My First Trimester Essentials

This week, I'm officially in my third trimester of pregnancy. Today I'm headed to my OB/GYN office for a sonogram (hope baby will show his face this time!) and blood glucose test (wish me luck!). The last six months have flown by, so I wanted to take the time today to share some of the items that were lifesavers for me when I was a newly expectant mother!

In my medicine cabinet:

• Prenatal vitamin + DHA - I started taking prenatal vitamins as soon as we decided to have a baby. Depending on the type you buy, you might have to take DHA separately. A lot of women have trouble swallowing their vitamins in the first trimester due to morning sickness - I found that taking mine at night helped.

• Vitamin B6 - My OB/GYN recommends this vitamin along with half a Unisom for nausea in the first trimester. I stuck with only the vitamin because I was worried about what a sleeping pill might do to me at work!

• Tums - A first through third trimester essential for me! Heartburn has been a constant for me during pregnancy - it's caused by higher levels of estrogen and other hormones which relax the esophagus. Later in pregnancy, it can indicate that baby will have a lot of hair, which makes sense since he has my genetics!

• Preggie Pop Drops - These sour candies are great for nausea, and since they look like lozenges they were something I could use at work before I'd announced my pregnancy.

Keeping track of baby:

• What to Expect When You're Expecting - The most classic pregnancy book there is, and the first one I read. Some women don't like it because they think the tone is patronizing or it gives them anxiety about what could go wrong, but I treated it more as a general guide than a Bible and liked knowing the medical reasons why I was experiencing certain symptoms.

• Ovia app - There are a lot of pregnancy apps out there, and I chose Ovia because it had a lot of positive reviews. If you know a pregnant woman who tells you what size fruit or vegetable her little one compares to each week, chances are she uses Ovia. One of my favorite features are the weekly videos featuring a pregnant Ovia staffer.

In my closet:

• Pull-on jeans - One of my first maternity clothes purchases, I found these Jessica Simpson jeans on sale at Motherhood Maternity and liked the under-belly style for early pregnancy - they look just like my favorite skinny jeans.

• Waterfall cardigans - First trimester camouflage! I lived in flowy cardigans before letting people know I was pregnant. I get most of mine from discount sites like GroopDealz and Pick Your Plum.

• Ingrid + Isabel Bellaband - There's a certain phase of pregnancy where the hair tie trick no longer works and maternity trousers are still a little too roomy, and that's where a belly band comes to the rescue - I used it to wear my pre-pregnancy pants unbuttoned and unzipped, then to keep the maternity pants my friend handed down to me feeling snug until my bump had grown to fill them.

On my vanity:

• Burt's Bees blemish stick - During my first trimester, I still had some cystic acne from time to time, and not being able to use topical acne treatments because of the chemicals had me really bummed - I usually swear by benzoyl peroxide. I was skeptical of an herbal acne medication, but this stuff dries up pimples fast, and I probably won't go back to chemical formulas!

• Attitude Blooming Belly foaming cleanser - Knowing that whatever went on my skin could also go through my skin and into baby's body made me very conscious about my daily beauty regimen. I still use Fresh's soy face cleanser in the morning shower with my Clarisonic, and replaced my nighttime cleaner with this formula specifically for expectant mamas.

Happy Un-Boxing Day - My First Maternity Stitch Fix [December 2017]

Maternity fashion is complicated. During the first trimester, I was mainly trying to disguise my pregnancy with flowy tops and waterfall sweaters. We didn't tell people we were expecting until second trimester, and then came a point, around week 16, where I wouldn't have been able to conceal my bump even if I'd wanted to! Long tees and cardigans have been a staple, along with leggings and dresses. It was pants that were becoming an issue - I can't yet fit into the maternity pants my BFF loaned me, but I'm no longer comfortable in my pre-preganancy favorites. I found some great jeans at Motherhood Maternity, but still needed some work staples, so I reached out to Stitch Fix to try their maternity service.

This is not a sponsored post. I signed up for Stitch Fix and purchase the items I keep from each of my Fixes myself. I am a Stitch Fix Influencer, and my styling fee was waived for this Fix. My opinions on this blog are always 100% honest and authentic. This post does contain affiliate links - for each new sign-up I will receive a commission towards my next maternity Stitch Fix.

