If you're reading this, I have a feeling that you have probably clicked on several other '10 Things to Take with You on Vacation'.  There are lists everywhere and it's not that they're bad, it's just that they kinda assume the only thing you're going to do is lay on the beach all day.  If that's true, I approve, more power to you and have fun.  But most people have a couple of other things in mind.

Take an objective look at yourself.  Are you a fashion girl or more sporty?  Do you plan on wearing the same amount of makeup that you normally do?  Excited about wearing nothing but flip flops or does the idea of having zero heels in your luggage make you cringe?

To have an enjoyable vacation (or move!) you really need to think about what you want to DO. Are you happy with low key quality time with friends or your significant other or are you looking to turn heads and fill your Instagram feed with tropically inspired outfits?

Regardless, the climate plays an (obvious) role.  It's not cold.  Even in winter when the temperature "drops" it's not cold.  It rains occasionally but it's more of a mist that makes you feel a little silly for bringing along an umbrella.  The only downpours are usually accompanied by a hurricane watch but don't worry, it doesn't happen often.  As a whole this is the land of gorgeous weather you're bound to love.

To make things simple, let's start with the things every girl should bring, regardless of your agenda:

• bikinis.  As many as you want.
• cover-up(s)
• cutoff denim shorts
• a couple of cute tanks
• romper
• easy sundress
• flip-flops.  You'll hear people call them slippers here.
• Your favorite beach accessories - shades, hat, beach bag, etc.

The city is like none other - perfect for a little laid back lounging and relaxing with friends.

With beaches literally everywhere you look, you'll want to make sure you bring a lot of swimsuits and cover-ups.

Okay, so it's a lot more than just polka dots and a lot more than just furniture but you get the idea.  So let me just go ahead and say I can die in peace now because you can purchase a black and white polka dot office desk, the coolest table lamp I have ever seen and a silk 'cat nap' pillow that's actually a picture of a cat, well, napping.  I'll take three.

Kate Spade has always had a special place in my heart due to the fun of it all.  The whimsy.  The not-taking-yourself-too-seriously.  There's something charming about a girl who can laugh at herself. They say a sense of humor is one of the most sought after traits in a partner so you may as well cultivate it.  Besides, all black, all day gets really boring.  And I hate boring.

A few quick side notes to mention:  at the moment the larger furniture items are only available to be shipped to the continental US, sorry Alaska and Hawaii.  Hopefully that will change soon!  Secondly, as you may have noticed, the price point is a bit, ah, elevated.  If you're in love with the ideas but can't make it a reality (don't worry, I'm right there with you!) use the pieces as inspiration!  Pick up a few accessories in your price range and then shop around to find something that reminds you of your favorite piece.  If all else fails, start a piggy bank.  In the meantime, feast your eyes upon my cheery favorites from this brand new launch and make sure you check out the rest at Kate Spade.  Do let me know which pieces you'd love to take home!

Light up your living room with this gorgeous pearl and crystal embellished Dickinson Table Lamp, $1,115

Whether in your living room or bedroom this sweet slipper chair in a vibrant hue is sure to keep things light-hearted. Drake Slipper Chair, $2,870

I've had a thing for tufted couches for a long time and this one is no exception.  The unexpected color is an added bonus.  Drake Tufted Sofa, $5,950

xoxo,

 The seasons are changing.  Leaves are turning colors and it's getting cooler.  Okay, well that might not be happening in my part of the world but that's okay, it's officially Fall and I'm going to dress like it is!  There are always a few key pieces that you need to stay on-trend and carry you through til the fancy party season begins.  Need a little help?  I'll here to show you what you need and where to get it!

1.  The Cape - If you invested last year when it cooled off your in luck - the caplet is making a return appearance.  Think sophisticated and hitting between the top of your hip to mid-thigh (no superhero lengths please) in a pretty wear-with-anything color.  Pair with everything from work outfits to skinny jeans to mini skirts.

Ann Taylor Cape, $179

J.Crew Cape, $250

RED Valentino Cape, $995

2.  The Kitten Heel - Your feet will thank you for this more comfortable update but still stylist and gives the same confidence and butt-improving posture without the (same amount of) pain.  From jeweled versions to loafers to straps and everything in between there's something for everyone.

Coach 'Betty' Loafers, $295

Miu Miu Strap Pump, $890

Sole Society 'Jenn' Pump, $69

 3.  Plaid Anything.  A skirt, scarf, button down, topper, whatever - this staple is making a comeback in a big way.  If you're feeling daring try mixing your plaid prints for a true fashion-blogger worthy photo.

