I’m writing this fresh off the flight home from France with an absolutely criminal case of jet lag. I didn’t sleep a wink on the journey from Nice (via London) to LAX. Solo traveling with a 7 year old doesn’t leave much room for error. Every time I started to drift off, June was wide awake. The second she finally fell asleep, I was wide awake but I wasn’t angry about because . . .
I devoured Helpless by Jessica Knoll. And when I say devoured, I mean I finished it in on the flight home. It is so damn good. Twisty, smart, impossible to predict, and steamy. If you’re looking for your next vacation read or a book that completely hijacks your attention, this is it.
Our quick trip to the St. Tropez area was such a blast. Firstly, June’s bag got lost on our way there (what is going on with me lately!). And by lost I mean I left it standing right outside the car rental parking lot by accident. I was juggling my bags, my moms bags and June’s and I felt absolutely terrible. Thankfully, a very nice person picked it up and I was able to arrange a messenger by the very next day. Crisis averted. I’m equally thankful that it seems as though mercury is finally out of retrograde (ha!).
Many moons ago, my brother and I made a pact that we’d do everything we could to get our kids to Europe as many summers as possible. So when he booked a villa near St. Tropez this year, I was so all in. I’d only been to the area twice before, but experiencing it with my family felt completely different. We stayed in a little village near Grimaud, about 25–40 minutes from St. Tropez depending on traffic. It was perfect because when we didn't want the "scene" of St Tropez we dipped into town and had amazing dinners at places like "Don Peppe".
One thing I’ve noticed about traveling with my kids is that I care a lot less about being “done.” It’s not that I stop caring about style, but I spend far less time getting ready. I don’t blow dry my hair. I wear minimal makeup. One day I wore the same Posse set from the beach straight to dinner at La Bagatelle in St. Tropez, and it reminded me how freeing it is to stop worrying about creating the perfect vacation image. Less fuss, less pressure, and somehow I enjoy the trip so much more because of it.
Below you’ll find everything I packed and wore throughout the trip!
This dress by Xirena was the first thing I wore on day one. It was extremely hot and this dress is so perfect for a hot summer day that will take you anywhere. I tossed on my favorite flip flops by TKEES (I have three pair) and Janessa Leone bucket hat with my Jenni Kayne tote.
I’d been waiting to order something from my girl Morgan Stewart’s clothing line, Renggli, for quite some time and when I saw this pink button down on her this summer I snatched it right up. You guys know I’m not one to wear color, but this felt subtle and the fabric is oh-so-perfect. I absolutely love it and can’t wait to wear it with white trousers and denim upon my return.
I paired it with my other friend, Janessa Leone’s, new linen tote bag which I got just before the tip. This bag is perfect. The traps pull together to make it smaller and it’s wide enough to hold ALLLLLLL the things. I’m also wearing my favorite “Favorite Daughter” Bermuda shorts and a very, very old Zimmermann swimsuit.
Three years ago when I went with the girls to the South of France we saw this chic wearing wearing this suit with a skirt at lunch and then the suit by the pool later. I loved how it looked like a bodysuit. At the time, I had never heard of the brand Livy and a year later I purchased it in Paris when I saw it in person. I re-created the look which you can find by clicking here and everything is linked here (three years later!).
When I was in St. Tropez I discovered the Livy shop and pulled the trigger on a few new pieces of lingerie. I figured since this swimsuit is still a favorite three years later that Livy pieces really do stand the test of time.
Speaking of pieces that stand the test of time: I purchased this Gucci tunic for my 10 year wedding anniversary trip to St. Tropez with Grant back in 2021. It’s still one of those classic pieces I reach for on special trip occasions and it’s the perfect little throw on for St. Tropez that still hits. I received so many messages asking me about this piece and I’m sad to say she’s five years old.
The day of the Gucci tunic was spent at Nikki Beach and I underestimated just how hot it would be. The only other purchase I made for myself (outside of the Livy pieces) was in the Nikki Beach gift shop. I love the brand Oséree and was thrilled to find this little Pareo wrap to pop on over my suit by the pool. I also fell in love with the swimsuit but they only had an XS and I needed an S. The gold detail is a little bit “loud” for me (you know how simple I am), but it feels appropriate for a fun beach club vibe like St. Tropez and I’m certain I’ll be re-wearing it for years to come. I really love this one too!
ALSO: Do NOT get me started on my latest and greatest all time favorite swimsuit by Anemos. I’ve been a huge fan of this brand for many years and this top officially sold me on wearing a two piece again. It’s such a classic and feels comfortable enough to wear all day.
One thing I hear a lot is how much my community appreciates that I re-wear pieces and boy have I gotten my wear out of this set by Posse since Spring Break. I absolutely love when I find a dress or matching set that’s easy to pack and toss on. I wore this outfit to the beach for lunch through the evening that day.
If there were an outfit to define my summer style I think this one would be it. You know I’m a sucker for a little white dress and this one by Doen arrived just in time for my jaunt to Europe. It’s a bit on the shorter side so I’d suggest wearing it with a swimsuit or short bike shorts underneath.
Speaking of Doen, they make the only dresses June truly loves wearing. I always pack one in my carry-on when we’re traveling to hot destinations because the second we landed at the airport she wanted to change into something cooler. This one is years old but I stand behind their quality. Worth the price tag (size up!).
June picked out this outfit for herself the day of the lost bag. I’m not angry about this Veja sneakers we found on sale for her at a local shop (just in time for school) and was truly shocked she picked out a pink dress because she’s been avoiding pink lately. She said “Meme would like this,” which melted my heart.
I’m wearing my favorite top of the summer and new go to Bermuda shorts that I scored from Walmart. A new favorite!
Another thing I received quite a few DMs about was from an IG stories one morning about my sweatpants. These are brand new and I’m OBSESSED. I honestly may order another pair I love them so much. They’re incredibly soft and the perfect fit. I’m 5’7 and wearing an XS>
When it comes to swim, I usually stick to the classics and I’ve had this Eres bikini for many, many years. I understand spending a lot of $$ on swim is a pain in the neck, but when it’s good it really will last you a long time. And in case you missed this fun fact: Eres is owned by Chanel, and every swimsuit is made in the same factory as Chanel swimwear. You're essentially getting some of the finest craftsmanship and quality in the world.
Another dress that I packed but didn’t get a great photo of is this gem of a dress that I also wore in Copenhagen (see photo here). I wrote about it in my recent Substack below:
5 Things I Packed for 4 Countries
Here is the outfit I wore to and from France and I’m honestly obsessed with every single thing about it. (don’t worry, we did laundry at the house!)
Also, in case you’re interested to know what I took in my carry on, you can find it all here.
I try my best to always link product on my Instagram under a monthly highlights on my profile page. Do you guys like these round-ups instead? Or do you check ShopMy or LTK? Please leave a comment below so that I can make things as easy as possible. I know how frustrating it can feel when you’re looking for a link to something you can’t find!
As always, thank you so much for sharing this space for me. I’m so happy you are here. I hope wherever this note finds you that it finds you well!
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.