In my note to my stylist, I explained where I was in my pregnancy and requested a cozy Fix with work-appropriate pants and dresses that could be worn with leggings. I was pretty excited about my Christmas gift to myself.

If you're new to the concept of Stitch Fix, here's how it works: when you sign up, you pay a $20 personal styling fee and fill out a profile with your detailed size, style, and price preferences. I usually set my price preferences to "the cheaper, the better." Your stylist chooses five items just for you, which may include shoes, purses, or jewelry, and the $20 styling fee is applied toward the cost of any items you decide to keep from your shipment. There's also a 25% buy five discount if you love everything in your Fix! For a limited time, Stitch Fix is going to waive your styling fee when you sign up using my link - that's right, you can try Stitch Fix for free - if you don't like it, you can send everything back with no shipping costs. When my Fix arrived, I was excited to see the cute Holiday '17 packaging and the small box that meant I'd received an accessory as one of my five items!

Since Stitch Fix launched in 2011, they have become more and more diverse in their offerings - their services include petite, maternity, plus size, and even a men's line. While some of the items Stitch Fix offers can be found in stores, others are exclusive and can't be purchased anywhere else. For me, the maternity service is great because I live in a rural area and most of our local stores don't have a maternity section at all. Additionally, it's been a real challenge to find maternity pieces that are also petite - just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I'm not short anymore! I'm going to include the prices of my items in this review so you can see how maternity items compare to regular Stitch Fix pieces.

My favorite Stitch Fix stylists are Heather and Jan. The note in my Fix explained that Jan was on vacation so Heather styled for me again this time. Her note said,

"I packed this Fix with some maternity essentials to help you look effortlessly stylish in the coming moths. Try wearing the enclosed navy Skies are Blue Blouse with the navy Liverpool Pants, the taupe Dreamers/Debut Cardigan, the Nakamol Necklace, a tan purse, and navy flats for a polished work outfit. If the pants are too long, try cuffing them by rolling them up two to three times for a stylish twist. For a different business casual outfit, pair the cardigan and the necklace with the burgundy French Grey Dress, black leggings, a burgundy purse, and black flats."

I tried on the Skies are Blue Maternity Nidra Ruffle Neck Blouse ($58) with the Liverpool Reagan Maternity Skinny Pant ($78). As soon as I saw "if the pants are too long" in my stylist note, I was disappointed - my height is in my Stitch Fix profile and I request petite items whenever possible. The Liverpool pants are made of a nice stretchy material and have a full belly panel made of what felt like swimsuit material. Although the tag says they are a legging, they had real pockets, and I'm pretty sure they were black even though the stylist note said "navy pants." I didn't like having to cuff the pants for them to fit me length-wise, and they were more expensive than I'm really comfortable with for one pair of pants, so I returned them. I thought the Skies are Blue blouse was very pretty, especially the tulip sleeves and feminine neckline with buttons. It reminded me of the Papermoon blouse from my seventh Fix. However, it's December in Virginia, so short sleeves aren't very practical, and my best friend gave me several of her short sleeve maternity blouses. I was really hoping for some cozier tops in this Fix.

I paired the French Grey Maternity Ariell Knit Dress ($48) with the Dreamers/Debut Bartone Cable Trim Cocoon Cardigan ($58). The cardigan wasn't a keeper because it was very similar to a cardigan I received in my last Fix in color and shape - and this one didn't fit; the sleeves were much too long since it wasn't a petite item. The dress, though, was definitely a hit! This is my second French Grey dress - the first came in my November 2016 Fix. This one had a similar shape but was more flowy to accommodate a baby bump. I love the burgundy color and floral print, and the price was comparable to similar dresses from maternity retailers.

Please excuse the squinty face I'm making in this picture - I'll wear my glasses in the next post! The accessory I received in this Fix was the Nakamol Angelo Fresh Water Pearl Charm Necklace ($44), a three-strand piece with silver chain, neutral colored beads, and a silver pearl charm. The necklace was very pretty but not really my style - it was very "blingy" and I didn't think it would go with my bohemian-inspired wardrobe.

Even though the only "keeper" from this Fix was the French Grey dress, I'll definitely be trying Stitch Fix Maternity again - for me, it's a chance to feel stylish while my body is going through crazy changes!

