Now I know that most of us are back from our big summer holiday, but there is still quite a bit of summer left, including a few long weekends.
So many of us make a big deal about leaving the city we live in for a break, but the idea of the ‘staycation’, staying in a hotel or Air BNB on your own city is definitely taking hold.
Hubby and I did it when we were back in Bris for Christmas. We spend a night away (sans tiny human) at an inner-city hotel and it was divine!
Part of the fun of the staycation is getting to explore your own city. Go out for dinner and drinks, AND breakfast the next day – think of all the cool opportunities to play dress-ups (well clearly that’s how my brain works anyway).
Choosing the right size bag or suitcase it really important too right?
And thanks to the lovely team at Magenta Group, I’ve got a gorgeous Heys hard-shell marble hand luggage suitcase to give away to make it easier to pack for your staycation, so keep reading!
Hubby and I still have one more staycation planned this summer in Auckland (also it’s our wedding anniversary, so that kinda ties in nicely), so here’s an idea of how I’m going to pack, and hopefully it gives you some inspiration too!
CHECK IN LOOK: Boohoo.com kimono $29.00 | Max essentials singlet $29.99^ | Decjuba “Brodie” jeans $109.95 AUD^ | Cait & Co dark pink leather slides $89
OUT TO DINNER LOOK: Saben “Tilly” clutch in steel blue $199 on sale | Lovisa blue tassel earrings $29.99 | Mi PIaci “Yasu” dress sandals in mustard $260 | Cait & Co black bamboo miracle dress $85 |
BY THE POOL LOOK: Jets one piece togs from Swimwear Galore $179.99 | Max “Maddie” oversized sunnies $39.99^ | Jeanswest pool cover-up $49.99 on sale
CASUAL BREAKFAST LOOK: Glassons straw boater hat $29.99^ | Saben “Tilly” clutch in steel blue $199 on sale | Max “Maddie” oversized sunnies $39.99^ | Cait & Co “Cruise” tie waist jersey dress $75.00 | Cait & Co dark pink leather slides $89
You’re only going away for a night or two, and you’ll have plenty of room in your suitcase so don’t worry about taking t much! (No such thing as over-packing right?)
The main thing is to OVER-DRESS! Have fun with what you take, its your night away and you deserve to frock up a little and have fun! (plus if you’re anything like me, you’ll have more than five minutes to get ready if you are without the babies so take that time and enjoy it)
Thanks so much to Magenta Group who kindly gifted me a set of Heys Marble Hard-case Luggage to try for myself – safe to say I LOVE them! Never going back to soft suitcases again! And I couldn’t believe how light they were! So now you can win one for yourself!
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN TO WIN!
Thanks to the lovely team at Magenta Group, I’ve got one of these gorgeous Heys Marble Carry-On suitcases to give away. It’s the perfect size to take on your staycation (speaking from personal experience!)
All you have to do to enter is tell me which is your favourite of the four staycation looks above and why (plus feel free to tell me where you would go on your staycation too! I’m always looking for new places to stay!)
SIMPLY ANSWER IN THE COMMENTS BELOW TO GO INTO THE DRAW – T’s & C’s below – GOOD LUCK!
In Love & Style Always,
Competition Ts & Cs
This is a game of skill. All entries will be judged on their creativity by us.
The giveaway is open to New Zealand residents over 18 years of age. It commences on Thursday January 25th 2018 and closes on Sunday February 4th, 2018. The winner will be decided on Monday February 5th, 2018 and then contacted via email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours to our email, another winner will be chosen. By entering this competition, entrants accept that I will email the winner with the email provided and publish their name on this blog post and that your email will be added to the Chasing Cait mailing list.
^ these are wee affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you swipe your credit card as a result of seeing it on my blog. But rest assured, all my recommendations are from the heart and products that I believe in. x
Love the by the pool look. I would have a staycation at the distinction hotel in Dunedin. The baths look amazing for a bubble bath!!
Casual Breakfast as this is how I would dress too.
Definitely by the pool (because soaking in cold water is all I have been dreaming of this whole weekend!). Absolutely adore the togs – great colour combo, glamorous and flattering with the belt, and the kimono cover-up looks super comfy. Of course, I’d pinch the brekkie hat too for lazing in the sunshine!
