We’re wrapping up 2 weeks in Southern CA visiting my grandparents and Nick’s friends from home, and somehow managed with a carry on + 1 checked bag for the 4 of us! The key was laundry access in our Airbnb (soo helpful on longer trips) and a lot of basics that could be mixed & matched. I want to squeeze as much precious time in with my grandparents as possible, so we’ll definitely be back on the West coast this year!
Here’s what I wore on our trip:
1. Travel Day
I get chilly on flights so like having my legs covered, and nothing beats the ease of a simple pair of leggings. I also don’t like my leggings to be too snug, so have found an XS Short in these to be comfortable. I only packed 1 jacket for the entire trip so made sure this denim jacket worked with every look. I’ve grown more fond of it with each wear and wash – the slouchy, relaxed cut feels effortless, and the denim is a Tencel blend that’s softer than regular denim. XXS is sold out, but I also tried an XS and it wasn’t bad for an oversized fit.
As an aside, my millennial self still likes the aesthetics of low / no-show socks, but I can’t deny the comfort of high socks with sneakers! The higher socks help so much with sneakers that have a stiffer tongue. I believe I’m wearing these Hanes socks here.
2. Museum VISIT
At the Natural History museum in LA.
For handbags, I packed 1 tote and 1 casual crossbody bag. Ever since last summer I have barely used my Loewe bag since I keep reaching for this Justine tote! It’s such a good size for petites – roomy enough for me to fit the kids’ water bottles and junk, and has a cotton drawstring liner bag to keep my phone & wallet secure. It’s lightweight and pliable, so fits easily under my arm rather than stick out.
For sunny travel, I try to pack a lightweight long sleeve blouse that can help shield my arms from the sun without overheating. This Sezane one is a favorite with a wider, boxier fit. For similar shorts but in a crepe fabric, I am very impressed by these Quince shorts.
For a budget friendly version of all my flat sandals in this post, I got these Amazon sandals a few years back as my “beat around” sandals and have found them to be very comfortable with a little cushioned pad. I do around 2 miles a day in them around the city comfortably.
3. Park, Playground & Picnic
At Highlands Park playground in Montery Park, CA (the kids loved this one!) + picnic with friends at Lacey Park in San Marino, CA.
This dress has been a great “throw on and go” piece that’s also low maintenance and easy to launder when traveling! See my more detailed review of it in my Quince try-on post. To prevent color fading, I wash in cold and hang dry most of my items.
4. Kids Museum / Zoo Day
At Kidspace kids museum in Pasadena, CA.
This is a repeat of my travel outfit, with a skort swapped in for the leggings to help stay cool! I’ve been living in athleisure skorts lately – they have the cute aesthetic of a skirt, but the built-in shorts provide all the freedom of movement that I need when with the kids. The ones with pockets are the best so I can slide my phone in!
I got my skort a few years ago from A&F, and recently tried their current version that looks almost exactly the same. An xxs does fit me, but I usually size up on A&F athleisure bottoms (both leggings and skorts) for comfort. Use code AFJEAN for extra 15% off at Abercrombie (ends Monday July 8).
5. dinner with friends
For evenings out and friend meetups, I wanted to pack one piece that was a little more special and unique, but could still be worn with flats. This was a lucky sale find from Alemais! I’ve mentioned before that a size 0 in their signature linen dresses fits me snug at the chest and works on me with flats, but just be warned, their next size up is 4 inches longer so not as petite friendly.
This is the textured mens shirt again that’ makes several appearances a week over here! Nick is usually between size S and M, and took a Medium in this.
6. Theme park day
At Legoland CA
Another option that’s super cute and fun! This pleated skort is on the shorter side but I don’t mind the length for someone petite. I usually wash this on cold then hang to air dry and haven’t had an issue with the pleats keeping their shape. I usually take a size 2 in everything Lululemon and this was no exception. I love pairing this matching lightweight crop tee (runs slim, so I’d size up) with it for pickleball & tennis.
My simple black tank above is one of those built-in shelf bra tops from Uniqlo. They’re smooth, stretchy, and I love the ease of not bothering with a bra!
packing list
Here’s a recap of my packing list!
Versatile Jacket: Levi’s relaxed denim jacket
Cozy layer: A&F Sunday sweatshirt
Cotton / linen dresses:
Black dress: Quince cotton midi dress
White dress: Quince linen dress xs (altered to fit smaller)
A fun printed dress: Alemais linen dress
Bottoms
Travel leggings: A&F black leggings in Short
Athleisure skorts: A&F black skort, Lululemon pleated skort
Tailored shorts: Madewell (similar in crepe with better stock)
Tops:
White cotton tee: Everlane
Black bra tank: Uniqlo
Lightweight long sleeve: Sezane Nele
Shoes: sneakers + flat sandals
Handbags + accessories:
Roomy straw tote: Sezane Justine
Casual crossbody: Amazon belt bag
Sunglasses: the best $15 BP sunnies