Linking Up With:

Blended Blog Style at Foxy's Domestic Side

Weekend Wear at Threads for Thomas

I Feel Pretty at Get Your Pretty On

Trend Spin at Walking in Memphis in High Heels

On the Daily Express and Straight A Style

style: olive chinos two ways

Now for something I haven't done in a while - a style post! Toward the end of the school year, my work look gets a little comfier; after all, my students already *know* I'm a professional, and the crunch of finals and standardized testing is stressful. I recently picked up my third pair of Old Navy pixie pants - this time in the chino style - and immediately thought of two ways to style them with some other new wardrobe favorites. Luckily, Mr. Q was on hand to offer his photography services while I was brainstorming.

I've been coveting a chambray shirt for what feels like years now, but a well-fitting button-down is very hard to find for a petite hourglass shape - shirts that are short enough in the torso tend to be too tight across the chest. I spotted this perfect light chambray blouse at Wal-Mart, of all places, and knew it would be the perfect match for my Pixies, Bare Traps sandals (similar), and homemade tassel necklace and charm bracelet.

Want to hear a slightly funny story about my charm bracelet? Of course you do! I got the bracelet at A.C. Moore and the tiny charms from Michael's, and chose the Om symbol to remind me to keep my yoga-time peace and calmness with me wherever I go. This is especially important in a middle school classroom. One of my darling boys saw my bracelet and said, "Mrs. Quinn, do you like Stephen Curry?" He'd definitely mistaken the Om for a 30 and thought I was a die-hard Golden State Warriors fan. I think trying to explain the significance of Om left him even more confused...

The second way I knew I'd style these Pixies is with my new favorite J. Crew Factory tee (similar - I waited forever for this one to go on clearance!) and all-time favorite boyfriend cardigan from GAP. These two comfortable outfits were the basis of my go-to uniform during a hectic spring!

Linking Up With:
Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting

Style Me Wednesday at Shopping My Closet
Friday Faves at Style Elixir

Summer Style Trend: Palm Leaf Green

One of this summer's biggest color trends is a green shade Pantone calls Treetop. Many of our favorite designers and retailers interpreted those treetops as palm trees, and bright green hues and palm leaf prints are making everything look a little more summery - whether you're in the office, at the gym, or at the resort!

Disclaimer: ModCloth links contain an affiliate code. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

1. Old Navy sleeveless dress  2. J. Crew Factory collector tank  3. Chico's tropical scarf   4. Kate Spade palm tree charm  5. ModCloth maxi dress   6. Essie nail polish in "Pretty Edgy" from Beauty.com       7. Wayfair table lamp       8. Kate Spade notebook 

9. Bath and Body Works Coconut Lime Breeze body spray        10. Athleta ankle pants

Which of these palm leaf green picks is your favorite?

Linking Up:

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat
Color Me Tuesday at Undergraduate Style

My June Favorites

1. LOFT t-shirt - This tee is the softest thing ever, the cement green color is really unique, and the  leafy print reminds me of the tropics. Can I wear it every day this summer?

2. Apt. 9 dress from Kohl's - Along with my new favorite tee, here's my new favorite dress - it's made of t-shirt material and it has pockets, so it was amazing for the last few weeks of school when the air conditioner wasn't quite cutting through the humidity.

3. Cluster stud earrings - I started following Whoa, Wait, Walmart? on Instagram and when I saw these very Kate Spade-ish cluster earrings I was pretty much at my local Wal-Mart the next day.

4. Denzien cropped jeans from Target - I don't know if capri pants have completely gone out of style in favor of those hideous palazzo pants or what, but I was so happy to finally find these! They were perfect for field day at school and I know they'll be great for camp.

5. S'mores Oreos - Graham cracker oreos with chocolate and marshmallow cream! SO GOOD.

style: my third stitch fix [may 2015]

I took a little break from Stitch Fix in March and April, partially because I was spending my money in other areas and partially because it was that weird between-season time when I'm looking for wardrobe completers rather than staples and accent pieces. Since my first two Fixes were so awesome, though, I was ready to try again in May. This time around, I adjusted my style profile again to reflect what I learned from my second shipment, and overhauled my Stitch Fix Pinterest board to focus on fewer, more specific pieces rather than every single thing I think it cute on the Internet. 

