At the end of June, we wanted to escape the “June Gloom” in Los Angeles. So, we set out on a journey to Baja, California, in search of sunshine and surf. Thanks to the expertise of my friend Amanda ([email protected]), a travel agent at Fora Travel, we secured the ultimate glamping experience at Villa Santa Cruz. Located in the charming town of Todos Santos, this gem of a destination, known as the next Tulum, promised to offer us the perfect blend of beachside relaxation and adventure. So, check out all of the incredible details of our Glamping escape to Todos Santos below!
Arrival at Villa Santa Cruz
Villa Santa Cruz, owned by San Francisco ex-pats, proved to be an exceptional experiential property. From the moment we arrived, we were swept off our feet by the sheer beauty and charm of the place. We loved that the property was nestled amidst nature and offered a delightful mix of farm life and beach living. Plus, it was evident that every detail had been meticulously designed to create a unique and memorable stay.
Villa Santa Cruz Accommodations
The Farm at Villa Santa Cruz
The Green Room: A Beachside Haven
One of the highlights of Villa Santa Cruz was its beachside restaurant, The Green Room. With a picturesque view of the ocean, The Green Room treated our taste buds to an array of mouthwatering tacos. In addition to authentic Mexican cuisine, and craft cocktails. But what made the dining experience truly exceptional was that all the ingredients came from the property’s own beautiful farm. So, we savored every bite and sip! All while enjoying the soothing ocean breeze that added an extra touch of magic to our meals.
Exploring Todos Santos
While it was hard to tear ourselves away from the enchanting Villa Santa Cruz, we couldn’t resist exploring the town of Todos Santos. We were delighted to find that it boasted a variety of charming boutiques, offering unique, locally-made treasures. But, the town also pleasantly surprised us with its selection of cozy restaurants! We had the chance to indulge in delicious meals and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
Our trip to Todos Santos was a perfect getaway. It allowed us to escape the June Gloom of Los Angeles and immerse ourselves in the beauty of Baja Sur. Villa Santa Cruz provided us with an incredible glamping experience, where we enjoyed the perfect blend of farm life and beachside relaxation. The Green Room tantalized our taste buds and offered breathtaking views, while the surf break just steps away fulfilled Kevin’s surfing dreams. Exploring Todos Santos added an extra touch of charm to our trip, making it a well-rounded and unforgettable experience. Our Glamping escape to Todos Santos left us with memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. We are eagerly anticipating our next adventure in this hidden gem of Baja Sur.
If you’re looking for more example of our Summer adventures, check out our recent blog here!
It is Summertime and everyone is out and playing! I’ve had the luxury of enjoying several fun adventures so far. So, please join me as I recount my sun-soaked adventures in Palm Springs! Where I reveled in the beauty of the desert and discovered the transformative power of immersive sound baths. And of course, no Summer is complete without a touch of skincare indulgence. I embraced the incredible results of Radiesse Filler. Get ready to be inspired by my Summer tales and step into a world of relaxation, exploration, and self-discovery in this Summer lifestyle edit.
Travel
In June I flew to Los Angeles to take a trip to Palm Springs with my daughter to celebrate her birthday. Or as we like to call it, our anniversary. On social media, I refer to Serena as our “resident stylist”. She is a stylist and works as a costumer in film and television and I’m sure you have seen her work. She authors most, if not all, of our fashion blogs. I am so lucky that she is still on board after all of these years.
Serena Parker Palm Springs Spa
Style Beyond Age was originally her brainchild. Serena, knowing full well that at 65 I needed a new direction for my creativity, is the one that got this platform off the ground. It’s important as we get older to keep our interests growing and it’s a key element to remaining ageless.
While we were in Palm Springs we stayed in three hotels over three nights and crazily enough, we did that on purpose. We wanted to experience each of these unique hotels, and we wanted to shoot Summer content for you in a range of environments. We had a lot of fun in the process! The blog from that trip is linked here.
You might know by now that I am more about showing you editorial pictures that will inspire you rather than clothing that you can purchase. But in this case, most of it is available and all of the outfits that I wore on that trip are linked on our Shop Page.
