Earlier this month, the stars aligned themselves just long enough to allow the family a few days of togetherness at a beach town about an hour or so from home. This beach town is not far from another beach town where our son goes to school (and has been enrolled in summer session) so it was an easy drive to pick him up so he could join us. Not too long ago, for a few years in row, we would spend an entire week in this beach town but the kids are older and our collective schedules and other time commitments don’t always coincide. Fine, whatever. We’ll take what we can get.
One of the reasons we wound up in this beach town for these specific days was that the good friends of ours who had introduced this marvelous town to us (and with whom we had spent those previous summer weeks) were vacationing there that week. But even more than that, their youngest daughter was celebrating her 21st birthday and a day of festivities was planned. Due to a project at work, I couldn’t get away for that part of the fun and joined up with the group a day later.
The alternate title for this post could have been “what I did on my summer vacation”. As this was just about my only time away from work this summer, I thought to make the most of it fashion wise. This pineapple graphic tee was a purchase from earlier this summer but I hadn’t worn it yet and this trip seemed to be a perfect time to show it off for the first time. I got a lot of comments on it (some vaguely sexual ones from The Husband) so I think it was a hit. Although, I found the sparkling effect from the sunlight reflecting off of the sequins to be a tad distracting while driving.
For strolling along the main street and indulging in a bit of window shopping and people watching, I paired up the tee with a soft knit skirt, wedge sandals I can walk in all day, and a denim jacket in case the marine layer rolls in and the temps start to dip.
The photos above and the one below were taken by Claire Leahy, the older daughter of our vacationing friends. My usual photographer, aka The Husband, hurt his knee a few weeks ago so his mobility has been limited. I had asked my daughter if she would help out with taking some photos for me while we talked through town and it was her suggestion that I ask Claire. What a brilliant idea that was and it was a great experience to work with a different photographer. You can see more of Claire’s work on her website K + C.
What would a trip to a beach town be without time spent on the beach? I don’t have an answer to that question because I don’t think that there is one. So here is the evidence that we were actually at the beach, that I actually touched the ocean, and that we were all having a good time. As you can see in the photos, there was a quite a breeze that afternoon so I was quite happy to have my fringed cardi to wear over my simple tee and shorts outfit. Photo credits for these shots of me go to my daughter. I took the pic of our kids and The Husband’s cousin who joined us for this mini-vacay took the photo of the four of us.
Packed up and ready to go, this my version of a comfy travel outfit. After breakfast, the plan for the day was to make a stop at the outlet mall we would be passing on our way and indulge in a bit of retail therapy before heading home. I consider this look to be a little bit beach, a little bit boho, and easy to get out of for trying on clothes.
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Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link up for this week. The featured contributor from last week’s link up is Audrey at Five Foot Nothing Shopping. Her 10 tips for dressing up to beat the summer heat is a must read even as the end of summer nears. The colors in Audry’s outfit really play well together, don’t you agree?
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Where did you go on your summer vacation? Do you find yourself doing the same thing or going to the same places every year? Or do you mix it up and travel to new places or go off on new adventures? To what extent does your style or wardrobe dictate what you do or where you go?
Let’s connect! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, love, pin, stumble … all options are available and waiting for you. I look forward to hearing from you.
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38 Comments
Hi Rena
What a lovely area> So nice that you could get together your schedules and all be together at the beach. Love the pics of your family with the mural, and I have been missing my beach vacation!
Have a great weekend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Rena, I love the pineapple tee! And aren’t the sexual comments from husbands always the best ones?! (I generally roll my eyes at them, but I still like those comments!) And I am loving the beach photos even with all the wind. And I need to mention how much I like your final boho jeans outfit! That crochet vest is way too cute.
Thanks for hosting the link up. Have a fabulous weekend. And don’t work too hard!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Shelbee, does your husband also have ideas about sexing up your blog to attract more readers? Mine does and at those, I roll my eyes. I’m glad you liked the photos and outfits. It was a fun post to put together.
Wanted to add, love the sparkly pineapple top! Been digging the fruity themed tops as I have a lemon one 🙂
Your lemon outfit was quite spectacular and so perfect for a sunny summer day.