Kate Spade Woodland Plaid Midi Skirt, $398

Banana Republic Plaid Scarf, $69

Rails 'Hunter' Plaid Shirt, $138

4. Booties - Whether they're flat or heels, neutral, animal print or a jewel tone you already knew you didn't need an excuse to add to your ever-growing collection.

Kate Spade 'Gianna' Bootie, $398

J.Crew Calf Hair Ankle Boots, $398

Treasure&Bond Booties, $119

5. A Long Vest - This trend is certainly worth trying on before investing.  Pay close attention to the fit and length of the vest to make sure you aren't swallowed whole by the duster.  Shoot for hem to hit either around the knee or at the slimmest point of your calf to prevent cutting off the body at an awkward angle and keep the rest of the silhouette slim.

Zara Waistcoat, $179

                                           

J.Crew Collection Sleeveless Coat, $495

Alice&Olivia Long Embroidered Vest, $1495

You'll never forget the first time you hear "Allloooooohaaaa!"  Actually, you shouldn't say it like that.  Nobody says it like that except tourist places who manage to make it sound like you should have some sort of weird Hawaiian drawl.  But you will find yourself saying it in place of "hi" and "hello" and trust me, no one will look at you funny.

But lets talk a few specifics.  The wonderful Mr. Harbin and I have been in Hawaii for about two months now and by Hawaii I mean the island of Oahu.  We haven't made it island hopping just yet but it's absolutely on our list of things to do.  It's been nothing like what I expected and everything that I expected.  Let me explain.

Fireworks every Friday night tends to make things pretty special.

A pretty amazing view to wake up to.

I remember the first time I was in the Tacoma area in Washington and the thing that struck me the most was the sheer size of the trees.  There's nothing like it on the east coast, even in the mountains.  I distinctly remember being in a field of yellow wildflowers and in the distance was Mount Rainier rising up out of the horizon.  It was exquisite.  The vastness of it.  The first day in Hawaii felt like deja vu.  The way the mountains back up to city streets.  The way your breath is taken away around every curve on a drive along the coast.  The clearness of the water.  It's almost surreal.

You're just driving along and then there's this.  Everywhere.

What I didn't expect:

• The size of the island.  When you look at the map of the Hawaiian Islands they look tiny.  They're really not.  It's an all-day trip to drive around the coast and that's assuming you don't really stop and get out to look at anything.  And there is plenty to look at - the views change from the cityscape of Honolulu and Pearl City to the North Shore and the West Coast. 
• The shopping.  And dear lord, there is almost everything you could possibly imagine.  Whether it's actually on par with Atlanta or Dallas has yet to truly be seen - I will admit that I have not fully explored either city and I'm guessing based on sheer size alone that they may have a slight upper hand, but Honolulu has a distinct advantage.  Everything is within walking distance of each other.  Every big name (and some up and coming) designer and brand you could possibly dream up is represented in about a 3 square mile radius on one corner of the island.

It's reputation precedes it...meet Olomana, better know as the 3 Peaks hike.

• The hiking.  I figured it would be good but I never expected a borderline life-changing experience.  I'd expound but it's worth a post in and of itself so stay tuned.

While the Haiku Stairs hike has been closed for years, there are still ways to get to the top from other mountain ranges that are perfectly legal.

Aloha!

There are waves breaking.  And nothing but water as far as I can see off my lanai.  It's early and there are few people out but it's about to get busy just like always.  It's a little surreal you see.

How about that for a daily view?

Take me where there are beaches and jungles and sea turtles.

Possibly the most content I have ever felt in my entire life.

Not all those who wander are lost.

You know that voice in the back of your head that sometimes whispers (or shouts) "You know this isn't the best idea you've ever had."?  That internal barometer speaks to me on a semi-regular basis and as I've gotten older I do listen...on occasion.  Most recently this kinda-makes-me-look-crazy conversation occurred on a late Monday in March and I decided that I was going kayaking since it would be my only chance to get out on the water for the rest of the week.  Nevermind the fact that it was 55 degrees and pouring, I was going.  I had even mapped out my latest and greatest route - from Whitmarsh Island to Wassaw Island, a wildlife preserve accessible only by boat.  Almost 14 miles one way...what could go wrong?

From the dock at Whitmarsh to Wassaw Island is almost 14 miles one way.

