I recently read an article in The Found Journal called “How To Avoid Shopping For a Fantasy Summer Wardrobe” and deeply related to the messaging. (Side note: If you aren’t following
, you should be! Her writing is a mix of practical styling tips paired with some really insightful fashion musings.)The newsletter perfectly captured the ritual I go through before every vacation — one where I build a shopping list around the place I’m heading to, instead of considering if these items make sense in my actual day-to-day life. The following quote from Angie’s piece sums the conundrum up well.
“When you shop for your fantasy self on vacation, it’s fun in the moment or for those social media photos, but it tends to add to the “I have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear” feeling when you are back in your everyday life.”
Tropical vacation Stephanie may cosplay (another word Angie used in the article which I think fits perfectly for my vacation alter-ego) as someone in orange crochet dresses, neon bathing suits, and fruit-printed bucket hats, but everyday Stephanie does not.
For that reason, I’m trying to keep my shopping list parred down for my next vacation, which is a week-long beach trip to the Jersey Shore with my husband’s family. Considering this isn’t some crazy European excursion, you might assume I wouldn’t let my “fantasy-self” take over, but oh, you’d be wrong.
I’ve already found myself frantically searching online for the perfect linen button-down that I can don as a breezy beach coverup (reader: I own three of these types of coverups and have never worn them once), intricate bikinis that would be wildly impractical at my local Austin lakes, and a fancy drop-waist dress for our family photo shoot that would get approximately one use before I banished it to the guest room closet with all my other vacation outfit fails.
There are a few pieces I do feel like I would benefit from buying for this trip, however. For example, I do not own a one-piece bathing suite, and I really regretted trying to play beach games with my nieces and nephews in a bikini last summer. This year, I’m just adding the extra challenge of picturing how these items would fit into my everyday life before I press “buy.”
Here’s some items I’m mulling over, plus a few that I’d just love to own in general.
⛱️ Beach Finds ☀️
The Amalfi One Piece
My friend swears by Andie Swim and I’m excited to give it a try. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, the sizing seems inclusive, and the cherry red color is the perfect shade. I own a bikini in a similar color and wear it all the time, so I feel confident I’d reach for this style, too.
Price: $112 (New shoppers can subscribe to Andie Swim’s email for a 15% off discount)
Gina White Linen Pants
Drawstring 100% linen pants have been on my Pinterest shopping list for a while and I think pulling the trigger on them before this trip makes a lot of sense. I do own linen trousers with a button waist that I bought for a trip to Sicily, and now I never want to wear them because they almost feel too formal? Yet another example of my fantasy-self taking the wheel when it comes to vacation shopping.
Price: $99.99 (I used this code to get 10% off: 10HLO)
Paros Top and Casablanca Bottoms
My room growing up was this exact shade of blue and green and I felt so much happiness seeing it played out in this bikini. It’s not as practical as a one-piece, but the fuller coverage top and bottoms feel a bit more modest. This brand is new to me, but everything it sells is *chef’s kiss.* They also have this really cute partnership with Lisa Says Gah if the Italian-inspired prints are still speaking to you.
Top Price: $65
Bottom Price: $60
Spritz Linen Top
I’ve been on the waitlist for Spritz Linen Top in Aquamarine for probably three months now. There’s a similar style at Aritzia for about half the price, but I’m proud of myself for holding out for the thing I actually want. The Aritzia version has fairly negative reviews and looks wrinkled and poorly made online, so I can only imagine it on my actual body. (Editor’s note: It came back in stock right before I sent this newsletter and I bought it!)
Price: $98
Textured One-Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit
Because I’m dipping my toes (get it) into the one-piece world, I’m still hesitant to go for anything too boring or concealing. I want something practical and slightly more modest, but not completely matronly. The price is right on this one-piece swimsuit and the ruching and one-shoulder style are flattering on my body type. The suite is also one of my favorite shades of green (as noted by the Estilo de Moda color palette).
Price: $79.99
✨Fun Finds I’m Eyeing ✨
Rocco Gem Ring
This is the ring a mermaid would wear and the ring I want to wear playing mermaids this summer.
Price: $88
Lynette Dress
The chokehold DÔEN has on me. This is one of the prettiest white dresses I’ve seen in a while. The ruffle trim reminds me of a seashell, sunburst, and flower all sewed up into one.
Price: $198
The Darted Barrel-Leg Jean
I’d like to clarify that while I’m late to the barrel jean craze, I’m okay with that. I was holding out to see if the style was a passing fad or something with sticking power. I liked them when I first saw them and I like them now, so I’m likely going to be copping this best-selling pair soon.
Price: $148
Gia Gold Star Necklace
I have an affinity for stars, especially when used as a print or a pendant. This chunky necklace reminds me of the viral Roxanne Assoulin heart necklace, but cooler (in my humble opinion) and not all over your social feed (or at least, not all over mine).
Price: $184
Ludo Toe Ring Strappy Flat Sandal
It might be late in the season to purchase new sandals for most, but as a Texan, I could get another three months out of these bad boys. I (shamefully) bought a cheaper version from Lulus two years ago and they’re finally peeling and breaking — once they’re unwearable, I’ll be investing in these instead.
Price: $128
Do you also fall victim to the vacation fantasy-self shopping trap? If so, how do you bring yourself back down to Earth? I’d love to hear your thoughts, below.
Thank you so much!! So excited to style these pieces and gotta love planning things around pay day! 😂
The Rococo ring from Sequin is so stunning at a great price; thanks for the inspiration! I also ADORE Angie and the message behind your post and hers.