What to Pack - Weekend in the desert! - YouLookFab Forum

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What to Pack - Weekend in the desert!

tarzy

Veteran

I need your help! We are going to Palm Springs for a one night stay. Not a fancy hotel, just a little place with some friends. We will go to dinner at night - smart casual is fine.

Like Maya I have real problems with very hot weather dressing. I can't do a little cami and capri pants. I can't do sleeveless or a little t-shirt (mature woman with flabby arms, big bust). I don't wear skirts, and don't own any at this point. (I will be working on that this spring!)

I do have a pair of pre YLF white jeans that are not fabulous, but they will do. I was planning on replacing them this spring, but I think I might need them in the heat of the desert. (I looked today for white jeans, but no one has them yet.)

If I wear white jeans, what should I wear on top? I love black with white jeans, but I think that won't work in the desert. Maybe light grey?

I have a short sleeve woven top, but it's white, and I don't want to look like the Good Humor man. Should I wear my dark wash jeans instead with the white shirt?

Aargh! I hate the heat! Give me boots and sweaters any day!

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Inge

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Is it very hot in Palm Springs right now? I thought it was 80s or so, but I could be wrong.

Anyway, I like the idea of white jeans. You could do a white top, I'd just wear a really colorful belt or something with it, to break up all the white.

I can't remember, but do you wear dresses at all? I think the right dress could take you from day to evening, so you wouldn't have to pack so much stuff.

tarzy

Veteran

Ana - I do not wear dresses at all! I hate my big calves and have never been comfortable wearing dresses. But I promise this is something I am going to work on this spring.

Lee Hovey

How about a very light weight cotton or linen tunic. You could get one with some nice details or embellishment to make it more dresses. Get it in a light color to match the weather, and I think it would look great with white pants and sandals.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Oh, okay. Then I'd probably go with the white jeans and a top, and I think that would be a very nice, smart casual option. Also, what about a lightweight blazer or jacket for evening? The desert can get chilly at night.

I have problems with hot weather dressing too. It's not very fun, so I feel your pain. Palm Springs is beautiful though, especially this time of year. I'm so jealous!

tarzy

Veteran

I guess I could try on some tunics. I usually prefer something with more waist definition - I can look a bit boxy and short in tunics. But if I could find the right one, that might be an option.

Can I really wear a white shirt with white jeans? I do have a white button down that is slightly long - not a tunic, but a good length. I suppose I could roll up the sleeves and maybe pop a colorful cami under. I wonder if that would feel too warm? I'll do a test run tomorrow. Is white + white really okay?

Lee Hovey

I think white and white is ok in a warm climate and with some embellishment or interesting in the top. Add some colorful accessories and you're good...

Alecia

Veteran

Oh, Tara! I'm super jealous. I so want to go to Palm Springs. I love it there. I feel it's one of those places I could indulge my Ms. Roper (from 3's Company) fantasy. Caftans galore with saucy sandals for lounging around the pool! Drinks all around! Ok, sorry. I got carried away. I realize that it totally not helping you.

It seems like lots of stores have their resort collections now. For example, check out the blouses from Ann Taylor Loft. Any number of those would be great for Palm Springs. http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....RY_SEQ_204

tarzy

Veteran

Alecia - that's a great fantasy! The place we're staying is very low key and has these natural hot spring pools that are heavenly. I plan to lounge in one of those as long as I can.

Thanks for the suggestion! I kind of like this outfit on the ATL site, but I'm not sure how those sleeves would look on me. I'm going to see if I can get back to the mall before we leave and try it on.

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....204#ATLtop

Anonymous

Tara, that top is great with the white jeans.
Another idea is to check out Nordies Sweet Pea tops http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/60.....bo=6017274
I've found that the long mesh sleeves are still cool in hot weather if you want your arms covered. They are also easy to push up. The prints look good with jeans and some of these would go great with white pants.

