WIWs, active/casual edition: Exploring the Big Island

Hello YLFers --

I reached a major milestone in the project that's kept me barely joining in on YLF conversations, and am jumping back in with a "WIW while trying reset/rejuvenate my mind and body" post.

[I guess I could also call it my "Why I'm not participating in NAS/Am Shopping My Closet post!]

**YLF-related trivia: Photo #3 is more or less what I wore to meet Adelfa a few weeks ago (we had a lovely sunny day, so no umbrella needed). She's delightful and I had a blast talking about life, clothing, and color.**

If we include the big tropical storm that arrived during half my trip to Hawaii's Big Island, I spent 99% of my time either in/just out of the water. But even with loads of rain it was awesome to NOT THINK and be active vs stuck in front of a computer all day.

If all goes well enough with my project's Phase 1 Stage 2, I'll be able to do more than loiter around the YLF playground...fingers crossed.

I've mixed in some of my photos with the ones Mr V took of me. Sorry for going a little overboard!

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#1: An abandoned structure Kona-side + beautiful foliage at HTBG.com outside Hilo

#2: Hiking in Volcano National Park + inscribing my YLF name in algae at an abandoned, oceanside infinity pool

#3: Soft tones to match rainy skies + interior of the lovely St Benedict's aka the Painted Church

#4: Mix'd and maxi'd + Kona's Little Blue Church

#5: Sights from Kiholo Bay's shoreline include a freshwater-filled lava tube and the amazing Bali House

#6: Driving along Kona's coffee belt highway, view at Puna's lava-covered Kalapana, hiking along Kiholo Bay

#7: Hiking along Kiholo Bay + perched above a Kona-side lava tube

#8: The Painted Church's (St Benedict's) cemetery + one of the many beautiful orchids at HTBG.com outside Hilo

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For hot/active travel I like to pack knits and lightweight blouses that give extra sun protection along with hiking stuff/bathing suits.

Everything here can either withstand sunscreen, salt water, and sweat or has been downgraded enough that it doesn't matter if it gets even more patina.

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You look SO HAPPY!!!!

What fabulous photos and such beautiful colours! Your boho side is obviously in heaven here, and no wonder. Such a beautiful place, and you look beautiful in it. Love your Missoni-esque print skirt and top. And I see those Ecco Boullions are still getting a lot of happy wear. It's terrific to see you post!

Karie

Gorgeous photos! I really like the top in #1 - it looks cool and comfy. It looks like you had a wonderful vacation, even with the rain. The outfit in #3 is one of my favs.

Alana in Canada

Beautiful photographs! You do look happy.

jackiec

You look absolutely gorgeous in everything you are wearing! Boho, hip, chic, comfy, everything!!! And the photography is stunning, just stunning. Wow. Sounds like a wonderful vacation. Thanks for sharing

ps I love the term "loitering at the ylf playground!" ROFL

Adelfa

These are gorgeous photos. I'm so glad you got to take this trip. And seeing the outfit brings back happy memories! What fun we had!

Caro in Oz

Love the photos - YLF. Your colour palette is beautiful.

Ellie

Active Member

I really love the photos and your outfits.

Beth Ann

An island capsule! Love the way you mix practical hiking boots with boho tops -- a reminder that a simple top can stand in for gear clothing in a nice climate.

So glad you had a chance to relax and let go in such a glorious place.

I'd love to see you create an outfit at home inspired by your photos and memories --- such as the photo of the orchids. So vibrant and deeply pigmented --- yet so delicate and detailed.

Vix

All --

Thanks so much for looking! I'm glad I couldn't hide that I was (to quote Suz) SO HAPPY on this trip.

No responsibilities, lots of time with Mr Vix, outdoor explorations, VRBO lodging away from people, and my little point-and-shoot = awesomeness. Though I would have liked to be in the ocean every day....

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Writer Suz -- After swimming, not writing was the best part of this trip! So wonderful to turn off analysis and let my senses rule. Free the Boho!

[ps, Ms Good Memory...the 1" Eccos stayed home, but my aging 3" Clark wedges came. What with the flip flops, boots, and water shoes I knew I'd want a break from flats!]

Karie -- Re #1, I have a bad habit of buying inexpensive summer tops (this was around $15 and ideal-for-the-heat rayon) with the idea I won't get too attached and then falling in love with them. It saw even more unphotographed use! #3 is a favorite of mine too...the top is ancient but it remains a favorite.

Alana, Ellie, Adelfa, and Caro -- I think I covered the reasons for my happiness above. Now the goal = maintain some of that contentment even with real-life demands!

And Caro, thanks for the palette love. Wearing my blues and greens on tropical trips just feels extra-right -- though the lava rock everywhere on the Big Island made me think I could get away with more black.

Jackiec and Beth Ann -- Thank you both. It sounds dumb but a couple of years ago I realized I didn't HAVE to dress in the top-to-bottom sporty (which feels very un-me) unless absolutely needed for functionality. Mixing activewear things with items I'd wear in everyday life has made me much happier. BTW, after being soaked the rayon tops dried quicker than the quick-dry activewear!

And Jackie, glad I made you laugh with the playground comment. As a long-time maxi lover it's so nice when they're popular; I traveled to/from in the 2 I brought.

Beth Ann -- Love your challenge idea and am musing. I rarely wear shades THAT intense -- I just photograph them -- but maybe we can get Suz, Peri, and the other orchid-pink color lovers moving?

Classically Casual

Oh, I love it when you post. To my eye, your wardrobe's color palette blends with the moody sky. While the rest of us are preoccupied with what to bring and how to bring it, you've moved on to being cohesive with the environment.
Lovely!

Nadya

As Suz said,you look so happy! I love your non-gear gear outfits. When I go hiking I look like a Columbia sportswear catalog model, which is nowhere near as flattering.

Thanks for sharing the lovely island photos. They make me want to wear sea greens, all shades of blue and pops of violet and orange. Maybe that will be inspiration to keep out of a summer rut in the next few weeks!

Thank you both for stopping by!

Classically Casual -- You've busted me on planning ahead to what I'd want to wear given weather A or B, ha. I was really hoping the pinks in my softer palette pieces would blend with awesome sunsets vs moody skies, but hey -- it's all good, right?

Nadya -- I'm pro-function for activewear but hate spending money on it. See ancient hiking shorts. Probably has something to do with bad memories of school gym classes....I find if I spend on high-function shoes, socks, and bras I have more leeway with the other stuff.

[How the locals hike jagged-rock trails in flip flops is beyond me, though!]

Glad you might have found a little color inspiration for the rest of the season. As you and others show your great fall finds, I'm trying to remember I don't want summer to disappear yet!

viva

What absolutely glorious photos. Thanks so much for giving me a taste of island life.

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