‘By the Pool’ staycation outfit stood out for me. I would feel confident wearing this beautiful swimsuit. It looks supportive in all the right places and is very glamourous. Adding the cover up and sunnies means I would be able to wear the whole outfit to and from the pool in public with pride!
I wished I’d had this for my Christmas staycation at Chantillys Motor Lodge at Lake Taupo by their pool and at the lake,
I love them all! (And I am super picky lol). But the casual breakfast is really great as it would be a perfect ‘go shopping’ outfit too 🙂
I have a staycation planned in April to celebrate a special anniversary and the end of a period of time when my dad and my husband are both having pretty invasive surgeries so a new case would be amazing!!
Out to dinner. I’d love to go clamping at castaways!
I love all of the outfits, but those mustard shoes and tassel areas seal the deal- so out to dinner is the fave.
I’ve never stayed anywhere in Welly (except my home) but if I was going to try it I’d stay at the Museum Hotel as it’s gorgeous inside. We are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out.
That blue stretchy dress looks perfect for brunches!
Whoops- I meant ‘earrings’ not areas! Gah!
By the Pool! You always find the prettiest swimming togs! And those glasses are awesome. We had a holiday in Twizel this summer instead of just driving right past and it was a great place. We did some waterskiing on Lake Benmore. The weather was stunning, the water was warm and we got great photos with Mt Cook in the background. This outfit would have been perfect for this holiday, and it’s a place I highly recommend if you want to relax.
Check in time is my favourite: because stripes! Actually, because of the distressed jeans, too (I’ve only just recently joined that club). Aaaand I was a bit anti kimonos before but now I really like them for dressing up an Uber casual outfit…. Our next staycation will be in Dunedin (where we live), as it’s not too far away from our 4 year old and 10 month old girls! But soon would love a family staycation – anywhere! Queenstown, Wanaka, Wellington, Auckland…I’m not fussy 😂. Love the suitcase!!!
I love the check in look, it’s the beautiful florals that got me. It’s nearly my wedding anniversary too, would love to go on a wee adventure back to the mount – beachy warm and bright or maybe to brisbane for some shopping x
My fav was the check in – I love the kimono – I ordered it straight away. I love how you include things that are reasonably priced – I have learnt so much from your blogs and attending your worshop. I would go glamping in Orewa.
Out to dinner look is fab. Simple yet v stylish with the elegant black and pops of colour on the feet and earrings. I’m about to buy that miracle dress!
My favorite is the stripey dress, I love stripes and navy. I’m going to Queenstown soon for a wedding don’t know if that counts as a staycation but I’m excited an will use your packing guide 😊
Love the check in look. The floral and stripe combo is awesome!
If I was to h e a staycation in aucks, I would love to go to somewhere near the water like the Hilton. Then it’s a hop skip and a jump to lots of delicious dining options!
Loving the relaxed vibe of the causal breakfast outfit… my favorite time for a meal out. So many trends packed into one little outfit…straw boater, stripes, rose gold and slides… can taste the eggs Benedict already! Having missed our wedding anniversary (we both forgot!!) a staycation in one of the newer hotels in Christchurch would be fabulous.
I adore the by the pool. It’s so classy and perfect for a pools side mocktail. I can just see it with a pink umbrella in my glass accepting the blue and gold tones. A far away dream, as I am hiding in the loo from three kids. I didn’t even need to go, I just didn’t want to talk to anyone for 5minutes.
A pool side trip.. even for a day… I would go in rags or my birthday suit but imagine that swim suit…
I love the ‘Out to dinner’ look. The black dress with the pop of colour in the shoes and earrings is gorgeous. Any staycation place in NZ is great, so many lovely places around the country. The key for me is a little bit of time apart from little people with your partner. Such a great once you have children!
Love the dinner look! I like black but just climbing my way out of depression after an awful year I am drawn to more colour. The colour pops of shoe, bag and earrings make it more accessible for me. We’re going to houseswap with a friend with a pool in the city – we live rurally near a wild west coast beach so it’s a perfect swap for a free change of scene. I’m a single mama – it’s about the class and adventure on a low budget!
