Having fun reducing waste.
One woman in the foreground lays down and touches her sunglasses while a second woman in the back poses wearing a vintage head scarf

A fulfilled. Guide: The Perfect McHenry County Staycation

Two young women on a beach towel at Crystal Lake's Main Beach

It’s easy to scroll through social media and compare summer vacations. Every refresh seems to pressure consumers to buy into the perfect summer instead of enjoying a local, small town, attainable fantasy.

Every summer Mollie and I like to plan our summer bucket lists which usually include being near the water and picking at our favorite snacks during the day. While some may do this by taking an expensive trip to Europe, we found the key to recreating a European vacation in our own backyard.

Lucky for us, the perfect summer day doesn’t require taking an international flight. 

A young women with dark brown hair leans forward in a fashionable secondhand outfit
Two young women pose in the front seat of a big red truck
Three young women in fashionable vintage outfits sit on top of a picnic table
Close up of a young woman in a butterfly necklace and clip-on vintage earrings
Three young women in vintage outfits pose outside the Freeze in Crystal Lake Illinois
One woman in the foreground lays down and touches her sunglasses while a second woman in the back poses wearing a vintage head scarf
A young woman ties her shoe wearing paperbag waisted denim shorts
Three young women in fashionable vintage outfits gather around a picnic table

This summer, as sustainable shoppers, we are remembering the importance of living within our means and not overextending ourselves just to conform to algorithms and wasteful trends. 

Listed below is the perfect, curated, staycation right here in McHenry County. The Staycation Collection photoshoot was inspired by our favorite local spots while styling each look with a Mediterranean twist. We wanted to highlight our most abundant accessory: scarves. Challenge yourself, pull out that forgotten scarf tucked away in your closet and add it to your favorite summer outfit!

Itinerary ♡ : 

Brain Freeze

It is absolutely essential to start any weekend staycation off with ice cream, and we suggest The Freeze in Crystal Lake. These cones are sweet, melty, and hit you with a wave of nostalgia.

Jump in the Water

Get yourself to a pool or a beach! We shot the Staycation Collection at Crystal Lake Main Beach but if beaches aren’t your thing, we will always love Woodstock Water Works. 

Don’t Forget a Drink and a Snack

Our team enjoyed a little lunch at the new location of The Brat Haus in the Woodstock Square. If are looking for a lighter option close to the beach we also love grabbing a cocktail or a coffee over at Lake Roots in Crystal Lake.

Make sure to wrap up your nighttime drive home listening to your favorite tunes. Whether it’s vintage classics or pop pump ups playing through you the speakers, after a beautiful day full of making memories with your besties it’s time to sing your heart out. 

Enjoy your summer, you deserve it. 

With Love,
Kaitlyn

Two young women posing together on a dark green bench against a white brick wall. The woman on the left wears a bright blue zip-up jacket, a butterfly patterned head scarf, and a yellow patterned sarong tied around her thigh.
Shot and Edited by Tom Russow. Modeled by Kaitlyn Wilson-Witte, Sydney Sanchez, & Mollie Dunn. Styled by Kaitlyn Wilson-Witte & Mollie Dunn.