Aventura Clothing - Pitstops for Kids

Aventura Clothing fall leggings and jeggings for travel days

October 11, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

I’m back with this travel season’s Aventura Clothing picks! Listen, I continue to promote this brand as an ambassador because when I travel, I’m wearing Aventura about 80% of the time. Why? Most pieces are organic cotton, which are comfortable and dont’ wrinkle, plus so many of their items are versatile. I can travel carry-on only without a hitch when I pack a lot of Aventura leggings and jeggings, pair them with tunics and cardigans, and wear my favorite boots onto the plane. Here are my favorite fall leggings and jeggings for travel:

Fall leggings and Jeggings:

Liz Jegging: Fits and looks like a pant, but comfier, which makes it the perfect pant for when you want to achieve a tailored look, but not suffer while sitting for a long time, like in a plane or car. Comes in three jewel-tone colors for $77, and it’s organic cotton.

Kody Legging: Aventura has a bunch of different patterned and styled leggings this fall, and as a reminder from past seasons, Aventura’s leggings are like legging/tight hybrids, in my opinion, in all the best ways. They fit snugly and do not sag, but are thicker than traditional tights. This season, I tried the Kody, and love their subtle horizontal stripes, but the Bienne is a solid classic, and the Nordic-looking Sasha is always good in winter. And I love that almost all Aventura’s leggings are around $35.

Karma Jegging: These jeggings fit loosely and have a really comfy waist, plus pockets! The fabric is thin, which is generally a good thing, but they tend to reveal every curve, bump, and bulge. If that’s not a problem for you, go for it! They’re a poly-spandex blend with a 28-inch inseam, which is a little long for me, but worked fine scrunched up with a boot or rolled. $85

Shatki Legging: My favorite of the season! The Shantki is thicker than most of Aventura’s leggings, ready-made for chilly evenings and winter days. It looks more classic than sporty, and has both hip pockets (perfect for your phone) and a zippered security pocket that would fit a car fob or key or a credit card or room key. It’s poly-spandex with a brushed interior, selling for $89 (and worth every penny).

Favorite tunics to pair with them:

Quinlan Tunic: This poly-wool blend is super soft, and the tunic is breathable even though it’s pretty thick. The cowl-neck gives it some elegance, while still feeling like you’re wearing your coziest sweatshirt. Great with any of the leggings above. Comes in four jewel-tone colors. $105

Cheyenne shirt-jac: Everyone needs a shirt-jac in their life, and this one is cozy enough to feel like a blanket. The plush fleece is heavenly, and while substantial, since this shirt-jac lives up to its name, fitting like a shirt while warming you like a jacket, it’s not too bulky. It has a curved hemline for a more tailored look. I wear mine with just a tee or cami under it. Comes in three colors for $115.

Don’t forget! Pit Stops for Kids readers get 20% off Aventura orders! Use coupon code Whitley20 at checkout!

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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Fall travel wear: guide to Aventura leggings, tights, and tunics

October 13, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

You all know how deeply my love of Aventura Clothing runs. I love it so much, I am an Aventura and Ecōths ambassasdor, partnering with them for three years now to bring their travel-friendly styles to Pit Stops for Kids.

Every year, they just get better and better, bringing us better styles, more comfort, and more practicality (pockets in pajama bottoms, hello!). This fall, I’m most excited about Aventura leggings, tights, and tunics. Why? Instant capsule wardrobe for travel days! Packing leggings and tights take up so much less room than jeans and pants, they look great with tunics and sweaters, and they’re so comfortable for travel. Here’s what to wear:

Start with leggings and tights:

Sasha legging:

My newest find at Aventura is this fun, patterned legging that’s actually a poly-spandex blend. It has an almost structured waist, and is thicker than most of Aventura’s leggings, which means it feels less like a tight. Absolutely best of all: this legging doesn’t sag. I repeat…I never have to tug the Sasha legging up when I’m wearing it. Thank goodness! The Paisley legging is super similar, just with a more earthy pattern.

Bienne legging:

A longtime favorite of mine, the Bienne isn’t new, but it’s become a mainstay. Get a few pairs and enjoy the fact that they last for years. Unlike the Sasha and Paisley, I think the Bienne feels more like a tight: they’re thinner and tighter-fitting, and pair great with wintery dresses and skirts. The Gilda legging is similar, if you want a pattern.

Add your favorite tunics and sweaters:

Becca tunic:

I love simplicity and a streamlined look, and the Becca is versatile because it goes with both patterned leggings and solid leggings. It’s an organic cotton tunic with just a dash of spandex to give it some stretch, and has a casual, almost sporty look. My only complaint: c’mon Aventura, give me some hidden zip pockets in my tunics!

