ELEVATING A CASUAL OUTFIT TO LOOK POLISHED
I’ve mentioned several times that I’m finally getting to take a vacation in a couple of days, but I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned where we are going. We are flying to Belize on Saturday and will be gone until the 25th. I am so excited to finally get some time to relax by the pool or play in the ocean, but all of that comes at a cost. I’m not talking financially; I’m talking about planning, scheduling blog posts, and getting plenty of photos taken before leaving.
The funny thing about our trip was; that it was a trip that my daughter and her friend were going on. Joe and I found out about her trip, and we decided to tag along also. My daughter and her friend plan on doing a lot of island hopping, snorkeling, swimming with sharks, seeing the Mayan Ruins, looking at the Blue Hole, etc., and Joe and I intend to do none of that. Lol! We just want to relax and enjoy the warmth and scenery. The place we are staying says they have Wi-Fi, but I’m worried it won’t work or be strong enough for me to post. Soooo, if there are days when you don’t hear from me, be assured that I’m pulling my hair out instead of relaxing, but I’ll be back shortly. If any of you have visited Belize, especially San Pedro, where I will be staying, be sure to give me some tips or “must-dos.”
The other day when I did a post with some J.Jill clothing, I mentioned that the clothing on the website could look blah. I’m sure that the company doesn’t intend for that to happen, but when you look at the website and then at this shirt, you will see what I mean. This Relaxed Shirred Top is a gorgeous print, and the material is a very soft rayon. The shirt has a casual feel, but it looks polished and put together. I’m wearing a small since this top runs large, and it fits great.
Here is the look from the back. You can see how long the shirt is and that it covers my bottom.
I kept my accessories casual to match the overall look of this outfit. My straw earrings are part of a 4-pack that I bought to go on my vacation. I don’t want to wear expensive earrings in the pool or ocean, so I always grab some expendable and inexpensive options. The Stretch Woven Belt is also part of a 4-pack. This is the lightest color, and there is a black, khaki, and multi-colored belt. My necklace is the Adeline Link Necklace, and my bracelet is a David Yurman Cable Loop Bracelet. Those may go on the trip with me, but they won’t be worn to the pool or the beach. Lol!
I wanted to carry a yellow handbag to bring out the yellow in the shirt. I could have carried my Coach Lane Handbag, but that was too dressy for the look I wanted. So, I grabbed this Yellow Striped Handbag instead, and it kept the outfit looking casual. This handbag is lined and has a drawstring closure to secure your items. It is a great medium size, and it is inexpensive and not a large investment.
I’ve worn the white version of these Liverpool Crop Straight-Leg Jeans before, and I loved them so much that I also ordered this pair. I love the color, the fit, and the slight distressing of these jeans. These have a relaxed fit, and they are comfortable to wear. I’m wearing a size 8, and they fit great!
These canvas textile wedge espadrille sandals are perfect for spring and summer. I love the jute espadrille soles, and the natural hemp color is a great neutral that will go with everything. These sandals run true to size, and I am wearing my usual size 9.
I am thrilled to have my daughter back in Virginia. She might not stay long, but I’m going to enjoy it while she is here. I am 5’6″ tall, and she makes me look like a munchkin. Lol! She is 5’11” and 3/4″ tall; she always has to include the 3/4″ because she wanted to be 6′ tall so badly. Can you tell that she is artistic? She had been painting when I asked her to come and take a photo with me. If you are interested in her biking shorts and Hoka sneakers, I’ll give you those links also. She wears an XL in the shorts, I have them also, and I wear a L.
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love your choices
Good Morning, loving your blog 😊 read all through but couldn’t see where you bought the blouse, looks lovely with jeans.
5′ 11 3/4″ ROFL I’m 5’10” so I know how she feels. My husband is 6’7″ and when I’m mad at him I tell him, “I only married you because you make me look petite!”
Love the way you put outfits together, you always looked polished. You hair is gorgeous by the way love the darker roots.
Tania,
I lived in Corozal for over 2 years.
I would highly suggest you leave all of your jeans and any at home. 100% Cotton is your best option.
Also stick with flat shoes for the most part. The wedge espadrille sandals would be fine for dinner, but limit it to one pair.
Word to the wise ~ the less you elevate a look the better. Stay low key, very casual. Try not to stand out. Please feel free to write privately with questions.
Because of Him>
Janis
Love the outfit and the accessories. That bag is a good price too! Walmart sure has improved over the time the years.
