Aventura Ambassador - Pitstops for Kids

Five foundational Aventura Clothing pieces for spring trips

April 13, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

Spring travel brings all types of weather, making packing a challenge. If you want to pack carry-on-only this spring but need to bring along outerwear, boots, and other ‘just in case’ items, it’s crucial to plan your main wardrobe carefully. What you need to do: identify core clothing pieces that provide you with a packing foundation: a few pairs of neutral pants, layering tanks and tees, and lightweight spring jackets that pull it all together. Add a few tops and scarves and you’re set!

Foundational Aventura Clothing pieces for spring:

Regular readers know I’m an Aventura Clothing ambassador, but I accept this gig year after year because no joke: I think Aventura Clothing is the best women’s casual clothing brand out there. Why? Most pieces are organic cotton or bamboo that don’t wrinkle and feel great, Aventura offers Fair Trade items, and its eco-conscious ethos is something I can get behind. Aventura’s clothes are flattering and stylish, but most importantly to this traveler, they’re practical and comfortable. Here’s what to make sure you have ready for your spring carry-on:

Channing Jogger: My new favorite pants! These cute jogger-style pants come in four neutral colors and adds a casual vibe to any outfit without looking like you’re in sweatpants. Because oh no. You’re in fitted, flattering organic cotton. For a price of $82, I think I might get a second pair in another color (remember, Pit Stops for Kids readers get a steep Aventura discount…see details at the bottom of this post).

Arden V2 Capri: A classic capri pant is key. I love the Arden (long a staple at Aventura) and this new version has an even more flattering fit. I love that the legs can roll up to an 18″ pedal-pusher length or be rolled down to a 24″ length. Perfect for transitioning seasons. It’s organic cotton and comes in a bunch of fun colors for $79.

Zelda Tank: I recommend this tank every season for every packing need for a reason, people! It’s the perfect layering piece! This stretchy tank fits under any top, and can be worn alone when the day heats up. Plus, it’s on sale for under $13. Get several!

Gilda Legging: With its chevron print, the Gilda legging is stylish and goes with everything. I always toss several pairs of leggings or tights in my bag: they take up hardly any room and can create multiple outfits. Pair this one with a hoodie or sweater or with a dress or skirt.

Tara Jacket: This fitted jacket gives you a crisp, tailored look while keeping you warm when that spring day decides to take a detour back to winter. It’s not too lightweight (there’s some heft to this jacket), and the military-style, full-button front is very stylish. Best of all, you get lots of pockets and the whole thing is organic cotton for $99. I love the oil green color, but since I already own two jackets in a similar shade, I went with white. I’m a bit concerned about this now…how will I keep white clean? At least it’s machine washable.

Supplement your five pieces with past seasonal staples:

Or, check out these additional new offerings:

Tops such as the Sheridan or Ridley LS: I personally think every woman needs some plaid in her life. The Ridley fits so nicely, it can go from horseback to back deck to dinner. The Sheridan is even more feminine with decorative buttons on the back and a more tailored look.
Organic cotton dresses such as the Yardley: I’m in love with this faux wrap, tulip-hem dress. It has an Oriental flair to it, and can be dressed up or down easily. It’s definitely coming on spring trips!
A hoodie or pullover like the Amaris Hoodie: this super simple hoodie gets the job done. You look cute while staying warm when the weather turns, and the neutral pattern on this black-and-gray hoodie goes with just about everything.

Want to try Aventura Clothing at a discount? Use coupon code Whitley20 at checkout for 20% off any Aventura order (even sale items). Limited to one time use per customer. Must create or have a current logged in account with Aventura (free to set up).

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Three Aventura dresses for summer travel

June 2, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

I didn’t used to be a ‘dress’ person, until I started traveling regularly. Suddenly, I understood the convenience and comfort of wearing dresses while on the road. Dresses take up less room in my bag than a top and pants, and they give me a pulled together look with little effort. Add a scarf or fun hat, and I’m good to go! Of course, any dress worthy of my carry-on has to be practical, comfortable, and made of quality material, ready for adventure.

Dresses for summer travel:

As an Aventura Clothing ambassador, I’ve had the opportunity to try many Aventura dresses. These three are my top favorites for this summer.

Lidell dress: The Lidell dress is your go-to casual summer dress, ideal for travel days that take you to the farmer’s market, the beach, or the boardwalk. I’ve used mine as a cover-up when wearing my swimsuit, as well as to a casual meal out (pair it with the cute Redford jacket on cooler evenings).

