Hi Tall friends,

I've had a busy weekend frolicking with my husband on a fun overnight getaway.  The crazy Nor'easter couldn't stop us!  We got 18.5 inches of snow...with 4 and 5 feet snow drifts in areas!  It was insane.  Fortunately we didn't lose power and stayed safe and warm.  Now it's time to get ready for sunny and warm Florida in just over a week.  And with that, I bring you vacation essentials for men and women.

If you remember, I did a similar post last year.  It's funny how the "hot" colors of this past year (coral and mint) have snuck their way into my psyche.  I didn't intend to use those colors...it just sort of happened!  I love looking back on my choices last year and comparing it with this year's picks. 

Swimsuit: Long Torso Ruched Bandeau Tank. Ruching is a girl's best friend!  Besides being flattering, it's just so pretty. 

Sundress: Women's Eyelet Tube Dress (Tall). I typically try to choose dresses and shirts with straps since the older we gals get, the less likely we are to go strapless.  But this is a vacation after all!  I love that this dress can go from the beach to a shopping excursion or lunch with ease. And this gorgeous shade of red?  I couldn't resist...

Lightweight Jacket: Classic Jean Jacket in White (Tall). With the focus on colored denim over the last year, I've been really tempted to get a white denim jacket.  It's like the classic blue denim jacket's trendy younger sister.

Hat: Roxy by the Sea Sun Hat. Last year I featured a cool fedora but I couldn't help but feature a wide brimmed sun hat this time around.  It offers more protection and looks so glamorous! 

Scarf: Pieces Gunbritt Anchor Scarf. A scarf is a must have when it comes to travel.  It makes every outfit look more chic and is a convenient cover up, shawl, or mini blanket on the plane. 

Tote : Oil Cloth Shopper in navy. Whether you consider it a big purse or a small carry on (or a diaper bag in my case ;), a tote is so convenient.  You can pack it for day trips, throw snacks and bottled water in it for excursions, or just carry it for looks alone. 

Sandals: Sam Edelman Gigi . Up to size 12. I love that these sandals can be dressed up or down, come in up to a size 12, and come in over TWENTY colors!   

Swim Trunks: Men's Plaid Board Shorts (Tall).   These swim trunks are stylish, yet classic.  They come in tall sizes and are super affordable.

"Nice" shorts: Legend Wash 12 inch Chino Shorts (Long Rise). There's nothing worse than being uncomfortable on vacation.  Finding long shorts is a must!  If you search "long" shorts for men, results will include 8.5 inseam, which I personally wouldn't classify as long! These are 12 inches.  They are nice enough to wear to dinner or a date yet casual enough for sightseeing during the day. 

Polo/Golf shirt: Luxe Touch Polo (Tall).  This polo is comfortable (hence the "luxe" label), yet totally wearable.  Even better-it comes in 10 glorious shades!

Backpack or duffel: Baggallini Atlas Duffel. Last year I featured a backpack.  This year I was thinking of older gents.  If you don't carry a backpack consider a duffel or satchel.  This one includes a long shoulder strap for carrying ease.

Sandals/Flip Flops: Sanuk Slacker. I'm convinced that the cheaper the sandal/shoe, the less comfortable it is (it took lots of wasted shoe purchases from Target and Payless for me to learn this).  That rule doesn't necessarily apply to all articles of clothing but for shoes?  Absolutely!  I could've gone with a $100+ leather pair, but this pair is middle of the road.  This pair isn't leather (hence the affordable price tag), but the foot bed is composed of super soft high rebound molded "EVA."  Doesn't that sound comfy?!

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban ORB3491- I suppose any pair would do, but c'mon-how amazing are these?!

Tall Clothing Mall has a few fun posts regarding being tall.  One is 7 things you should never ask a tall person.  Take a look at the post and add something you've been asked to the list!  There is a post on hugging (you'll have to take a look to see what that's all about!) and one with a funny song for tall single ladies. Another out of the box post is on extra long mattresses/bedding.  I love the fun bedding options Krista chose.  Check it out here.  Lastly, read this post featuring a tall edgy outfit for men.

As for Tall Snob, there are personal shopping results for prom dresses for a tall young lady here, a post featuring pencil skirts from one of my favorite retailers here, and a post with an outfit composed of shades of gray and jade here. Lastly, while we've seen a lot of colored denim pants/jeans, this post boasts a colored denim skirt outfit. 

This week's partner spotlight is on Mod Cloth .  I love, love, love this partner.  They are a great resource for vintage inspired clothing-especially dresses.  There is a wide price range so whether you're looking for designer, contemporary/affordable, or inexpensive accessories, there's a little something for everyone (and they have killer clearance sales)!  Unfortunately Mod Cloth doesn't carry tall sizes so I stick to perusing this partner to highlight tunics, accessories, mid length dresses, and the occasional piece that someone must have accidentally used a tall fit model to create. ;)  Due to the reasons listed above, my picks below may seem a bit random! Let me explain-in the vein of the vacation theme I chose the first several pieces from their resort collection.  But then when I was browsing for my own personal enjoyment I came across this pretty bow tunic and decided to throw it in as well!  Take a look around-you never know what quirky new "favorite" piece you might find!

Hello Bow Tunic in Onyx.   Oh What a Sight Sunglasses. Bow to Stern Scarf in Mustard Stripes. Cruise Ship Clues Shorts. (11 inch rise, 9-9.5 inch inseam).