Wellness
While we were in Palm Springs we had tickets to one of the best sound baths I have ever experienced in Joshua Tree at the Integratron. The Integration itself is an incredible space and the sound bath did not disappoint. It was a beautiful experience and I would highly recommend it.
If you haven’t heard of a sound bath, it is where you sit in a room where they play crystal bowls and all the sounds amplify in the space so that you can feel them vibrate through your body. It is very grounding and transformative. Anytime I can go to one I take advantage of it and I always like to share with a friend. You can read more about our experience here.
Skincare
Have you tried Radiesse?
If you follow me on social you may have heard that this past winter I had a bump on my forehead that wouldn’t go away. My doctors kept trying to figure it out. Finally, I had to have a biopsy and as it turned out, I was having an allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid which is the ingredient in fillers we use to plump up our wrinkles and lips.
You can imagine my shock. That extremely rare reaction has never happened to me before or to anyone I know.
Now months later, it’s time for a touch-up around my lips and chin. What to do? Some of us might say leave it alone, age gracefully, and we can talk about that in the comments section if you like. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Suffice it to say I searched for an alternative. I went to Vitalyc Med Spa and tried Radiasse for the first time. Becca the RN at Vitalyc Med Spa addressed my concern regarding the lower portion of my face and suggested the non-hyaluronic acid filler. It was a quick and relatively painless procedure that gave me just the amount of fullness I was looking for. The change is almost imperceptible but I have just the subtle lift I was looking for.
I am very happy with the results. When we talk about less is more, that is even more important when dealing with fillers.
What’s Next?
With Summer still in full swing, I am on to my next adventure in Toas New Mexico where my husband and I are staying for a few more weeks. Serena and I have a few more trips up our sleeve that we can’t wait to share with you, so stay tuned for those adventures as well. I hope that you and your family are enjoying each other and finding some adventure and unforgettable memories this Summer! As always, thank you for following along and I hope you enjoyed this Summer lifestyle edit. If you have any questions please leave them in the comments below!
In the last six weeks, I have been to two color-themed parties. Harder for my husband than me I’ll admit but they are so much fun.
Dress codes and color-themed parties add an extra layer of excitement to our social calendars. However, they can also leave us feeling perplexed when it comes to deciding what to wear.
Fear not! I have a few ideas on how to dress to impress.
Let’s start by saying that it’s important to do just a bit of pre-planning to avoid the “I have nothing to wear “ mindset and ensure the perfect outfit that’s sure to turn heads at any event.
All-White Dress Code: If you really want to dress to impress, an all-white party calls for a crisp and fresh ensemble. Opt for a white dress that flatters your figure or mix and match separates in various textures. For a touch of individuality, break the rules just a bit by incorporating a pop of color as an accessory, like statement shoes, a vibrant purse, or bold jewelry. For a one-off event like this, Dillard’s usually has some over-the-top accessories in all colors and at a great price point.
All-Black Dress Code: When it comes to an all-black dress code, this is a great time to play with the Siren archetype. Experiment with different styles within the black palette, such as a sensual little black dress or a tailored women’s tuxedo. Look into a customized tuxedo that will remain in your wardrobe for years to come. Tux Couture offers made-to-order feminine tuxedos to fit your style and body perfectly. Embrace your personal style and have fun with it and you’ll be the perfect example of how to dress to impress. Accessorize with bold pieces that bring out your individuality and express your personality.
Up-scale casual: Some dress codes say formal attire, evening attire, or casual. Those are all pretty straightforward. Lately, however, I have seen a request for “upscale casual”. What does that mean? For me, I always choose an outfit that is tailored and polished. You can achieve this look with pants and a blazer, or even a dressy top paired with jeans or leggings. Though for me any excuse to not wear either of those makes me happiest. If you do choose that route, make sure your shoe, bag, and jewelry add that elevated touch.
My pearl bag from Amazon is a multi-tasker since I can change the color of the insert to match my look. My go-to bracelets are by Julie Vos and they add an extra bit of richness to any outfit. Of course, the time of day always dictates what this could mean as well. If you’re going to a daytime event, keep your look bright and colorful. If you’re headed out for dinner at night, opt for darker colors and more subdued tones. For me accessories are key. They can elevate any look.