Zayda Tunic:

Again…goes with everything! The Zayda actually only comes in gray, and if you bought the Jaylee sweater dress I recommended last time, I promise that dress goes well with all tights and leggings, too. The Zayda is a bit thicker and warmer; this fall, I haven’t needed any additional layer when I wear it.

Corinne sweater:

Best light sweater wrap ever for the plane! I just got the Corinne in August, and it’s already been put through its paces on multiple flights. It’s thin, soft, and doesn’t wrinkle, and goes with everything. I have paired it with slacks and jeans, too, but it goes best with leggings for a really comfy combo on the airplane. And it looks sophisticated, too, which is more than I can say for my favorite fleece or sweatshirt.

Scarlett dress:

A thinner, softer tunic dress than any I’ve tried, the Scarlett is a yarn-dye jersey dress that comes in three fall-forward colors. It features a pretty shawl collar, and is 37 inches long, so it can easily be worn with tights or just knee-high boots if the weather is warm enough.

Layer with a light jacket:

Barton jacket:

I admit I have a zillion winter coats, so my family rolled their eyes when I collected yet another. But while the Barton looks heavy, it’s actually thinner than you’d think, making it the perfect fall and spring coat to slip on over tunics and tees. The asymmetrical woven design is so cute, and it’s 100% organic cotton.

Simone vest:

Every woman needs a good vest. The Simone is 100% polyester fill, and has a soft knit collar as a nice touch. It comes in multiple colors, but I recommend the soft white or black so you can pair it with all your leggings and tunics.

Want to try Aventura Clothing? Email us for a coupon code for 60% off any order up to $250!

Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Aventura, as an ambassador for the brand. All opinions are my own.

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!

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: Four most comfortable travel pants for moms

October 14, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

A few great pairs of travel pants go a long way…my favorites have gone from Northwest hiking trails to European cities to Central American marketplaces, and many more locations in-between. If you plan to pack light and travel carry-on only, it’s essential to bring a few pairs of pants that can do it all. For women, here are my absolute most comfortable travel pants:

Toad & Co Cassi pant:

The Cassi pant wins top honors here because it’s urban and stylish, but also stretchy and athletic. It’s moisture-wicking and quick drying, crucial for all-weather, all-season travel, and the polyester-wool blend adds nice give to the waist and knees. The Cassi is equally comfortable on the plane as it is on the trail, and because this pant features a tailored look, you can definitely wear it during city travel (out to dinner, touring museums or historic sites, etc).

You get a zippered stash pocket on the thigh for valuables, plus a coin pocket in addition to two back pockets. It comes in just graphite and black, but I don’t mind the lack of bright colors; when I travel, I stick to basic color palettes so I can mix and match clothing.

Pick up the Cassi for $85.

Aventura Carlin:

If you need a less ‘technical’ pant that looks less trail-ready and more city exploration-ready, the Carlin has the same stretchy goodness you need when traveling with a brushed organic cotton feel. (The 3% lycra makes it forgiving.) The Carlin is very earthy-looking, with oversized buttons and exposed seams. I was reminded of cargo pants when I first saw it (though it does not have cargo pockets).

If your travels will not take you up mountains or through brush but you want to be able to climb steps, navigate traffic, and relax in cafes looking put-together yet comfortable, grab a Carlin pant (or two) in neutral colors to add to your travel wardrobe. And as always with Aventura clothing, subscribe to our FREE mailing list for your 60% off discount code!

Pick up the Carlin in Walnut, Black, or Smoked Pearl for $85.

Prana Halle:

The PrAna Halle has been a travel companion of mine for over a year. It comes on just about every major trip I take. Like the Cassi, the Halle is moisture-resistant and quick-drying, and reinforced at the knees for durability. It’s stretchy like all the travel pants I’m listing, made with a combination of nylon and spandex. The Halle deserves its own place on this list because of the variety of sizing and colors available: you can get the Halle in tall or petite sizing in burgundy, coal, cargo green, and dark khaki, in addition to black.

You can also roll up the leg of the Halle and secure with snaps to create capri pants, ideal for creek crossings, chilly mornings that turn into warm days, and water sports like kayaking. Like the Cassi, the look is fitted and tailored, so you’ll fit in wherever you find yourself adventuring.

Pick up the Halle for $85, or save as much as $30 on Amazon.

ExOfficio Damselfly:

The Damselfly is the least fitted/tailored and most rough-and-tumble of my picks, perfect for serious adventure when you’re traveling. I have loved ExOfficio clothing for years, and the quality never disappoints. The Damselfly is distinctive in that it is part of their BugsAway line, which means it’s treated with insect-repellent ExOfficio calls InsectShield. This repellent stays on the clothing for as many as 70 washes, saving you from spraying anything directly on your skin. I’ve been wearing BugsAway clothing in Central and South America to protect against the Zika virus as I travel.