I love the whole outfit. I finally broke down and ordered the belts. 🙃 Have a great vacation and enjoy the warm weather!! 💗
Love your style! Enjoy your vacation!
I love the entire outfit except the jeans. I just can’t get on board with jeans that look like hand-me-downs. However, you look great in most anything you wear!
I love the top & jeans on you!!
wedge espadrille sandals are they comfortable. They look really cute. When I went to order them the reviews were not great. Are they comfortable to wear?
I think that top is gorgeous! I do love a floral and the colors in this are so versatile. The whole outfit looks great!
I agree about J Jill. I do like their clothing, but most items seem to be in a rather dull palette. I’m going to go against the grain here to say, I don’t think this outfit is attractive, elevated or not. It still looks dull, but that’s just my opinion. I love the 4 pack of belts and earrings! Great buys and perfect for a tropical vacation! Have fun! Can’t wait to see what you wear on vacation!
That’s funny, Nancy, I liked this outfit a lot, and part of the reason I liked it was because it was muted and soft looking.
What size is the belt, medium or large so I can get estimate of what I need. Not sure if you got my previous message? Thanks and have fun.
Gail, I just went and looked, my belts are large.
Can you tell us the size of belts, that you are wearing please?
They are larges
Maybe you would consider showing us gurls the options you chose to take with you and give some advice on packing for an island getaway. Sometimes the planning is almost as much fun as the vacation.
Great outfit. I’m always looking for casual short sleeved blouses in a natural fabric but can rarely get my hands on one…
Thank you for another great post. Please enjoy your vacation and don’t stress if a post or two is not there. We will be here when you get back. Have fun!
You are right—from the way that blouse looked on the website, I wouldn’t be interested, but you make it look great!
Also, your daughter is gorgeous; enjoy this time together with her. Have a wonderful trip!
❤️❤️❤️ your your outfit! When I first opened the email I thought it made you look younger. I have resisted the distressed look but these jeans have just the look I want. Unfortunately, I am tall and a 27in. inseam wouldn’t look right. Any other brands you could suggest?
I hope your packing the cute outfit looks so comfortable. Thanks for sharing pictures of your daughter Have a fun vacation
We visited our friends, who own Sundiver Beach Resort, a few years back. Though WAY out of my comfort zone, we snorkeled in Shark Ray Alley. Our son later commented, “Mom! They’re nurse sharks – they don’t even have teeth!” No matter, I bragged about my bravery. Our friends took us on golf cart tours of San Pedro and my husband and I enjoyed learning about and grinding cacao at the chocolate shop. The sargassum was thick when we were there so the beach was not conducive to walks, but my husband went up in a parasail for a birdseye view. Iguanas are huge and everywhere. Relax and enjoy!
Please tell me what you are doing to lose weight. I think you look great. I am post menopause and really struggling. I love your posts so much.
Sheilah
kurtbrock.sb@gmail.com
Love this outfit, the shirt is so cute. I agree about how the website sometimes make the clothing look very dull. There are more websites that are the same.
Love LOVE this post. Everything about it made me smile:) Your hair looks great, the smiles on both your faces when hugging (she looks like Joe) and the outfit. Have a fabulous trip!!!! Can you do 5 days posting and skip the rest and just be with Joe and the beautiful location? When I travel, I take inexpensive jewelry. No stress. Have fun!!!
Bon Voyage!
Have a great time on your vacation and don’t worry about us. We will be here when you get back. Take the R&R. It’s well deserved.
Beautiful ladies!! You’re spot on about the j jill website. The clothes are much more vibrant in the store. Have a great vacation. 😊
Sounds like a fun vacation! Have fun!
Fun post this morning, Tania! I really like the outfit you styled and it’s nice to see your daughter with you. I’m interested in her sneakers so thanks for the link. Happy and safe travels and looking forward to seeing what you style on vacation!
I love J. Jill clothes. They wash very well and last a long time.
Hi Tania, I love your blog and your down to earth personality and your stories about your family. My family and I went to Belize years ago and went cave tubing. They are known as Butts up. Their website is Cavetubing.com . We had a blast. I would definitely recommend to go it if you can. Thanks for all your fashion tips and information.
Hoka sneakers are the best! I can wear very comfortably without my orthotics. I have them in black. And orange!
enjoy your time away! love your posts, fashion style and attitude towards life❤️
That is such a pretty top and the jeans are spot on! I know you are looking forward to your tropical getaway. Has Joe asked if you are going to pack light?
Great outfit. Have a wonderful relaxing holiday.