My family and I just returned from a much anticipated trip to kick off the summer. We spent 6 days in Northern Ireland and 6 days in Italy split between Lake Garda and Venice. The trip was fantastic and while there are many takeaways from the trip, I had to share the one thing I learned while in Lake Garda from the women.

Lake Garda is in the Northern region of Italy and is known for its rocky beaches surrounded by gorgeous mountains. While there, my family and I split our days between exploring the cute town of Malcesine and relaxing at the lake beach near our apartment. Afternoons at the beach were simple, a repurposed shopping bag acted as my beach tote and we didn't even bring towels. The rocky shores were sporadically filled with mostly locals looking to escape the heat in the clear waters. While there, I did what any stylist would do and looked around at the other women admiring their swimsuits. It was at this moment that I learned something from the Italian women. They ALL wore their suits unapologetically. It was clear to me that many of them wore their suits as a means to enjoy the sunshine and waters, regardless of how their body looked. It was a freeing experience to see women of all shapes and sizes wearing suits that they chose because they wanted to, letting go of any 'should or should nots'. I saw curvy women in thongs, older women in bikinis and everything in between. It honestly made me feel differently about a swimsuit and about the stigma and standards that often come attached to it. I have worked with so many women who don't own a swimsuit or insist on only putting one on when no one is looking. Life is too short to sweat on the sidelines. This summer I encourage you to be more like the Italian women and accept your body for what it is versus criticizing it for what it is not.

This year's swim guide linked here is a great resource if you're looking for a new suit this summer.

While away, I found myself wearing a few items on repeat and wanted to share! The items are things I wore on my trip, but also are also pieces I wear in my daily life in NJ! A lot of these items are on sale for the 4th of July holiday too!

1. Thigh Society shorts. If you don't own these already, let me tell you you need them! I wear the 5 inch cooling in S/M. They're light and feel so comfortable under dresses or even pants that have a low crotch. In summer, (and honestly all year round) I'm not interested in having my thighs touch. I own 3 pairs and wear them ALL THE TIME. Thank me later.

2. Comfortable sandals with a thick sole and arch support. I alternated between these and these on the trip. I loved both and would recommend them for everything from exploring a new city to daily errands.

3. Cotton poplin dresses. Nothing says chic more than a cotton dress that just flows over the body. Worn with your thigh society shorts and arch sandals of course, you're ready to take on it all from day to night. I wore both these save and splurge dresses.

4. A chic straw hat is a summer essential! This one that I brought got mangled in my suitcase before I could wear it and with a little shaping it was back to looking new! I've shared this brand 100 times before because it's THAT good. I own 2 hats and this beach tote and love every time I wear them.

5. Soft PJs. I didn't know I could love pajamas so much. I brought these and these on my trip and I thought they were worth the investment! Since arriving back home, I can affirmatively say they wash well and are still crazy soft and comfortable. I think I need another pair :)

Reminder, that if packing for a trip doesn't fit into your schedule because you're too busy holding it down as a busy, successful woman, I'd love to help you! Travel packing and styling is a service I love to do! It guarantees that your outfits are well styled for your trip and allows you to focus on more important things!