What I Wore: Kiki Lynn Caftan

As you might have seen on instagram, last week we took our #zikafreeholiday (aka baby moon)..our last big hurrah alone before baby McB arrives in July. We were supposed to go to Baja, but if you've seen the news you know why we switched to California instead (hence the hashtag). More to come on that later, since these are ON SALE right now, I thought I'd post my most-worn garment of the trip - the Kiki Lynn Amy Caftan (excuse the bad photo). 

I wore this to and from the pool, on our drive from Laguna to Palm Springs and to grab lunch. This is going to be a pregnancy and post-pregnancy staple for me this summer. And in a range of colors, you really can't go wrong. Pink for the pool, black for travel, navy for weekends and olive green for coffee with friends...if you need ideas. And at this price, you really can't go wrong (think cost per wear). The navy is next on my list as I'm pretty sure I can't get through summer with just one of these babies.

Suited Up

The Mini Fashionista and I just got back from a week in Mexico. I posted this photo on my personal Instagram account and got a lot of compliments on the bathing suit, so I thought I would share. 

First, a shout out to my friend AS who actually gave me the bathing suit top on our trip. It never fit her to her satisfaction so she offered it to me, and I love it. The bottom is J Crew that I recently got on sale (here).

The suit is the Ripcurl Mirage Color Block Bikini. Here is what the back looks like.

And the front, which you see in the photo.

While you can't get the exact same top as mine, you can get the updated version on sale on 6pm.

You can also get it in a coral/black combination on ASOS. It's even on super sale (buy it here)

Cover it Up

We've talked about swimsuits this season (here and here), but you can't go to the pool or the beach in just a suit…you need a good cover up. And we've got options in a range of prices. Let's start with the splurges - a girl can dream, right? 

Tory Burch Margherita Long Caftan - $450

Trina Turk Mod Maze Hooded Tunic - $144

Ted Baker New Stripe Cover Up - $131.47

Seafolly Butterfly Coast BoatHouse Wrap - $123.85

La Blanca Crochet Trim Cover-Up - $99

J. Crew Colorblock Tunic - $88

Printed Dress with Border - $49

Getaway Wrap Maxi - $39.50

H & M Beach Caftan - $34.95

Embroidered Linen-Blend Dress - $32.94

Wrap Cover Up - $29.50

Make sure to click on the wrap cover up and wrap maxi to check out how easy they'd be to put on. I might have to order one myself.

Products We Love

Last week we shared photos from our trip on the Middle Fork River. Today, I am going to share with you one of my new favorite product lines that I used while we were floating nearly every hour of the day in the sun!

Say hello to "Sun Bum"! Sun Bum is a line of sun care products that was created in 2010 in Cocoa Beach, Florida.  On our trip I used the sunscreen and the pomegranate lip balm. The balm also comes in coconut, key lime, mango and pink guava....and they smell and "taste" amazing, which makes it slightly addicting! 

I may never use another brand of sun care product ever again! For those of you with Amazon Prime...it's Prime eligible! Try it out and let us know what you think! 

Mexico Recap

Last week the Mini Fashionista and I took a quick trip South of the border to escape the dreary weather here in Portland. We spent 6 days in the 80+ degree heat having all sorts of fun in the sun! Here are a few photos from our trip.

Watching the sunset! 

"Cleaning" the beach, as she calls it.

My little Amiga!

Ready to go kayaking together!

My little Giraffe

Now it's back to the rain and gloom. Oh well, we enjoyed it while it lasted! 

Palm Beach Perfect

I've never been to Palm Beach, but if I was going I would be stocking up on CJ Laing apparel! The collection is known for its genuine hand-loomed ikat cloth, and I can see why. The prints are fabulous!

And, it is all made in the USA!!!

And my personal favorite, the Tangier Dress! I am in LOVE! Only $695, no big thing!

CJ Lang can be purchased online at Taigan.

And, stay tuned later today for the winner of the History + Industry giveaway! 

H&M Fail

You will probably figure out from the title of today's post that yesterday's trip to H&M for the Marni collection was a total bust. I arrived a little after 9:30 and there was no one there....that was because the Portland store didn't receive the Marni Collection! Fail!

Anyway, my friend Amy and I still enjoyed meeting up with our dueling Bumbleride Strollers, and I walked away with a few fun pieces.

This cute hat was $12.95 and will be perfect for my upcoming trip to Mexico! The gingham shirt is also H&M, but I purchased it a few months back.

They had this striped shirt with button detail (on the shoulder and sleeves) in a variety of colors. I think this is a great combo for spring and a nice departure from navy and white.

And finally, I picked up this paisley dress that will look great with gold sandals, and I also have some cute yellow flats that will coordinate well.

I almost got these amazing pants (navy with red and white polka dots), but the 4 was a bit too tight, and they didn't have a 6. Another FAIL for H&M! But seriously...how cute would this stripe and dot combo be? Now that I am looking at it, I am so tempted to go back and get the pants and the shirt..even if I wouldn't be able to sit down in them!

Anyway, No Marni to be found at H&M in Portland, but all in all it was a successful shopping trip!

Bringing to the Beach

As you read this, I am enjoying some sun and relaxation in Mexico. We have been spending Christmas there for the last 22 years, so it's the norm for us to have a white "sand" Christmas. Our destination, Punta Pescadero, is totally off the beaten path. That means I will be bringing my comfortable and casual beach clothes. It's the ultimate relaxing vacation. So, here is a list of my must haves for my beach vacation! And stay tuned later this week for more beach picks from a few other bloggers!

Rainbow Sandals are a must have for any beach vacation!

To keep your face protected from the sun a good wide brim straw hat is a necessity!

I usually read at least 3 books over the holiday. This is my current book club pick that I will be reading, Just Kids by Patti Smith.

You can't have a beach vacation without a good pair of sunglasses. I actually just got this new pair of Kate Spade cat eye prescription sunglasses, but unfortunately they won't be ready until after I return! Big Bummer!

Clearly I will be bringing multiple bathing suits (the one below included which I got 1+ years ago from VS). I like to have at least one bandeau top so I can minimize tan lines, but we'll see how much sun bathing I get with an 8 month old baby! 

A big tote is essential for any vacation, especially with a baby. I received this fabulous tote (in green and navy) from my friend SC. It's from C Wonder  and it's fabulous!

And last but not least, I couldn't go to Mexico without taking a little barre3 along with me. I will be packing my ball, and Katie and I will be holding our own barre3 classes beach side. I'll have to do something to work off the guacamole and margaritas!

Beach Bag

Katie is heading to Turks and Caicos for a long 4th of July weekend...lucky lady, whereas the Mini Fashionista and I will be headed to the mountains of Idaho, beautiful, but not Turks and Caicos. Anyway, her beach vacation inspired me to post these beach totes from Jonathan Adler.

Cute, but maybe a bit too nice for the beach. Then again, I had the salesman at Goyard tell me that the St. Louis tote makes a great beach bag. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think a $900 handbag really belongs on the beach!

Countess Totes $198

Merry Christmas

I hope you are all enjoying some R&R wherever you might be spending this Christmas Holiday.