Friday, June 6, 2014

Playing Pretend


Last October we traveled to Mexico for a seven day paradise vacation. Since then, two groups of friends have booked their stay at the same house for the same week long getaway. I am so excited for all of them, but also a tad bit envious that they won't be able to pack me in their suitcase. One of the groups are leaving tomorrow. I chatted with my friend over the phone this week to share tips on our trip, give recommendations and packing ideas. After we got off the phone, I immediately called Ross to remind him about what a glorious time we had and that we really needed to book our second vacation there stat. He laughed and told me maybe one day. One day? That wasn't the response I was looking for. 

French Connection Dress c/o SOLD OUT (option here and here) // H&M Sandals // Kendra Scott Tassel Necklace // Olivia + Joy Bag c/o (option here and here) // Jessica Simpson Hat (option here and here) // Ettika Bracelet c/o // How Gorgeous Rings c/o 

So, I took matters into my own hands and mind. I dressed the part and pretended for one day that I would be catching a plane to somewhere, anywhere that entailed a beach, infinity pool, drinks with little umbrellas, snorkel gear and lounge chairs in the sun. It worked for about 2.2 seconds and then I snapped back to reality when my girls said "we are bored" for the tenth time. It looks like the community pool and playground will be my wonderland for the time being. I am okay with that. It's life, but that doesn't mean I can't play dress-up, use my wild imagination and escape to someplace tropical even it's only for a few minutes out of the day. I have always been a dreamer. 

I even made my own wish list of what I would take with me to paradise. Maybe I have more time on my hands than I thought. If you are planning a summer beach vacation, take a look at some pieces that you really need to pack so I can live vicariously through you. 



Happy shopping, vacation planning (literally or in your own mind) and have a great weekend! 

Shanna

36 comments:

Claire said...

You look the part, of a summer getaway. Such a cutie, like always! The first dress on your wish list, I made a post about! Great minds Shanna, get minds..ha!

God bless,
XO, Claire
http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

What a great summer getaway (real or pretend) outfit. The open back is so fun! Oh I need a vacation so bad....


Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

Princess Audu said...

Love your idea of planning your own imaginary summer trip, one day lol. Love your dress,the back is my favourite part.Love your heart shaped shades and melon shoes also, nice wish-list

http://princessaudu.blogspot.com/

Becky M said...

Ooo I love the cutout on the back of this dress! And the hat just makes it ten times better!

www.madeintheshadeblog.com

Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/) said...

How I wish I was going away somewhere for a few days, well you look the part. Love this outfit.


xo
​PinkSole​

Angela said...

That dress is sweet. I love the cut out in the back.

Aren't vacations great!

http://palsywalsyblog.blogspot.ca/

Charming Lucy said...

I hope you get to go somewhere beachy and fun soon!! This dress is amazing! Tell your husband that you really need some beach photos for your blog and you have to shoot this dress (: Maybe that will work! Happy weekend! Susan

Charming Lucy said...

Oh and I have a coupon code for How Gorgeous on my blog today!! Don't you just love Amy's new shop!!!?? Susan

TaraMixandMatch said...

A nice vacation like that would be fantastic! I don't think we are doing anything like that anytime soon if that makes you feel better haha :) The dress looks amazing on you, I love the back of it!

Unknown said...

How adorable is this dress?! And that hat goes perfectly. I'm in desperate need of a tropical vacation myself

Erica McLeod said...

Just yesterday a particular song came on the radio, and suddenly (in my mind of course) I was back on a beach in Antigua...for about 60 seconds. I know how you feel! By the way - I have been eyeing the embroidered clutch you featured- love!
Erica
www.thedecorina.com

Because of Jackie said...

You are precious! Why can't we just spend our days jet setting to exotic locations and shopping our hearts out? ;)

Kimberly said...

Love the print of this dress and that little cutout detail in back is so cute! Also, you might be the first one I've seen to successfully pull off "birkenstock-style" sandals :)

www.pennypincherfashion.com

Amy Shaughnessy said...

Go ahead a plan a trip! Even if you don't go for a year, it gives you something to look forward to. We are planning our next big cruise. We seem to take a cruise after every baby we have...

Amy

Fashion and Beauty Finds
How Gorgeous Jewelry

Iris said...

Ooh, I love that dress - and the one you posted at the bottom. Stunning and fun for summer. :)
Country Girl's Daybook: Jesus, Photography, Fashion, & Food

Anonymous said...

Looks like I might need to Forever 21 to get the Tropical Print Kimono Jacket for my trip lol. Big black hat really just makes the outfit

Unknown said...

Love your outfit! Cute dress.

pinkandnavystripes.com

Lauren {By Lauren M} said...

This dress is beyond cute on you! I'm definitely with you on the vacationing in my mind. We didn't get a big vacation this year, but I'll be soaking up some pool time to make up for it!

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

Great pics! They capture the vacation state of mind for sure.

I'm frequently vacationing in my mind!

Kayla MKOY said...

Uh I'm loving the "wishlist"!! You're so pretty! Loving your outfits, as usual. Enjoy the pool :)

TheTinyHeart said...

That dress is so cute with the back cut out! Oh, how I wish I was going on a tropical vacay! I can pretend since my beach now has palm trees they planted, ha :) Have a great weekend, Shanna!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart

Alissa said...

I absolutely love this dress! It's all serious in the front and party in back. So, so cute!

Unknown said...

love that necklace! And that hat is to die for!

Nightchayde

Unknown said...

so summery! it just gives you an other perspective doesn;t it?

Irene
www.thedailylace.com

Unknown said...

I am feeling the same way!! Yesterday was my husband and I's wedding anniversary and for the last few years we have vacationed in Mexico where we honeymooned and this year we didn't go! So we did the best next thing, margaritas and chips and salsa at our favorite Mexican resturant! It helped somewhat lol! Dying to go away soon though! Absolutely love your dress! You look picture perfect for a vacation!

Xo, Erica
www.casuallystyled.com

jenn~the stylish housewife said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE! You look gorgeous! Basically you should just pack up your whole closet and ship it my way. MmmmmmK, Thanks! =)

XOXO, Jenn
The Stylish Housewife

Helene in Between said...

i love the back cutout of this dress! and i want a tropical vacation too, that sounds perfect right about now!

Alex Carreno said...

Adorable dress - dreaming of a beach vacation as well!

www.adoredbyalex.com

Anonymous said...

The print on that dress is so pretty! Love the sandals too... they look nice and comfy too!

Darcy said...

This is so cute, Shanna!! We went to Mexico last December and had the best time! We are planning a trip back this year, too. Tell your hubby it really is an annual trip ;)
www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Gorgeous! Love the back of that dress!!

Kayla
www.lovelucygirl.com

Anonymous said...

Love this dress!! Great outfit.

Jeans and a Teacup said...

Haha...I know how you feel. We went to Hawaii for a friends wedding so my husband said we couldn't take a trip for our wedding anniversary this year. But you look super cute anyway! Love the dress with the floppy hat!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup

Rachel said...

Love this pattern. Plus the cut-outs are adorable!

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

Awww it's always SO hard to hear that people are going on vacation somewhere we loved, and not be able to go! I love that you decided to dress the part anyway! The dress is adorable and I love the back!!!

Kelly said...

What a fun dress and I love this necklace you paired it with!

xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes

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