Whether you plan to peace out for a short stint on the sandy beach of some island oasis or you’re set on spending a few days pounding the pavement of your favorite sunny city, a chic ensemble is a must. Not sure what to pack in your suitcase this spring? Take a style note or two from some of our favorite traveling ladies.
@garypeppergirl: No escape is complete without a light, airy dress. Easy to pack and totally versatile, you’ll get major mileage out of this simple piece. Tack on a hat and some sleek shades for a undeniably cool look (that also offers some serious sun protection).
BDG Voile Maxi Voile Shirt Dress ($30): This light denim number works just as well off the beach as it does on.
Playful Printed Romper
@chiaraferragni: This outfit is everything a getaway getup should be: bright, fun and effortless. We’re loving the funky accessories and bold prints that pull it all together.
Wayf Wrap Front Romper ($88): This vibrant onesie will take you from afternoon coffee with friends to a night out on the town. Swap out your fabulous flats for a killer pair of heels and you’ve got a seriously chic look.
Flowy Separates
The Chriselle Factor: For spring 2015, stripes are a definite must-pack item, whether you’re planning an impromptu island getaway or a relaxing staycation. Striped wide-leg bottoms paired with a bright and equally flowy top make for a winning combination that is perfect for strolling along white sands or the city streets.
Forever21 Striped Wide-Leg Pants ($40): These pants scream vacay indeed. You can also work them into your professional wardrobe by adding sleek black pumps and a tailored top.
Dressed Down Culottes
Late Afternoon Blog: High-waisted culottes and a crop top are a look we love. Lattice-lace bottoms and a floral, fluted-sleeve top feel fresh and feminine with a modern, beach-ready twist. To transition to evening, pair with chunky-heeled sandals, a silky cami and a light tailored jacket.
The Letter Easy Lace Culottes ($89): After you’ve packed up your bags and headed home, rock this lacy pair on the job by styling them with pretty pumps and a colorful, structured top.
Sleek Finishing Touches
Gabi Fresh: If you’d rather hit the boutiques than the beach, a few polished pieces should find their way into your suitcase. Go for a mix of punchy prints and sophisticated details for a edgy, on-point look
River Island White Bonded Sleeveless Tux Jacket ($120): While this tailored tux topper is the ideal piece for giving a vacation getup a polished finish, it’s also perfect for keeping your 9-to-5 ensembles looking stylish even when temps are scorching.
Elevated Maxis
Tales of Endearment: Forget boho, this maxi skirt is anything but. The bold graphic motifs are edgy, rather than flowery, while a strapless, brass-embellished bustier completes the chic pairing.
ASOS Curve Exclusive Maxi Skirt with Split Front in Color Block ($49): When paired with the right pieces, this color blocked skirt will take you from the boardroom to the beach.
Standout Tunics
With Love from Kat: A stylish tunic is one of those pieces worth packing. You can head straight to a laid-back lunch or aperitif without needing a costume change.
Ann Taylor Loft Beach Floral Bloom Swimsuit Coverup ($55): Save room in your suitcase and transform this coverup into a dinner-ready ensemble with a metal belt and polished block heels.
Overall Dresses
Bartabac: Now that overalls have come back into style, we know you just can’t bare to part with them. Work them into your vacay wardrobe with a cool pair of Birks and layered silver baubles for the ultimate city-exploring ensemble.
Topshop Moto Vintage Wash Pinafore Dress ($60): If you’re going for the overalls, classic denim will never steer you wrong.
Comfy Kicks
Peace Love Shea: Another way to work stripes into your spring break lineup? A playful romper, of course. Add on a pair of sleek sneaks for a subtle sporty touch and polished accessories for a smart finish.
Adidas Farm Adria Low Shoes ($55): Sure, white kicks are always classic, but we’re seriously diggin’ these rainbow-colored trainers.
Gingham
Viva Luxury: Is it just us, or is this cute gingham getup perfect for a quaint Saturday stroll through a flower market in your favorite Southern locale or what?
Forever21 Cropped Knot-Front Gingham Shirt ($18): Short and sweet, this gingham topper is the perfect partner for high-waisted pants or a structured skirt.
Kimonos
Style Scrapbook: A sassy kimono is the way to go for transitional dressing while you’re away. And we say the brighter the better.
ASOSÂ Kuccia Maxi Kimono With Tassel Detail In Tropical Bird Print Co-Ord ($99): Whether you want to add an extra layer to a sophisticated ensemble or introduce a pop of color to an off-duty look, this fabulous flamingo piece will do the trick.
Bright Floral Toppers
Sincerely Jules: While we’re loving this fabulous frock, it’s the flower crown that really caught our eye. It might not make it on your packing list, but we think a vibrant bunch of blooms should be right up there with all the essentials.
Urban Outfitters Dalia Flower Crown ($20): Toss this on with your favorite flowy frock or romper for a chic, boho look.
Where are you headed this spring? What are your vacation essentials? Tell us in the comments!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.