St. Lucia Style Diary

Summertime is the season where you attend to festivals, have cookouts, and head out on vacation.  If you are headed to the beach or going somewhere tropical for vacation this summer, then take a cue from my St. Lucia Style Diary.  As you may know, I went to St. Lucia for my honeymoon.  My husband Mike and I went in the off-season during the end of February and early March, but the weather was still hot and beautiful! 

We stayed at the Sandals – Regency La Toc resort.  This resort was so much fun and it was all-inclusive so there was a variety of activities to do and many restaurants to dine at.  Of course during the day, we spent most of our time at the beach, pool, and even went on some excursions.  For a glimpse into our trip, please head to our St. Lucia album on Facebook here.  Since most of our daytime was spent in our swimsuits, it was nice to get dressed up casually or formally in the evening. 

For this post, I have decided to share my outfits that I wore in the evening during my week in St. Lucia and hopefully it can provide inspiration for you on your next beach or tropical vacation!

Sunday – 1^st Full Day/2^nd Night

Mediterranean Blue + White

Sunday, which was February 28^th, was my birthday so it was amazing to celebrate my birthday on a tropical island!  During the day, we spent most of the time lounging on the beach, but at night we decided to check out Neptune’s, a casual Mediterranean-inspired restaurant.  It had an open atmosphere and located right along the beach.  For this casual evening, I decided to wear a Mediterranean blue and white printed loose tie-wasted blouse paired with white skinny jeans and simple white sandals. If you want to dress up this outfit even more, then opt for a pair of wedges instead of sandals.  I finished this look with my ever-so versatile Stella & Dot Arc Pendant Necklace, Gilded Path Double Wrap bracelet, a cocktail ring, and my neon clutch.

Tip #1: White jeans are a great option to have in warm locales – they exert more ease and summertime vibes than your traditional blues. 

Tip #2: If you are one to get chilly at night, even in warm weather, instead of bringing along a cardigan sweater, opt for a breezy blouse that has sleeves to keep you warm if there is a breeze.

Shirt: JCPenney// Jeans: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection - old)// Shoes: Target// Necklace/Bracelet: Stella & Dot// Purse: Francesca's

Monday – 2^nd Full Day/3^rd Night

Caribbean Blues

On Monday, we played golf at the resort golf course and then we checked out the pool and the swim-up bar. We also started participating in activities at the resort, including sand volleyball where we met some great people!  At night, Mike and I checked out the Japanese restaurant, Kimonos, where we decided to dress up a little more for this occasion.  For this semi-formal evening, I wore a turquoise and blue water-colored printed maxi dress with white sandals. I decided to bring this dress on the trip because I wanted a dress that resembled the Caribbean waters.  I accessorized with silver leaf earrings, bracelet, and cocktail ring, and my neon clutch.

Tip #1: Maxi dresses and sundresses are perfect for a tropical vacation because they can be dressed up or down.

Tip #2: Heading to a tropical locale? Play up your makeup with a fun bold color, rather it be a lip, nail color, or an eyeliner.  For Sunday and Monday’s outfits, I wore navy eyeliner to give my look more pizazz.

Dress: Kohl's// Shoes: Target// Purse: Francesca's// Earrings/Ring: Old Navy// Bracelet: Express

Tuesday – 3^rd Full Day/4^th Night

Casual Boho

On Tuesday during the day, Mike and I took a private boat tour to the Pitons, which is St. Lucia’s iconic landmark.  There we went snorkeling, waded in a mineral spring, took a mud bath near the volcano, and ate at a local restaurant.  Since we had a busy day, we kept the evening low-key and casual.  We decided to eat at Cricketer’s Pub, which served British traditional fare, such as fish n chips. They were delicious!

For this casual evening, I decided to pair my skinny white jeans with a breezy bohemian printed blouse.  For this trip, I wanted to bring an ethnic inspired item because St. Lucia has many cultures.  Their local cuisine is a combination of French, British, East Indian, and Caribbean dishes. I accessorized the outfit with a turquoise stone pendant and both black and brown accents ranging from my cognac global watch, brown braided belt, to black gladiator sandals.  I styled my hair bohemian inspired with a beachy scrunch.

Tip: When you’re on vacation, try a new hairstyle for a day, whether it is pulled back into a ponytail, a beachy wave, or romantic curls.

Shirt: Resale Shop// Jeans: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection - old)// Necklace/Watch: World Market// Shoes: Payless ShoeSource

Wednesday – 4^th Day/5^th Night

Feminine in Malachite Green

On Wednesday, we went zip-lining in the tropical rainforest and then we relaxed with a massage by the beach in the afternoon.  At night, we had a reservation at Armando’s, which served Italian cuisine.  The view from Armando’s during the evening was spectacular because the restaurant is set atop of Sunset Bluff, where you can view the sunset.

For this occasion, I decided to wear a malachite (greenish aqua) colored dress with a yellow-gold colored floral statement necklace.  I accessorized with a white gold bracelet and leaf cocktail ring.  Since I wanted to keep the look semi-casual, I opted for a pair of white gold sparkly metallic sandals. I finished the look off with my neon clutch.

Tip: When shopping for a summer dress, try to find one that is versatile and can be worn casually with sandals or dressed up with a pair of heels.

