Winter Getaway: What I am Packing

This lady has not seen the sun in a looooong time, but luckily that all changes very soon. An adult only get away at that, which makes it an actual vacation. It should be no surprise that I have been packing for this trip for a solid month during the longest January ever and everything is cheery, floral, and rainbow. Because if I am going to be soaking up island life, I am going all out before I return to the gray. 

1. This rainbow bikini (top) is almost sold out, but also comes in a cute one piece

2. This sweet floral set is going to be my travel outfit (top & bottom) $160

3. Big black shades to keep the crows feet at bay and take naps under $98

4. A sweet matching set (top) that is not as croppy as the photo $100 (on sale)

5. The perfect little dress to throw on for dinner and drinks $54

6. I love a basket bag for evening $300

7. My favorite sun hat from Amazon $76

8. This one piece is THE BEST $175

9. Golden Gooses look good with honestly anything $525

10. A nude wedge that go with everything $595 (these too)

11. Ruffled to the max dress $325

12. This pin tucked dress is perfect over a suit for lunch $297

13. I will be lounging in this ombre set $54

14. A chic Amazon find for the beach $22

15. And this one too! You know I love a flowy maxi $28

16. A Goyard tote for the pool and the plane $1545

17. Pink pool slides that are so comfy $480 (these too)

Aloha

xo

Erin 

Easy Breezy Vacation Dresses

Hi! Back from Mexico and it was so nice to be away. We went to Cabo and once again just loved every minute. If you have not been, it really is the best. Beautiful resorts, delicious restaurants, but more than anything the people there are the most gracious and lovely. If you need any recs, let me know! 

Packing for this trip I stuck almost exclusively to light dresses that were comfy, but fun. Easy to pack and wear during the day for walking around or at night with wedges for a nice dinner.  One piece dressing takes any stress of packing and what to wear out of the equation so you can enjoy your time away. 

And with Spring Break coming up I figured you would need some vacay dresses too. So I picked a bunch that would be so fun for any warm weather locale and will slide you right into Summer if it ever comes. 

Most of these are from Shopbop, which is having a huge sale. Use code GOBIG19

Click on the image for details! 

What I am Packing

To say that I am pysched on a vacation is a huge understatement. I need some sunshine, quiet, and endless chips and salsa. The quiet will be attainable since the kids are staying home. Which as anyone that travels with kids knows makes it an actual vacation, not just a trip. I love my kids, but mama needs a break from doing all the things. 

I am bringing a mix of new finds and my tried and true staples. 

1. Just got this Le Specs and I LOVE them. Oversized, seriously mirrored, and I love the neutral tone. 

2. These pool slides are an investment, but I wear them everywhere. And you cannot go wrong with these. 

3. This Sunscreen Oil is approved by my dermo and apparently amazing. Cannot wait to try it out. 

4. Hands down my favorite bikini and it is on sale in so many colors. 

5. A new sun hat with an extra parge brim and perfect shape. 

6. My favorite high waisted jeans shorts to pair with tees. 

7. A pretty cover up in a style I buy over and over again. This too. 

8. Just got this cloud paint from Glossier and I love the sweet hue it gived my cheeks. 

9. A wild new one piece swimsuit

10. I have this dress in red and love it. You feel instantly chic and the fit is so flattering. 

11. I love tan towels to bronze up my face since I cover it from the sun most of the time. 

12. And I use this magic powder for face sunscreen. If you do not own this, GET IT. It works so well, is super waterproof/sweatproof, and worth every penny. This size lasts a long time. 

13. These rubber Valentinos are perfect for packing. They can easily be worn to the beach and then later again for dinner. Loving these too. 

Make sure to follow me on Instagram and I will post from my trip! 

xo

Erin 

Spring Break Recap

It has taken more than a few days to get back to reality. Coming down from the high of constant sunshine and the ever present sound of waves crashing is even harder when it is 35 outside. All you can do is hope it happens again. Soon. So what was I up to the last two weeks in Florida?

I finally got to wear the Prabal Gurung for Target dress that I picked up the last time I needed milk. It just needed a belt and some warm weather. 

I really do not get past reading magazines when I am at home, but I took full advantage of nap times by finally reading the book that has been looming on my bedside tables since Christmas. 

I LOVED this book. It was the perfect quick vacation read, was chock full of incredible stories filled with fashion's most influential people of the last fifty years. If you have seen The September Issue, can rattle off photographer and model names easily, and are interested in how Grace Coddington got to be the most influential woman (besides Anna) in fashion, add it to your must read list. 

The little man got dressed for dinner most nights. So fancy. I died when I put him in these RL khakis that had a belt. So grown up.

It was chilly at night and we walked a lot, so I was psyched that I packed these fold up flats. So comfy and look great with cropped skinnies or a short dress. 

Fresh seafood is always the highlight of the meals I have there. But I could also not get enough of these Spicy Rosemary & Maple nuts that my Mother-in-law made. They are beyond addicting and I found a similar recipe here. 

