Vacation Style.

*Image above via Peony Swimwear. I absolutely love this coral-colored dress from their latest collection, and you can find a bunch of their beautiful pieces on sale here!

We had the best time visiting Charleston last weekend. Mr. Magpie and I hadn’t been on a plane in years and years, and we could count on one hand the number of nights we’d spent away from our children. I’ve received a few emails asking for recommendations, and my top tip would be to follow Grace Atwood, Jillian Eversole, Megan Stokes, or Liz Adams, as all four live in Charleston and pick the best spots. (I was so happy to be able to spend time with Grace and Jillian while visiting — both absolutely lovely women with great senses of humor, humility, and kindness. Let’s all send Jillian good vibes as she will be meeting baby #2 tomorrow!)

We were lucky in that we have family who live there and were able to touch down and be whisked around to all the best spots without any prior planning. The highlight for me was walking on the beach at Sullivan’s Island and then having a lazy brunch at Obstinate Daughter. It felt deliciously indulgent — the essence of vacation. (And though we hit up a number of famous spots during our visit, I think we liked their food the best? They had this seafood conserva that Mr. Magpie and I absolutely freaked out about. This is high praise, because we also enjoyed the buzzed-about tasting menu at Zero, which was fun and inventive and delicious as well.) Another highlight? Taking a rikshaw between pre-dinner drinks and dinner! Sounds touristy but it was such a fun way to see some of the beautiful old homes at a leisurely pace, and the “driver” (cyclist?) was so knowledgable! I think we might have passed Pat Altschul’s house.

It was also FUN to pack for a vacation. I brought a fleet of sundresses, a tangle of statement earrings, and a straw clutch and had more fun getting dressed than I have in months. These were the exact dresses I packed:

MAXWELL AND GERALDINE — PERFECT TRAVEL-DAY OUTFIT, PAIRED WITH CHANEL FLATS AND A CARDIGAN

CELIAB DRESS — I WAS STOPPED SEVERAL TIMES WITH WOMEN ASKING AFTER THIS DRESS, AND I THINK MY COUSIN MIGHT HAVE BOUGHT IT AFTER WE LEFT, TOO!

THIS DAYDRESS IN A NO-LONGER-AVAILABLE PRINT — I AM LOVING THIS BRAND FOR ITS UNUSUAL, VIBRANT PATTERNS…CURRENTLY EYEING THIS

THIS AGUA BENDITA

THIS J. CREW IN NAVY

The trip left me very excited (for multiple reasons!) for our beach trip later this summer. I am specifically eyeing this dress and this swimsuit to add to my growing wardrobe for the occasion. A few other pieces I’m loving for getaway dressing below.

PEARL AND SEASHELL EARRINGS // HUNZA G ONE-PIECE // SHELL BARRETTE // PINK SANDALS ($100!) // MI GOLONDRINA DRESS // ANEA HILL SUNGLASSES // AKOIA CROCHET SET // PAM MUNSON SEASHELL CLUTCH // RAFFIA MULES // AGUA BENDITA PAREO // SENSI STUDIO BUCKET HAT // MARNI BAG // JULIET DUNN DRESS // TORY BURCH RASH GUARD // ERIC JAVITS BUCKET HAT // LINEN WEEKEND SHIRT // NEELY PHELAN CLAMSHELL EARRINGS // SCOTCH AND SODA DRESS (IT HAS PALM TREES ON IT!) // J. CREW YELLOW DRESS

P.S. All my favorite swim here (can’t wait to wear this — surprisingly flattering) and cover-ups here (I’m leaning towards this…love the flutter at the elbow!)

P.P.S. This is an old post but worth a visit in case you’ve not read them all: my favorite beach reads.

P.P.P.S. How do you spend time alone?