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Bloggers Guide: What To Pack On Spring and Summer Vacation!

Let’s be real- packing is not easy. We think it’s going to be easy, and then you have ten blue shirts to choose two from and you end up packing them all because were all human and we do dumb things…all the time. Fortunately, I’ve packed for things more times in my life than I’ve put away clean clothes in a drawer. I’ve put together this easy to follow packing list to make your summer and spring vacation easy peasy! If you follow this list right, you should be able to fit all your favorite items into a carry on. If you like this list, give me a comment and I’ll make sure to do one for colder climate trips, which require more space for all those extra layers of fabric! So, if you’re ready to stop stressing over fitting all your clothes in your bag, read on!

First. Let’s identify that if you pack the right things, you won’t need to pack a lot of things. Let’s first assess the problem. Why do we always want to pack so many things?? For me, I’m just going to identify that the reason why I might get stressed on packing is because I obviously want to look my best on my trip and in my photos, and sometimes I just can’t decide exactly what is going to look the best…so I bring everything. Not anymore. It’s stressful to end up on a trip with too much to sort through, when in reality, even if you just brought two good dresses, you’re guaranteed to look good. In the end, no one is paying attention to how many items of clothes you manage to switch into during your trip. They’re paying attention to how you look and most importantly how you feel, so focus on that!

*THIS IS TAILORED TO A 5 DAY TRIP*

Tops: Focus On The Basics

This goes for everything- the safest things to always pack are basics. They take up the least room because you can mix and match them with everything, and they’re guaranteed to always be trusty! Now when I say basics, I don’t mean frumpy basics. Basics can and are extremely cute, and I live in them. Think solid white cotton blouse, white one piece, black dress, beige shorts. As long as the fit is good, you will look good. For tops, here’s what I typically pack:

6 White, Black and Neutral Tops
1 White Sleep tee
1 Black Work Out tee
1 Thin Sweater or Cardigan
2 Fun Tops!

I like to make sure I bring just one shirt I can comfortably sleep in, which is what I typically wear on the plane to conserve space. I don’t sweat much, so I can actually get away with wearing the same shirt to sleep every night, but if you don’t roll like that you can always wash it in the hotel laundry. I also like to bring just one shirt i can comfortably devote to working out in. I always make sure to pack just one light sweater or cardigan that I can throw on during breezy nights where I may be outside, or if I’m running to dinner around the hotel and want to be a bit more covered up, but still on “island” fashion. This sweater should be thin and roll up easily- i.e not take up more space than 3 light shirts combined. I gravitate to colors like heather grey for sweaters because they fit with any season and make an outfit look casual and cosy.

If you’re going somewhere tropical, you’re in luck! Tops take up way less space in warm climates than in cold ones, so you can afford to sneak in one or two more tops that you just can’t not pack. That means some of your beloved polka dot and patterned tops can come with you! Here’s your chance to add some color into your wardrobe.

Bottoms: What Do You Really Need?

Bottoms can get hard, because they take up more space and lets be honest who can ever decide between two pairs of virtually identical jeans shorts? Here’s my packing list for bottoms:

1 Pair Jean Shorts
1 Pair Cotton Shorts In Neutral Color
1 Flowy MaxiSkirt
1 Comfy AF Flowy Pant
1 Pair Of Black Bike Shorts

I bet you’re wondering, “Eva, did you forget Jeans?”. No, no I did not. Personally, I just can’t wear jeans. They’re uncomfortable to me, and In the ever changing temperature of tropical places, I just don’t see myself wearing them at all. On the plane, I usually wear cosy leggings or a flowy pant that provides warmth but isn’t suffocating, has a flare bottom so my legs can breathe, and fits nicely. These pants are perfect for the airplane, but also come in handy basically *every* night that you’re on vacation. Wanna run to get food? Flowy pant. Wanna walk on the beach at night? Flowy Pant and Cardigan. Wanna chill in the hotel and the AC is too cold but the temperature outside is too hot? Put on the flowy pant. With that, I also pack just one pair of jean shorts. We all end up only wearing our favorite pair the whole trip, so it’s pointless to pack two of the same thing when lets be real, you know which one is your favorite. I love throwing on a good pair of light cotton shorts, so I pack one pair of those, and I always have to have with me a flowy but not too dressy maxi skirt. It photographs amazingly  and is so easy to pair with anything for a solid look. I also bring one pair of black bike shorts to wear under any short skirts or dresses, and also to work out in.

