Some trips are planned around sightseeing.
Some are planned around rest.
And some, if you’re lucky, become a little bit of both!
Costa Rica was that kind of trip for me.
It wasn't just a vacation. It was a pause. A deep breath. A chance to heal from a recent surgery, reconnect with myself, celebrate my wedding anniversary, and remember what it feels like to be fully present.
Life moves quickly, and when you are constantly pouring into your work, your family, your clients, and your responsibilities, it can be easy to forget that rest is not a luxury. It is necessary.
This trip reminded me of that in the most beautiful way.
The Beauty of Slowing Down
There was something about being surrounded by nature, warm air, slower mornings, and uninterrupted time that felt like medicine. And soaking in the thermal rivers? That was truly heaven on earth!
But this medicine wasn't the kind that fixes everything overnight, but the kind that gently reminds you that you are allowed to soften.
I think sometimes we wait until we are completely exhausted before we give ourselves permission to rest. But healing often begins in the quiet moments. The unhurried mornings. The long conversations. The simple joy of being somewhere beautiful with someone you love.
This trip to Costa Rica gave me space to BREATHE again.
Celebrating Love and Another Year Together
This trip was also about celebrating my 7th wedding anniversary with my amazing husband, which made every moment feel even more meaningful. (Check out my wedding here)!
There is something special about stepping away from the noise of everyday life and being able to look at each other without the usual distractions. No rushing. No endless to-do lists (the story of my life, LOL). Just time together and alone.
Celebration doesn't have to be loud or extravagant.
Sometimes it looks like a beautiful dinner. A slow walk. A shared view. A quiet “we made it another year” kind of gratitude.
And those moments matter.
The Best Part of Every Day: Getting Dressed for Dinner
Of course, because I am me, LOL, the highlight of every day was getting dressed for dinner.
There is something so special about vacation dressing. Not overthinking it. Not dressing for a meeting, a calendar full of appointments, or a long list of errands. Just dressing for the JOY of it.
Each evening felt like its own little celebration. A beautiful dress. A fresh lip. An effortless sandal. Simple, quiet jewelry that caught the light just enough. The kind of outfit that says, “I am here, I feel good, and I’m going to enjoy every moment.”
This evening, I rocked one of my favorite Alice & Olivia matching sets, my perfect vacation Altuzarra basket handbag, and my favorite summer shoes at the moment, the Stuart Weitzman Alyssa block heel sandal.
Why Vacation Style Feels So Different
That is what style does when it is working at its best. Style doesn't have to be overworked or saved for some perfectly planned occasion.
Sometimes, the most meaningful outfits are the ones that simply help you feel present, polished, and fully yourself in the moment.
Sometimes, getting dressed is how we mark the moment.
For me, dinner each night became more than just dinner. It became my personal dressing ritual. A way to step into the evening with intention. A way to celebrate love, healing, and the simple joy of feeling like myself again.
<< Here's one of day-to-night looks featuring my oh so comfy Spanx Romper and my Stuart Weitzman Alyssa sandal accenting another look. Up top are my fun square Rose Tortoise sunnies from FREYRS.
Clothes Are Never Just Clothes
That is one of the reasons I believe so deeply in personal style.
Because clothes are never just clothes.
They become part of YOUR story.
The dinner you dressed for. The photo you almost didn’t take. The moment you realized you felt a little more like yourself again.
Even a cute romper can help you step back into yourself.
The right accessories can make even a simple lunch or dinner feel intentional.
And sometimes, the outfit becomes part of how you remember the moment.
And when you look back at the photos later, you remember more than what you wore. But more importantly, you remember how you felt.
Costa Rica gave me space to rest. My anniversary gave me a reason to celebrate. And getting dressed each night gave me a beautiful reminder:
You don't have to wait for life to feel perfect before you honor the moment you are in.
Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can do is pack the dress, make the reservation, take the photo, hold the hand, and let yourself feel good.
That is the kind of style I will always believe in.
Style that has space for the full season you’re in.
The quiet parts. The celebratory parts. The moments of change, healing, joy, and remembering who you are.
And if you're in a season where your wardrobe no longer feels aligned with the woman you are today, I would love to help you reconnect with your style in a way that feels intentional, personal, and beautifully you.
Book a Style Intensive with me, and let’s create a wardrobe that supports where you are now and where you are going next!
Yours in Style,
