packing for the desert (palm springs)

this coming weekend is what we like to call "memorial day weekend" - pretty much the unofficial start to the summer! while many people like to fill the weekend with bbqs, i will be spending the weekend laying by a pool, working on my tan, and maybe drinking a margarita or two in palm springs! 

the real reason for the trip is to celebrate my mom's birthday!  as usual what i'm planning to wear is a pretty big part of the planning process.   since we are mostly going to be hanging by the pool i don't need too many outfits, so i've gathered a few separates that i can mix and match!

1. san diego hat company PBL300 floppy straw sun hat - a wide brim hat is a must for anyone spending an extended amount of time in the sun.  i've spent enough time in the sun without any protection already, so keeping the sun off my face is super important to me.  

2. madewell perfect racerback tank - i love these lightweight tanks from madewell - perfect to throw on over a bikini with some cutoffs & will also look cute with a skirt for dinner!

3. mara hoffman techno animal high waisted bandeau bikini - i've become obsessed with mara hoffman bikinis this season!  i love this kinda retro, high waisted one for palm springs!  

4. free people vegan leather pleated skirt - this skirt is one of my favorite buys for the past few months!  i can wear it with the tank during the day and then throw my chambray over if it gets cool at night.

5. shoemint jill wedges - these are low enough to wear during the day, and cute enough to wear out to my mom's birthday dinner!

6. madewell crisscross boardwalk sandal - i love the pop of color on these sandals!  i will be wearing them all weekend long!

7. hawaiian tropic spf 20 - i think its pretty obvious why i'd pack this!

8. madewell campfire cargo shirt - i basically don't leave the house without a chambray shirt.  its definitely a must have in the closet.  i'll throw it over my bikini during the day!

i'll probably throw in a pair of denim shorts, a summer dress and something to sleep in but thats about it!  hopefully i can stick to this and i won't over pack!  what are your plans for memorial day?  any traditions?

packing for the derby (fishing, that is)

you read that subject line right - i'm going to a fishing derby this weekend (apparently the largest fishing derby in the world). this will actually be my 5th year at the derby. if you don't know what a fishing derby is, its a weekend of fishing. there are 1000 fish that are dumped into the lake. these fish are tagged, and each tag matches with a sum of money. the biggest amount is $20,000! i've caught one fish in the previous 4 years. it wasn't tagged.  also, we are camping this year.  its gonna be cold (i hope it doesn't rain). 

so now you are probably like "what does fishing have to do with fashion/style/this blog?" and images of pants that zip into shorts, rubber pants (anglers call them waders), and bucket hats are popping into your head.  well, to quote lorelai gilmore, "no one ever told me that if you fish, you get to buy an outfit. I’ll do just about anything if I can buy an outfit."  only i'm not buying an outfit, i just have one planned!

uggs classic tall boots - yes, they are ugly.  but they are also warm.  and comfy.  and perfect to pull on in the cold early morning to head down to the lake.  

athleta leggings - a must have for any camping/fishing trip.  can be layered under a loose fitting skinny jean for extra warmth.   won't show dirt when you (inevitably) get dirt on yourself. 

leopard scarf - obviously for more warmth.  did i mention you have to wake up at the crack of dawn when fishing?  its cold.  you want to be warm.  the leopard just makes you look cute!

splendid vintage whisper racer back tank - perfect for layering under a long sleeve tee or a flannel.  if it warms up take some layers off and get a little tan on your arms!

hunter original tall boots - if its wet and muddy then rubber boots are a must.  these have some good traction too! 

ag jeans - love these jeans!  after wearing them for a day or two they loosen up and i can easily layer my leggings under them.


fingerless gloves - again to keep warm!  you need your fingers free to tie the knots on the fishing line!

free city zip-up hoodie - look cute.  stay warm.  this will also look cute under my fishing vest!


columbia fishin vest - i'll be wearing my grandpa's old vest, but this one is similar.  lots of pockets to store things... like chapstick.  and snacks.  i guess maybe some stuff related to fishing too.

now that i think about it, maybe i should get some legit fishing clothes. maybe that's the key to catching a fish! i'm just intimidating all the fish in my cute fishing outfits! or the fish just don't like power bait. most likely the latter. hope i don't freeze this weekend! cross your fingers i catch a fish (tagged of not)!