Dresses: Bring What Makes You Feel Good

2-3 Feel Good Dresses. Feel Sexy. Feel Cute. Feel Classy.

Now that you can make a lot of solid looks with your tops and bottoms, it’s time to think about dresses. I let myself be free with this one, because I love collecting cute dresses. Basically, bring what makes you feel good. Don’t pack that dress that you haven’t worn yet but “think you may use it on your trip…maybe”. If you have that thought, hang it back up. On trips you should bring what you know you’re going to want to wear, not what you may end up using. I let myself pack 3-4 dresses (mainly because I’m shooting them), but if you aren’t having photoshoots everywhere you go, 2-3 dresses should satisfy even the most fashionable travelers. Think of it this way; bring one dress you can feel sexy in and wear out, one dress you can feel cute and girly in and one you can feel classy and poised in.

 

Sweaters and Extras: Emphasis On The Details

1 Breezy Weather Sweater
2-3 Pairs Of Sunglasses
1 Hat
3 Pieces of Jewelry
2 Personal Favorites (Socks or Ties!)

The sweater you wear on the airplane becomes your “Okay what is happening, I didn’t plan for it to get this cold here” sweater. Sometimes even the warmest of destinations endures cold weather. Your plane sweater serves as that perfect bundle of fabric to keep you warm on the airplane and on your trip when a light sweater just doesn’t cut it. I believe what really makes an outfit stylish are it’s details. What hat are you wearing? What sunglasses did you pair? What socks are sticking out of your shoes? All these things are relatively small and easy to pack, so keep your outfits simple and have so much fun collecting personalized details like cute pins, glasses, ties and jewelry. If you’ve noticed, I’ve recently been obsessed with collecting 60’s inspired neck ties! They turn every basic look into a stylish ensemble. Wide brim hats are also a total fashion guru must have for tropical locations. I love bringing extras!

Swimsuits: Feel Confident And Secure

3 Swimsuits

A trip you’ve been waiting for is not the place to pack 6 new bikinis you’ve never tested out on the beach. I’ve been there where I’ve excitedly packed 7 brand new bikinis that i’d never even tried on, assuming id wear them on my trip. The reality is, three bathing suits is enough to keep you excited and also let yourself feel like you’re switching it up. My rule of thumb is bring one secure one piece I feel great in, one two piece I feel confident in, and one new piece I haven’t shot photos in yet! That way I get to bring things I know will make me feel great, and one thing i’m excited to show off!

Shoes: Legit Just Bring What You Need

1 Pair Of Sneakers
1 Pair Of Sandals
1 Pair of Fancy Shoes

Ah, shoes. Those things you forget to pack and then your suitcase is full of clothes, but then you realize you need like half of your suitcase just to fit 2 pairs of shoes. My rule typically is bring 1 pair of sneakers (Vans, Converse), shoes you can really live in. These are the shoes you should wear on the plane, because they typically take up the most room and also probably smell a bit. Pack a light pair of sandals, and let yourself bring one pair of fancy shoes. This can either be another pair of sneakers, some heels if you’re going out, or maybe some boots you just can’t live without.

So that is my complete clothing packing list! Here it is in short, checklist version:

6 White, Black and Neutral Tops
1 White Sleep tee
1 Black Work Out tee
1 Thin Sweater or Cardigan
2 Fun Tops!
1 Pair Jean Shorts
1 Pair Cotton Shorts In Neutral Color
1 Flowy MaxiSkirt
1 Comfy AF Flowy Pant
1 Pair Of Black Bike Shorts
2-3 Feel Good Dresses
3 Swim Suits
1 Pair Of Sneakers
1 Pair Of Sandals
1 Pair of Fancy Shoes
1 Breezy Weather Sweater
2-3 Pairs Of Sunglasses
1 Hat
3 Pieces of Jewelry
2 Personal Favorites (Socks or Ties!)

