Honeymooner On A Budget

My sweet friend Allison has no idea where she's going on her honeymoon. Her husband-to-be is announcing it at the reception and all she knows is that they're going to a beach, not in the United States, and not in Mexico! She needs outfits for dinner, on the beach, and hiking. Here's a few ideas from my own closet...

I love to save space and re-wear sundresses as coverups. I got this embroidered dress at Ross for $14 and it's perfect to wear with wedges and a skinny belt or throw on with a bathing suit and flats for the beach.

White jeans are great for the plane. Wear them with layered tanks and a pashmina and then dress them up with a blouse for sipping cocktails by the pool...

As for the pashmina, wrap it around a few times and wear it as a skirt to dinner. This seamless tank from Anthropologie is my go-to top for travel. It comes in 8 different colors and you can reverse the neckline (U-shaped or V-neck).

If you have dresses that aren't necessarily "sundresses" accessorize with a straw bag and colorful beads. This denim strapless dress from Gap can go casual or dressy.

(I found this striped tote at Goodwill for $6!)

Assuming you don't spill anything on your white tanks, wear one with a pair of shorts and tennies for hiking. Tuck a pair of sandals into your purse and you'll be ready for happy hour by the pool!

A little black dress is always a sure bet. Wear a necklace as a belt or a pair of colorful earrings and pile on the bangles.

Skirts are another fun dressy option. I got this ikat one at the J.Crew outlet recently and it goes with t-shirts, tanks, or blouses. I'd wear it with a gold necklace, wedges, and some poppy red lipstick for dinner.

I wore this skirt to holiday parties with tights and booties but it could also go with a black tank and sandals. You might find something you already have from a shower or a party that you can re-wear in a different way.

When you're shopping for new sundresses, make sure you can wear them for different occasions when you get home. Will got this one for me a few years ago and I've worn it to day weddings, parties, and brunch.

For accessories, I like to pack a mixture of vintage beads and bangles. Try to take things that work with multiple outfits and don't take up much space. As for hats, I found this straw one at KMart in Jackson Hole (random!!) but you can usually find them under $25. Depending on where you're traveling, check out the local markets for jewelry and hats. (Just make sure hubby finds a cold beverage while you shop!)

When I travel, I like to take a few different types of bags. Straw clutches are perfect for beach attire and a cross body bag is nice for hiking or sightseeing. Make your wallet double up as a clutch that you can stick in a tote for the beach or take out to dinner. I love my oversized purple tote from France and you can find similar ones at flea markets or Etsy.com.

Since Allison's on a budget, everything below is under $100.

J.Crew Factory Straw Hat $24.50

Kendra Scott Earrings $60

(20% off when you sign up for emails!)

ASOS Butterfly Sun Dress $100

J.Crew Factory Tank $19.50

J.Crew Lily Short $44.50

(3" Chino Shorts in 8 colors $34.50)

J.Crew Factory Lucca Skirt $29.50

J.Crew Maritime Dress $79

Forever 21 Blouse $25

Gap White Jeans $59.50

Reversible Seamless Tank $24

Zara Panel Skirt $40

ModCloth Scarf $90

ModCloth Dress $74

Replace the self tie with something fun...

Vintage Braided Belt $14

(For similar styles, search vintage: Woven Belt on Etsy.com)

Anthropologie Balmy Reversible Belt $48

ModCloth Blooms Dress $88

ModCloth Little Dipper Dress $58

Vintage Beaded Necklace $12.50

Vintage Raffia Clutch $18

Vintage Embroidered Clutch $28

(For similar styles, search vintage: Straw Purse on Etsy.com)

Sam Edelman Sandal (also comes in nude) $60

Update a pair of sandals you already have with a scarf!!

Old Navy Wedges $33

Lines I love on a budget:

RACHEL Rachel Roy for dresses and skirts, J.Crew Factory (only on the weekends), Old Navy, Baggu Bags, ASOS (free shipping), Roxy at Nordstroms, Alternative Apparel, Victoria's Secret for bathing suits, Velvet by Graham & Spencer at Bloomingdale's, Forever 21, Zara, Gap for basics, DSW for shoes and hats, ModCloth (inventory changes everyday), Urban Outfitters, Topshop for bathing suits, Anthropologie for accessories, and last but certainly not least: VINTAGE!!