Cruising Along: How To Pack For Your Summer Cruise Getaway
Sometimes, physical luggage can be as overwhelming as emotional baggage. While the physical might be easier to compartmentalize when you pack your belongings into a 29 in. x 21 in. x 13 in. rectangle, you need to maneuver clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc., that will last you X amount of time on vacation and are both functional and fashionable. You might wonder, Rachel, why have you been thinking about luggage?
I recently started my 9-5 at Virgin Voyages. Click this sentence to read the article about my employment journey. To sum up my job, my role is to input the information given to me by the studio (copywriters and visual designers) into the correct form for end-users. Consequently, I push the button for information to go live on the website and app.
During my job interviews, my team told me how my blog made me stand out from other job applicants. In this full circle moment, I wanted to create a packing list highlighting past article subjects and showing what summer fashion, accessories, beauty, and everyday products you could use, whether on vacation or at home.
Active-Wear
Splits59's lightweight materials and stylish designs make their products a must-have year-round. There is a eureka moment when you put on a Splits59 dress, jacket, pair of leggings, etc.; you know that you can exercise, sweat, and explore while also looking stylish. When I told Splits59 about my upcoming trip, they graciously gifted me the following pieces. I am so excited to wear this dress and jacket while onboard.
(Images courtesy of Split59.)
Simona Airweight Tank Dress: Splits59 describes this dress as" Our latest sports dress features skinny straps and a built-in short. The ultra-luxe, Lightweight fabric is perfect for summer. Built-in support with a scoop front and racerback." This Dress is best for court sports, spin class, cycling, gym workouts, and other mid-impact workouts.
Ever Supplex Jacket: Splits59 describes this jacket as an "insanely comfortable, mid-weight classic baseball-inspired jacket that's perfect year-round. It is contoured to layer over light or thicker layers. Sporty striped rib trim. Best For: Warming up and cooling down after running, yoga, CrossFit, barre, Pilates, court sports, cycling, and spin class."
Resort-Wear
Nikita Karzima brand's guiding light is simple: "Influencing for the greater good." The company makes garments that imbue customers with the confidence to shine by adding small messages into the products with phrases like "Hi. You're perfect" and "Life is Good." Check out these pieces to give you a summer shimmer.
(Images courtesy of Nikita Karzima.)
Stretch Cut Out One Piece: Nikita Karzima describes this product, "The elongated silhouette of this one piece contributes to a dramatic and visually striking effect, gracefully accentuating the contours of the body. The fabric's stretch capability further adds to the comfort factor, allowing for easy mobility without compromising on style. Suitable for swim and party wear, with self-lining for a thick, durable fit." The one-piece comes in three colors: Khaki, Black, and Cocoa. In these pictures, the Stretch Cut Out One Piece is paired with the Stretch Draped Maxi Skirt to be worn as a set.
Stretch Draped Maxi Skirt: The brand says the following about this skirt, "it features inspiration from the flattering draping of the traditional Indian saree skirt. The stretch capability of the fabric further adds to the comfort factor, allowing for easy mobility without compromising on style. ~Draped front sash ~Adjustable side ruching ~Stretch lycra fabric."
Crystal Embellished Fishnet Bikini Top (Black or Gold): Nikita Karzima describes this product, " The halter neck design adds a touch of grace to the top's allure, framing the neckline with an elegant silhouette. The intricate crystal embellishments further enhance its appeal, creating a harmonious fusion of sensuality and sophistication. ~ Adjustable ruching ~ Stretch string ~Cup covering crystals."
Crystal Embellished Fishnet Bikini Pant (Black or Gold): The brand defines this pant when it says," Tied at the sides for a custom fit. The intricate crystal embellishments further enhance its appeal, creating a harmonious fusion of sensuality and sophistication. ~Adjustable ties ~ Stretch fabric ~ Pant covered in crystals."
Cami NYC designs clothes that make customers feel "versatile, feminine, and effortless." Cami NYC creates elevated basics that take an everyday look to the next level. Check out these pieces that help make the everyday extraordinary.
(Images courtesy of Cami NYC.)
Fernanda Cami in Mocha (Black, Macadamia, Navy, & Senchia): CAMI NYC says this about this shirt, " V-Neckline, Featuring Sheer Embroidery Edge Lace, Which Continues Up The Straps, Bra-Friendly, Slits At Side Seam, Unlined~Silk Sandwash Charmeuse; 100% Silk, Dry Clean & Steam Only, Imported."