I hope you enjoyed this different and informative type of post! If you want me to do more of these kinds of posts, let me know what you think! Until next time,

Love

Eva

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Spring Break In The Maldives!

Those of you who know me (and my Pinterest board) know that the Maldives has been number one on my dream destination list for years. Ever since I fell in love with surfing, I fell in love with the Maldives. I’ve had reoccurring fantasies of what it would be like to truly experience the Maldives, and this April, I finally got to experience it for myself! The craziest thing that I’ve told everyone I came across since I’ve been back is that YES, Maldives is in fact exactly how you would expect it to be from the dreamy photos that circulate the internet. The Maldives lived above and beyond my expectations, and I can’t wait to share my trip with you!

The trip came about thanks to @TheLuxeNomad, which is the world’s leading luxury booking portal for the best travel stories like this one. They introduced me to The Six Senses Laamu, which is where I had the pleasure of staying for my trip. Wow. First off, let me just give a shout out to literally the nicest and most hospital group of people I’ve ever met on a trip; the Six Senses staff. When Adam and I arrived, we hopped right off the boat and into the sweetest greeting i’ve had yet on a stay. On the island, the Six Senses has marine biologists, personal helpers that they call “Gems”, who are specifically designed to help you throughout your stay, chefs, organic in-house farmers and more. We met our Gem and were quickly whisked off into our tour of the island.

The Six Senses island isn’t as small as we thought it would be. You would think based off of all the photos of secluded Maldives over water villas, an island hotel would maybe have 30 rooms. We were surprised to find out that the Six Senses has at a time up to 300 guests staying on the island! It’s so funny though, because the whole duration of my stay, the island felt like my own. It was quiet, peaceful, and there was an abundance of space to wander about on a bike ride.

When we got to our villa, we had two bikes waiting for us at the front door. At the Six Senses, they carve initials into wood and put them on the tail end of your bike so you have your own personalized form of transport to get around the island! Adam showed up a bit confused, since they ended up carving his middle name into the wood instead of his first! Can you guess what middle name Adam has? Hint- it starts with an N. 

Villa life was a story in itself. Getting to lounge around with a view of the reef connecting to the ocean was truly magical. Every day, if Adam and I weren’t galavanting around the grounds, we were in our villa, eating fruit and soaking up sun. I actually got so much sun that I returned with the weirdest face tan i’ve ever received. The villas at the Six Senses are all absolutely fantastic. We had Jetty A villa 12, which was great because we had no other villas facing into us. 

Food on the island was not slacked on. Food is important on a trip where you’re not running around a city trying to scout restaurants. It’s what everybody on the island is eating! It needs to be great! The Six Senses knew this, and delivered every morning with the biggest and most colorful breakfast i’ve seen from a hotel. They had every option, from fruit, to crepes, to green juice, to Indian food, to greek food, to breads and more. I could literally go on and on. Lunch and dinner was no joke either. We usually ended up at “Sip Sip” for lunch, and tried our best to try all of the different types of restaurants during our stay. 

Of course, every night the sunset was fantastic. Adam and I liked to end up at the Chill Bar around 6 pm to watch the sunset and play a fierce game of Bananagrams. Of course, Adam will tell you he won the game, but I’m pretty sure “Turkle” and “Lits” aren’t words.

Don’t forget to leave your villa every now and then and explore. I know, it’s hard to leave it’s perfection. But Adam and I would have never discovered the best water and beach on the island had we not walked to the complete opposite side. We found two hammocks right out of a perfect picture, posted up in the water. We ordered Pina coladas and took film photos while taking turns trying to hop up on the hammocks! The beach is the place to hang during the afternoon. 

There are waves too! The Six Senses has a great wave called Yin Yang that’s just a short boat ride away. There’s also a beginner wave and a left break! Of course, you can’t go to the Maldives without getting in the water. 

For our last night in the Maldives, Adam and I took a catamaran trip to the sandbar, which is a tiny secluded island right off the Six Senses. We danced on our own private beach and rode off into the sunset. It was pretty dang romantic. 

