Lately I have been obsessed with YouTube videos where some of my favorite vloggers are sharing how they pack for their vacations. I decided that since I am going to the Outer Banks of North Carolina next week, I wanted to do a blog post similar to the videos I have seen. I always over-pack, but with unpredictable weather and no schedule to stick to, I like to be prepared for a little of everything.
Let’s Start With Clothing
For my wardrobe for all seasons, I owe a huge shoutout to my favorite place to shop: Vogue Society Boutique. Owned by a kick-butt mother-daughter duo, their clothes make me feel like I have my own personal shopper. 90% of what I have packed for this trip as far as clothes and accessories are from their boutique, which currently has a storefront in Florida. Living in Pennsylvania, I personally shop most often from their website which you can access here.
Shorts 
Dresses and Rompers 
Tops 
Jeans 
Swimwear
- Shorts
- Out of these shorts the two pairs with stripes and the solid blue in the lower right corner are from Vogue Society Boutique, and the jean shorts are from Old Navy. All of these shorts are super comfortable, and match with just about anything. This makes it easy to pack other clothing items.
- Dresses and Rompers
- All four of theses items are from Vogue Society, and I have worn and loved all of these items before. The left-most item in the picture is an all-black t-shirt dress that is an ultra lightweight material and a V-neckline. I love throwing it on for any occasion. The next item is a flattering pineapple dress that is more for dressy occasions, but give the perfect tropical getaway vibe. The second two items are both rompers, the light blue one being a high-neck romper and the other one being off-the-shoulder. Both of these rompers are super lightweight and comfortable, and can be worn as casually or as dressy as I desire.
- Tops
- For my shirts, I picked a few very basic items that would match with just about anything else and are super easy to throw on. The blue tank top is from the Soft and Sexy line at American Eagle, and it is super soft. The next item is a bodysuit from Vogue Society Boutique that is off-the-shoulder, all white, and with lace details. It matches with literally any bottoms and is very flattering. The first yellow shirt in the middle of the picture is a tank top from Vogue Society Boutique, and is a mustard-yellow and white striped spaghetti-strap top that is perfect for very warm and sunny days. Following that top is a plain white shirt from Talbots, as a comfy plain white shirt is a staple for any travels of mine. Lastly in this category is a plain yellow V-neck t-shirt from Vogue Society that is the most comfortable and flattering t-shirt I have ever worn, and I knew I needed to bring it on this trip.
- Jeans
- I always suggest taking at least one pair of long pants, and these Stitch-Fix find jeans are the most comfortable pair I own. The cuff and slight destroyed denim make them super fashionable as well, so it’s super easy to either dress them down or dress them up.
- Swimwear
- These three bikinis are my go-to summer swimsuits. The aztec-print green and black one is from Venus Swimwear, while the other two are from Aerie. I normally take at least two swimsuits with me on my vacations as I like to have options and have a clean, dry suit ready to go.
Not pictured but worth mentioning for packing is that I also take tons of comfy shorts (normally Nike) and old t-shirts to wear to bed, over my swimsuits, and in case I feel like going for a run. I also pack plenty of underwear, bras and sports bras, and with some of the tops I chose I also packed a pair of sticky-boobs. I also pack at least one pair of socks for every day of vacation, as this is something I often misplace and can never seem to have enough of.
On-The-Go Skincare
My skin has been doing so well compared to how it’s been in the past, and I cannot jeopardize that while I’m on vacation. I pack all of my skincare winners, including my prescription and non-prescription items. I also make sure to pack my Cetaphil moisturizer with SPF to make sure I am protecting my skin while I am laying out in the sun all week.
- Epiduo Forte
- A prescription acne treatment that I have been loving. I use it every night.
- Aczone
- A prescription acne treatment that I use every morning before moisturizer.
- Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Cream
- Ole Henriksen C-Rush Brightening Gel Cream
- Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
- Ole Henriksen Oil Control Toner
- This product has been doing wonders for my acne and oiliness!
- Ole Henriksen Oil Control Face Wash
- This face wash feels like a mint for the face. It’s so gentle yet so refreshing and leaves my face feeling super clean.
- Ole Henrisken Glow2OH Toner
- This toner has noticeably helped my dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which is why I purchased it full-sized!
- Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
- Perfectly Posh Gel Yes Moisturizer
- I love to use this gentle moisturizer at night. It never clogs my pores, it tightens my skin, and brightens my complexion.
What’s in My Vaca Makeup Bag?
When I travel to places where I don’t plan on wearing much makeup (if I’m going to wear any makeup at all), I like to pack the bear minimum. I know to some people the picture below seems like a lot of products, but these are my must-haves for easy, natural looks that can be applied quickly, and often I don’t use every product in this picture for every look. I personally don’t wear makeup while on the beach or by the pool, but at night and on rainy days where we might adventure around the town it’s nice to have something to throw on to make me feel like I’m looking my best.
- Tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer
- Urban Decay Primer Potion Eyeshadow Primer
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer
- L’Oréal Pro-Matte and Pro-Glow Foundations
- Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
- L’Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise in blackest black waterproof
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Dewy Set Setting Spray
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Nicole Guerierro Glow Kit
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit
- Tarte Amazonian Clay Park Avenue Princess Matte Bronzer
- Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed
- Mac Cosmetics Eyebrow Pencil in Brown
- Tarte Colorsplash Hydrating Lipsticks in Beach Babe, Salt Lyfe, Pink Lemonade
- Colour Pop Disney Lipstick in Ariel
Hair Products and Accessories
While I’m not packing a curling iron or straightener, these little headbands and scrunchies make any hair look top-notch. Whether my hair is in a salt-water covered messy bun or is pencil straight, I can easily pick one of these little accessories to spruce my hairstyle up a bit. I found all of these at PacSun’s going-out-of-business sale at my local shopping mall. Also pictured are my holy grail dry shampoo and my favorite hair spray, which are both absolutely necessary for me to keep my hair looking fresh and tamed throughout the week without over-washing my blonde hair.
Some Miscellaneous Must-Haves
These sunglasses, the sunglass case, koozie, and earrings are also all from Vogue Society! When I travel (especially if it’s to the beach or camping) I like to pack jewelry that’s super cute, but not super expensive. That way if things get misplaced, it’s not like I’ve lost real diamonds. Sunglasses are obviously a must for the beach, and the aviator style is my personal favorite for my face shape. My flamingo beach blanket is the cherry on top of my summer lounging, and I love taking it along with me.
Items Not Pictured, But Totally Necessary
- Sneakers
- I am wearing my sneakers down, as they are the most comfortable shoes for me to drive in. But comfortable sneakers are always an 100% must-have for me no matter where I am going or what I will be doing.
- Sandals
- I love stocking up on the Old Navy flip-flops, and I currently have a pair in brown and white. I will be packing both for my trip, as I can match them to just about any outfit and comfortably wear them to the beach!
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Needless to say (hopefully), but my toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hair brush and razor will all be joining me as well! The hair products I am taking were in my other post about caring for my blonde hair, and the other bath products I am taking include my Perfectly Posh Jungle Juice Soap Chunk and my Perfectly Posh Good Hydrations Moisturizer. Also, don’t forget to throw your deodorant into your bag after using it the morning you leave!