A La Playa
Beach, pool, spa, other pool, beach club, margarita, tacos, repeat... Everything I'm packing for my trip to Mexico
My plans for my upcoming trip to Mexico are simple. My outfits are chic. And taking the time to be intentional about what I’m packing makes me all the more excited. I’m going for simple, versatile pieces I can mix and match with statement accessories plus a few colorful dresses to spice things up in the evenings. Let’s get into it…
Day 1
Day one of vacation calls for a simple fit that can get me through my beachside breakfast and straight to piña coladas by the pool. I found the best non-linen vacation pants from Deiji Studios that can literally be paired with anything. Speaking of pairing with anything, the Dragon Diffusion Rosanna bag is pretty much the only bag you need this Spring/Summer.
Not pictured is my well-loved Janessa Leone raffia hat that is without a doubt the most perfect beach hat for two reasons: 1) it’s foldable, meaning it can be packed in my suitcase and not schlepped through the airport, and 2) it’s versatile and can be worn a ton of ways - all chic.
Night 1
I love a little trip kick-off dinner party. Yes, Mexico calls for chill vibes, but I want to look good enough to make all the American housewives in my hotel lobby wish they had my outfit. I love playing with colors, textures, and prints when on vacation and this dress from Nana Gotti paired with a cutie little sequin bag is sure to make me feel sparkly from the inside out.
Day 2
Okay, so I’m well rested and ready to get my toes in the sand ahead of a lunch in town. Instinctual Storey is telling herself she can skip the accessories and just go dress, shoes, sunnies but NO we’re committing to the gold theme here. I love Ben Amun’s jewelry - classic with no frills, they elevate an outfit without making you look like you tried too hard (in this case, I kind of am though). And with a simple dress, you need a little juujing.
Night 2
After day drinking in 86 degree weather, the thought of getting into pants can seem daunting. So for dinner, I plan to opt for my all time favorite Eterne maxi dress paired with my all time favorite flip flops from A.Emery (never thought I’d use “favorite” and “flip flops” in the same sentence). In case of a breeze, this St. Agni top will protect my sunburnt shoulders.
Day 3
It’s beach club day and I’m ready to play. I’m obsessed with everything Cala De La Cruz and this dress is no exception. I plan on pairing it with a cute yellow bikini and some fun statement earrings. In theory, I wear a little kitten heel but it’s highly likely I end up slipping on my A.Emery sandals and never look back.
What’s the evening look, you may ask? I plan on returning home, slipping into my cloud soft lounge pants, ordering room service, and paying for an overpriced movie on the hotel TV. Pure bliss.
Day 4
Beach, pool, other pool, spa, food, bed. That’s day number four for me. A cheeky bikini for optimal tanning, my well-loved Agolde denim shorts, a sheer blouse (left open/untied), and a pearl necklace to elevate the photo I’m planning in my head.
Night
Night four I’m staying cool, calm, and collected with a simple outfit that will hopefully land me in bed at a reasonable hour. The St. Agni top will be making its third and final appearance paired with my ease trousers and some flirty accessories. The plan is to go braless, which reminds me, I need to order some fashion tape…
Day 5
I’m going for Parker Posey in White Lotus on Day 5. I plan on being supremely sun-drunk and would like to give off a look that says, “no one talk to me, not even to ask where my earrings are from.” My monstrosity of a beach bag will hold all my poolside essentials - book, playing cards, hat, sunscreen (body & face), tanning oil, and the pouch for the earrings that will come off within the first half of the day. This look will take me into the evening once the suit comes off and the heels go on.
P.S. A great dupe for the A. Emery flip flops are these square toe Havianas
Day 6
Last day is an all black look since I’ll be mourning the end of my OOO. I want comfy, I want easy, I want to fall asleep on a chaise to a soft breeze. I can’t get over this JuJu Vera necklace and really want it to shine, ergo, black backdrop dress. I’ve paired it with my all time favorite one-piece, the Mara from Bond Eye Swim and the chicest black strappy sandal from Emme Parsons. I wear both to death during the summer months.
Skincare
Along with my usual skincare essentials, a beach vacay calls for a few additional necessities… all with SPF.
My go-to face SPF is the SKIN1004 Centella SPF, it’s lightweight, looks great under makeup, and can be reapplied throughout the day.
My mom got me onto this Saint Jane body sunscreen when in Bali last summer and I haven’t looked back. It’s sheer and has a delightfully subtle scent, plus it’s easy to throw in my beach bag without having to worry about leakage.
Obviously I need to return home with proof I was on vacation so tanning oil is a must. I love Bali Body’s products and this one is no exception. Another solid choice would be the Maui Babe browning lotion (nothing yields a better tan) but the bottle is prone to leakage leaving your beach bag at risk. You have been warned.
I’m not usually the biggest fan of cosmetic SPF products but the Cle de Peau concealer is my one exception. It has fantastic coverage and SPF 25, leaving me looking fabulous and feeling protected.
I always carry a minimum of three lip products in every bag and while I’m loyal to my Summer Fridays balm, the SPF lip balm from Jack Black is a cult favorite that is omnipresent during the warmer months.
Lastly, a good moisturizer is a must after a long day spent in the sun. I have written about the Illiyoon body lotion before - it’s my holy grail body product - because of its barrier restoring ingredients and efficacy for making my skin feel like a baby’s bottom. I’ll definitely be packing a travel size.
Et voila! Trip planned, outfits curated, all that’s left is to grab my passport and toss everything in my carry on. I made a full list of what I’m packing along with more picks I’d bring if I owned them on my ShopMy, plus some other travel must haves that come with me every time I step foot at LAX.
If you liked this, send it to a friend, your mom, maybe your least-active group chat (what a way to re-ignite a convo!). If you didn’t like it, fine. Kindly pretend you never saw it and let me live in my own delusions. Ta ta for now!