The Six Senses Laamu was epic. Point blank. It was everything you could hope for In the Maldives and more. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect trip, and I hope that someday you get to experience such a beautiful spot on our planet! Fun fact: The Maldives is filled with my favorite sea animal; the Manta Ray! I didn’t get to see any, but hopefully my next time around I can get to dive with them. They are the most beautiful creatures. Huge shoutout to The Luxe Nomad for helping me put together my dream trip! Documenting the Maldives was a dream. Do you have a desire to go to the Maldives? Have you been? Let me know below!!

Love,

Eva

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Golden Hours At Coachella

Coachella 2016 was a LOT to beat. The girls and I had the most amazing time last year, just the four of us running around together, holding hands and dancing until the sun went down. It was a true expression of friendship that we could never recreate. This year was even more special, because not only did it bring a reunion to the Savage slaying the festival yet again, but we had newcomers into the group! Sierra’s boyfriend Alex came, and my boyfriend Adam came along as well. And then there were six to the squad. But wait- we cannot forget the absolute GEM of a new best friend we had to pleasure to meet this year; Riley! Riley Taylor is not only a phenomenal photographer, but a total sweetheart AAAAND a VEGAN!!! Riley and I first shot together a few months ago where we discovered we both loved vegan hotdogs with mustard and Urth green teas. I’m so glad we all got to spend a lot of Coachella this year together, and wanted to share with you some of my favorite photo moments from Day 1 and Day 2. I didn’t go to Day 3 this year, two days was enough for me because I’m actually turning more and more into a grandmother each month of my life.

Coachella 2017 was perfect. The highlight was definitely getting to see my favorite band since freshman year of high school; The XX, with Adam. A Coachella vlog will be coming soon, but for now, please enjoy these incredible photos captured exclusively by Riley Taylor, and after, check out his Instagram!

 

I hope you enjoyed these photos from Coachella 2017! Comment below who your favorite band is. And don’t forget to check out Riley Taylor here. 

Love you!

XX

Eva

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ME AND MY GRANDMA Trailer – My New Show!!

It’s finally here!!! Watch the trailer for #MeAndMyGrandma now. It was such an incredible experience acting with Rhea Perlman and the entire cast. I hope you love it as much as I do!!

Janey and Grandma escape their frigid Michigan hometown for the palm tree lined streets of sunny Los Angeles. Bright-eyed early-twenty-something Janey has always dreamed of becoming an actress so she and her Grandma, a quirky sixty-something with a young heart, pack up and head west where Grandma realizes she too aspires to be famous. Me and My Grandma follows the misadventures of the two best friends as they take on career, hookups, and life in Hollywood – all while saving up for a second air mattress.

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My First Time In Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican Roots

Growing up Puerto Rican for me meant almost every meal included some type of rice and some type of beans (my favorite being pinto, my least being garbanzo) and once a week, I could always count on my grandma to be in the kitchen when I woke up, plucking her eyebrows in a tiny mirror she bought at the 99 cent store while talking to her cousins in Spanish through her international data plan. I’d always wondered WHO she was talking to. I knew it was our family in Puerto Rico, but I had never  been there, and they had never been here (in California), so I had this entire family existing somewhere that I had never even hugged or shared a dinner with.

Luckily, that all got to change recently, when I finally booked a flight to Puerto Rico. My grandma had to work, so I brought Adam along with me since he’d been to Puerto Rico four times and knew his way around well. We went together with the goal to find my family. They live right on the border of a town called Lahas, which was also where my grandma grew up. It was the craziest thing, getting to see my grandmas childhood home and all her childhood friends. There were wild horses roaming on the family farm just down the street. My family’s humble home above a bakery was truly a rural paradise.

But there’s more to Puerto Rico than just my family’s town. There’s SO much to see, and the flight from California was just a little over $300. Puerto Rico has Rincon and San Juan and Old San Juan and Cabo Rojo and SO MUCH MORE! I need to go back asap, but here’s some photos of Adams and my trip which was spent mostly in Old San Juan and Rincon!

Xx

Keep and eye out for a blog coming soon about my outfits I wore while in Puerto Rico, and if you have any questions on certain locations, you can check @MyLifeAsEva. I geotagged all my instagrams of Puerto Rico! Let me know if you’ve been to PR before and what your favorite spot was!

