I’ve been having the best week in sunny Palm Springs to celebrate my dad’s 60^th birthday! My brothers, sister-in-law, and parents all met up to spend the holidays together in a big AirBnB, complete with a pool, hot tub, ping pong table, and outdoor fireplace. It’s been so relaxing and much-needed to just unplug for a few days. I’ll sure miss the 70 degree weather when I go back to Denver!

Monday, December 18

It was a busy work-from-home day as I tried to wrap up several things before taking Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off. These pants were recently sent to me from Clara Sunwoo for an upcoming collab and I absolutely love them! They look so cute with this teal mock-neck top. Even though it’s a very simple outfit, it still feels chic and put-together.

Teal Mock-Neck Top: JCPenney, $11 ($0.61 per wear), last worn here | Black Joggers: Clara Sunwoo, gifted by brand, buy here | Black Flats: Rothy’s, $100 ($50 per wear), buy here

Tuesday, December 19

I went into the office for my last day before vacation, and we all decided to walk over to a nearby Christmas market together to enjoy some mulled wine. It was really fun—especially because my coworker showed up and we finally got to meet her new baby—but it left me scrambling the rest of the night, trying to pack and prepare for my trip.

I like this scarf with the sweater but think my red flats are too bold for the look, even though there are hints of red in the scarf. I won’t be wearing this exact combo again…

Pink Sweater: JCPenney, $18 ($0.30 per wear), last worn here | Black Trousers: Clara Sunwoo, gifted by brand, last worn here, buy here | Red Flats: Rothy’s, $100 ($5.88 per wear), buy here | Scarf: JCrew, gift

Wednesday, December 20

I flew to Palm Springs this morning to meet up with the rest of my family and spent most of the afternoon in the pool/hot tub with my dad! So nice in December. We picked up pizza for dinner and then went to a brewery for trivia, which turned out to be Christmas themed. We won by a landslide, but there were also only four teams… so not saying much.

I kept my outfit simple for the airport but forgot to throw on a necklace before rushing out the door!

Purple Bodysuit: Macy’s, $10 ($0.91 per wear), last worn here | Leather Jacket: Blank NYC via local boutique, $25 ($0.40 per wear), last worn here | Grey Straight Leg Jeans: Express, $19 ($0.34 per wear), last worn here | Black Booties: Vivaia, gifted by brand, last worn here

Thursday, December 21

We had a lazy morning around our AirBnB before heading to downtown Palm Springs for a steep hike behind the art museum. We wandered the main street, got milkshakes, and then toured the museum, since it’s free on Thursdays after 5pm. So many cool pieces!

I had envisioned exploring downtown in something a little more upscale than my purple mountain biking outfit, but since we didn’t go back to our place after the hike, this is what I had to work with. Still way cuter than the tee and running shorts I would usually wear working out, at least.

Purple Plaid Top: Club Ride, $80 ($8.89 per wear) | Purple Plaid Shorts: Club Ride, $70 ($10 per wear) | Trail Running Shoes: REI

Friday, December 22

We started the morning by going on a three-hour long midcentury modern architecture biking tour through some of Palm Springs’ most prominent neighborhoods. It was SO much fun!! I had intended on wearing the purple athletic outfit from yesterday, but it was so stinky and much cooler this morning that I opted for hiking pants instead. Of course I had to get a goofy photo in front of #thatpinkdoor, which if you recall was made famous on Instagram several years back.

We spent the rest of the day lounging around our AirBnB, either in the pool or napping, and watching a double feature after dinner, including the Christmas movie Violent Night. It was actually pretty funny as far as dumb holiday movies go.

Saturday, December 23

We had a slower morning and then drove an hour to Joshua Tree National Park, where we spent the day picnicking and hiking. I rewore the purple biking outfit after dousing myself in deodorant and perfume. This rock looks like the profile of a face, if you can see it!

Sunday, December 24

We had a lazy and relaxed morning eating breakfast outside and playing games in the sunshine. My mom surprised us with this really fun activity where we sat in a circle and passed around a ball of Seran wrap, which was filled with stocking stuffer goodies like stickers, fun paperclips, travel sized toiletries, etc. If it was your turn, you had to put on yellow cleaning gloves and try to unwrap as much of the Seran wrap ball as possible before the next person rolled double dice, at which point it would be their turn. Whatever loot you could get out of the ball before doubles were rolled, you got to keep! So unique and such a fun surprise.

In the afternoon, we did a vampire-themed escape room and finished the night watching a special viewing of Die Hard in theaters.

Purple Floral Top: Nordstrom Rack, $20 ($0.67 per wear), last worn here | Cropped Flared Jeans: Express, $40 ($0.67 per wear), last worn here | Black Booties: Vivaia, gifted by brand, last worn here

. . . . .

Not a ton of options this week, but which outfit is your favorite? I’m really regretting my packing choices—I should have brought more athletic and lounge clothes instead of “real” outfits, of which I’ve only worn one so far. As always, thanks for stopping by today’s post!

 

Miles of smiles,

Grace