my addiction to black bodysuits is only growing as we ease more into the fall season.  It started this summer when I added the sleeveless one to my wardrobe.  I realized how perfect the fitted bodysuit was for creating a smooth tucked in top look without the fuss of keeping your top perfectly tucked in. I’d experienced this with looser fitting bodysuits and the perfect slightly untucked look, but I was really loving the smooth fitted look paired with skirts.  The fitted look helped create a waist definition that you can’t always achieve with a tucked in shirt.  You may remember that bodysuit from last week.

The addiction had begun and during the Nordstrom Sale I added a black long sleeve bodysuit to my collection.  You will be seeing me styling that one here on the blog soon!  As cardigan season approached, I really wanted a short sleeve bodysuit that I could use as a layer under all of my long cardigans.  The square neck detail on this one was perfect.  The open neck line and cap sleeve makes this bodysuit perfect as a stand alone with a pair of denim and booties for a warm fall day.

Layered under a long cardigan, the fit of the body suit helps reduce bulk a looser fitting tee or cami might add to a look.  The fit also created a more polished layered look.  Now I’m not knocking a looser pairing top with a cardigan.  I’m still a fan of those, but I love the different look a bodysuit gives to an old tried and true fall outfit.

I usually size up a little in bodysuits.  All the bodysuits that I have are smalls. If I were to purchase any of them in white, I would go up to a medium.  I think white looks better with a bit more breathing room that isn’t as necessary in black.

Are you jumping on the bodysuit bandwagon this season?

| OUTFIT DETAILS |
black bodysuit | distressed jeans | similar burgundy cardigan | light tan booties (similar pair) | c/o teal bracelet | c/o marble bracelet | c/o clear bracelet (all bracelets 15% off with code KAREN) | gold earrings

fall outfit | burgundy long cardigan | black body suit | Texas Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

spring outfit | black square neckline bodysuit | skinny blue jeans | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

fall style | light wash distressed denim | light tan booties | Southern Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

fall outfit | maroon long cardigan layered over black bodysuit | Popular US Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

SHOP THE LOOK

Pink Long Sleeve Top

fall outfit | long sleeve pink top | dark blue flared jeans | Petite Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall outfits | balloon sleeve pink top | medium brown belt | Houston Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall fashion | dark blue bootcut jeans with brown mules | Texas Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall outfit | long sleeve light pink blouse | dark wash flared jeans | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

Well, if I had a fall work uniform, this would probably be it.  I’m pretty lucky and get to wear jeans on the my at the office days.  I still want to look polished and professional, and I think these dark wash bootcut jeans do just that.  Dark blue jeans always give you a more dressed up look to their lighter blue counterparts.  Black jeans are another color that can work in a business setting.  While I definitely will rock a pair of dark wash skinny jeans to the office, the bootcut and flared style feel a little more dressy and professional.

This long sleeve pink top is the perfect pairing with the dark blue jeans. I love how the pink pops against the darker color.  I chose warm brown accessories to really play with the warm tone of the pink.  Ya’ll these sleeves are so fun!  I love a big balloon sleeve and the ruffle detail at the bottom is just the icing on the cake!  Also, this top is longer and will also work paired over leggings.  Picture it with faux leather leggings and suede boots for a holiday event.

Sizing Note: This top runs really big, so size down one or two sizes.  For the jeans, I’m wearing the petite length.  These jeans have stretch, so I would order your true size.

casual work outfit | long sleeve baby pink top | dark wash bootcut jeans | Texas Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

fall work outfit | long sleeve blush pink top | brown gold buckle belt | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

fall outfit | petite bootcut jeans | brown booties | Popular US Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall outfit idea | balloon sleeve baby pink top | petite flared jeans | Southern Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

SHOP THE LOOK

 

Abstract Maxi Skirt

fall outfit | black sleeveless bodysuit | long dark print maxi skirt | Texas Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall work outfit | sleeveless black body suit | gold bracelets | Houston Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall outfits | multi print maxi skirt | work skirts | Petite Fashion Blog Lady in Violet

fall work wear | black sleeveless body suit | dark colored maxi skirt | Houston Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

This skirt is such a fabulous little statement skirt for fall!  I wore this exact outfit for dinner one night on my honeymoon last month.   This abstract maxi skirt gave me all of those resort style vibes, so I had to pack it.  I love how this skirt moves when you walk.  The design of this skirt is absolute perfection! The different prints each stand out on their own and compliment each other perfectly.  They were meant to go together!

To make this outfit work for the office, I added on a denim jacket.  It easily transitioned my look into a dressy casual and office friendly outfit.  For cooler weather, you could style this with a chunky cropped sweater utilizing one of the color in the skirt.  A fitted black turtleneck or sweater would also work with this skirt.

Sizing Note: Alright petite gals, this skirt is long! I’m wearing four inch heels with it.

fall outfits | sleeveless bodysuit | patterned maxi skirt | Petite Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

fall outfit | black body suit | bracelet arm stack | Texas Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

fall outfits | aline maxi skirt | black sandals | Southern Fashion Blogger Lady in Violet

fall work outfits | black sleeveless bodysuit | long multi pattern skirt | Popular Fashion Blogger Lady in VioletSHOP THE LOOK