Gotta love that dinner look! The dress to hide the bumpy bits and not fitted so you can actually enjoy your dinner without feeling like you’re going to split your seams! Each year in September I take my Mum on a staycation to say thank you for her gift of a kidney to my husband. It’s wonderful mother/daughter bonding time and it’s my way of thanking her for her incredible generosity. We then finish with dinner at The Sugar Club with the whole family – primped and preened to feel special and to remind us how far we’ve come.
I love your check in look. Especially the stripe singlet with the floral kimono. I’m totally off to check the kimono out online as this would be a perfect cover up on these hot days and add that touch of glam to my mummy wardrobe. I have recently moved to Papamoa from Auckland and while I loved doing the odd Auckland city staycation I think it would be awesome to have a night in Tauranga. We did this pre-kids and pre-living here and it’s fab. Must look into it when the grandparents come down as I actually really enjoy having time to spend somewhere you are really familiar with so you can explore and find new more hidden favs.
Out to dinner!! Love your miracle dress (going to buy one on my return from uk) love the mustard and blue together. The outfit is Relaxed but gorgeous and dressy at the same time
Love the by the pool look with matching togs and glasses…perfect for upcoming cruise!
Out to dinner! Love a little surprise glam on a weekend away – tends to match the indulgent food and wine! Besides I could totally replicate that outfit for my next date-night. 💃🏼
Did I mention those mustard shoes are life?
I love the Casual Breakfast look. The striped dress and Sabin handbag is sooooo me! My next staycation will be at the Sebel Trinity here in Tauranga. When I can afford it. Or if I can be really extravagant, Huka Lodge. Either as long as it is short break from reality with yummy food, gorgeous clothes and good times I will be happy. 😍
By the Pool! love the jets one piece, plus sunnies too match is amazing. I live in Hanmer springs, where a classy swim suit is a must for lounging about The Hanmer springs Thermal pools.Then the max cover up is brilliant for wandering home and still keeping cool..
I can’t get past the shoes! Love all the outfits but think the shoes are what make each piece POP. Come south to Nelson… it’s the perfect place for a staycation 😊 By the way, have you seen Cotton On’s awesome kimonos that are in store right now?
I love the out to dinner look, mustard and blues are my fave right now, and I already have that bag so I can totally shop for an outfit around my accessory right?! My fave staycation at the mo-we recently stayed at an Airbnb calked Black and white barn – it’s only 45mins away in matakana .. a boutique converted barn and so cute. Few glasses of local red- magic. And round the corner from an over dressed breakfast at the markets!
I love the out to dinner look! I already have two miracle dresses (blue stripe and the bright green) which are easy to dress up with heels and jewellery. I love silver jewellery and am always happy to acquire more!
Pre-earthquakes I would have recommended Dorothys boutique hotel in Latimer Square, ChCh. We had our honeymoon here. But of course it is long gone as a result of said quakes. My bext option is quite staycation but an AirBnB in Akaroa. Close by, far enough away and romantic!
I love the out to dinner outfit (those mustard shoes are giving me life!!!). I love what you say about using a staycation as an opportunity to dress up!! Super fun idea!! Makes me want to start looking at hotels now!!
I’m team “check in” I love this look and would also work it for my stay at home mum look, with 4 boys it’s nice to have some floral in the house! Love staying in the city (as we live by the beach) and either hit Spencer on Byron in Takapuna or The Grand Millennium in the city.
Out to dinner has to be my staycation look. Love the simplicity of the outfit with those gorgeous shoes. They are my favourite with the cool turquoise earring that show great contrast. Love your ensembles Cait. I would head North to Mathesons bay near Matakana and go out to dinner at Rothko at the new Sculpturium. The outfit would be perfect.
I love the Out to Dinner look, am loving the bright colours with classic little black dress and am very into tassel earrings too. I would take hubby to Matakana for a staycation, love the food and wine and markets x
Love the casual breakfast look. You can carry over a long breakfast followed by a walk and lunch without a change as it’ll it looks super comfy and super trendy.
A staycation in titirangi village will make you feel like you are at any beachside village with great cafes to boot!
