Carmel Style Diary
Last week I shared a guide to a summer getaway in Carmel.
But we all know, no trip is complete without the "perfect" outfits to wear for every occasion (or at least that's what I say to justify any and all pre-travel shopping). Of course, we were only gone for a few days, two of which were spent driving, so there aren't a ton of looks from this recent trip, but nonetheless, I wanted to share them, along with a few notes.
As you can see from the photo to the right, I packed a real variety of colors. Ha! But seriously...I tend to pack mostly neutrals because I am able to create more outfits with less items (or at least my version of less items). Everyone kept telling us that Carmel was experiencing a heat wave while we were there but the high 70's felt heavenly compared to LA's heat wave. Nevertheless, definitely keep the NorCal temps in mind when packing for a trip to carmel. Flowy dresses and skirts are perfect for the day time. T-shirts and jeans or casual jumpsuits are perfect for exploring. And I definitely recommend bringing a light sweater, a sweatshirt, a light jacket and a long-sleeve t-shirt as the mornings, evenings and anything done by the water is always much cooler. For shoes, a few pairs of sandals and sneakers will do. The atmosphere of the area is very causal so you definitely don't need anything too fancy.
If you want more details on our trip, like where we stayed, everything we did and where we ate, don't forget to check out our Carmel Getaway Guide post.
Location //
Carmel Mission, Mass + Lunch at Le Bicylette
Sunglasses // ZeroUV
Sweater // Gap (old, but similar style here)
Skirt // H&M
Bag // J. McLaughlin
Shoes // Nine West (available here in soft pink, dark carmel suede or dusty rose)
Notes: This was perfect for the morning time but by the time we finished lunch, the sweater was getting to be a little much so I changed into a simple t-shirt and jeans before we headed over to check out Monterey. Of course, by the time we got to the wharf it was starting to cool back down so I had to throw on a sweatshirt. Oh California weather!
Location //
17-Mile Drive + Pebble Beach + Point Pinos Lighthouse
Sunglasses // ZeroUV
Top // Armor Lux
Jeans // Levi's
Bag // J. McLaughlin
Shoes // Vans
Notes: This was the perfect casual outfit for making frequent stops and lots of exploring. A simple jumpsuit would have also made a great option here, as well.
Location //
A morning walk around downtown Carmel + a late lunch at Folktale Winery
Hat // Free Press via Nordstrom Rack (similar style)
Earrings // H&M (identical option)
Sunglasses // ZeroUV
Dress // Zara
Bag // J. McLaughlin
Shoes // Nine West (available here in soft pink, dark carmel suede or dusty rose)
Notes: This dress couldn't have been more perfect for downtown and the winery. The European vibes paired perfectly with linen and straw accessories. However, since the winery is more in-land, it is a bit hotter, so even in this flowy, light dress I was over-heating a bit. Not to mention, I think I got a few eye-rolls and questionable stares because, despite the elevated decor of the winery, the dress code seems to be the exact opposite (think t-shirts and jeans, workout clothes, etc). But whatever. I felt like I was living out my Provencal fairytale dreams and I fit into the scene perfectly so that's all that matters (Right??!).
Location //
Evening Sunset Bike Ride at Carmel State Beach followed by Ice-cream at Carmel Bakery + an evening walk around downtown Carmel
Sunglasses // ZeroUV
T-Shirt // An H&M one "borrowed" from Dave (+ knotted at the waist)
Pants // old leggings (similar here)
Shoes // Vans
Notes: Nothing fancy needed for the beach and a bike ride. I wasn't cold at all, but if you're swapping pants for shorts, I'd also grab a light jacket/sweater/sweatshirt.
Location //
Driving the PCH from Carmel to LA + EXPLORING BIg Sur
Sunglasses // ZeroUV
Earrings // H&M (identical option)
Sweatshirt // Old Navy
Jeans // Levi's
Shoes // Vans
Notes: I'll let you in on a little secret. I hated my outfit(s) from this drive. Between the hikes, the frequent stops, the exploring and the ever-changing atmosphere (literally one stop you'll feel like you're going to blow away and the next you'd feel like you're stranded in a desert), nothing I put on seemed to work. I changed from tees to light jackets to sweaters and by the end of the drive I was a total mess. So word to the wise (and my future self) I'd recommend pants that are much more breathable and flexible, a light blouse or t-shirt and comfortable, breathable shoes OR an easy, breezy jumpsuit or maxi dress, with a light jacket to throw on when necessary.