 Ignore the fact that my last 10+ mile expedition a few weeks ago left me with arms and shoulders that literally hurt for days and so exhausted that I could barely lift the kayak back on top of our Jeep.  But hey, that was 2 weeks ago and I wasn't backing out come hell or high water (see what I did there? haha).

Even as I tore through my closet searching for a rash guard I hadn't used since last summer that voice started popping up.  "Are you sure you want to do this today? Cause it kinda seems like iffy weather.  And by iffy I mean it's going to suck,"  At some point I will learn to listen more often but this wasn't the day for it.  Dressed, kayak loaded, map, snacks and my eternal fluffy sidekick and we were headed for the dock.  I kept looking on the bright side - there wasn't a single soul there.  It was perfect, we would practically have the water all to ourselves which meant no wake to contend with (I can't imagine why no one else was out there).

Rio is so spiffy in her life jacket.

 Once actually in the water the feel-good vibes started to dissipate if they had event been there in the first place.  It was drizzling, the water was rough enough to send buckets into the kayak (remember there's no skirt on it because our dog sits between our legs) and I can't tell where the hell I'm going, map or not.  But even then, I really couldn't just turn around and go back to the car.  We were already out here, already in the water, already wet, we had to have something to show for it.  Perhaps some higher power read my mind because the next moment there was a very recognizable bird call...almost a scream.  If you've ever heard one of these in person, you know exactly what I mean.

A bald eagle perched on a low branch not 30 feet from my kayak.  Totally made the day worth it.

Bald eagles don't have that regal call that most people think - it's a weird chirping, screamy sound that you'll never forget.  And it's totally cool to see one in the wild just hanging out.  After attempting to snap a couple pictures - a few of them turned out thank goodness - I decided that maybe we would cut our trip a little short.  We had gone maybe 4 miles out and the rain went from a drizzle to a outright downpour.  I finally gave in to that voice that had gone from suggesting to demanding.

The way back had our heart rates up a little more than is comfortable - from a easy drizzle to pouring and the winds picking up, our light kayak was doing a valiant job of keeping us from swimming.

It's freezing!  I'll go ahead and admit it, it was not my best idea to go kayaking on this particular day. I'm thanking my stars for a good guardian angel.

The story has a happy ending though - there wasn't any capsizing, thank god, because that's a different disaster than usual when you have a dog with you, even if they are wearing a lifejacket.  Fighting the wind, surf and current meant to took an extra hour to get back to the dock but thankfully other than a few close calls with big waves it was uneventful.  We made it back to the car and Rio, would is usually quite happy to sniff around, was more interested in getting in the car and out of the rain.  I didn't realize just how cold I was until I was out of the kayak and back on land though - shivering and really really really wishing I had brought an extra shirt, this trip was full of plenty of lessons learned.  Pack better.  Listen to the weather.  Stop being so stubborn.  Even though I have years of experience kayaking and other outdoors activities, I know my limits and I need to learn to listen to myself.  It can wait.  We've got all summer.  And the paddle leashes are already on order.

The dog who doesn't like to snuggle didn't mind a little extra attention once we finally made it back to the car.

Special thanks to Francisco for the title inspiration. 

Over time things change.  In life, in love, in fashion - as the days pass on everything is different even when it seems the same.  So in the interest of not becoming some boring, stagnant column, this blog is getting a face lift (literally - did you see the new cover photo??).

Why?  Well, it's been my personal experience that people are, generally speaking, quite complicated.  A myriad of interests that don't always exactly seem to go together.  And sometimes that makes people look at others funny.   But who says you have to focus on just one thing?  Why can'y you embrace all of those interesting facets that makes you, well, you?  So maybe I'm about to shoot myself in the foot and ruin my following (do I still have a following?) or maybe this will appeal to an even larger audience.  The only thing I know is that I don't ever want to be boring and I'm afraid that's where I am at the moment.  So if I have to indulge my love of absurdly expensive shoes and whatever walks the runway at NY Fashion Week as well as my obsession with kayaking, rock climbing and anything I can compete in.

Seriously, for me, having a blog that only talks about fashion is kinda like being at a party and only participating in the conversations about what everyone is wearing.  That's boring.  I hate being limited.  I want to talk about everything.  So hey, why not join me, it will be adventure for everyone.

Since when did we have to start choosing between being beautiful and girly or adventurous and athletic? Photo Credit to Starla Little and Paul Nurnberg.