Other note-worthy features of the Damselfly: a packable back zip pocket, and a drawstring waist (with velcro closure at the fly). It doesn’t get any more comfortable than this!

Pick up the Damselfly in three basic colors for $80, or save significantly via Amazon.

What comfortable travel pants are your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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Efficient vacation packing: How to create multiple outfits with three base pieces

September 16, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

I pack carry-on only 99% of the time, and I never bring an entirely new outfit for each day of my trip. Instead, I pack three basic clothing staples that can be reused with featured pieces to create multiple looks. If you want to achieve efficient vacation packing and have room for all those souvenirs you want to bring home, here’s how.

For this article, I’m using Aventura Clothing as my main example; I am an ambassador for this travel and outdoor adventure clothing brand, and am offering a steep discount to readers at the end of this post!

First, a few rules for efficient vacation packing:

Pack with a color scheme in mind: I’m fashion-impaired, so I make this easy on myself…before each trip, I decide whether I’m going to focus on black/gray/white tones or earth/beige/brown tones. Then, I pack clothes within that color scheme. This way, I only need to bring base pieces in the single color tone, and I can get away with only one or two pairs of shoes, too.
In colder weather, think dresses: When you have to pack for chilly climates, your clothing will be bulkier. Time to eliminate entire pieces! Go with wintery dresses or tunics instead of pants and shirts and cut down on the number of clothing items you have to pack.
Wear bulkier items on the plane: It will be cold with the air conditioning blasting at you anyway! You’ll need to bring a light layer or hoodie on just about any trip; wear it on the plane or stash it in your backpack or tote. Ditto for your bulkier shoes, but be sure to wear a pair that breathes and allows blood circulation.

Base pieces you’ll need for every trip:

Now that you know a few rules to keep in mind, it’s time to gather your three base clothing items you’ll need every time you travel. Base pieces include:

1-3 basic but high quality camisoles or tank tops: We love Aventura Clothing’s Aster scrappy cami, as well as ExOfficio’s version.
1 pair of high quality leggings: Try the Aventura Bienne legging, or your favorite Lululemon/Athleta/PrAna offering. You get the idea. In summer, substitute thicker leggings for a pair of tights.
1 basic tee or long-sleeved shirt: Grab your favorite organic cotton tee in a neutral shade of your color scheme. In colder weather, I’ve been loving the Aventura Zoe top, which is form-fitting but has just enough detail for a ‘finished’ look, but you may already have something in your closet. Tunics work well too (think yoga tops).

Time to supplement with seasonal pieces:

With your base pieces in place, you can now pack fewer outfits, because many clothing items can pull double duty. Your cami can go under sweaters and blouses, eliminating the need for multiple t-shirts, and your leggings can be worn with dresses, skirts, and tunics, cutting down on the need to pack bulkier items like pants. You can also eliminate most of your socks if wearing tights often. Here are are few examples from Aventura’s new fall line (the colors look boring now, but work wonders out of your suitcase!):

The Karter Hoodie: This oversized hoodie can be both a layering piece and an outfit, eliminating the need for a second light layer. Because it’s tunic-length, you can pair it with your leggings and cami and be done! Put your tee underneath instead of the cami if you think the day will warm up.
Rita Dress: The Rita is wrinkle-resistant and has some spandex added in for give during travel days. I love, love, love bringing wintery dresses on trips, because not only do I eliminate the need for extra shirts, but I can also forgo pants and socks. I pair the Rita with leggings or tights and I’m done! For the Rita and other wintery dresses to pull double duty, simply pair with a favorite scarf and leather boots for a night-time look.
Brooklyn Tunic: Tunics are great for travel. They’re forgiving, they go with many things, and they only need leggings and a cami! I love this particular tunic for the raw-edge seams and cowl neckline…it looks urban and sleek. If you want variety when using the Brooklyn on a second day, pair with straight-leg pants instead and get a whole new look.

One last tip: Always, always pack accessories that won’t take up room, like scarves and beanie-type hats. A fresh scarf can change up any outfit, at any time!

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Aventura capri breakdown: Which Aventura capri pant to buy

July 1, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

For today’s Travel Gear We Use, I want to take a moment to compare various style of my favorite travel pants and capris. If you’ve checked out Aventura Clothing, you can probably see why this brand is my favorite for traveling in. Aventura clothes are almost all organic cotton, which don’t wrinkle, they’re designed for an active lifestyle, and they’re comfortable and practical.

Me, wearing the Galina capri while bird watching in Louisiana.

