3/30/15

Josa Tulum

 

Item 3: Spaghetti Jumper in Red Shells  / Item 4: Double V Kaftan

There are a number of retail treats in Tulum. One that was on my must-see-list which I happened to walk past few times to reach another destination; Josa Tulum. This night, I couldn't put it off any longer so I visited immediately after dinner! The store is a true beauty! It's on the jungle side and walking by, the store is completely open to the road with a white wooden porch swing nested left upon entry. What makes Josa Tulum unique, it offers great variety and...it's one size fits all!

Have you ever wished a certain print came in a different style? Or wished a certain style came in a different print? Well Josa solves all of your shopping problems with her design atheistic. The designer and owner Joanne finds inspiration from the regal feel of 70's kaftans and the contemperary vibe of New York City. Every piece is designed to offer comfort and style while strolling the beach while being sophisticated and chic enough for a dinner party. There are about a 21 different dress styles and each style comes in 16 different prints! Isn't that just what a girl has always wanted!?

The only problem with this format, it's nearly impossible to pick just one! Especially for someone as indecisive as me. Above are the prints and styles I liked the most. Check out the site and see which is your favorite!!

3/23/15

Maxi State of Mind



Bag: Woven Tote (old, similar here and here) / Watch: MK Oversized Gold Watch
Sandals: DV by Dolce Vita Archer

The last night in Tulum and I couldn't wait to hit the streets again...or rather roads! Tulum is nested in a quiet and quaint area 1.5 hours south of Cancun. The drive here was super easy, one straight shot until reaching Avenue Coba Sur and you're there! Once on the main Tulum road you finally see the dozens upon dozens of beach and jungle establishments.

Dinner in Tulum starts pretty early. I heard wonders about Hartwood restaurant in the heart of Tulum...an American couple who left the Concrete Jungle for life in paradise. It was advised that we get there early so we did, at 6pm. Unfortunately, dinner was already completely booked for the entire evening! The trick is to go to restaurant at 2:30 to pick a reservation for the same evening. To be continued till tomorrow! Instead, choice of dinner was Italian at Posada Margherita. It was actually perfect for the vibe I was hoping for. As you walk down to a zig zag wooden planked path, you find yourself coming upon a partial outdoor candlelit restaurant. Sitting down you get the cool ocean breeze and the ever ending music is the sound of the rolling waves. I'm telling you guys, it was a magical dinner!

I chose this colorful geometric printed maxi because I wanted a pattern with a more tribal feel. I wanted to embrace the essence of the Mayan Riviera! The flowy pleated fabric kept me comfortable and cool during long walks under the beaming sun. While keeping me covered for long strolls at night. This dress will definitely be a essential piece for my future beach vacations!

I thought these other maxi's were quite nice as well!
Thanks for stopping by Dolls!


3/20/15

Peplum Jungle


Top: AG Chambray Swing Top (on sale!) / Bottoms: Topshop cuffed denim / Sunnies: Super Basic
Necklace: Tortoise Ballad Pendant (on sale!) / Shoes: Dolce Vita Archer (on sale!)

Today's explorations consisted of strolls for brunch bites! I got an early start so that we could make it back in time to relax on the beach! The first stop was for something light; tea, breakfast parfait and smoothies! Although many restaurants and hotels are very close to each other, the strip is very long. We drove but it would have been pretty fun to ride too! ...that is if you don't mind working up a sweat in the heat!

One of my main closet staples is a chambray shirt...so when I landed my eyes on this AG Jeans denim top with peplum him, it was a no brainer! Even better, it's on sale at Anthro! (Happy dance!) For sake of the hot weather I decided not to go denim shorts/jeans route but white shorts instead. So glad I did! Who would have thought the combination would be so fun and flattering! I suppose it's in season because I also spotted this Chambray Peplum beauts!


3/18/15

Wall City Style


Shorts: AEO Festival Shorts / Necklace: J.Crew Fan Fringe (steal, inspired look here)
Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor / Hat: J.Crew Panama Hat (in white) / Sunnies: Isaac Mizrahi Retro

Oh how I love visiting remnants of an ancient civilization! Today it was the Tulum Ruins, translated "Walled City",  right off the coast. Surprisingly, it was super close to my hotel! Although close, a taxi, car or bike ride down is necessary. There are hoards and hoards of people gathered in the afternoon. I'd imagine the mornings would be less hectic. Instead of waiting in the long line for tickets I opted for a private tour. Things are pretty inexpensive so the one on one tour was $30 person. It was great because I was able to freely ask questions and veer off the normal path. My only regret, was not reading up on history before arriving to fire off all my questions! After viewing different buildings and learning the meanings behind each symbol, doorway and building structure you end up on the cliff viewing the most incredible beach view in Tulum! It seriously looks like a masterpiece created by a magnificent artist...in the grande scheme of things, it was!