 

Xx

Eva

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My Magical First Time On Kauai, Hawaii

I can blame nothing more than fate for how I ended up in Kauai. Going to Hawaii was never a huge part of me, though I grew up a little orange county kid, dreaming of the idea of being Hawaiian- so much so, that over the summer of 2007, I tried to learn the Hawaiian language, thinking that would make me cool. Newsflash, none of my friends who were born on the Hawaiian islands know fluent Hawaiian.

I ended up in Kauai by chance. Funny story- it was for a boy. His name is Koa! Koa has grown to be not only a best friend, but my literal family. My cuttlefish nature documentary buddy. I swear, we were separated at birth, and finding him was like finding my other human half. Here’s a secret; he has a weird hat collection in his closet. Koa and I met back in 2015 and talked for a while. He was in Kauai, and I was in California. It wasn’t really planned that we would ever meet any time soon. That is- until a trip to Oahu I had planned with my girl friends fell through, and I was still longing for adventure. I shot Koa a text and let him know that I was supposed to come to Oahu and wasn’t anymore, and that’s when he invited me to come to Kauai instead!

It was actually pretty insane. I mean, I had never met this guy before, and within two days, here I was with nothing but a carry on, flying to a place I’d never been to stay with him and his family. Koa picked me up in his truck (shirtless and barefoot, of course) at the Kauai airport, and off we rode to his house and into my first Kauai adventure.

The first morning of Kauai was intense. Unlike visiting somewhere as a tourist, I was molded into the life of a wild pack of local boys. We woke up at 8 am and immediately drove to an intense work out course. I literally felt like I was going to die. I’m not kidding. I wanted to throw up during it, but I pulled through. I couldn’t be embarrassing myself in front of this cool Hawaiian family. Right after, we “Wim Hof” meditated on the same floor. Wim Hof looked at me straight in the eye for 30 seconds. Koa was very impressed/jealous. After Wim Hof, we grabbed food at Harvest Market (one of my favorite little spots now), and headed to the cold pond.

The cold pond is an amazing little spot off the side of the road in Kauai, where you can really test how free spirited you are. What is it? It’s a literal cold pond. It’s freezing- sorry- “refreshing” is what the boys call it. Basically, you jump in a freezing cold spring water pond filled with black prawns and it’s supposed to make you feel good. The boys coaxed me into jumping, and I think this was my way of being baptized as a reborn again Hawaiian, because from then on out I’ve been pretty fearless in life. 

After every cold pond jump, you have to stop by your nearest acai bowl spot and grab a bite for lunch. Wishing Well is a cool spot for acai bowls. It’s got cute little purple picnic benches fit for the smallest child, and you can curl up on one while sucking in a papaya acai bowl.

It wouldn’t be Kauai without a little surfing, so of course, we brought out the Catch Surf foam boards. It was pouring rain, cold, and the waves were choppy, but we paddled out anyway. I took the 8ft board and Koa took the beater board (who would have known 7 months later we’d be using that beater board as a rescue device to float back to shore). I was freezing and only had on a rash guard, but Koa really wanted me to stay out until I had caught a few good waves. I had goosebumps all over my legs and wanted nothing but a warm bath, but I was also really happy that Koa was so passionate about me getting better at surfing. Jumper, the Smith family dog, came along too and had a great time running on the beach in the crappy weather.

On the last day in Kauai, the sun peeked out for just an hour. In that hour, Alex and Koa led me up a vertical hike that really just consisted of sketchily pulling yourself up a wall made from the roots of trees until we made it to the best possible wave vantage point on the shore. It was pretty damn cool.

If you’re looking for a sunset spot to go with family, head to the St Regis. Their view of the sunset is pretty epic. We did this the first night I was in Kauai, and the sunset was beautiful. Kauai was beautiful. Every day was an adventure there. Every day was truly wild. I didn’t care what I looked like, and neither did anyone else. Kauai was all about living and breathing. It’s about seeing something you’d normally talk yourself out of- and just doing it. Thank God I didn’t end up in Oahu that week, because Koa and the entire Smith family showed me their home in a way I’d never seen a home before, and now I consider a little piece of it my home too. Shoutout to the Smith family, the greatest second family I could know!

Have you been to Hawaii? What island?! Let me know!

