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Thursday, May 10, 2018

What I Wore In Tulum

After 5 days in paradise, I'm back and ready to share everything (in bits). While I had every intention of sharing on Instagram my trip to Tulum, I was in for a reality check with the spotty WiFi. Other than stories, it just was not happening. So I guess you can say I got a bit of a phone detox. It was actually quite nice. Anyway, I'll be sharing more, but for now I'm starting with my outfits. All are snapshots from my phone because I quickly learned lugging a camera was not going to happen in the humidity. 

DAY 1 // EXPLORING & EATING

Quickly realized what hot and humid meant, but it could have been I'm not used to the heat lately. It was all about breezy tanks (this one has become a favorite!) and shorts. Also, you will want a good hat. It's great for sun protection, but even better for bad hair days (as I learned). 



DAY 2 // WELCOME DINNER

The main reason for our trip was for a friend's wedding (and I'm not complaining). For Friday evening, they planned a special dinner for all the guests. A fun flirty dress was in order, which would make for a great Wedding Guest dress as well. It was light and airy, but certainly will be worn throughout summer-that was the biggest criteria for purchasing this dress. And shoutout to these basic sandals because they go with everything and are so comfortable!



DAY 3 // REFUELING

If you been following me for sometime, you know I love me some matcha! When I was trying to figure out where we should go, I found Matcha Mama and there was no question I was going to try it. We didn't have much time, so I threw on an easy dress and rocking my new accessories-the bug repellent bands! You guys the mosquitoes were eating me up. I don't think they worked, but I was desperate and didn't take them off. 

dress (old, similar) // sandals // hat // purse // sunglasses


DAY 4 // BEACH WEDDING

The wedding was absolutely amazing! The ceremony and reception were right on the beach. Honestly, I wasn't quite sure what to wear with the invite saying beach formal. I went with my trusty black dress I've owned for sometime. I could have worn any beachy dress, but this dress worked just as well. 



DAY 5 // LAST DAY

Well we had a 4 pm flight, it takes 2 hours to get to Cancun Airport from Tulum, so we only had the morning to enjoy on our last day. At this point, I wanted something that would work for the heat and comfy to travel all day in. I had brought along this jumpsuit just in case and so glad I did. It was just right for what I needed. Plus, it has pockets and you need all the pockets when traveling. 


Anyway, if you can't tell I made sure everything went with each other. I was successful and packed everything in my carry on. Have any of you visited Tulum?

Now, it's time for our linkup! Our picks are Christine from Bon Chic Style and Lydia from Chic on the Cheap






Thursday, May 3, 2018

Summer Jean Shorts Review

a&f jean shorts review

Yes, you're reading that right. I'm stepping out of my usual store and headed to Abercrobie for shorts. Here's the thing, I'm just not a fan of tight hugging shorts and forget it if they are high rise. And if you're into a stretchy, high waisted short, then Madewell is your place. Still love you, but I had to find a pair I could live in with my trip to Tulum coming. Never thought I would be finding myself at Abercrombie for shorts as a 30 year old, but hey you do what you have to in the name of desperation shorts. With a variety of options, it actually turned out better than I could have hoped for. If you're on the hunt for some budget-friendly jean shorts that are comfortable, then I've got you covered. 

AMES LOW RISE BOYFRIEND SHORT // SIZE 25

These are a good lived in pair of shorts. There is a little structure to the fabric, which I do love in shorts. I'm not trying to give it all away. Because they are boyfriend cut, you can stick to your size or go down. I did go with my smaller size and still have some room. Everything is covered from all angles, so that's a plus. I didn't end up with these, since I already have a boyfriend short coming with me.





Not going to lie, these are short and low. Don't worry, you can still sit comfortably. And call me crazy the thicker denim helps to make them the right fit and tasteful. Maybe it's purely the fact that my mind has beach written all over it, but these ended up being the winners for me. The question is how much I will wear them after the trip is up in the air.




ANNIE HIGH-RISE GIRLFRIEND SHORT // SIZE 26

Immediately, these were a big NO! They had a looser fit, so I figured could balance out my dislike for high rise. It didn't change my mind. They looked frumpy from the front. The back was fine.




ANNIE HIGH RISE SHORT // SIZE 25

Uhh, no! The distressing on the leg openings land at an awkward spot for me. My thighs are a little fuller, so I would stay away from these if you're not trying to draw attention to your thighs. However, I did love the thicker denim and side/back views.



Have you tried any of Abercrombie's shorts? I think I'm a fan, even if I only came home with one pair.



Tuesday, May 1, 2018

What I'm Packing for Tulum

tulum packing list

You guys I'm actually leaving for Tulum tomorrow evening! Someone pinch me! It's been on my bucklist for at least a year now. Not only do I get to experience Tulum with my fiance, but with close friends for a friend's wedding. While I certainly plan to celebrate their special day, I have every intention of soaking up the chill beach vibes. Oh, and eating! Just as my previous trip to Costa Rica two years ago, I'm planning to fit it all in my carry-on. It's mainly me always feeling better having my suitcase exactly where I know it is. Taken my experience from packing for Costa Rica, I figured it would be fun to share a few things that instantly made the top of my packing list for you.

Travel Bag
This travel bag has been loved for years now! It goes way back to my days working at Sole Society that I discovered it (and really all their weekenders). It's one of those bags that looks more expensive, but a complete steal that holds up. It actually does more traveling than me! I'm always letting my sister borrow it for her trips. It's a sturdy faux leather that's not only going to fit tons, but your other half won't mind holding because it's gender neutral.




Straw Hat
I'm all about protecting myself from the sun, but this is one of those hats that looks good year after year. It can go from the beach to a sea side lunch.

Black Jumpsuit
If you're looking for something versatile, this is it! I'm still debating if I should make this my travel outfit because it's SO comfy and has pockets. I do know that it's probably going to be worn several times on my trip. It can go from lunch to dinner real quick with a change of shoes and earrings.

Espadrilles
Well I can't go anywhere without my signature shoes! This is my second pair of these espadrilles and they are the best! From traveling to walking around, these are comfy and work with just about everything!

Wrap Dress
Initially, this was going to be my outfit to the wedding. I totally think it makes a great wedding dress, but it turns out it's more formal. It still works for the welcome dinner or eating at a nice restaurant. Heck, I might even make it a cover up.



Sunscreen
This is my everyday face moisturizer with SPF. It has clean ingredients and love that it doesn't leave my skin with a white film.

Black One-Piece
This came along to Costa Rica and taking it again. I feel like you can never go wrong with a good black bathing suit. It's just like an LBD just for the beach.



Tan Sandals
While I don't want to bring too many shoes, I needed something that was a little nicer than my espadrilles and beach appropriate. These flat sandals had great reviews and will work with a dress or shorts.



Tassel Earrings
My new go-to earrings that add some color to my outfits! The best part is that they are very light! They come in several other colors in case you're not into mustard.



Straw Purse
I'm pretty sure you've seen these straw circle purses evvvrywhere! And not that I need another circle bag, I just couldn't resist the price point. I'm all about taking just one purse to go with all my looks, so this is it! Well just maybe not the wedding.



Is anyone headed to a beach vacation soon? Hope this list helps you!