When it comes to weekend getaways Palm Springs is my favorite place to escape to. It’s less than two hours away but somehow feels like a different world. Jeff and I always have so many special memories there – it’s where we got engaged! SO, I thought I’d share a guide to my favorite places in the desert.

PACK:

I like to bring a daytime and nighttime outfit for each day I’m there. Day always includes a swim suit and night (unless it’s July-September) includes a light layer. The temps drop a bit when the sun goes down and the air conditioning is always cranked up, so a denim jacket or something of the like are never a bad idea.

STAY:

Hands down favorite place is The Parker. I’ve always loved their beautiful grounds and design but when Jeff proposed to me on the croquet lawn it became a sentimental place too. We love to wander the grounds (cocktail in hand) and find secret corners to hang out in.

Obviously there are tons of hotels but I’m pretty picky when it comes to PS. Also love The Ace, Riviera, Avalon and Saguaro.

And I’m dying to check out Korakia Penisone and Arrive.

It’s also fun to rent a house if you’re traveling with a group. My favorite sites for that are Airbnb, VRBO and Oranj Palm.

BRUNCH:

Cheekys –  I’m not a huge breakfast person but I love this spot. They serve Bloody Mary’s in boots and specialize in a bacon flight!

Normas at The Parker – Their brunch is delicious but my favorite is their turkey sandwich for lunch. Tip: if you’re staying at the hotel and you’re poolside you can ask for Norma’s menu and be served at the pool.

LUNCH/DINNER:

Las Casuelas, Trio, Lulu California Bistro, Matchbox, Kings Highway

Take a detour to see the instagram sensation #thatpinkdoor if you’re into that sort of thing… 100 Sierra Way

My favorite thing to do in the desert is basically nothing! I love to park it at the pool with a good book and a cocktail and eat an early dinner. There are so many options if you find yourself bored. Go vintage shopping, hit up the outlet malls, take an architecture tour, go on a hike, ride the aerial tram.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you’re planning any desert trips anytime soon, I’d love to live vicariously through you!

This dress from Paper Crown’s collaboration with Rifle Paper Co screamed 60’s resort wear to me. It was an obvious choice to pack to my most recent trip to Palm Springs. Like I’ve mentioned, Jeff and I can’t go out to Palm Springs without visiting our favorite hotel and this dress fit in so well at The Parker.

If I were to design a dress to represent that hotel it would be this one. It’s loose, breezy fit is the perfect piece to throw on after a day in the sun. And it looks so pretty when you do a few twirls in it. Because, let’s be honest, when I put on a dress my inner six-year-old comes out and I can’t help but twirl away.

paper crown + rifle paper co dress // karen walker sunglasses // dolce vita sandals // straw bag (old / love this one)

– shop the look –

Thanks for reading – have a great day!

When Jeff booked our “last minute trip” to Palm Springs this maxi dress was the first thing I packed. I’ve mentioned before that I have a hard time with long dresses, but this one was the perfect balance of length without swallowing me. I loved the criss cross detailing on the back and even though it’s so summery I think I’ll be wearing it in the fall with a denim jacket thrown over it.

dress: isla by talulah c/o, sunglasses: free people, clutch: a-esque, bracelet: ettika c/o, flip flops: tkees c/o

shop my look and similar options here…

This last Thursday night Jeff and I got engaged! It was such a perfect surprise and I’m still in a bit of shock so please forgive me for being brief, but I wanted to share the news. We were at our favorite hotel The Parker in Palm Springs and Jeff had our families and my two best friends drive out for the surprise. We are so happy and excited for this next step. I’m also excited to share some wedding planning once we get started. Obviously this is all new to me so please share any advice you might have.

Yesterday I shared my first outfit and first set of pictures from our stay at The Parker and today I have the rest of them. My scalloped crochet detailed top went perfectly with the mid-century desert decor. It was pretty hot, as expected, in the desert so I kept my looks simple and fuss free. This Rebecca Minkoff cross body bag was a Birthday gift that’s really the perfect addition to my closet this summer. It literally goes with everything and is just so practical.

top: windsor c/o, bag: rebecca minkoff, shorts: american eagle (similar here and here), flip flop: tkees c/o

shop my look and similar options here…

Hope you all had a safe and happy 4th of July and going back to work today wasn’t too much of a struggle… I know it can be! We celebrated my Birthday in Palm Springs last weekend, first at a rented house with my best friends, then Jeff and I headed over to Le Parker Meridien for some R&R. The Parker is, hands down, my favorite hotel in Palm Springs. Whenever I’m there I don’t want to even leave the property because the grounds are just so breathtaking. We tried to capture some of it’s beauty and I’ve broken this up into two posts, but you really need to go there to experience it in person.

I’m wearing this super comfortable romper from Windsor. The tribal print just screamed vacation to me.

romper: windsor c/o, clutch: kate spade ny, shoes: shoedazzle c/o