There were a lot of beautiful sunsets from the balcony. 

And one special one with the babe. 

Trying to get my routine back at home, but I am not going to lie and say I wish I was not still there. There is always the next trip to look forward to and mine is a girls only trip to AZ. Super excited for that get away. Where are you headed this Spring? 

xo

Erin 

Weekend at Barbie's

Sometimes something online just makes you smile. And how could you not at this dream house in Santa Monica. 

This is the house of Ruth Handler, the founder of Barbie. It was her real life dream house until her death in 2002. Even well into her later years, the woman was living the life of her beloved doll in this bubble gum pink and purple beach house. 

How fun would a girls weekend in this house be? Everyone packs with Barbie in mind and your suitcase is full of pink, sparkle, lace, pastels, girlie prints and that fun loving spirit that only she could inspire. If only...

1. Wide leg pants by J. Crew $85

2. Hot pink fit and flare with gold belt Asos $202 (obsessed)

3. White and floral print bikini Mara Hoffman $195

4. Sweater dress Heidi Merrick $218

5. Ribbon flats by Melissa + Jason Wu $108 (obsessed)

6. Bib necklace in fun colors by Adia Kibur $50

7. Louise Grey sequin tank dress Topshop $350

8. Metallic and lace skater dress Topshop $82

9.  Lace back romper Topshop $92 (obsessed)

10. Retro bikini Topshop $64

11. Ikat print cover up Topshop $68

12. Envelope clutch J. Crew $98 (obsessed)

13. Nude patent bow wedges by Prada $510

14. Ruffle skirt Topshop $64

15. Essie Forget Me Nots $8

16. Oversized cat eye glasses by Stella McCartney $225 (obsessed)

What would you pack? 

xo

Erin 

Destination: Villa Balboa, Puerto Vallarta

Vacation Rental By Owner. Using this service has changed my traveling life. If you have never used it, explore by researching a place you recently went to and check out where you could have stayed for the same amount as you paid for your hotel. Trust me, the options will surprise you. 

My first experience with VRBO could not have been more amazing. Nine girls on a trip to Mexico and this is where we got to stay. Let me just say that pictures do not do Villa Balboa justice, as the surroundings are just the start to how luxe this place is. 

You would think that we broke the bank to stay in this immaculately decorated,  ridiculously spacious, and fully staffed palace, but I assure you that the rate is more than reasonable. 

You arrive to fresh margaritas and mojitos and a grand tour from the staff. Picking a room is hard because they all have something special with tons of privacy. Each with a balcony and the ocean right below. 

Besides having a beautiful place to stay, you have the most gracious staff at your disposal at all times. Need a fresh drink? A bottle of wine in your suite? A lawn chair moved in the sun? A four course dinner fresh from the local market? It is all done and done very well. 

Cristhian and the other chefs made the most wonderful meals each day. Fresh, delicious, and better than any resort restaurant by far. Edgar arranged for us to venture out into PV and even secured us the best table at the local disco where we most certainly boogied all night. 

There really was not a whole lot of reason to leave the villa. Whales swam so close to the house that their breaths could be heard from the balcony. It was incredible. The house itself is beautifully designed with a wide range of local art, as PV is known as an artist's community. 

When our feet were back on the cold ground in Chicago, we all wondered where the fresh guacamole was and our glass of champagne? Sadly, we were no longer treated like Mexican Princesses. So until next time...

Visit www.villabalboa.com  for more information or to book. Trust me, if you have a large group, you will not find a better value anywhere in Mexico. 

xo

Erin 

Destination: Parker Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs, CA, has become one of my favorite winter time destinations. Dry desert air, fun retro surroundings, and warm weather make Palm Springs a fantastic place to get away. I think the nostalgia is what sets it apart from other desert oasis's. I think of Elizabeth Taylor lounging near the pool, Mad Men driving with their tops down, and Bobe Hope hitting the links. 

My favorite place to stay is the Jonathan Adler designed, Parker Meridien Palm Springs. 

Obviously, the hotel has some seriously amazing design. Mr. Adler really put his cheeky-modern touch in the entire place. The room I stayed in had these fantastic black and white 1960s photos of the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Nicks, that I still dream of owning. 

The reason that I love staying here is that it feels really intimate. It is not a big place and you can really enjoy every inch of it. I wish I could have found some more photos of the spa, because it is adorably nautical and preppy. 

The entire resort used to be Gene Autry's estate, so it has a ton of history. You instantly feel like you are the Hollywood siren getting away from it all when you are here. The martinis are cold and the food is delicious. 

If you don't mind the heat, you can get a great deal in the summer. But, the best time to go is in the fall, spring, and late winter. If you feel like venturing out, it is located close to town with plenty of bars and restaurants. Hiking and golf are blocks away. 

This place has given me a lot of inspiration. Look for a follow up post tomorrow. 

xo

Erin