Packing For My Spain Vacation, Compliments Of The Hive Summer Sale

There has been a lot of transition in my life recently, and the first half of this year has hit me hard. I moved into Washington, D.C., and we all know moving will take it out of you. I recently got back into the D.C. dating scene, which is absolutely not for the faint of heart. Someone close to me had a recent health scare, and while they are on the mend, it has taken a lot of my focus. And on top of it all, work has been A LOT - I mean drinking out of a fire hose a lot… No, no - that’s not me having a meltdown!

In light of all this, I have decided it’s time to decompress, and I will be doing so on the Costa Brava in Spain in the middle of July. I could not be more excited for myself or the copious amounts of Sangria I plan to drink.

What I find problematic about vacations, and I know I am not alone in this, is that I spend all this money to be able to thoroughly enjoy myself - get there, stay, eat, and drink - but on top of that, I always want a refreshed wardrobe FOR the vacation. Given gas prices and crazy inflation, I frankly have no business in shopping for a vacation wardrobe, but I will be anyways because I want to, and I deserve it. To meet in the middle between reason and bringing myself joy, I will be doing the majority of my vacation wardrobe shopping in what is the best sale section in Old Town at The Hive and Shoe Hive. I am not being flippant when I say “best,” as practically everything on sale at the stores is buy now, wear now. So often, sales revolve around the end of the season, but at The Shoe Hive and Hive, all of my purchases will be enjoyed immediately.

Live vicariously through me and check out what I’m wearing and the adventures I’ll be taking in España! 

I will be getting off the plane in Barcelona at 10:00am, and by 4:30pm, I plan to be on the rooftop of the Hotel Colon enjoying views of the city, eating all the tapas, and sipping on una copa de Vino Tinto - a glass of red wine. To make myself feel extra fabulous and stave off the jet lag, I will be wearing a silk slip dress by Sabina Savage that I got for 40% off. Those savings = extra glasses of wine.

On day two of my trip, I plan to start the day with a café con leche at the café below my Air BNB and then wander around Barcelona, enjoying all of Gaudi’s architecture. While I wouldn’t want him as my architect, I so appreciate his work. For this day, I know I am going to need comfortable shoes while still trying to keep up with the ridiculously fashionable women of Spain. AGL shoes, while Italian (don’t tell the Spanish), is where it is at for comfortable meets gorgeous footwear.

For the rest of the trip, I will be at the Costa Brava, and I could not be more thrilled! I will be hitting the beach as soon as I get there. I cannot wait to wear the heck out of the Ulla Johnson bikini as I am obsessed with what is called the “French Bikini Top.” This will be my new go-to bathing suit for the summer. Additionally, my uniform for beaches and pools is an oversized button-down as a cover-up. What I love about relying on this piece as my cover-up is the ease with which it transforms from a cover-up to appropriate going-out clothing. I really appreciate that I can look put together while still being comfortable and beach-ready. While the “Men’s Blouse” by Wear Cisco is not part of the summer sale, it is a piece that will live in my wardrobe for a long time.

The Costa Brava is incredibly picturesque, and I can’t wait to take in the views. In true European fashion, there will be lots of walking during this vacation. There will be no better way to earn that cold glass of Sangria than by walking along the beach and cliffs - truly earning the view. My goal is to look put together while staying comfortable the entire time. All of the pieces of this outfit are lightweight and breathable while also being so cute and afternoon patio drink worthy.

Unfortunately, this vacation will come to an end. My friends and family would not be surprised if I deliberately missed the flight home, but alas, I have a job and life that requires me to be back. You can be absolutely sure I plan to be as comfortable as possible for that depressing plane ride back. The pretty pink Kennedy Sweatshirt by Citizens of Humanity will hopefully spark some sort of joy on that flight back.

The short of it - run, don’t walk to the Summer Sale at The Shoe Hive and Hive, and a very happy summer and vacationing to you all!