Love the check in out, the mixed patterns look great, has made me realise I can do similar with what I have! We have staycationed at home (Napier) a few times, love The Crown Hotel in Ahuriri you can walk across to the beach, eat out, have a few drinks then head back to your gorgeous room with snuggly robes!
Even though I have the stripy Tie Waist Jersey Dress, I have to say I absolutely love the “Out to Dinner” look with the Miracle dress and those gorgeous mustard shoes and statement earrings. Mums in general, whether with little-ones, school-age, teenage or adult kids (I put my hand up here!), we never stop working doing stuff for our kids, so it’s rewarding and special to be able to dress up and go out for a lovely dinner we didn’t cook or have to clean up! Add being pretty ill for a number of years, it’s just nice to look in the mirror and see a semblance of ‘you’ again! A stay-cation at Larnach Castle in Dunedin in one of it’s themed rooms, dinner in the ballroom and breakfast out on the terrace looking over the Dunedin Peninsula or staying in Moeraki overlooking the sea, with dinner at Fleurs’ restaurant are two definite musts if you live in Dunedin or its surrounding areas, both I can highly recommend.
I love the check in outfit, the stripes and floral kimono look great together and so easy to wear and really flexible pieces
I love the Check In Look, This would also make for a nice stay at home mum look and with 4 boys it’s nice to have some floral around! I love staying in Auckland (we only live 40 minutes away by the beach) so being in the city is a nice change and either stay at Spencer on Byron in Takapuna or The Grand Millennium in the city.
You know I love Stripes and floral so it has to be #1 check in time with the kimono. ❤. We did a night away in Sept, just in the city. Sister had the kids and we went round the city in the day, did some shopping and then we had dinner out (no drinks for me as growing a human) and a lie in and lazy breakfast in morning. We just stayed at a swanky hotel in the CBD. And the best part, I organised the lot without telling hubby and surprised him on the day…. even packed his overnight bag! ❤
I love the check in time outfit as I love stripes and florals! We live in Taupo! There are so many cool places to stay here! Love the look of these suitcases! We are planning our first overseas adventure this year as it is our ten year wedding anniversary. It will be my first time overseas and I am so excited to have a nice relaxing break!! Fingers and toes crossed! X
ooooooh how exciting for you!
I love Taupo – you are so right, heaps of great places to stay
good luck x
I love the out to dinner look because of the gorgeous but easy to wear versatile black dress, . . . and then BANG! A sensational pop of colour with the fab earrings and shoes. Loving mustard right now.
LOOOOOOOOVE mustard too! And how good is a LBD x
LOVE your out to dinner look – especially the gorgeous yellow heels … and the blue earrings! I’m a sucker for bright colours.
For a stay-cation in Auckland I can highly recommend DeBretts in Auckland City. It’s been a while since we’ve been but it’s cosy, kind of glamorous & location is superb!
we have TOTALLY done the stay-cation at DeBretts – amazing right??
Hi Cait
I love the ‘Out to Dinner’ staycation looks – it looks amazing and I love how you’ve matched the mustard shoes with the Saben clutch logo.
Waipu Cove is a great spot to stay!
Have a great anniversary.
oh thanks! Waipu Cove sounds lovely – and how fun are the mustard shoes 😉 good luck! x
Casual breakfast has my name written all over it, love a dress that is relaxed yet still has style and breakfast is my most loved meal of the day. I would love to have my next get away to chevron towers in surfers paradise as a mummy with two young children this place has everything including a man made beach and private theatre, and supermarket is located below for all the little things you need check it out here https://www.chevrontowersresort.com.au/
haha I’m TOTALLY a breakfast girl too! and the best thing about this dress is that it’s stretchy, so room for lots of yummy food haha. How good does Chevron Towers sound!
Check in time appeals – I’m a sucker for stripes! Come to New Plymouth for a staycation – beautiful place, great cafes and cool people.
#teamstripes all the way here too! I’d so love to come to New Plymouth! one day soon for sure (just need to pop another baby out first haha)
Definitely the check in outfit for me as it is so flexible, the kimono could be used for the pool the jeans and top could have heels added for evening and add shorts to the top and slides for the day, so flexible.
How versatile are the good old kimonos! Probably my number one must-have when packing. Good luck in the comp! x