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Walk and Talk (and Weekend Getaway)
Packing for a weekend getaway can be a daunting task, so we’re sharing a few tips and tricks to make it a breeze. When it comes to weekend getaway must-haves, we have a few items that always travel with us, including our favorite weekender bags. A comfortable pair of shoes, a small crossbody bag and a good book are also a must.
CHRISTA : Does anyone else pack for all the “what if” moments? If so, packing for even just a weekend getaway can be challenging. What usually helps me pair down my options is to:
- plan outfits according to the activities that I’ll be doing
- pick a color theme so everything all coordinates
- try to pick pieces that work in multiple ways
My hoodie sweater from Amazon is good for lounging, but also great with jeans if it’s a chilly day. The t-shirt can replace the sweatshirt to go on a walk if it’s a little warmer than expected. And I always pack my trusty slippers with arch support wherever I go.
For a relaxing weekend when you’re keeping it simple with casual dinners, Netflix binges, wine, and walks, this is what I’d pack. And if we’re planning an afternoon out, I might throw in a cute little dress like this new one from LOFT.
WHAT I’M PACKING FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY
My preferred weekender bag is by Vera Bradley. I’ve had mine for years and it still looks like new. I like that it includes the “trolley sleeve” on the back to hook it over a carry-on suitcase for longer trips. (My daughter has the Beis weekender bag, and she loves hers, if you need another option.)
And a HUGE shout out to this Scout Errand Boy bag. If you don’t have one, get one! It’s perfect for packing your sheets/towels for a weekend away at a rental house. Or load it with groceries, wine and Diet Cokes. (Mine also gets a lot of use bringing all my returns to UPS!)
Shop Christa’s Weekend Getaway Picks
MEGAN : In the warmer months we go back and forth to my husband’s family house on the eastern shore. I get really good at weekend getaway packing in the summer. I do have a core system and basic items that never rotate out. Since I’m traveling to my own house, I don’t have to bring things like linens, beach towels, pajamas or slippers . If I was, I would 100% utilize Christa’s Scout bag system for that stuff.
Here is how I start to pack for a weekend getaway or really any trip.
- check the weather (will I need a rain coat? sweatshirt?)
- review list of activities (dinner at the club? golf? day on the boat? swimming? walking and talking?)
- pick a color scheme (2 main colors–always neutral and a bright accent color)
- see what’s clean
- my goal is that every piece should be able to be worn 3 ways, that doesn’t always happen but ya know, goals
I’m a self proclaimed bag wh*re. Seriously, I’ve never met a bag I didn’t need. I’m currently rotating between a Vera Bradley large duffel (I’ve had mine for 10 years, washed it in the machine and it’s still perfect), and a Longchamp La Pliage large leather duffel. TBH the Vera Bradley usually holds my clothes and the Longchamp is for my toiletries and electronics (ipad, chargers, books, magazines etc). Although the Longchamp bag is BEAU-ti-FUL (I have it in pink leather), it’s really heavy, a *teeny tiny bit* cumbersome and it’s easy to overpack (making it even heavier). I used it as my carry-on on a recent flight and I think I still have an indentation in my shoulder.
WHAT I’M PACKING FOR A WEEKEND GETAWAY
Shop Megan’s Weekend Getaway Picks
And if we haven’t convinced you to plan a weekend getaway, this might — here are “6 Ways a Weekend Getaway is Good for your Health.”
What We’re Watching
Looking for our weekly movie and TV recommendations? We’ve started tagging them on Instagram with the hashtag #SAFWhatWeWatch. Find (and follow) all of our favorites with that hashtag for your weekly binges!
CHRISTA : Don’t miss BEEF on Netflix. Ali Wong and Stephen Yeun are unlikely adversaries in the ultimate road rage incident that goes too far. This dark comedy has a 99% Rotten Tomatoes rating and is definitely one you won’t want to miss. It’s a great weekend binge with just ten 30-minute episodes.
MEGAN : You guys, she’s BAAAAAACK! The final season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime) released last Friday and I’m savoring each and every episode. I’m really going to miss Midge and the gang when it’s over.
What We’re Wearing
Looking for outfit inspiration? We’ve started tagging our outfit collages on Instagram with the hashtag #SAFShopWithUs. You can follow the hashtag to easily find them all!
CHRISTA : Here’s an outfit from my weekend getaway. This outfit is also on repeat this spring for me, so trust me when I say you need this white blouse. It’s my new favorite top for spring/summer (it also comes in navy). White tops can generally be too sheer, but this one is made of a thicker fabric, and it has a unique embroidered texture adding some interest. Plus the sleeves have a little pouf to them, but nothing too big or too overwhelming. I pair it with a colorful necklace set, and the jewelry really stands out.
Shop the Look
MEGAN : Outfit from my weekend getaway packing list. My Varley sweater is on it’s way and I can’t wait. I’m thinking of all the ways I’m going to wear it. Over a white cotton sundress, with tan linen wide legs pants, with linen shorts, with blue and white jeans, as a quickie cover up over my swimsuit… ahhh, the possibilities are endless. If you are going to add only one item to your summer wardrobe this year, pick something crochet. It will make your whole look more current. Other crochet ideas: this cover up from Old Navy, this cardigan from Target, or this insanely cute short sleeved sweater top by Farm Rio.