Love that tee!!! So cute!
Jaymie
Thank you, Jaymie.
What’s a beach vaca without a pineapple top? Love it paired with your skirt 😉
Thank you for hosting,
xo
Melissa
Absolutely, Melissa. That’s what I was thinking when I put the outfit together.
No summer vacation this year but we’re heading to Colorado’s wine country next weekend—so that kinda counts, right?
Looks like you had a great time!!
I think the pineapple shirt can be worn with so much—it’s casual, yet has bling! In fact we’re all wearing graphic tees next week on the blog!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I feel a bit embarrassed to be getting on the pineapple train so late but it still seems to be a popular theme so I’m good, I guess. I’m looking forward to seeing your graphic tees and IMHO, a tour through wine country is a good way to spend time, Jodie.
Beach vacations are always the best! Love your pineapple tee – it’s so cute!
Time at the beach always feels like a vacation to me whether it’s for 2 hours or 2 days. Thanks for the pineapple love!
Rena- Noticed you were in Carpinteria. I have been vacationing there with my family for 18 years. We love it!!!
Keep bringing the style to the World’s safest beach.
That’s one of the reasons why we like it so much. Thanks for commenting, Jennifer.
Thank you for hosting. You were the most viewed one on Fancy Friday from last week!
Wow. That’s awesome. Thanks for letting me know.
Hi Rena! I love the pineapple tee, so sparkly! Thank you for hosting. I linked up a couple of posts this week. The first is my most recent post that I’m really excited about, the second is a post from the beginning of the summer that your family vacation reminded me of. I’m looking forward to fall, but I will miss all the adventures that summer brings. I’m glad your family could get together, sounds like you had a blast!
Thank you, Mallory. I haven’t had a chance to read through your posts yet but I will do so soon. It sounds like you’ve been busy.
I’m wondering if it’s Ok to post the beauty write up ? Let me know if it’s not Rena. I do love a sparkly T ! Looks like a fabulous day. Thank you for hosting x
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
It’s ok, I don’t mind. I had read your post before you added it here. You did a great job on the write-up, enough so as to get me interested in trying it.
I love the tee! How nice that you got to get away with your family a bit!
We got away a lot this summer. Our usual, and most relaxing vacations, are to the Central Coast and Tahoe. We like that everything is familiar and that we can start relaxing right away…
It was nice to spend time with them like we did when they were younger. I’ve enjoyed reading about your travels this past summer, Andrea.
Thank you so much for the feature and for hosting <3
You’re most welcome, Audrey. Thank you for linking.
Looks like a fabulous family time! And that pineapple tee is the very best. Have a wonderful week ahead. xo
Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Your pineapple tee looks great in combination with your skirt and shoes. Like this look!
Olya, I’m glad you like the look and thank you for letting me know.
How nice you live so close to this beautiful place! Love your pineapple outfit!!
Laura
http://www.blackcoffeebeautiful.com
Thank you, Laura, I’m glad you like the pineapple. It is nice living within an hour’s drive of the Pacific Coast.
I HAVE BEEN MAKING THE MOST OF OUR LOCAL BEACH TOO. As a matter of fact I plan on going there later, today. Love these photos and I am glad you relaxed, Rena. That pineapple tee is adorable and your styling is awesome.
Do come by this Thursday and linkup with me beautiful. Also, I would love for you to co-host with me sometimes. Comment me and let me know. Thank you. Ada. =)
Thank you for the compliments and the invites, Ada. I will be adding my post to your link up this week and I will contact you about co-hosting.
I commented earlier, and boy I miss the beach. Have a great week!
Thanks for linking up with Turning heads tuesday
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
that pineapple top is so cute! you have lovely style!
Thank you for the lovely compliment, Tianna.
Hope you vacation was perfect. Loving the lace cardigan, some cute looks! Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Thank you, Jacqui.
I know you were in heaven to have everyone together! Thanks for adding your style flair to the My Refined Style Linkup.
Shellie
http://www.thefabjourney.com