My Week (in Santa Barbara), Linked.
one bag I wore all week, two linen sets, three sandals, plus more.
Dear Reader,
I begin to write to you from Santa Barbara, CA in our cottage at San Ysidro Ranch.
This place endlessly inspires me — from the variety of lush gardens and mountains and ocean views, to the custom cottages on site, to the antique furniture shops and fresh farmers markets… it’s so my happy place.
Not sure if it’s aging into my thirties or what, but overtime, I’ve discovered I prefer sleepy towns like this one (technically, SYR is in Montecito, a small subset of Santa Barbara). Any day, I’ll take a quaint and quiet town over the hustle and bustle of a city.
On that note, as I age, I continue to better know myself and my preferences — the things that feel right for my unique energy and makeup (a beauty of aging, yeah?). Not just in the “town-versus-city” aspect, but also, in the pieces that exist inside my closet. Much like San Ysidro Ranch, known for its timeless interiors (and also, the honeymoon spot for JFK and Lady Jacqueline), I want to collect belongings that are classic and beautiful. Pass-down worthy, if you will.
So many trends flood the social media space, and I have to reflect on why I’m drawn to what I’m drawn towards. Am I drawn to it simply because it’s a redundancy, a familiar code in the algorithm? Or am I drawn to it because it is lovely and timeless?
Timeless isn’t boring; actually, I think it’s alluring. It’s less about the piece itself, and more about how the individual wears the piece (I think about Jane Birkin, taking a simple basket bag and denim and making each a unique statement, almost as if she invented the look herself).
In any event, I continue to lean into classics — simple pieces with clean lines, wide-brimmed woven hats, sandals I’d wear into my 40s, 50s, 60s…
Since I’ve felt all the inspiration lately, I thought I’d share a few favorite pieces I wore on our trip. None are needed, but maybe they’ll help serve someone as they consider what lives in their own closet.
In the meantime, happy warmer season to you. We made it!
xx Megan
This week on Instagram, I shared that I love to sport a good bikini when super pregnant (I feel so tapped into my womanhood). I packed two on this trip. First, I love the clean, modern lines of this simple bikini by Toteme (also shared in my last 10 Things roundup).
Worn here with with a DEIJI STUDIOS linen set (fully open for belly exposure), my new Janessa Leone Teagon hat (favorite), and The Row crochet bag I’ve shared 50 times because I love the deep brown color so much. (Bonus: this bag holds way more than you’d expect.)
I realized my bag seems to be sold out everywhere now, but you can preorder on Moda Operandi or via Bergdorf.
The Row also makes a similar black bag I love (slightly different weave, but same vibe). If you’re dying for a deep brown woven bag, I love this one by Little Liffner and this by Dragon Diffusion — also more price cautious.
My second bikini: a go-to feminine scalloped swimsuit by Marysia. Been wearing her swimsuits for years — truly the most flattering for any body type (also love her active wear).
MKARP15 if you want a little discount at Marysia.
Our favorite thing to do when traveling: WALK. So many bonuses. One, we get our exercise; two, we get to see new sites and explore new places; three, all the fresh oxygen; four, the quality conversation. The list goes on.
On one walk, I wore this simple linen set from J.Crew. Sold seperately, here is the linen top and here are the linen pants (I’d say the pants run big — I’m wearing a XS, my true size, but I’m also 8 months pregnant). The top is more tailored, so I sized up to a 4 for pregnancy.
Wore with my V2K Nikes and aforementioned crochet bag.
Indeed, I wore this exact outfit to the airport with my Toteme trench on top. Shameless outfit repeater.
Also added my most used raffia tote for toddler snacks and things.
My favorite piece I wore is this poplin dress by The Row. My mother would call this a potato sack, but whatever — call it a modern chic potato sack. I love the longer-than-average-elbow-length sleeves, the massive scoop neckline, and boxy silhouette.
During the day, I paired this dress with The Row’s deep red link sandal (because I love deep red paired with white) and in the evening with The Row’s kitten heel (very comfy, fyi).
Side angel of the dress. Boxy, indeed, and ideal for third trimester or otherwise.
A closer lens of the link sandals to celebrate their greatness.
Not a set, but another linen win: this Max Mara dress! Wearing a size 2 and it fits over my very large bump. Will definitely wear postpartum too, which will make it look a little more oversized and I’m 100% cool with that.
Not pictured, but I draped my fav Toteme cotton crew over my shoulders for dinner in the evening.
Lastly, the ring I wore all week in replacement of my diamond. Technically, this band is made with lab grown white sapphires (but you’d never know) and comes in at a fraction of the cost of other similar looks on the market.
A great option for travel, but also, if you need to be without your ring (like me — I’m getting a custom setting created as we speak). Will move over to my right hand after my new engagement band is complete.
All for now!
May your season be filled with all the lovely things warmer weather has to offer.
Until next time,
Megan xx
I loved following along on Instagram! The trip looked dreammmy.