Pre-Planning and Having a Fitting:
Preparation is key to nailing your outfit for a dress code or color-themed party without getting stressed or shopping at the last minute. Here’s a glimpse into my personal process of pre-planning and having a fitting, complete with fitting photos and outfit options for inspiration.
Research and Gather Inspiration: Before diving into your wardrobe, do a little research to familiarize yourself with the event’s theme and dress code if possible. I always like knowing what I’m going to walk into. Browse fashion magazines, websites, and social media platforms like mine for inspiration. If you are the type to do a mood board go ahead and have fun with that. Pinterest is full of ideas.
Assess Your Wardrobe: Take inventory of the clothing items you already own that align with the dress code or color theme. Mix and match pieces to create different outfits and experiment with accessories for added flair. Consider utilizing statement shoes, colorful purses, statement jewelry, or unique headpieces to enhance your overall ensemble.
Fitting Session: Try things on. I have fallen into the trap of thinking that what I wore last year will still look good and fit me. Our body changes over time even if we are still in the same dress size. Capture fitting photos to help you evaluate the overall look. Make any necessary alterations or adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and comfort. It’s silly but true. There are times when I need to go through my pictures to remember what I put together that I liked.
Attending dress code and color-themed parties can be fun and a great opportunity to showcase your style and creativity. With proper pre-planning and a fitting session, you can ensure that your outfit not only meets the dress code requirements but also highlights your unique personality and fashion sense.
So, the next time you receive an invitation to a dress code or color-themed party, embrace the challenge and fun of it. Hopefully, this guide will help you learn how to dress to impress and guide you to the perfect outfit. For more fashion inspiration, check out my blog about Summer fashion here. Happy styling!
Summer is the perfect season for swimming and spending time on the beach. However, many women over 40 may sometimes feel uncomfortable or self-conscious when it comes to swimwear. But the truth is, there’s no reason to feel that way! Here are some tips on how to find the perfect swimsuit for women over 40 that enhances both style and confidence.
Strategic cut-outs are a fashionable way to add some interesting details to your swimsuit and draw attention to your best features. For example, cut-outs on the waistline can create the illusion of a slimmer figure, while halter necklines can accentuate the bust. Just remember: the key is to know what areas of your body to highlight and which ones to conceal.
Sonia wears the Tie-shoulder Coconut Tree Print One Piece Swimsuit and Sarong from Flaxmaker.
One-piece swimsuits have made a comeback, and we’re thankful they did! Not only do they offer better coverage for women over 40, but a well-tailored one-piece swimsuit can enhance your curves. You can go for styles with ruching or shirring to smooth out any problem areas or opt for high necklines to elongate your torso. We are loving all of these printed one-pieces swimsuits that can double as body suits too.
Sonia wears a relaxed button-front shirt in light purple from Mango as a cover-up over a gold floral balconette bikini available at Express.
If you’re thinking that bikinis aren’t for women over 40, think again! With the right shape, size, and design, you can rock the bikini and feel great doing it. High-waisted bikini bottoms are a popular pick among women over 40 because they offer more coverage and can help you create or enhance an hourglass figure. Also, emphasizing your upper half with a halter top or bandeau will help to make you feel more confident. We love a balconette bra top when it comes to our bikinis. It has the support and coverage that we like.
Sonia wears the Free People ‘Blossom’ Maxi Dress from a few seasons ago. A reminder to always shop your closet first!
Cover-ups have become a fashion staple when it comes to swimwear. Not only are they stylish, but they also offer great coverage when you’re not in the water. A sarong or kaftan can transform a swimsuit into an outfit in seconds. Choose lightweight fabrics that will keep you cool in the heat. Then you’re ready to go from the beach to the bar in minutes!
No matter what swimsuit you choose to wear, the most important accessory is not something you can purchase. It’s confidence! Confidence is the key to feeling amazing at any age – and that includes when you’re over 40. Love yourself, know your body type, embrace it, and let your swimsuit represent you. Try out some of these tips on how to find the perfect swimsuit for women over 40, and let us know! For tips on staying active (which helps boost confidence), check out THIS blog post.
Finding the perfect swimsuit is not just about fashion and style; it’s also about feeling confident. Follow these tips, wear what makes you feel fabulous, and let your confidence radiate this summer!