I decided on denim shorts and a lightweight loose-fitting linen shirt. I was comfortable the entire hike and my trusty chucks allowed for comfortable walking the entire day. The only think I was missing was a swimsuit! At the end of the tour the cliff leads to a lovely beach. Next time!

Enjoy the day dearies!
Xoxo


3/16/15

Skort Story



I've got my sights set on strolling through the neighborhood finding nice gifts to take back home and bites here and there to try. Before the area of hotels begin, there's a strip of outdoor stores,  cafés and fruit stands. I was able to find a number of handmade wallets, small purses and jewelry. It was just what I needed!

Being in a country so hot and so close to the beach makes it incredibly logical to wear bikini tops and short shorts...or in my case, a skort! It's probably been decades since I've last worn a pair! This pair isn't like the old skort I grew up wearing. They are more like a super flared skirt with a separation for your legs. They are lightweight and comfortable for navigating through hot weather. Just be careful when the wind blows to hard in one direction! With the flowy material it's still possible to reveal more then intended :-)

How would have thought skorts were the new shorts?! I'm digging these as well...

Thanks for stopping by!
Xoxo

3/14/15

Sera Sarong


Swimsuit: J.Crew Striped Underwire Bikini / Beach: Coqui Coqui

Surprisingly this was the only day I dedicated to a full beach day. I initially envisioned long beach days everyday but Tulum has a lot more to explore than I expected! Most of the days have been spent walking through the neighborhood, exploring the old city ruins and trying all the little hidden restaurants. The days have flown by but I have no complaints on how I spent each day :-)

Usually before I plan a beach vacay (or any vacay requiring a swimsuit) I get on a super strict workout plan. Unfortunately, I didn't plan very far in advance so that meant no crazy workouts before reaching this beach destination! Oh well, that's why sarongs and cover-ups were created right?! I can strut down the sandy beach wearing my bikini with my head held high. Every beach destination has a little shop or hut housed with coverups and sarongs from wall to wall. But there are plenty out there if you don't want to chance your go to coverup before you take off. Check out a few coverups I'm loving...which could easily be worn with a pair of denim pants or shorts!

Talk soon beauts!
xoxo

3/9/15

Embroidered Red


Bag: J.Crew (old) / Shoes: NW (old, similar here) / Earrings: J.Crew Bug / Lips: Stila

Well, we are at it again...it's Monday! This week is going to be a very productive week for me, more so than usual since next week I'm finally taking an extended vacay! That means I've got to get tons done at work so I'm not completely buried by the time I return. Hope you all have a productive week as well!

One of my favorite kind of tops to wear when traveling to a warm destination is a tunic. It's loose, it has good coverage for sun protection and most of all, they're super cute! This J.Crew Chambray Embroidered tunic especially. It's marked down half off in stores, if you can find, but I was able to locate a few on eBay! And in Tall online. It's not your ordinary tunic, the deep V neck adds a little sass which I love! Since we're in the thick of summer it's the perfect season for travel, tunics are the way to go! Here are a few I've spotted that I'm swooning over!

Which is your fav?!

3/6/15

Playing in Pleats


Top: J.Crew Merino Wool Tippi Sweater / Vest: Halogen (old, similar here) / Skirt: Banana Republic Pleated Skirt / Shoes: Shutz Slate Heels / Bag: Rebecca Minkoff 'Mini Mac' (on sale!)
Sunnies: Ray Ban 'Original Aviator' / Lips: Stila 'Beso'

Happy Friday Eve lovelies!! It's been a busy yet productive week. I got through Quarter End reporting at work...huge relief! But that only means more time to focus on new projects :-)

I wanted to spice things up a bit with today's look. My way of accomplishing this is with a sassy shoe! I normally steer away from them for the office but pairing with items on the conservative side helps tone down the overall look. My key item, a midi full pleated skirt! I picked up this beaut on sale! Hopefully sizes will last a bit before selling out. I like that it isn't fitted and if I wanted to dress it up I can easily wear with a more fitted tank or dress down by throwing on some comfy sneaks! I've seen a ton of midi skirts floating across the fashion cyber world. Here are a few that made it to my "Love It" list!

Till next time fashionistas!
Xoxo