It’s made of 95% organic cotton, with just a bit of spandex for stretch. You get the popular ombre look with stripes, and the hem is 37″, which is pretty generous. My favorite feature is the bra-friendly tank bodice. Pick it up on aqua, dahlia (coral), or high rise (gray tones) for $79.

Garland dress: The Garland might be my absolute favorite, because it looks fitted and tailored, but is in fact soft and stretchy. The Garland is a combination of organic cotton and jersey, and feels very lightweight (I’m wearing last year’s chevron print in the photo below in humid Miami). You get cap sleeves, a faux wrap front, and cute keyhole and belt details. As I noted above, it looks really put together: feminine and sophisticated. The all-over medallion print is trendy and fun.

I really liked wearing the Garland on cruises this spring, and it was my go-to outfit for a semi-formal outdoor dinner event while I traveled last month. Pick up the Garland dress for $82 in Dutch blue, black, or cardinal (which is really more of a soft brick red).

Joni dress: The Joni is the only dress listed here that’s 100% organic cotton. Of course, each of my picks are at least mostly organic. That’s because organic cotton is not only great for the environment but also super soft and wrinkle-resistant. The Joni shines as a casual all-around-town dress with a space-dye fabric that creates a tonal striped look that’s understated. You can easily pair it with a scarf or even a wide belt since its pattern is really neutral. I like the Joni for city touring, and on long car or train rides when I know I’ll want to look nice when I arrive.

The Joni has a high tank upper design and comes in spiced coral, black (with some white tones), rock ridge (gray with white tones), and Viridian green (which is more of a sea green/blue combination). Pick it up for $77.

Don’t forget! We are still handing out 60% off coupon codes for any Pit Stops for Kids readers who want to try Aventura! Subscribe to our Pit Stops for Kids newsletter, or if that’s not your thing, just email us!

Summer travel wear for men who don’t care about travel wear

May 24, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

I have three men in my house…at least, I have three people who wear men’s size clothing. Two of them are teens. Since I review and write about travel wear all the time, you’d think they’d understand the benefits of quality travel pants and shirts and appreciate the importance of performance fabrics. But to be honest, they simply can’t be bothered. They want to wear what is comfortable, and in some cases, what they deem coolest.

Luckily, I’ve beat them at their own game, because the following summer travel wear for men are ideal for adventure, yet too stylish and comfortable for them to notice. If you have men like mine who just can’t be bothered, here’s what to get:

Ecoths:

Mathis SS: The Mathis is 100% organic cotton herringbone, which means it looks ‘fancy’ (my son’s word) but doesn’t wrinkle at all. It is his go-to collared short-sleeved shirt for travel days when he needs to step his wardrobe up from his usual tee. Two chest pockets and contrast stitching give the Mathis a stylish finish.

Black Rock 3/4 zip: This pull-over is my guys’ absolute favorite thing from Ecoths so far. In fact, my teen son and my husband have matching ones (by accident) but they wouldn’t let me take a matching photo of them. Men. The Black Rock is so great because it’s very thin and soft, making it the perfect layering piece. It rolls up small in a carry-on or backpack, but is just the right coverage for cooler summer evenings or spring mornings. My son especially wears it everywhere, from local hikes to Italy. It comes in three rich jewel-tone colors. (Pictured in the photo above.)

Baxter Polo: It’s simple. It’s organic cotton. It comes in three heathered-style colors, and it wears just as well out to dinner as on the golf course. Pick it up in M-XXL.

Remember: Ecoths is a division of Aventura Clothing, which means that ANY Pit Stops for Kids reader is eligible to try the brand for 60% off! Simply email us for a coupon code at amy(at)pitstopsforkids(dot)com.

Mountain Khakis:

Equatorial Convertible pant: If your travels involve hiking or are to a tropical climate, every guy in your group needs a pair of these convertible pants/shorts. They’re thin, lightweight, quick-dry, and have wicking properties, and can be made into shorts as well. They’re also UPF 50+.

Camber 104 Hybrid pant: Maybe it’s just that MK pants seem to fit our guys well, but for casual travel days, the Camber 104 is their go-to. This pant is made of a performance stretch blend, so they’re comfortable both on the plane and on the trail. I like the reinforced areas, including the ‘mudflap’ on the hem at the heel.

