What I'm Taking on Summer Holiday, Vol. 2
The internet loves to beg the question, “What’s in My Bag?” but we here at the Attic thought we’d take that one step further and have our Editors share the things going into their suitcases. This isn’t a very frequent feature — most of us are, after all, struggling grad students or quite early on in our careers — but as I’m off on an early summer holiday today, I thought I’d revive this beloved series.
I’m headed to Nashville, Tennessee, to visit my grandmother and some extended family. My sisters are coming in from California and we’re staying in a rented house just outside of the downtown area. Spring in the South means a lot of rain between the warm bursts of sunshine, so packing for any trip in the region can require a bit of adaptability. I’m thinking light, comfortable pieces that will easily take me from daytime exploration to relaxed evening hangouts.
First up, this cranberry pleated dress that I’m sure I’ll be wearing all summer. I test-drove it a couple of weeks ago in Jacksonville, and while the length can be a bit overwhelming, the ease of the flowiness pairs perfectly with both casual flats and strappy heeled sandals. (As it’s on sale and practically sold out, here is an alternative with similar Grecian goddess vibes.)
Another versatile item I’m already obsessed with is this graphic pleated skirt I found on sale at H&M. Can you tell I have thing for pleats yet? I’ve already been wearing it non-stop and can tell it won’t be leaving my rotation any time soon. (UGH I already know exactly which velvet top I’ll be wearing it with come the holidays...)
(The graphic version doesn't seem to be available online, but this is the same skirt in solid colors and here is a similarly graphic alternative.)
It’s been some time since my adventures in retail, as well as my dance with the elusive “third piece” which was both a staple in my retail associate uniform and my professional fashion studentTM wardrobe. But I truly miss wearing proper outfits (working freelance means I’ve veered toward a more minimalist, utilitarian wardrobe on the regular and my sad, sitting-there-waiting-to-be-enjoyed closet full of pretty clothes, is starting to bum me out) and have always enjoyed holidays for the opportunities they give me to relish in getting dressed each morning. I’ll be bringing along these lightweight pieces as easy jackets to wear over slip dresses and tee-shirt/jean combinations alike.
(Mine are years-old H&M Conscious Collection and vintage from my mom, but I’ve also been eyeing this eyelet jacket and this black silk is a good mix of my two.)
Pictured: this striped shirt and a polka dot top (also available in smaller sizes here).
Pictured: GAP ballet flats and Nine West sandals from four years ago (similar).
Planned makeup is light and easy, relying mostly on my Laura Mercier Tinted moisturizer and lots of rose gold highlighter to get that flushed, romantic late spring glow. I’m still very much obsessed with this Tarte Cheek Stain from my Jane Austen makeup look and my Glossier Generation G lipstick in Cake. As for skincare, I’m on a massive Sunday Riley kick and have definitely fallen for the hype. The Luna Night Oil has been a massive lifesaver for my insomnia in particular, as the process of applying and massaging my skin with it has proven so relaxing I can’t help but fall asleep halfway through. The price points for full size are gutting to say the least, so I’m even hesitant to share about them, but my older sister turned me onto their sample kits at Sephora, which have been a godsend to economically try out all sorts of new products without feeling horrible if they don’t work.
Pictured: Bumble and Bumble hair primer, Mason Pearson Comb, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Sunday Riley Cleansing Oil, Sunday Riley Protect + Repair Moisturizer, Luna Night Oil, the aforementioned Sunday Riley kit, Laura Mercier Tinter Moisturizer, TEMPTU Highlighter, Benefit Brow Primer, Tarte Cheek Stain, Glossier Generation G.
Finally, a book or two. I never get as much reading done as I would like, as I tend to be one of those ‘refuse to sit still on a holiday’ types of people, but on the occasion that I find myself needing some solitude or simply stuck inside from the rain, I like to pack something just in case, even if my favorite holiday tradition is to roam whatever used bookstore I can find in order to stock up on treasures I might not find back home. The Towers of Trebizond is something I’ve been enjoying slowly and can thank our Hers Not His Reading List for turning me on to, and the gorgeous Literary Witches arrived from Olivia just in time to make it into my bag. I can’t wait to dive in.
