Before I started travel blogging, I moonlighted as a style blogger. I love fashion; always have since I hosted dress-up competitions with my friends in the backyard.
Now that I’m completely nomadic and living in an Airstream, my wardrobe must be functional. Still, I’m too vain to give up stylish clothing and, as a travel host, I need to be camera-ready even when I’m hiking a mountain. So, my wardrobe still has sequins, velvet, faux fur, and fun stuff… but a few more baggy pants and comfy shoes.
Travel style is harder than it looks
As much as I love fashion, I have three challenges when it comes to travel style:
- Very limited closet space in my Airstream
- Need for a multi-season wardrobe (I lived on a tropical island for 7 years and only had a summer wardrobe)
- Fluctuating weight (I lost 30 pounds, but have gained back half)
So, I’ll be doing a series of travel style posts and addressing all three challenges.
Let’s talk about winter coats
My first stop in California was Joshua Tree National Park where it was a bitter 40 degrees. I knew I wouldn’t survive a day in my thin wool coat or any of my cute cropped jackets, so I gave in and bought a puffer coat. Because I’m a curvy size 10/12, I don’t like clothes that add bulk. However, being warm is essential because I love the outdoors. Enter the puffer coat… I went on a 5-mile hike at Joshua Tree National Park and was so glad I had this down coat!
I found this stylish beauty at Macy’s, but not in my size, so I ordered it online. I like that it is fitted in the waist and that the hood is oversized to balance out my sizable hips. It zips and snaps and has pockets.
My velvet ankle boots hadn’t seen the light of day yet, so I broke them in at scenic Joshua Tree. I’m forever on the hunt for stylish, low-heeled shoes and these fit the bill. (You can shop my other comfy shoes here.)
Glamping at Joshua Tree National Park
I only got to explore Black Rock Canyon Campground, but this was a good introduction to Joshua Tree. The campground didn’t have hookups for our Airstream trailer, but it did have water and bathrooms. The sunrises at Black Rock are stunning and there are a couple hikes you can do from the campground. There were plenty of people camping in tents despite the cold, but I was very glad to have a warm place to retreat to.
Stay tuned for a full photo essay or watch my drone flight over Joshua Tree!
Wearing: T. Tahari puffer coat via Macy’s // Anthropologie velvet boots // Calvin Klein jeans via Macy’s
Comments 38
February 18, 2017 at 6:41 pm
Such a beautiful place and fantastic photos! Living out of an Airstream must be so much fun.
February 20, 2017 at 8:36 pm
Thank you, Leah. I like it so far!
March 13, 2017 at 5:14 pm
Thanks for reading, Leah.
February 18, 2017 at 11:56 pm
Can we talk about how amazing it must be to live out of an Airstream! How freakin’ amazing 🙂
xoxo, SS
Southern And Style
February 20, 2017 at 8:37 pm
It’s amazing. A lot of work, but worth the price of freedom. I’ll be doing a livestream tour soon on FB and Instagram.
March 13, 2017 at 5:14 pm
It’s AMAZING.
February 19, 2017 at 6:40 am
Airstream – this is so cool! This is somehow still one of my dreams, to do a looong road trip all over US this way. I am sure, the experiences are fantastic and truly more like discovering than travelling.
Your photos are truly awesome, I like them a lot, everything suits here perfectly! Which cam do you use?
February 20, 2017 at 8:38 pm
Thank you! I shoot with a Sony a7SII.
March 13, 2017 at 5:14 pm
Thanks! I shoot with a Sony a7SII.
February 19, 2017 at 7:34 am
Never been a camper but I think I would like glamping. Great photos:-)
February 20, 2017 at 8:38 pm
Can you believe I’ve still never been camping?
March 13, 2017 at 5:13 pm
Yeah, me either. I’ve still never slept in a tent!
February 19, 2017 at 9:42 am
It’s so hard to keep fashionable while traveling, especially camping. Even glamping presents a few challenges. Loved the picture of your Airstream at sunset. Awesome shot.
February 20, 2017 at 8:39 pm
Thanks, Coleman!
March 13, 2017 at 5:13 pm
Thanks, guys!
February 19, 2017 at 12:35 pm
I love Joshua Tree and now I am craving a desert trip even more! I do not look nearly as stylish as you when I camp, but you are good inspiration. Love you desert pics, especially that blue bird.
February 20, 2017 at 8:39 pm
Thanks, Mel!
March 13, 2017 at 5:13 pm
I want to go back!
February 19, 2017 at 10:14 pm
This coat is beautiful on you Jessica! it looks perfect for a balmy 40 degrees! Joshua Tree looks like such a beautiful place. I love the birds and the breeze. I would totally head there wearing this coat and enjoy the brisk fresh air. You definitely were able to keep your style.
February 20, 2017 at 8:40 pm
Ha ha. I guess 40 isn’t cold for everybody… I’m still an island girl and freeze when it’s below 60!
March 13, 2017 at 5:13 pm
Thanks so much, Janine. It’s soooo warm.
February 20, 2017 at 6:19 am
Great inspiration. My style is usually the first thing to go out the window when camping! Love your style.
February 20, 2017 at 8:40 pm
So true. Thanks for reading, Juliette.
March 13, 2017 at 5:13 pm
Ha ha, so true. If I didn’t blog for a living, I would definitely dress down a bit.
February 20, 2017 at 12:20 pm
I love the boots and coat! I struggle with the no space but still wanting to look fashionable dilemma too. I always love your fashions so you’re doing something right!
February 20, 2017 at 8:41 pm
You’re a dear, Kassie. Thanks for the comment.
March 13, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Thanks, Kassie!
February 20, 2017 at 12:26 pm
Living in Ireland and planning a move to Tanzania has made me realise I have a serious lack of summer clothes. I am a huge fan of the puffer jacket for cold winters. Id love to see a post on your tropical wardrobe as I havent a clue where to start!
February 20, 2017 at 8:41 pm
Ooh, what an exciting move! Why Tanzania?
March 13, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Oooh, what a fun move you have planned.
February 20, 2017 at 12:41 pm
I’ve never went glamping before but I’ve recently considered trying it since it sounds fun!
February 20, 2017 at 8:41 pm
I hope you do!
March 13, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Yes, do try it!
February 28, 2017 at 6:40 am
Great photos! Joshua Tree National Park is on my places to visit.
March 6, 2017 at 11:10 am
Awesome 🙂
March 15, 2017 at 8:46 am
Wonderful picture! Thank you for your sharing!
http://bit.ly/2mrPAIU
March 27, 2017 at 11:54 am
Oh my goodness!! Yes to all of this!! We can not wait to get to Joshua Tree in our camper!!
March 27, 2017 at 12:47 pm
Oh cool. What kind of camper?