I requested Heather as my stylist again since I felt like she did a good job with my style on my second Fix, and also gave her a short wish list with my order (and mentioned my upcoming birthday - it couldn't hurt, right?). As soon as I saw my stack of items this month, I thought, "Oh my goodness, Stitch Fix totally gets me!" The prints, colors, and textures were perfect, and I was really happy to see jeans. However, while the style was perfectly on point this month, the actual fit of my items was less than perfect. I'm going to organize my review a little bit differently this time - I wanted to share the items from my Pinterest I think stylist Heather may have based some of her choices on.

My wish list included stripes, a utility vest, chambray, gray jeans, boyfriend jeans, peplum, neutral statement jewelry a lace top, florals, a jewel tones. Here are some lace tops I had pinned:

Anthropologie (similar) | Ruche 

Stitch Fix sent me the Pixley Carlie Mixed Lace Short Sleeve Shirt. It's cut like a t-shirt, but instead of being lined like the blouses I'd pinned it was completely made of stretchy, completely see-through lace, in multiple patterns sewn together in a curvy seam.

Cute out of the box, not so cute on my actual body. The stretchy lace was very clingy and the shape of the seam was not flattering. From other bloggers' reviews, I found out that apparently Stitch Fix used to include a camisole with this top, but that's obviously no longer the case. I think I might have liked the top without the multiple patterns - if it had been the striped lace all over, maybe. Status: Returned.

I'd also pinned several pairs of boyfriend jeans:

Pinterest | Old Navy

Stitch Fix's answer to my request were the Mavi Sonja Boyfriend Jeans, seen above and below. Since I'm petite, I have some trouble finding jeans, and these were a really good pick - definitely my style (I think I specifically said no holes), potentially work appropriate on a casual Friday, and they had the cute cuffs like the jeans I'd pinned. The fit was fairly tight - more like a skinny jeans than what I thought a boyfriend jean would feel like. The fabric (a cotton/polyester/elastane blend) was a little scratchy, and the jeans were too low-cut to pass the "teacher test" (can I squat down beside a kid's desk? Not in these jeans!). Status: Returned.

I had several jewel-toned cardigans pinned, including this one which I feel like stylist Heather was able to perfectly duplicate!

Outfit Posts

The 41Hawthorn Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan is so soft and warm while being fairly lightweight. I absolutely adore the fuchsia color, and had high hopes for this cardigan since the striped skirt I kept in February and the blouse I kept from my first Fix were also from 41Hawthorn. Unfortunately, the sleeves were too long and wouldn't look good rolled up, nor do I feel like a good enough seamstress to hem them!

You can see in this photo that the Pixley lace top looks much cuter on me when the mixed lace and seams aren't visible. I'm still going to look for a lace blouse or tank to wear as a layering piece.

I think my final apparel item was definitely inspired by all of the floral tops on my Pinterest board...

Poor Little It Girl | So Perla (similar)

I received the Collective Concepts Lydia Floral Print Key-Hole Blouse. The fabric this blouse is made of is absolutely gorgeous - a deep cobalt with a fuchsia and teal floral and bird print that looks a little bit Asian inspired. It also has fun contrasting straps and black piping.

The part of this top I couldn't love was the keyhole neckline, or as I called it, the boob window. It doesn't look bad in this photo, and probably didn't look so bad in real life, but I knew I would be self-conscious every time I wore this top and it wouldn't work for school. Maria from Kinder Craze and Ashley from Spoonful of Flavor both loved it and look great in it, so check out their reviews if you're thinking of adding this top to your wish list! Status: Returned.

Finally, my accessory from this shipment met the general criteria from my wishlist: a neutral statement necklace. To see why I was a little disappointed in it, let me show you the pieces I'd pinned:

Maurice's (similar) | J. Crew Factory (similar)

Stitch Fix sent me the Romolo Torrin Scratched Metal Fan Necklace. It's shiny, geometric, and statement making, but wasn't quite what I had in mind when I pinned long, bphemian pendants.

Here's how Stitch Fix works, in case you're wondering: when you sign up, you pay a $20 styling fee. That fee can be applied toward any items you decide to keep from your shipment. Everything you don't keep goes back to Stitch Fix in a prepaid Priority Mail envelope. 

Even though I didn't keep any items from this shipment, it really proved to me that the stylists at Stitch Fix put a lot of effort into getting to know clients' personal styles, take notes seriously, and look at Pinterest boards. I've already requested my June Fix!

