On Warmer Days Ahead

and Packing Light

We’re heading to one of our favorite spots in the Bahamas later this month. After a January of snowstorms and viruses, plus a week with my phone bricked, I’m finding it hard to think about anything other than our upcoming trip to Harbour Island.

When I have a trip on the horizon, I set up a foldable hanging rack and start pulling together outfits. I like to travel efficiently, and packing a carry-on always requires more intention than checking a bag. I get a lot of requests to share more of my wardrobe, so I’m testing the waters here and sharing what I actually pack and wear.

Over the week or so leading up to a trip, I add and subtract from the rack, building mental momentum for the trip. It feels a bit like scheming a room, with all of the materials laid out so I can visualize the plan. I usually settle on a clear palette so that everything works together and can be worn interchangeably. I pack with cubes (mine are old Paravel, but I like the look of these) that somehow manage to save space both in my suitcase and wherever I land. I’m hoping to squeeze everything into this Away larger carry-on I bought in London last year to pack purchases (their boutiques will messenger bags to your hotel, if you’re ever in a pinch!).

We’ve been going to Harbour Island nearly every year for a decade, and our days tend to fall into an easy rhythm. We start our mornings with coffee and breakfast at the Cocoa Shop or Arthur’s, then we pile into the golf cart and head to Ms. V’s for beach chairs, long swims, and grilled lobster for lunch. It’s vacation, so we have a painkiller or two before we head home from the beach. For dinner, we’ll pick up conch salad from Queen Conch and sushi from Da Vine for nights at home. If we’re going out, I like waiting for a table at the bar at The Landing, and the boys are happiest with the pizza at Acquapazza.

I love this sketch of the bar at The Landing from Island Life

Nothing is formal, and all I need for the week is linen, a few bathing suits, and a handful of easy accessories. Some of the necklaces here are by Sophie Buhai and truly beautiful, but I also love semiprecious beaded necklaces found on Etsy (search for lapis, malachite, jade) and in souks and antique shops. I’m rewearing many pieces I already own, with a few additions I ordered online from my friend Elizabeth Tuke’s shop. This striped dress, a simple shift with a waist, and this chic bathing suit didn’t make the cut on the collages below but will get a lot of wear on this trip.

From top left: my favorite hat (note to self to buy another as a backup), beaded necklace, bathing suit, my favorite sandals from the summer, new sarong, embroidered button-up shirt

From top left: silk wrap for if I feel like dressing up a bit for the beach, coral necklace, a magic bathing suit that is so flattering and thick it makes the price nearly acceptable, linen pants I wear on repeat, favorite sandals, linen button down also on repeat

From top left: beaded necklace, faux stone strand necklace (perfect for travel), faux stone drop earrings, cashmere wrap (Quince is not my fav, but peachy pink is tricky, and this one is good), ikat clutch, a very flattering linen top, chic linen pants, classic leather wedges

Ok, enough daydreaming about lounging at Ms.V’s. Back to work!

x Lilse