Aventura capri breakdown:

I get it: when you’re ordering online, you can’t try things on, and even when a company makes it easy to return and exchange things, it’s a pain in the rear. Hopefully, this guide on which Aventura pant to buy will help you make the right selection on the first try.

I have a true size 8 waist, but larger thighs (I’d like to think it’s all muscle, but…). I find that the following capris and pants fit me well. If you tend to be ‘pear shaped’, try these styles:

Harlow capri: I love this new capri style! The Harlow is thin and lightweight, has a narrower waist and more generous thigh, and falls to mid-calf for me. (It will fall to just below knee-length for tall women.) The white color especially is very summery. It also comes in a short.
Arden pant and capri: The Arden capri is a classic of Aventura’s, and also comes in a pant and short. Like the Harlow, it has a true-to-size waist and shorter leg length, and it’s organic cotton. The legs can roll up or down to change the length, too. It comes in a wide variety of colors now.

If you have thinner legs but maybe a larger middle, I’ve found the following styles to be roomier than most in the waist, but straighter in the leg:

Mackenzie capri: The Mackenzie is a dressier capri that has cute button accents on the bottom and a 17″ length. Plus, it’s not new this season, so it’s on sale.
Galina capri: I’ve fallen in love with the new Galina capri, because it wears almost like a skinny pant on shorter people like myself. The length goes almost to my ankle (26″ inseam), but will fall at about mid-calf for tall women. The Galina has a wider waist and narrower leg, so I needed to order up a size. They do stretch out during the day, however.

General Aventura capri and pant tips:

Aventura clothes usually run slightly big. If you’re a true size 8, for instance (just using myself as an example here), you may be a size 6-8 in Aventura clothes.
Organic cotton pants will have quite a bit of give and stretch, whereas linen (per usual) will not.
Aventura leggings and tights are true to size, and never sag, making them a great choice if you can’t find a pant you love. I recommend the Bienne capri legging, which goes great under dresses and skirts.

What’s your favorite Aventura capri?

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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!

Travel Gear We Use: Fall styles from Aventura Clothing

September 18, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

I’m happy to announce that once again, I have signed on to be an ambassador for Aventura Clothing. What does this mean to you? Just like last year, Pit Stops for Kids readers will get 60% off all Aventura Clothing. To get a 60% off Aventura Clothing code, leave a comment and it will be emailed to you, or opt in for our quarterly newsletter (see banner on homepage).

I also get to tell you what’s new at Aventura each season. Clothing lines vary by year, of course, and this year, I have to tell you I am in love with every item I received. That almost never happens! I love each item because everything I picked out A) feels as comfy as wearing sweatpants, and B) does not look like I’m wearing sweatpants.

Jaylee Dress: I am a big fan of wearing comfortable dresses and tights on travel days. It’s important to keep circulation going on airplanes, and who likes to feel their waistband of their jeans dig into their stomachs on road trips? The Jaylee Dress is a knit sweater dress that is fitted but not clingy, and oh-so-soft. It’s 90% organic cotton, as most Aventura items are, with indulgent cashmere (7%) and some nylon mixed in for stretch. The length is 37″, which means the hem hits just about at my knee. It pairs great with leggings (I wear Aventura’s Bienne legging), and the design and colors are very simple, which I appreciate. I can add a scarf to dress it up, or pull on a hoody to dress it down. As the weather starts to turn, the Jaylee has been my go-to dress.

Keltie skirt: Skirts are perhaps even more versatile than dresses for your fall travel wardrobe. You can pair with the same leggings or tights, and wear the same skirt with multiple blouse and tee options. One solid skirt usually helps me create 3-4 outfits while away from home. The Keltie skirt is super classy-looking, made of an organic cotton/viscose blend. It’s knit, which means it will keep your bum warm on cold seats, yet not at all bulky (it can easily go from outdoors to dinner, for instance). It comes in three muted colors to go with everything. I might get one more, come to think of it. The only downside of the Keltie: it’s hand wash or dry clean only. Uh oh.

Spectra Dress: With its sporty, drawstring waist and sweatshirt-like feel, I wasn’t sure about the Spectra when I ordered it. Would it be too casual even for travel days? Nope…it’s my favorite piece in the fall line! It’s a cotton/poly blend, machine-washable, and looks adorable with a simple pair of boots or mules.

Farrah Cowl Neck sweater: I love sweaters, but rarely travel with them. They’re just too bulky in my luggage. The Farrah sweater is the exception to this rule, because it’s thin while still being substantial enough for fall travel in northern climes. Plus, the cowl neckline gives the Farrah a sophisticated look without adding any pieces, which makes me look dressier than I am (always a plus). It’s a poly/wool blend, and while it’s also hand-wash only, it seems to be able to go through quite a few wearings before it needs to be cleaned.

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