Want to try Stitch Fix? If you follow this referral link to sign up, I'll receive credit toward my account when you receive your first shipment!

Linking Up With:
Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat
Reasons to Dress

Style Sesssions at Style Elixir
Week's End at Oak and Oats

Style: A Gift to Myself - My First Stitch Fix

Several of my blogger friends have posted about their experiences with Stitch Fix, and I decided 2015 is time to take the fashion plunge!  In case you're still fuzzy about the Stitch Fix phenomenon, it's an online service that provides users with personal styling services.  So fancy!  After Christmas, I felt like it was time to do something nice for myself.  I'm usually very hesitant to spend money on myself, especially on clothes, but you know what?  I'm turning 30 this year and I'm still wearing clothes I bought during my first year teaching.  It's okay to upgrade!

The first step to joining Stitch Fix is filling out a personal Style Profile with information about your age, size and shape, style and modesty preferences, budget, and wardrobe needs. Users can also include information about what clothing, jewelry, and accessory categories to avoid along with any fabrics or materials to leave out.  In my profile, I said that I like a healthy mix of pants and dresses, I'd occasionally like to incorporate a few "adventurous" pieces, and that my style is a blend of bohemian, classic, casual, and preppy.

When completing the Style Profile, Stitch Fix users can add a link to a Pinterest profile. After a few Stitch Fix reviews I'd read on various blogs I knew this would help my stylist get a better idea of the kinds of pieces that would be perfect for my wardrobe.

When my Fix arrived, it included a personalized note from my stylist, Alyssa.  Per my note, she focused on classic, work appropriate pieces.  The note came with suggestions on how to wear the five pieces included in my Fix.

At first glance, the pieces were definitely my style, but hmmm... that's a lot of black.

Alyssa's picks for me were the Renee C Kirkwood Mini Dot Crew Neck Sweater, the 41Hawthorn Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer, the Margaret M Emer High Waisted Cropped Trouser, the 41Hawthorn Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse, and the 41Hawthorn Jordanne A-line Skirt.  I liked that the pieces seemed really easy to mix and match with each other, and that the styling suggestions Alyssa provided included a lot of items I already have - straight leg jeans, leopard print shoes, a sheath dress, flowy tops, a striped tee, and booties.

Here's the Benson 3/4 Ruched Sleeve Blazer ($78) over my favorite Old Navy dress and GroopDealz bubble necklace.  A quick Google search reveals that it has also been made in burgundy, teal, navy, and gray - this seems to be the case with a lot of Stitch Fix items. Unfortunately, a lot of the items in my Fix seemed to run small - this blazer wouldn't button! I liked the ruching, but did not like the Judy Jetson vibe I got from the shoulder pads.  Additionally, I already have a similar jersey-material black blazer from Old Navy.

The Kirkwood Mini Dot Crew Neck Sweater ($48) is definitely my style, but the sleeves were a bit too long - I would probably end up cuffing them.  The biggest problem I had with this sweater was how thin the material is, more like a t-shirt - I would always have to wear a dark tank top underneath for modesty.  I did try it with my herringbone vest, jeans, and boots, and it was so cute I was almost convinced, but here's the deal:  Virginia is cold in the winter; if I wear a sweater, it needs to be a sweater.

I really liked the Emer High Waisted Cropped Trouser ($98) - I'm petite (5'2") and the length was perfect with ballet flats (mine are from Payless).  Unfortunately, the fabric seemed a little too fussy for my middle school workplace and with their elastic waist, they did not pass the bend test.  Also, $98 for a pair of pants?  Not happening on a teacher budget!  I am still in search of the perfect pair of straight-leg black pants that are work appropriate, and I'm hoping to find a pair with belt loops.

Here's my keeper: the Moni Stud Detailed 3/4 Sleeve Blouse ($58).  It's not something I would have chosen for myself - the studs would definitely scare me off it I saw this on a store rack or online - but when I tried it on, I liked the Sargent Pepper vibe from the studs and that the sleeves are a little puffed at the shoulder - so pretty.  I prefer 3/4 blouses, and black will be really versatile.  This seems to be one of Stitch Fix's most popular pieces, with bloggers modeling the same style in emerald, cobalt, mint, and even horseshoe print!