Maya

Veteran

I don't think anyone can do those things you mentioned stylishly. I wouldn't wear a cami and capris or a tshirt even if I had a flawless body. I'll leave that to preteens.

I also stand by Sweet Pea tops. They are my favorite summer tops, though you really couldn't tell from my wardrobe since I only have one. I'm also going to look for some white clamdiggers, but the challenge, as usual, is the high rise. If I can find some white skinny jeans with a high rise, I might just have them hemmed. And of course walk shorts are always an option.

Alecia, I love that you have a Mrs. Roper fantasy. That's hilarious. I hope it doesn't include mumus though.

tarzy

Veteran

I do ike those Sweat Pea tops, but my concern is that I do not look good in that kind of empire waist style. My bust looks huge and I look pregnant! I wish they had a v-neck wrap or a style that was better for a large bust. I'll have to keep my eyes open for one like that!

Inge

(website)

Hi Tarzy

Palm Springs sounds so much fun, I hope you have a wonderful time.
And after reading the other comments, I wouldn't hesitate to go all white with a few colourful accessories.

About the Sweet Pea tops: if you scroll down a bit, there are actually a few V-neck wrap styles on the Nordstrom site, like this one:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....0423bb4e79

Bluefly has some more:

http://www.bluefly.com/Sweet-P.....detail.fly
(I think Shiny has this one in a non-patterned navy blue, and it looks amazing)

http://www.bluefly.com/Sweet-P.....detail.fly

By the way, Joy: did Santa end up bringing you a Sweet Pea top?-)

shana

Veteran

Tara, those wrap style Sweet Pea tops were recommended by Angie and were a big hit with lots of YLF members. They also look great with white jeans. I didn't believe the hype because I thought those mesh shirts looked a little "junior" and flimsy. I also have the arm/bust issue. Anyway, I tried on one of those wrap shirts and the result was almost miraculous! The elbow length sleeves are a perfect length and all the ruching from the fabric in the front is great camouflage for the tummy. Throw on a cami underneath and you will be set!

tarzy

Veteran

Wow - those wrap Sweet Pea tops on Bluefly look perfect!

I won't get it in time for this weekend but it will be perfect for my climate pretty much year round.

Do they fit true to size? I am pretty much an M in most department store-type brands.

Thanks so much for the suggestion! Yay! I'm excited to try one!

Tanya

Veteran

Tarzy, Sweat Pea tops tend to run a whole size small. I am normally a XS everywhere and all of my SP tops are S - I actually do not think that they make XS.

tarzy

Veteran

Oh darn! They only have the size M left. Now of course you know I'm going to have to search the internet and track one down!

Anonymous

Tarzy, you might try the medium. I usually take a small or XS in tops but I have Sweet Peas in S, M, and even L. They are so stretchy they just seem to fit. However, a size up is the one most likely to be the best fit, as Tanya says.

Inge, Santa brought a warm alpaca cardigan and scarf. He also brought me a laptop rather than a camera, but I can Skype with it and see a son living in Japan. I'll be on the hunt for some shorter sleeved Sweet Pea tops this spring and love the dress posted on another thread. I need to get over fear of ordering clothing over the web.

tarzy

Veteran

Joy - did you see the great prices on the Sweet Pea tops at Bloomies right now? It's a really good sale! Sizes seem to be very limited though.

A TJ Maxx is opening near where I live, and I'm quite excited. I've never been to one before - you all seem to get such great bargains there!

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, Tarzy, look for Sweet Pea tops. I see them there often.

Anonymous

Tarzy, I loved the wrap top at Bloomies on that thread and will try it if still available. It really isn't my size, but I find the sizes pretty forgiving. An XS is too small, but other a medium should be ok with a cami under it.

Inge

(website)

Tara: I'll comment on your purchases in the other thread, but I just wanted to say I'm so glad you found the tops before your weekend get-away!

Joy: those are marvellous gifts! And isn't Skype great to keep in touch with loved ones all over the world!!