XOXO,

Eva

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My Palm Springs Oasis – Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage

When I think of Palm Springs, I think of dance competitions and long uber rides to the Coachella music festival. Both are great things, but hectic things. I myself am a professional relaxer, and yet I had somehow never gotten the opportunity to use Palm Springs to relax. 

Ritz Carlton has great hotels all over the world, but don’t let the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage go unnoticed. Located on the highest point of the valley, it’s views can stun even the most cultured of travelers. The drive up to the top of the valley is speckled with lush palm trees that night up in the night with different colors, and when you finally arrive, you are welcomed with a cool breeze and smell that I still cannot put my finger on exactly what it is- but it smells so. good. 

Here’s what I got up to in just two days at the Ritz Carlton Rancho Mirage!

Roses and Roses

The Rancho Mirage is beautifully landscaped. Oh my God, the red roses that lined the reflecting pool were begging to be photographed. I am a sucker for fresh and colorful flowers, so of course, I was in love. Pair the roses with green leaves and perfectly planted palm trees and you’ve got a perfect entryway. Throughout the hotel there are many plants and flowers native to the land, and even some white roses!

What I Wore:

Dress- Rebecca Minkoff

Hat- Lack Of Colour

Picnic Time

Adam was dead set on having a picnic. I was scared of the idea, since I’m vegan and it’s hard to find easy vegan options at hotels. We asked a man at the Club Lounge to help us organize a picnic. We came back the next day and he had set aside two blankets for us to sit on, an entirely vegan picnic spread, a roast beef sandwich for Adam, made-on-site Carmel toffee popcorn and organized it all in a traditional wicker picnic basket, all with a bottle of red wine. We were incredibly impressed and thankful. We set the picnic up in the grass area next to their zone for kids, and ate our food while occasionally playing corn hole together. Yes, Rancho Mirage has corn hole.

What I Wore:

Dress- Sisters The Label

Breakfast By The Fire

I looked forward every morning to heading to State Fare for waffles, pancakes and mimosas. Adam opted for a healthier option; spinach omelettes, but I can’t pass on berries and waffles. I read the morning paper each day and chose to sit outdoor by their fire pits.

Classic Cabanas

Hanging by the pool was awesome. It got even more awesome when I finally decided to touch the water after 30 minutes to find out that to my surprise, the adult pool was heated! I was so scared to touch the water since it was a bit chilly outside, and then the pool had been heated the whole time. I love their cabanas and chairs. The vertical striped peach color is right up my aesthetic alley, and reminds me of my favorite era; the 60’s. Adam and I lounged here for a solid few hours.

What I Wore:

Swimsuit- Tigermist

Bag- Etsy Vintage

Sunglasses- Etsy Vintage

Spa Dates

Adam and I got to check out the Rancho Mirage spa. I’d never seen a hotel spa that put so many personal and fun touches into it. When I first got a tour of the spa, the tour guide showed me to a room of FLAVORED SHOWERS. Take that in. Showers with infused waters. Epic. There was a eucalyptus shower (my personal fave), a mango shower and a jasmine shower. The women’s waiting room had assorted nuts, teas and snacks. The coed spa was beautifully crafted to look like a waterfall was coming out of light rock. Adam and I got a couple’s massage and then spent the sunset soaking in the coed spa.

Rancho Mirage was overall a great experience that literally solidified my desire to become a hotel reviewer, because it’s so fun paying attention to the very important details of a place! I would definitely go back. It was a constant state of relaxation, staying here. I would recommend to go, and have dinner at The Edge on your first night. Sunbathe at the pool. Play corn hole. Read a newspaper! Soak in those valley views. Rancho Mirage is your playground for alone time and relaxation.

Have you been to Palm Springs?

What did you think!

XX

Eva

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Day Trip To Big Bear with Adam

Ahh, Big Bear. A place I’ve known since before I can even remember- which at first makes no sense, but let me explain; my parents have been driving me to Big Bear since I was a little girl to “experience the snow”, since Orange County didn’t ever really drop to a lower temperature than 55 degrees at it’s coldest.

Well, now that I’m older and have a driver’s license, I can pile all my friends in my car and drive the two hour (turned four hour drive due to traffic) up to Big Bear Mountains!