Mr. Q really liked the Jordanne A-Line Skirt ($68), and I liked how soft the material was, but unfortunately it wasn't a great fit and the length was a little on the short side for work.  As far as 14-year-old boys are concerned, I don't have knees.  I love the color and would love to find something similar to add to my closet.

Since the blogs I've read have led me to believe that Fixes get better each time, I've already scheduled my next Fix for February!  I added "Romantic" to my list of styles and included a note about the dress code for teachers at the school wear I work.

Here's how the pricing for Stitch Fix works: to sign up, users pay a $20 styling fee.  The styling fee is credited toward any items from your fix that you keep.  If you buy all 5 items, you get a 25% discount.  For me, since $58 is more than I would usually pay for a blouse, I thought of the price as being $20 to pay Alyssa and cover the shipping, and $38 for the blouse.  Any returns go in a prepaid Priority Mail bag within three business days.

Overall I'm really satisfied with my first Stitch Fix experience - I got to try on fancy clothes without leaving my house, and I liked my new blouse so much I wore it that weekend for a night out with friends.

If you'd like to try Stitch Fix, you can sign up here - please note that this link contains a referral code to help me earn credit toward my future Fixes!

Which of the pieces from my Fix is your favorite?  Have you tried Stitch Fix or any other subscription boxes?

Linking Up:

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Style to Inspire with Rhea Et Cetera
Style Me Wednesday at Shopping My Closet

Fall 2014: Navy and Cypress

Today's color combination reminds me of coming home for the holidays: it's classic, cozy, and welcoming.  Navy and cypress home decor and wardrobe pieces are perfect for fall, but will look sharp far into winter - they look great layered, too, whether the pairing is a sweater and scarf for a cross-country airplane ride or a duvet and blanket for the guest room.

Disclaimer:  Amazon and ModCloth item links contain affiliate codes.  Thanks for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

1. H&M cable knit sweater  2. Faribault for Target backpack  3. Terrain cypress topiary  4. Pottery Barn palampore bedding  5. Merona tote from Target  6. J. Crew No. 2 wool pencil skirt  7. J. Crew Factory straight and narrow corduroy pants  8. J. Crew Factory crystal necklace  9. Zoya nail polish in "Hunter"  10. ModCloth messenger bag

Inspiration:  1. Home via Houzz  2. Outfit via Cabins for Everyone

Linking Up:

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

my fitness style

I'm sure you've heard the common idea that it takes 21 days to form a new habit.  The truth is, it depends on the habit!  For me, summer presents a time to re-focus on my health, hobbies and well-being.  I've been making some gradual lifestyle changes, like cutting down on soda and processed foods and adding some strength training to my routine.   It might sound silly, but brightly-colored workout gear is part of my arsenal and sometimes I sleep in a gym outfit because that gives me one less way to procrastinate in the morning.  I want to get down to a healthy BMI and keep my blood sugar regulated so that I can drop the "pre-diabetic" label next time I get a checkup!  Here are some pieces that would definitely make great rewards for meeting my fitness, health and weight loss goals.

1. Old Navy tank top  2. Essie polish in "Serial Shopper" + "Too Taboo"

3. Printable wall art from The Lion and the Lark on Etsy

4. Athleta capri pants  5. Carpe Diem pillow from Bright July on Etsy  6. Nike "Roshe Run" sneakers  7. Lifefactory water bottle from Athleta

Linking Up:

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat

Style Sessions at Style Elixir
Style to Inspire with Rhea Et Cetera

Stylish Tuesday with Life's a Party, Dress Like It and Audrey Salutes

Style: What to Pack for Summer Camp

One childhood memory I don't think I'll ever forget comes from my very first summer at 4-H camp.  One morning during the daily flag ceremony, our group's counselors were walking up and down the line of kids, trying to get them to stand still and be quiet, which is a lot to ask of 9-12 year olds at 7:30 A.M.  Rule follower that I was, I was standing in line between my bunkmates, hand over my heart and ready for the pledge.  I heard my counselor, Kate, tell her best friend, "She's, like, the perfect little camper."

The truth that first summer was, I didn't feel like the perfect little camper.  I was homesick - I'd never been away from my mom for more than a night - and I didn't see what the big fuss was about all of the outdoor activities and competitions.  I would have been happy to find a shady spot under a tree and read a book or draw pictures for a week, but instead, we had to be somewhere and do something all the time.  As the week went on, the horse barn started to call my name, the cold water in the pool felt better each afternoon, campfire seemed like a magical and otherworldly experience, and the older girls in my cabin (they were sixth graders, and therefore had an air of sophistication) started to feel like big sisters (they taught me to use mascara!).  I'd caught the camp bug.