Ravi Short in Mocha (Black, Fondant, Senchia, & Zest): CAMI NYC's shorts are " Trouser-style shorts With Flat Front Waistband, Fly Construction At Center Front, pleated front with classic belt loops with pockets at the side seam and a single pocket at the back ~Linen; 100% Linen, Dry Clean & Steam Only, Imported, Cuff At Leg Opening and Fully Lined."
Rafella Top Seaside Bandana: CAMI NYC describes this top as a " Sheer Silk Cotton Long Sleeve Button Down; Slits At Side Seam ~True To Size ~Silk Cotton; 80% Silk, 20% Cotton ~Dry Clean & Steam Only."
Oslo Silk Cotton Short Seaside Bandana: CAMI NYC characterizes this product by its, "Relaxed Fit, Elasticated Waist, Drawstring Pockets, And Fully Lined. ~Silk Cotton; 80% Cotton, 20% Silk~Dry Clean & Steam Only."
Citizens of Humanity (COH)
Citizens of Humanity (COH)'s mission is for "their customers to know that product is produced from top-quality materials in an inherently sustainable way." COH continues to lead the ready wear world by grounding itself in sustainable practices with its brands AGOLDE, Ciztens of Humanity, and GOLDSIGN. Check out these pieces to stand out this summer.
Nolan Jean in Balloon: These AGOLDE Jeans," features a super high-rise waist, gaucho leg silhouette, and utility inspired pockets."
Ayla Short in Maxwell: Citizens of Humanity describes this porduct as,"Modeled off our best-selling Ayla Baggy - this short has a versatile 10" inseam that can just as easily be worn to the beach or with heels for an evening out. We love this short paired back to denim shirting for a head-to-toe look"
Swim-Wear
Beach Riot
Beach Riot allows you to embrace the Californian lifestyle. When you try on any Beach Riot product, you are transported to Orange County. I asked Beach Riot founder Nicole for a few recommendations for a summer getaway. Below are her suggestions.
(Images courtesy of Beach Riot.)
Sydney One Piece (Red) (Black, White, Tan, Bright Fuchsia, Navy, & Prism Pink.): Beach Riot's iconic bathing suit has "a built-in shelf bra with removable bra pads and a plush elastic for extra support. The company improved the fit and added more room in the hips, increased back coverage and improved the strap position. She is sure to be your new go-to one-piece in our ultra-soft ribbed fabric. This suit has a removable belt and adjustable shoulder ties. Poly/Spandex blend Hand wash cold; lay flat to dry. Made in the USA."
Goldie Dress (White & Black): Beach Riot describes this product as " so beautiful and beachy. The Goldie Dress is featured in a feminine babydoll silhouette with a classic A-line style and bell-shaped sleeves. This mini dress features floral lace detail throughout and is the perfect spring cover-up."
Shoes
Kandee Shoes
Kandee's mission is to create Kick Ass shoes that women want to wear. Kandee has strongly believed in GIRL POWER since its inception.
Images courtesy of Kandee Shoes
Red Ruby Mirro Pumps: Kandee Shoes describes these shoes as having a "Red Ruby mirror, lace leather outer sole, Exaggerated Pointed toe, Pencil thin heel, 90mm or 120mm Heel available, Pump style, Handmade, and the item comes with a KANDEE box, tissue paper, ribbon, and velvet dust bag."
Disco Crystal Strass Pumps: Kandee Shoes describes these pumps as" Disco mirror ball style crystal strass ~ Glitter diamond dust style outer-sole~ Exaggerated Pointed toe ~ Pencil thin heel ~ 90mm or 120mm Heel available ~Pump style~ Handmade ~ The item comes with a Kandee box, tissue paper, ribbon, and velvet dust bag."
Essentials (Things to have in your purse or bag)
Touchland
Touchland's mission is to elevate daily moments of personal care into skincare rituals. Our vision is to elevate everything ordinary into something extraordinary, and our mission is to create products that bring beauty, health, and delight to the everyday. When you go on vacation, the last thing you want is to come down with a cold or something worse. It's important to stay healthy by having some hand sanitizer readily available at all times.
Touchland's Gentle Mist Hand Sanitizer: Touchland describes this product as a" hypoallergenic scented mist that soothes stressed skin and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier for a healthier-looking, more hydrated complexion. Gentle Mist combines Touchland’s award-winning formula with powerful ingredients such as Madecassoside, Niacinamide, and Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract to help increase hydration and defend against oxidative stress. It is safe for sensitive skin types."