This particular trip, I was accompanied by my boyfriend Adam (@captainbarto) and my good friend Sam (@samdameshek), who shot all of the photos below.

With just four hours in Big Bear, this is what we got up to:

Sliding On Thin Ice

We found a vast lake that was frozen over and shuffled right up next to where the lake was turning from water to ice. It was scary, and I definitely thought we were going to break the ice and fall in, so it didn’t help when Adam started jumping up and down.

What Im Wearing:

Turtleneck: J Crew

Leggings: Free People

Boots: Sorel

Gloves: Target

Coffee Stop
What Im Wearing:

Coat: Columbia

Sweater: Brandy Melville

Leggings: Free People

Snowball Fights
What Im Wearing:

Coat: Primark

Sweater: J Crew

Leggings: Free People

Gloves: Target

Street Stunner
What Im Wearing:

Sweater: J Crew

Glasses: Saint Laurent Surf

Coffee Stop
What Im Wearing:

Coat: Nordstroms

Sweater: J Crew

Snow Cones
What Im Wearing:

Hat: Urban Outfitters

Have you been to Big Bear?

Let me know what your favorite thing to do was!

xx

Eva

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MY FIRST TIME IN MIAMI

My first time in Miami was not as expected, but nonetheless, filled with adventure. I visited Miami just this past week, hoping to escape the constant rain pour in Southern California. Yet (of course) when we got to Miami, the rain followed us…and stopped in Los Angeles. I had always expected Miami to be hot and sunny, but I got to experience the other side of things! It was still extremely fun to get to run around with Meredith and explore the city, and I would recommend Miami at any time of the year. Here’s what I got up to in Miami!

The Stay: The Standard Spa and Hotel

Staying at the Standard was pleasing. An amazing selection of breakfast foods at Lido (the main restaurant), a bluetooth speaker in my room (necessary for those long fits of curling your hair before going out), and even a standalone tub in the terrace of your bedroom [which I assume is only in the ground floor rooms!]. The entire pool was heated when I was there, which was amazing when accounting the weather I visited in. I personally would have added a rug in the room, since my feet got soooooo cold at night on those hard floors, but you know, you can’t have everything.

The vibes: Relaxed poshness

We spent our first full day in Miami taking a catamaran to a villa and “parking ship” there until around 6 pm. The boat ride toured us around some of the oceanside villas, and I gathered the overall vibe of Miami to be hot, fiery and able to be lived in. Mere and I explored the villa and found a room with a giant bright yellow swing in it. Of course, we had to play a bit.

The taste: Flavor In The Options

Being a vegan, it’s often hard to find food while traveling that can appeal to you. Most people are obsessed with cheese, and I don’t blame them- cheese is great. But it gives me gas and stomach problems, and so I can’t eat it. The Standard had a TON of vegan options for their breakfast menu, and I totally indulged in their smoothie options, epic fresh fruit bowls, almond milk lattes and even their vegan burger with daiya cheese for dinner! To be honest, the cheddar flavor cheese they use is ruining the burger- definitely would switch to the Swiss cheese Daiya if you see this, Standard. Good looking out!

The Style: Vacation Hotness

I had no idea what to bring to Miami, so I brought everything related to sun and sea. Unfortunately, I only got to slip into a bathing suit once throughout the trip, but boy was it comfortable. I wore this simple black one piece from Imperial Motion’s new woman’s line, which was designed by my friend Ivy Miller. When in doubt, dress breezy and feisty in Miami.

The Night Life: Let’s Party!

Night life in Miami was filled with music, vibrant lights and lots and LOTS of dancing. I had always wanted to check out The Basement, which is located in The Edition hotel. It holds four underground bowling lanes and an ice skating rink, as well as a full bar. Going to the Edition is fun enough for photos alone, but immersing yourself in the fun is so much better! Go bowling! Switch your shoes for ice skates! The mood of the whole place is captivating.

Overall, even though Miami didn’t give me the hot and sunny weather I’d hoped for, I still got to have a ton of fun. The Standard Hotel was a great place to spend my stay, and The Basement was the highlight to the end of my trip!

Have you been to Miami?

Let me know what you thought!

xx

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