ExOfficio:

We’re going to get a tad personal here, but our guys wear ExOfficio underwear all the time when they travel. Pick the style preferred, but get these…they dry fast so you can rinse them out on the go, they’re insanely comfortable, and they breathe well. Worth the investment!

Aventura Clothing capsule wardrobe for spring travel

April 14, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

This spring, ‘capsule wardrobes’ are all the rage, and I understand why. The idea of putting together a collection of coordinating and complimenting pieces of clothing makes for a more organized day-to-day life and certainly makes packing easier for any trip. I’ve actually been creating capsule wardrobes for years, without knowing it had a name…I’m minimalistic by nature and probably just couldn’t be bothered with too many outfits in my closet!

But if you ARE interested in creating a capsule wardrobe for spring travel, Aventura Clothing makes it really easy, because their pieces already compliment each other. As regular readers know, I’ve been an ambassador for Aventura for years now, and this quality brand keeps me coming back because it consistently offers high quality, organic clothing that’s comfortable, stylish, and practical.

Creating an Aventura capsule wardrobe for spring travel:

Here’s what my Aventura wardrobe looks like this spring, utilizing new pieces from the spring 2017 catalogue, plus a few classic extras. Forgive me if my ‘capsule’ isn’t by the book; I may have fewer pieces than a traditional capsule, but wanted to stay true to what really does go into my bag for an average spring trip.

Note: if you’d like to put together a winter/cold weather Aventura capsule wardrobe for travel, check out this post from Atlanta 365.

One of the most important ‘rules’ of creating a travel capsule wardrobe is color coordination. Pick a basic color scheme, and stick to it. I often choose black/gray/white, but I’m boring that way.

I start with two pairs of pants: one capri and one light pant. (You could substitute shorts here, but I like to have one lightweight pair of pants for inclement weather, historic sites or cathedrals where I need to cover my knee, and chilly air conditioned buildings.) For me, the Titus Ankle pant is the winner; it’s a very classic style that comes in basic colors. I have the white. For the capri, I love the new Addie capri, because the length is adjustable from a long pair of shorts to a full capri. Versatile pieces are key!

I add two tank tops: one undershirt-type, and one dressier type. For my undershirt/base layer tank, I have two favorites, and what you choose will depend on your style and body type. The Zelda Tank is a nylon/spandex blend that almost works as a spanx (I said almost!). It can be worn alone, or layered with a light sweater or dress, which is what I do. If you want more of a camisole style, go with the Aster cami. For the dressier tank, I am currently in love with the Pearson Tank, which has really stylish cross-straps in the back to dress it up. It comes in several color patterns; I recommend the gray/black, because it’s classic and will go with your other pieces.

Next, add two tees or blousy tops: These are your main tops, that can go from cool spring weather to warmer days. The Sonnet hoodie is a winner in this category, because it’s made of soft organic cotton that’s lightweight and doesn’t wrinkle, has 3/4 sleeves so it doesn’t get too hot, but has a cute hood just in case. I got the spiced coral color, because it goes well with my gray/black tones. For the second tee, I love the Sonnet top. It has a similar weight and feel (and similar brushed heather look), but is a fitted tee with short sleeves. You can get more adventurous with different styles, but I stay true to one or two basic themes in my capsule wardrobe, so items can better mix and match.

Don’t forget! If you like what you see here, you can get a 60% coupon code to Aventura Clothing just by being a Pit Stops for Kids reader! Email for the coupon code at amy(at)pitstopsforkids(dot)com.

Add two dresses or skirts: At least one dress should be ‘dressy’ for nice evenings out. My pick is the Garland dress. This cute wrap-style dress is so light and breathable, it was my go-to choice while touring ruins in humid Central America, but also went out to dinner with me. For a second dress, the Hollis is simple, comfortable, and ready for adventure, especially if you pair it with Aventura’s new Go Anywhere Shortie that fits under any dress or skirt.

Finish with one light sweater and one wrap: You need at least one sweater that can be worn as a layering piece. The new Liv Sweater is thin enough to pack down small, but warm when worn over a tank or tee. You’ll be shocked to hear I went with gray. It fits down in my backpack for day trips, too. For evenings out, I am in love with the Kyle wrap, which goes perfectly with any dress, tank, or top, as long as you pick a nice, neutral color.

Don’t forget to include a few scarves: This is my #1 tip for successful capsule packing…accessorize with items that pack down small! Scarves take up almost no room, yet give boring outfits new life faster than anything else. The Madeline scarf can be worn multiple ways, and is very light cotton so it won’t cause you to overheat.

