California Dreaming: My Favorite Casual Pieces Packed for the Trip (2024)

I just returned from a relaxing trip with friends to California, splitting our time between Palm Desert at theHilton Grand Vacation Resortand our friend’s home in Dana Point. I lucked out with the weather, avoiding the rain and snow back home in Seattle! Since this was a laid-back trip, I packed casual pieces, including jeans, walking outfits, and dresses. Keep reading to see some of my favorites.

On the left, I’m wearing the Colette crop-style pants byMaevefromAnthropologie, which became my go-to casual piece throughout the trip. These pants proved their versatility from the airplane to daytime outings and dinner. They’re a great spring staple in various colors and cropped and full-length styles. Since I didn’t have time to hem them before leaving, I plan to take them up about an inch for that cropped look. Plus, they tend to run big, so size down for the perfect fit.

The Frame jeans have been a top seller, and for good reason—they’re a current style, incredibly comfortable to wear, and easy to style day to evening.

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Madewell Ribbed Polo Cardigan | Colette Cropped Pant | Similar Tank | Adidas Sneakers | YSL Small Loulou | Dolan Embroidered Utility Jacket | Frame Le Slim Palazzo Jean | Sam Edelman Waylon Slide|Belt | Similar Bag

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Other Jeans and pants that caught my eye – you might like them for spring!

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Utility jackets are the perfect outer layer as we transition into spring. I’m wearing one from Anthropologie with an embroidered pattern. It’s so cute, and the embroidery adds interest to any outfit. You might also like this jackethereorhere.

California Dreaming: My Favorite Casual Pieces Packed for the Trip (5)Dolan Embroidered Utility Jacket

TheBelfast peacoat from Frank & Eileen was my cozy go-to layer on the trip, keeping me warm on the plane and on the cool mornings and evenings when sitting outside. Also, it’s casual and the perfect weight to wear at Alki Beach in Seattle, where I took the photo!

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Frank & Eileen Belfast Peacoat | Galway Kick-flare Jeans | Eileen Button up | Belt | Similar Sandals

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Other spring jackets that caught my eye – you might like them for spring!

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I packed two dresses for my trip, including this versatile dress, for $39! Initially, I planned to wear it as a coverup by the pool and for a poolside lunch, but the weather had other plans. No worries —I’ll wear it on my next trip. It’s a cute vacation dress with a classic tiered style, true to size, and available in many colors.

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I also wore thisPaige dresswhile shopping and lunching atThe Fix Restauranton El Paseo Drive in Palm Desert. It’s another classic style to wear day to evening.

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Paige Dress | Sam Edelman Waylon Slide | LAGOS Bracelt and Huggie Earrings

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While shopping, my friend and I stopped in a boutique where they had this gorgeous Rails dress. I styled it with a denim jacket,sandals, andclutchfor her upcoming trip to Cabo. It’s a chic style to wear to dinner, a wedding, or a party.

Other spring dresses that caught my eye!

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I wore cognac-colored slides that went with all my outfits and a cute straw bag to go with it all. I added some retro Adidas Sambas and my comfy Nike Airmax sneakers for walking. I’m updating my spring shoe wardrobe. Here are some cognac shoes and straw bags I’m eyeing for spring.

Shoes

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Bags

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I highly recommend getting a Vuori jogger set if you don’t already have one. The joggers are comfortable, and if you prefer wearing leggings, my daughter loves the Vuori tights.

We took long walks, most days, along the ocean, which was a treat! I paired this jogger set with casual tanks like thisstriped onefrom Evereve. It’s soft, stretchy, and doesn’t cling. Lastly, I packed a Spanx Get-Moving dress to try out. I like it. I wore it on a walk and to lunch at the golf course, but I can also see wearing it for pickleball or tennis (it does not have pockets). It runs small, so size up. Also, use my code SANDYKXSPANX for 10 % off your Spanx order.

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Vuori jacket | Joggers | Nike Air Max | Evereve Striped Tank | Madewell Hat

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Previous vacation looks are in the blog post. More vacation outfits from Frank & Eileen are here.

Thank you for reading. Feel free to leave a question or comment. If you liked this post, please subscribe so you never miss a post.

xo Sandy

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California Dreaming: My Favorite Casual Pieces Packed for the Trip (2024)
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