Fast forward to today, and I'm still camping - this time as an adult volunteer.  I'll probably be in a kayak when this post goes live.  I hope the little girls in my lodge aren't perfect campers, because how boring would that be?  I may not be a Girl Scout, but I pride myself on always being prepared for camp - the perfect camper is all grown up.  This post is for anyone packing for camp as a counselor, staff member, or adult volunteer this summer!

Packing For Camp - Basics by heatherbird featuring backpacks bags

The basics:

• Comfortable, casual tops for summer weather.  Most organized summer camps have a dress code similar to what local middle and high schools have, so tank tops should have thick straps.  If your camp provides t-shirts, woohoo!  One less thing to worry about.
• Bottoms appropriate for what activities you'll be involved in.  Keep that dress code in mind - shorts should probably have at least a 5 inch inseam.  If you'll be doing any climbing or zip-lining, bring soft, Bermuda-length shorts - regular jean shorts can be really uncomfortable with a harness!  If you'll be riding a horse, jeans or capris are a must to prevent saddle sores. 
• Twice as many undergarments as you think you'll need - you'll thank me later when a midday change of clothes gives you a more cheerful outlook on life.  Cotton is best because it's breathable.  Don't forget socks if you'll be wearing sneakers or boots!
• A light hoodie or flannel shirt for chilly mornings and evenings.
• A light raincoat with a hood.   No one wants to deal with an umbrella at camp.
• A backpack or drawstring bag so you don't have to run back to your cabin.

Camp Gear - Footwear by heatherbird featuring western boots

Footwear appropriate to your program area or activities:

• If you'll be around horses: closed toes are a must for riding, boots are good if you'll be leading the horse in any capacity (horses just don't understand that our feet are tiny and fragile).
• At my camp, all shoes must have a heel strap - this has drastically reduced the number of injuries!  Tevas might not be the most attractive shoes in the world, but they get the job done, and Keen's closed-toe sandals are ideal for aquatic activities like canoeing and kayaking.

Beat the Heat by heatherbird featuring a lip treatment

Beat-the-heat essentials: 

• A water bottle that will clip onto your backpack
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Several bandanas, headbands, and hair ties

Toiletries:  soap, shampoo and conditioner (I avoid floral and sweet-smelling products to decrease the risk of insect stings and bites), toothbrush and toothpaste, razor (I love the Venus + Olay razor so I don't have to pack shave gel), strong deodorant, hairbrush, towels and washcloths (that you wouldn't mind losing)

Medications:  Some camps require counselors and volunteers to check all meds - even the OTC stuff - with the camp EMT or nurse.  Be sure to follow the rules!

• Allergy medication
• Allergy cream (bugs WILL bite you)
• Benzocaine swabs to treat bee stings
• Triple antibiotic ointment
• Something for sore muscles (BioFreeze is amazing!)
• Assorted bandages
• Insect repellent (check your camp's policies - DEET products may be banned)
• Aloe vera for treating sunburn
• Eye drops (sitting around a campfire can cause irritation!)

Pool Time! by heatherbird featuring Vera Bradley

Pool/lake gear:

• A one-piece bathing suit or tankini.  My camp has banned bathing suits that tie, which should make sense to anyone who has jumped into a body of water while wearing one and experienced a wardrobe malfunction.  I avoid wearing brightly colored or floral print bathing suits because stinging insects can be attracted to them, and I don't wear red because I don't want to be confused with the lifeguard.
• Multiple beach towels (so that one can be hanging out to dry while one is in use).

Good to have:

• A water resistant sports watch with an alarm (don't rely on your phone).
• Waterproof disposable camera.
• A plastic/mesh bag to take wet bathing suits and towels home in (I skip this because I throw everything into the washing machine as soon as I get home anyway).

Linking Up:

Catch as Catch Can at My Repurposed Life

#FundayMonday at Still Being Molly

Casual Friday at Two Thirty-Five Designs
Favorite Fashion Friday at Penniless Socialite

Friday's Fab Favorites at Style Elixir
Serenity Saturday at Serenity You