Depending on your destination, you might also need: 1. rain jacket or fleece, 2. swimsuit and cover up, 3. sun hat or beanie. Don’t forget: you only need two pairs of shoes: comfortable walking/active shoes and sandals.

Be sure to check our past posts of Aventura Clothing reviews…many of the older styles are still available!

Travel Gear We Use: Spring travel wear from Aventura Clothing

April 22, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

As you may have seen if you follow our Pit Stops for Kids social channels, I am again an ambassador for Aventura Clothing this year. What does this mean? It means I help Aventura promote their products with my honest reviews and endorsement of the spring travel wear I think works well for women traveling with their families. You can see my photos on the Aventura website, which is as close as I’ll ever come to modeling, and you’ll see me wearing Aventura in my Instagram feed and Facebook posts, because I authentically do wear it all the time.

Basically, my job is to show how the brand works for me, in my daily life and in my travels, because I genuinely love the products Aventura sells.

Why I love Aventura Clothing:

It’s comfortable, practical, and stylish. Those who know me well can attest that I barely remember to check a mirror before walking out the door, and rarely take the time to put together a killer outfit. When I find a brand that’s stylish without much effort from me, I’m sold. And Aventura Clothing is designed to fit regular, healthy women…no tiny sizing here that will depress you. Best of all, most of Aventura’s pieces are organic cotton, which is environmentally-friendly and also helpful when traveling…shirts won’t wrinkle!

What I’m loving from Aventura this spring:

One of the perks of my ambassador position with Aventura is the opportunity to try out quite a few pieces each season. Yes, this is very fun! This spring, Aventura has quite a few new looks, ranging from fun tie-dye prints to floral designs to classic layering pieces. My absolute favorites are rounded up below.

Brielyn Striped Dress: I absolutely must have cotton dresses in my spring wardrobe. Dresses take half (or less) the room in suitcases as pants and shirts, and they look dressier and more festive when traveling. The Brielyn is a striped jersey dress with elbow-length sleeves that’s 50% organic cotton. It comes in four bright colors with crisscrossing contrast seams. Pair with: Wesley Sweater, an awesome cotton-cashmere sweater wrap ideal for chilly nights by the pool or on the plane.

Fleur Dress: This dress is v-necked and sleeveless, but still very casual. I love it because it’s stretchy (an organic cotton-spandex blend) and can go from day to night. Again, no extra packing needed. You can tell I’m a minimalist! It comes in three colors with distressed stripes on the hem.

Poet Tank: You’ll need at least two of these, which works out, because it comes in two color patterns. The talisman print on the Poet Tank dresses it up, so you can wear it to dinner in addition to yoga class. This is going to be a summer staple for me. Also needed: Bienne strappy camisole…under-layers are crucial when traveling.

Hathaway Top: Everyone needs at least one collared, button-down shirt for those days you need some coverage on your shoulders. Maybe you need to give your skin a break from the sun, or maybe you’re visiting a place where you need to cover up, like a cathedral. The Hathaway top is done is pastel colors for spring, is organic cotton, and feels very light when worn. It goes in my bag every time!

Galina Capri: I know skinny jeans are popular, but I just need a pair of pants with a little more give when I’m traveling. The Galina is just form-fitting enough to look tailored but still be roomy enough when I’m sitting a lot on airplanes. It’s cotton-spandex with a 26″ inseam, and comes in four colors.

Hats and scarves! Just get some! A hat or a scarf will instantly add class to any summer outfit, guaranteed. My favorite hat this spring is the Cruz sun hat, offering serious sun protection while looking cute and a little bit funky. But there are quite a few to choose from! The Cruz will be joining me on a cruise very shortly (how apt!) and I’ll be wearing the Phoebe this summer as well.

Want to try Aventura for yourself?

Get 60% off your order with one of my exclusive codes! I’m offering three ways to get one. Comment below, then: 1. sign up for our free e-newsletter (sign-up bar is at the top of your screen), 2. subscribe to our feed, or 3. email me at amy(at)pitstopsforkids.com.

You can also join the #AventuraLife loyalty program! Those who join the #AventuraLife get discounts and free shipping depending on their level of membership…the more you spend, the better discounts and gifts you get. It’s more than just discounts though…#AventuraLife members embody the adventurous spirit that drew women like myself (and you!) to the brand.

Need more Aventura Clothing inspiration? Check out my archives for MANY more reviews of this brand!