Shop the Look
What We’re Reading
MEGAN : Just finished the best book, you know it’s good when you are reading while cooking dinner. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld is charming and lovely like a delicious latte on a Monday afternoon. Sally is a comedy writer for TNO (a fictitious comedy sketch show like SNL) and she falls for one of the guest hosts. I don’t want to ruin it for you but, it’s the first book I’ve read that uses the pandemic as a part of the story. If you liked The Idea of You and Nora Goes Off Script you will LOVE this book. Same vein.
Something Quick to Read
MEGAN : Excellent article about keeping your kitchen clean and organized (tips and tricks of course!). Food 52 always has great products and articles. I’m using the lemon trick non stop! And now I know what mise en place means.
Something to Gift (That They’ll Love!)
CHRISTA : Don’t forget all the dog and cat moms this Mother’s Day! Here are a few fun ideas to get you started!
one // two // three (4/29 ordering deadline) // four // five (dog and cat) // six // seven // eight // nine
Shop All Our Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
Save vs. Splurge
MEGAN : I love a good Save vs. Splurge almost as much as I love a summer blouse. The J.Crew blouse is linen and the MILLE blouse is a cotton poplin, otherwise they look pretty similar to me.
Friends Share the Good Stuff
CHRISTA : Thank you to my friend Terry for sharing the good stuff with me and gifting me these Geometry kitchen towels. They are AMAZING! They have “super-absorbency, fast-drying technology, and next-level cleaning,” plus they come in hundreds of colors and designs. Trust me, it’ll be hard to choose just a few, especially with all of their cute seasonal designs for every holiday. They’re also a great gift (as Terry knows!) — hint, hint, Mother’s Day is right around the corner! Tie ’em up in a clear bag, and it’s perfect for gifting.
They also have bar towels, dinner napkins, dishcloths, reusable “paper” towels, bath towels, beach towels, yoga towels, and fitness towels. Give ’em a try!
Colors shown (front to back) are: garff blue, boyce blue, ren blue, debra blue and rulon blue.
Was there something on the blog that you purchased and loved? Let us know! Share with us and we’ll feature you here…because friends share the good stuff!
What’s Happening on the Blog
What’s Trending…
The most popular link from last week is Megan’s puff sleeve dress with crochet trim that made it to her top 5 items from March. Sadly, the dress now has limited sizes available, so if you missed it, check out this one, this one or this one. How cute would this be to pack for your weekend getaway, too? Apparently, all of you agree! (If you missed the top 5 from March, click here to read it and click here to subscribe for future top 5 newsletters!)
…and Last Year on the Blog
Megan’s 5 Star Vacation | Charleston // Looking for your next vacation destination? This week Megan is sharing her adventures in Charleston, where she stayed at the Hotel Bennett. Five star accommodations and service!
3 Steps to a Front Door Refresh this Spring // Your front door makes a first impression to all who visit. What does your door say about you and your family? If you just cringed at that question, it might be time for a little refresh! Your refresh can be done in 3 easy steps…first add something colorful, then change out your tired door mat, and finally mix in some greenery. Let’s get started!
Weekly Walk and Talk | 4.22.2022 // TGIF! Our walk and talk today has transition outfits to take you from 30 degree mornings to 70 degree afternoons. We’re also sharing some must have doggy finds, a new recipe, a cute little lamp for your outdoor space and two save vs splurge sandal options. Plus we have two great binge options for your weekend viewing.
Christa’s Links
- What I’d Pack for a Weekend Trip, including a Complete Outfit Look
- BEEF on Netflix
- Mother’s Day for Cat and Dog Moms: dog mom hoodie // dog mom hat // pet portrait (4/29 ordering deadline) // cat gift set // mug (dog and cat) // cat mom hoodie // cat mom hat // dog mom pouch // cat mom caramel candies
- Shop all our Mother’s Day gift ideas here
- #friendssharethegoodstuff: these Geometry kitchen towels
Megan’s Links
- What to pack for a weekend on the shore, and an outfit from the list
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime)
- Books: Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld, The Idea of You, Nora Goes Off Script
- Excellent article about keeping your kitchen clean and organized
- J.Crew blouse and the MILLE blouse
- The most popular link from last week: Megan’s puff sleeve dress with crochet trim
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We love our Vera Bradley and Scout bags.
My scout bag is a definite shore visit staple.
I love that everyone has favorite tote bags!:) (Glad we’re not alone in our obsession!)
Ladies….great minds think alike: I also have my go-to Vera Bradley duffle (at least 10 years old) which I take for weekends to the beach.
Megan…great find with those Target wide leg linen pants, love the neutral color. I need to get these for working from home, walking Zoe, etc.
Thanks for all the great tips!
Keep us posted or send a pic of your new pants!