Everything I wore for 14 days in California

A list of what I packed, loads of links, and what worked

In place of July’s columns, today’s newsletter is a deep outfit dive into our California trip. I love reading the nitty-gritty of people’s travel itineraries and packing lists. In that spirit, below is a photo diary of everything I wore (or at least got pictures of) and links where possible. Managing everyone’s clothes can be overwhelming with a family of five, and I’m getting better at packing smarter each time we travel. Also, when everything in your suitcase makes sense, getting dressed and out the door feels more pleasant and seamless. I hope this is useful for when you’re planning and packing. There are few things more dreamier to me than a summer trip. 

Let’s start with what went in my suitcase.

What I packed:

Tops:

• Grey long sleeve cotton shirt

• Green and white striped long sleeve cotton top

• White tees (x2)

• Black tee

• White sleeveless top

• Blue oversized collared shirt

Bottoms:

• Cream khakis

• Cream linen pants

• Champagne slip skirt

• Black silk pants

• Pink lounge pants

• Fleece bermuda shorts

Dresses:

• White set

• Printed linen dress

Swim:

• Bathing suits ( x2)

Outerwear:

• Cashmere sweater

• Jean jacket

• Crewneck sweatshirt

This was our first full day in SF, taken during our Blue Bottle coffee fix (babyccino for Faezan). I love the detailing on this Gap top - I found it on the sale rack for under 10 dollars! As much as I appreciate a minimal wardrobe, little details, like the ruching on this top, help make a simple outfit interesting and individual. It’s something I’m going to focus on come Fall. 

Here’s the whole look: I'm wearing Gap khakis that are light enough for summer but have some structure to them. I have my cashmere hoodie (a second-hand purchase) wrapped around my waist and blue and pink sambas I picked up at Holts. 

This was driving from SF to the Russian River. I purchased this evil eye anklet from a vendor outside the Ferry Building. Clearly, I was *mostly* a passenger princess on the road trip, and comfort + snacks were key. My hat is Rahi , and it comes in several colour ways; I’m so excited I found a link for it. I love that it gives loads of coverage, is easy to pack, and I can flip the front up for more visibility. It also has a tie, which is very practical. You might not like this look, but I love the touch. 

I want to add that I drove through Santa Ynes Valley into Santa Barbara, and it was both exhilarating and a bit terrifying! 

This t-shirt was from a shop inside the Ferry Building, which had a fun collection of clothes, crockery, kitchen items, stationery, and more. I could have spent the whole day at the Ferry Building browsing and eating my way through, but we had one day to pack in all the SF highlights and so we only spent a couple of hours. 

Beach day in the Russian River Valley. I wear a lot of Gap?! This is the big shirt. I wear mine in a regular XXS, and it’s still quite oversized. They’re not messing around when they say “big.” The pants are from a swim store in Toronto and have been my go-to for being near the water for several years. I like and need to be covered up in the sun (a skin condition), and light, airy fabrics make me feel beachy but still protected. 

This is at the river house. White LESET tee and the skirt from a Club Monaco set for an evening BBQ on our friend’s deck. 

Slip skirt and top for dinner in Guerneville - Aiza and Mama in matching Lululemon bags. 

This is a blurry picture, but I wanted to share one of my favourite pairs of earrings. I got them from an artisan in Lecce and love them so much.

Hiking in the Armstrong Redwoods. Lululemon flare leggings, white tee, and my grey Gap shirt for some coverage.

Carmel by the Sea is a dreamy, fairytale town. We did many things this day: breakfast at The Little Swiss Café, followed by perusing the charming boutiques. Then, an hour at the beach, followed by driving Big Sur. The earrings are from a Goop pop-up in Toronto years ago; hat is Roots , and the shirt is H&M. 

One of the best moments of our trip. I’m wearing linen pants, striped tee, sambas, and a Roots hat.

I love the simplicity of this outfit, plus black on top is always forgiving with kids. We spent the day at the Monterey Aquarium and then did the 18-mile drive. I’m wearing the Margo t-shirt and a white poplin skirt. 

These Freedom Moses sandals served me well. They were so incredibly comfortable that I wore them much more than my sneakers. They were also perfect for the beach. 

Cotton fleece bermuda shorts, the same grey tee, cashmere sweater, and my new Dragon Diffusion bag which was a hero piece. It took me from city, to road trip, to beach, to dinner and more - practical and beautiful. 

Dinner at our hotel in Santa Barbara. I’m wearing Reformation’s silk Olina pants and the LESET Margo tee.

A morning in Santa Barbara. The printed linen dress is from Everlane - another forgiving print with kiddos. We drove to LA later in the day, and I wore the dress all the way to dinner. 

A solo afternoon in LA. I loved how the slip skirt looked with the oversized t-shirt. I don’t wear many t-shirts or printed tops, but I think they have a place in my closet when styled right. 

An overpriced smoothie and surrounded by Sam Edelman Michaela flats. This was a good day, LOL.

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I hope this photo diary was helpful! I realized that an active holiday like this means very little time for getting prepped and out the door. Unlike Italy, where we stayed in two places most of the time, in California, we were on the move A LOT, and I had very little time most days to prepare. I’m glad I didn’t pack anything fancy or too involved. Everything was minimal, easy to pair, and required little thought. I think that’s the move when you’re on a bit of an adventure holiday. I love getting dressed, but this wasn’t the holiday for serving looks!

If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, leave a heart or a comment. It always means a lot to hear from you. Writing takes time and effort, and it makes me happy to know you enjoyed or gained something from it. I’d also love to hear your thoughts on summer travel and packing. Share below!

Love,

Sana