Spring travel wear picks and 60% off Aventura Clothing

April 24, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

I’m an ambassador for Aventura Clothing because I believe this brand is one of the absolute best in women’s travel clothing. Their clothing is affordable, comfortable, stylish, and high-quality, plus can easily be mixed-and-matched on travel days. Many items are made of organic cotton, which I find packs well and doesn’t wrinkle. Every spring and fall, Aventura Clothing comes out with a new line. Here are my favorite picks from this spring.

The first 20 readers to like the Pit Stops for Kids Facebook page or follow us on Instagram will receive 60% off Aventura Clothing in their next order! Details below.

Rory dress:

We’ll start with my absolute favorite. Aventura has many cute summer dresses on offer this spring, but if you can only buy one, make it the Rory. This organic cotton blend is stretchy, soft, and so flattering! It’s very simple, too, which makes it a great travel piece. The Rory can be paired with a cardigan or even a hoodie on cooler days, or worn solo in summer. It’s meant to be active, so go ahead and run to catch that train. You can dress it up with a scarf and nice shoes and it’ll be ready to go out at night, too. I’m going to need one in at least two colors!

Hartley hoodie:

Layering is key when selecting travel clothes, so you need at least one good hoodie in your suitcase. I usually have two. The Hartley hoodie doesn’t look like an afterthought: it’s bright, cheerful, and high quality, so it looks like part of your ensemble. It comes in really pretty jewel tones with a stretchy, flattering fit, with nice detailing on the arms. Oh, and it’s organic cotton, too.

Rowan capri:

I like to be comfortable when I travel, and the Rowan capri lets me feel like I’m wearing my favorite sweat pants on the plane or in the car, not a cute pair of capris. Thanks for the travel hack, Aventura! The Rowan also comes in a short, and has a stretchy drawstring waistband. I’ve found the Rowan runs big, so order down a size if you want it to be fitted. Comes in five neutral colors so one pair will go with several tees or hoodies.

Tillie top:

The Tillie top was kind of a departure for me. It’s an organic cotton tee, so you get the softness and comfort, but also has an interesting back detail: a polyester Georgette back panel. This detail adds interest to the tee, and dresses it up a bit, so it can easily go from day outing to a nice brunch or cocktail hour. There’s a cute front pocket and floral detail on the neckline, too. Basically, the Tillie is the tee that isn’t. Comes in gray or flamingo, which is actually more like a tangerine. I definitely recommend the latter.

Add a few basics like tees and a pair of jeans, and you have the makings here for a weekend away. All the above was packed in my carry-on for a recent review trip to Texas, and served me well!

Don’t forget about accessories!

It’s easy to pack a scarf or two, a belt, or a strappy pair of sandals, and these details go a long way toward changing up any outfit for a second wear or evening attire. Wear a hat on the plane to save room in your luggage!

Monica fedora:

Oh my. This fedora is so adorable, even if you’re not the hat type (I totally am). It’s colorful and cheerful while still remaining understated enough to go with multiple outfits. I wouldn’t pack a fedora in luggage (will hat boxes ever make a comeback?) but if you can wear it to and from a destination, do so! It looks great on any causal outdoor excursion while traveling, and saves you from potential bad hair days, too.

Saphira infinity scarf:

I am a huge fan of infinity scarves. Even I, the least fashion-forward person I know, can figure out how to wear one! And infinity scarves make any outfit, even a tee and jeans, look classier. Plus they take next to no room in your bag. The Saphira is lightweight, with a burnout floral design that’s very understated. I got the white, which doesn’t show the floral at all unless you look closely.

Studded belt:

A belt, much like a scarf, can make any outfit look more complete, and therefore, makes you look more pulled together on a travel day. The Aventura studded belt has just enough detail to make it interesting, but not so much that it’s a focal point of your outfit. I pair mine with jeans and khaki pants.

Bienne capri leggings:

Here’s another travel hack, ladies: when you really want to wear that cute sun dress but it’s too cold outside, pair it with Bienne capri leggings. Like all Aventura leggings, the Bienne is super warm and very comfortable (they never sag…I promise!), but made to be worn in spring with a pair of ballet flats or sandals. The shirring at the bottom really completes the look. I am in love with these leggings, since every other spring day in Oregon is more like winter.

Want to take 60% off your next Aventura order (including sale items)? Be among the first 20 readers to like our Facebook page or follow us on Instagram. Simply follow, then leave a comment below with your user name. I’ll send you an unique coupon code good for 60% off one order!