Dress: Kohl's (Elle Brand - last year)// Necklace: Dry Goods// Bracelet: BCBG Max Azria// Ring: Younkers// Shoes: DSW// Clutch: Francesca's 

Thursday – 5^th Day/6^th Night

Formal in White

On Thursday morning, instead of heading to breakfast at the Pavilion, we opted to get room service and have breakfast in bed.  Then it was a day of lounging by the pool and playing pool games.  At night, we dined at La Toc, the resort’s French restaurant.  Since La Toc was a fine-dining restaurant, we dressed more formally.

For this outfit, I was finally able to where my white one-shoulder matte jersey gown.  I bought this dress a few years ago when I used to work at BCBG Max Azria, and I have always planned on wearing it on my honeymoon.  This dress is so comfortable, but elegant at the same time because it’s made out a matte jersey so the material is very breathable.  My inspiration for this outfit was a Greek goddess, so I paired the dress with gold ornate statement earrings, a gold cuff and cocktail ring, and gold strappy heels.  I finished the look with side-swept soft curls, a red-orange lip, and my neon clutch.

Tip: It’s always eminent to have one gown or cocktail dress for more formal occasions.

Dress: BCBG Max Azria// Earrings: Von Maur (old)// Ring: Younkers// Bracelet: Old// Shoes: DSW (last summer)// Clutch: Francesca's

Friday – 6^th Day/7^th Night
Tropical Romper
Friday was our last day of relaxing and having fun in the sun.  At night, there was a street party at our resort that served St. Lucian local cuisine, and then afterwards we sang karaoke!  Since there was music and entertainment during the street party, I wanted to wear something casual and fun.  I opted for my tropical inspired print romper.  I love this romper because of the colors, but also because it actually fits me.  I have a hard time finding rompers that fit proportionately on my body because I’m tall and have a long torso and legs.  I accessorized the romper with my Stella & Dot Arc Pendant Necklace and Gilded Path Double Wrap Bracelet.  I finished this casual and fun look with my black gladiator sandals.

Tip: Rompers and jumpsuits are a great during the summertime.  There are a variety of different styles at many retailers. Find one that fits your body and style!

Romper: JCPenney (last year)// Necklace/Bracelet: Stella & Dot// Shoes: Payless ShoeSource

What would you wear on a beach or tropical vacation?

Summer Shoe Staple: Espadrilles

Summer is here meaning it’s sandal weather.  Yes, sandals are your typical go-to shoe during the summer, but have you ever tried espadrilles?  Espadrilles are normally casual, sometimes flat or high-heeled shoes that usually have a canvas upper and a flexible sole made out of jute rope.  This type of shoe originated in the Pyrenees, a mountain range forming a natural border in northern Spain and Southern France.  Once peasant footwear, espadrilles soon became extremely popular in the Spanish Mediterranean coast where they are worn during the spring and summer months.  Espadrilles became popular in the United States during the 1940’s. Nowadays, they are great summer shoe staple and alternative to your typical sandals.

Below I’ve created three different outfits all utilizing my striped lace-up espadrilles that I recently purchased from Soludos.  Also, if you sign-up for emails from Soludos, you can receive a discount on your first purchase.

Outfit #1 – Espadrilles + Navy

The combo of navy and stripes always created a nautical vibe to an outfit.  For this outfit, I wore a navy blue sleeveless shirtdress with my espadrilles.  I topped the outfit with my Stella & Dot Globetrotter Scarf and accessorized with my rose gold Fossil watch, rose gold studded earrings, and a cocktail ring.  I finished the look with my Stella & Dot Hudson Tote in Saddle.  Need an outfit idea on what to wear to a baby shower - I recently wore this outfit to a baby shower.

Dress: Old Navy// Scarf/Purse: Stella & Dot// Watch: Fossil// Earrings: Old// Ring: Old Navy

Outfit #2 – Espadrilles + Prints

Want to mix prints in an outfit, but not sure how to do it?  Here is an idea for you.  Mixing prints in an outfit can work if the prints are of the similar scale and have a common color in the prints.  For this outfit, that color would be black.  Also, I feel stripes are a print’s neutral, meaning I think stripes can be easily paired with other prints.  For this outfit, I paired my stripes espadrilles with a black, mustard, and teal printed top along with a pair of black shorts.  I accessorized with my Stella & Dot Mirage Pendant, a gold belt and chevron bracelet.  This outfit would be a great casual day or night out.

Shirt: H&M (this spring)// Shorts: BCBGeneration// Belt: Target// Necklace: Stella & Dot// Bracelet: Express

Outfit #3 – Espadrilles + Solids

For this last outfit, I wanted the striped espadrilles to be the focus so I kept the rest of the outfit neutral and minimal.  I paired the espadrilles with some trendy cropped flared jeans and a simple beige tank top.  Since the outfit was casual and minimal I decided to amp up the accessories and wear my Stella & Dot Riad Layering Necklace, Vista Wrap Bracelet, and Gold Pavé Chevron Ring with other simple gold rings.  I finished the outfit with a summer Panama hat and straw inspired tote bag. 

Shirt: Old Navy (sale)// Jeans: Old Navy// Purse: Target// Necklace/Bracelet/Middle Ring: Stella & Dot// Other Rings: World Market// Hat: French Market (New Orleans)

Do you like espadrilles for summer? How would you wear them?