Page 128 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2023

SHOPPING
Even if you stay home, pack a bag anyway. Pretend you’re in a hotel and go out somewhere relaxing every day. Even
if it’s just across town to a museum, pool, art class, down the street to a local bookstore, or an ice cream shop. Plan your leisure wardrobe, pack it, and live out of a suitcase for a few days. It’ll mentally put you in vacay mode.
If you’re like me, you keep a basic bag packed anyway with ready-to-go travel
essentials like pajamas, toiletries, and undies tucked in place, so why not add a few mix-and-match separates to quickly grab without having to search through your closet, drawers, and shelves. Pre-planning and having those pieces already laid out in front of you can cut your getting dressed routine in half and greatly increase your treasured playtime.
Use a color scheme that runs throughout the items, so pretty much
everything goes with everything. Reliable vacation staples include a casual white dress that can be accessorized in several ways: an oversized lightweight linen shirt that can be worn over a swimsuit, shorts, or pants, a shrug cardigan or denim jacket to pop over a sleeveless top or sundress, a stylish straw bag, and chunky accessories for extra fashion flare. The more you limit your clothing items, the more you’ll love wearing the chosen few to all the special places your vacay or local scene stay-cay will take you.
Vacations are for rest, enjoyment, and wearing things that are comfortable. If
seeing new things and doing something different is part of the plan, then dress like the good time you’re having. Leave those heels in the closet, wear comfortable shoes, keep a jacket or wrap close at hand, wear a summer hat, a big straw bag, saucy sunglasses, and bangle bracelets. It’s all about that confident staycation style and look. Dress for fun, smile, and leisurely sip those poolside margaritas. Turn that phone off and enjoy!
128 | July 2023
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story by Barbara Travis