Typically we go on one fantastic vacation every summer and we really look forward to it, however this summer our daughter was born so that was a no-go this year. When we started planning for the holidays, we started to get wanderlust not having had a proper vacation this year…and just feeling super exhausted from the daily grind with an infant. We would need it to be family friendly since we don’t think Chloe is quite ready to be left alone and close enough that we wouldn’t have to endure a long flight with a baby. We settled on a winter trip to Northern Arizona between Christmas and New Years. The desert doesn’t sound super exotic at first compared to our other trips we have recently taken, however it is actually going to give me a chance to visit a couple really beautiful spots and check them off the ol’ bucket list…mainly several sites in Page, AZ including antelope canyon, horseshoe bend and Lake Powell.
When I begin to plan a trip, and once I have selected the itinerary, I always think obsessively about how to curate my wardrobe to coordinate with the various sites I will visit. It drives my husband nuts because I am a notorious over-packer because of this. As I’ve been searching the internet for sartorial inspiration, I came across this photo shoot done at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West home that was featured in Town & Country Magazine. I’m a huge fan of mid century modern architecture and design so this shoot really inspired me on many levels.
I’m not normally a bohemian or southwestern style dresser, but I want to merge a few fun desert influenced pieces that will work seamless with my everyday wardrobe for some fun on this trip. I picked a few of my favorite shots from the shoot and pulled out some themes and shopped selections from the details.
Hat-titude
I think the right topper will be key in the desert…especially because it will be exceptionally cold. After searching for high quality hats with the right blend of southwest and city I picked a handful of my favorites.
The hat in the featured photo is the Romano Panama hat by Albertus Swanepoel. It’s a delicious color and you can score it right now at Barney’s Warehouse for only $49.50 down from $240. If it were wool instead of straw I might snatch this up for the trip.
If you want to don millinery like a celeb, the hats by Gladys Tamez are simply spectacular. She’s the hat maker who designed and fabricated all of Lady Gaga’s hats while she’s been promotion #Joanne. The Hutton was one of my faves on her site for an elevated western look.
My person favorites by far have been by Rag & Bone hats. This brand gets it right on so many levels and their hats are no exception. So far I’ve settled on the Range wide-brimmed fedora in mocha however there are so many good ones to choose from.
The contrast black grosgrain ribbon really sold me. I found it on eBay for about 1/4 of the retail price.
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Navajo Prints
It may seem a little cliche, but I really want some strong Navajo print presence for this trip. I’ve been on the hunt for years for a vintage wool Navajo print coat. My favorites have been by Pendleton and Ralph Lauren. I’ve never gotten lucky in my thrift store travels and they are quite popular on eBay and Etsy and are running pretty pricey. I may have to quadruple my efforts to find an affordable one before this trip. These vintage 80’s Ralph Lauren Country ads are everything…
In my wildest dreams I would purchase a coat like this one on Etsy. Its a custom coat made from vintage Pendleton Navajo blankets. A bit out of my price range but a girl can dream.
Here is a more affordable Navajo blanket print coat from Target. It’s nowhere near as beautiful as Pendleton ones, but might do the trick for a more modest budget.
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Sunset Colors
I love a good sunset and these warm brights really say desert to me; especially in a chunky or oversize sweater. The all mine sweater by Free People has a great flattering cut for being so chunky and the material is so soft and super warm. I also really like the details of the deep-v cut in the front and the bell sleeves. I bought the raspberry color but I am also really loving the terracotta color.
Or, if you are so inclined, you can go on Etsy and order one of these divine extra chunky knits by Moroshka By Vingil by designer Xenia Kigaeva. Pricey…but the statement her pieces make is undeniable. Even her blankets are fantastic.
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Accessorize
Scarves, gloves, neck warmers and ear warmers will be a non negotiable in the low temps. These multicolor fox fur earmuffs by Surrell make a big statement while keeping those lobes warm. This J. Crew shearling infinity scarf and this Pendleton merino wool neck warmer are both unique and stylish yet provide a no-fuss way to keep toasty.
Some chunky jewelry might also be fun but I will probably wait and buy from local Arizona artisans. One of a kind jewelry is my favorite way to accessorize.
I can’t wait to share the photos from our Trip. You can expect my fashion follow up in early January.
-SG
A Colorful Art Fashion Blog 