Welcome to the very first edition of B List Abroad! I swore I’d take all kinds of content on the bachelorette-party-slash-friends-trip to Montego Bay I attended last week, but I spent almost the entire time swimming and sipping, instead of snapping photos.
Of course, a few good images made the cut — many courtesy of my trusty tripod (this is the one I pack!) as well as the magic of Collins Nai, who we were lucky enough to be traveling with. In addition to being a new friend and a fellow “Espresso” enthusiast, he’s also an incredible photographer. You can ooh and ahh over his work here.
For four full days and nights in one of Jamaica’s most spectacular private villas, I packed an overwhelming thirteen looks — but in my defense, I wore eleven of them. Some were thrown on for a quick sunset photo opp, while others stayed on for lengthy Round Hill dinners. I’m proud to say I got photos in most of them, save for a few of the swimwear looks that I couldn’t be bothered to dry off and shoot. Blame it on vacation mode!
Here’s a look at my final packing list, a.k.a. everything I actually brought. I enjoy planning out my looks in Photoshop, hence the detailed collages below:
Requirements for the trip included a few swimsuit-and-cover-up combos, an all-white look for a White Party night, and anything else that fit tropical getaway aesthetic. Most of my looks were from Loft, Farm Rio, or Andrea Iyamah (the former has been killing it recently, and the latter two just scream vacation to me).
I also used Rent The Runway to rent a couple of dresses from Mara Hoffman and Hemant & Nandita, and Vivrelle generously loaned me a raffia Loewe tote that served as one of my main bags, in addition to a few from Staud and one little Longchamp.
I also only packed two pairs of shoes (and a pair of flip flops), which felt like the ultimate flex for an overpacker. And all flats! How uncharacteristically practical.
On our first night, I donned the spectacular Mara Hoffman Rina Dress ($625), courtesy of Rent The Runway. I was devastated to hear about the designer’s decision to close down the brand, so packing such a special piece felt totally essential.
Most of my wardrobe centered around bright, rich colors, so a cool black-and-tan striped moment provided some chill contrast. Plus, I feel like the top of the dress looks like two beach umbrellas, no?
Worn With: Andrea Iyamah Pola Slippers, Staud Palm Bag
For a day swimming in the sea and lounging by our private pool, I went full-on Loft with one of the better-fitting bikinis in my current collection, the Plumeria Front Tie Underwear Bikini Top ($69.95) and coordinating High Waist Bikini Bottom ($54.95).
Overtop, I opted for Loft’s Breezy Wide Leg Pants ($69.95) and the matching Can Print Silk Square Scarf ($59.95) tied as a top. (Pro Tip: I use a coconut sarong tie from Amazon to secure my scarf tops, and it makes life so much easier.)
Worn With: Staud Cleo Fish Basket Tote, Warby Parker x Theophilio Shaunie Sunglasses, Havianas Slim Square Sandals
Of course, not every look can be executed without a hitch — I ended up changing out of one of the outfits I was most excited to wear before we even made it to dinner. My Andrea Iyamah Pado Sheer Gathered Crop Top ($220) and matching Pado Corset Maxi Skirt ($285) was a fan favorite, but the luxurious long sleeves simply didn’t mesh with the humidity.
I snapped some photos as the sun set, but ultimately decided to change in the name of comfort. Trust, you’ll see me in this again on a cool night sometime soon!
Worn With: Andrea Iyamah Pola Slippers, Loewe X Paul's Ibiza Small Anagram Basket Bag
After sweating it out, I changed into a set I’d been saving for the trip — a swimsuit-and-coverup combo by Sigal, a Miami-inspired resortwear brand from Venezuelan textile and fashion designer Sigal Cohen Wolkowiez.
The brand’s Paraiso Miami Swim Week show at the Esmé last summer was my favorite of the season, and I’ve had images of a model gliding down the runway in the Gloria Wrap Circle Skirt ($250) saved on my phone ever since. Wearing the Magenta One-Piece Swimsuit ($190) as a bodysuit was ideal for the super-hot climate, not to mention perfect for a post-dinner night swim.
Worn With: Longchamp Le Panier Pliage Vanity Floral Embroidered XS Crossbody, Target A New Day Alyssa Floral Slides (also linking the heels)
I didn’t do a great job of photographing my beachwear looks, but I did snap some images of me in these incredible Farm Rio Orange Fresh Fish Cargo Pants ($260). When Katie (the bride!) and I went pre-trip shopping at their Soho store, she tried them on and fell in love — and graciously gave me permission to copy her and buy them, too. They sell a matching blazer, but it was a little too OTT for us.
I originally planned to pair these with a pink tank top, but this absolutely ancient Aerie bikini top ended up being the perfect shade of butter yellow, so I went with that instead. I also threw on some vintage bangles that belonged to my grandmother, who vacationed in Montego Bay for years.
Worn With: Andrea Iyamah Pola Slippers, Miu Miu SMU54Y Sunglasses
The only true swimsuit look I photographed (and by “photographed” I mean snapped a couple pics on self-timer before jumping into the infinity pool at Round Hill) was the Andrea Iyamah Nayo Cutout One-Piece ($215). This swimsuit was totally out of my comfort zone, but I wanted something funky for vacation, and it definitely did the trick.
The jury’s still out on whether or not these photos will make it to my Instagram grid, but if not, at least I’ll have the memories — and the irregular tan lines.
Worn With: Miu Miu SMU54Y Sunglasses, Loft Can Print Bias Midi Skirt, Staud Cleo Fish Basket Tote, RPZL x Grey Bandit Starfish Claw Clip (available June 3)
Most of my outfits were planned a few weeks in advance, but when I impulse-ordered this Hemant & Nandita Printed Eyelet Button Front Maxi Dress ($698) from Rent The Runway, I knew she deserved a spot in my suitcase. I had to improvise when RTR failed to include the attached belt, but I think it still came together.
I wish we’d had more nights out to give this dress its proper moment to shine, but she still served a purpose for snapping a few photos around the villa.
Worn With: Andrea Iyamah Pola Slippers, A New Day Belt
Last but not least, my White Party look. It’s traditional for the bride to wear all white throughout her bachelorette party festivities, but our bride requested we all don the pearly hue on the final night of our trip — and finding the right ‘fit proved more challenging than expected.
Rounds in the laundry have resulted in none of my separates being the exact same shade of white, and I couldn’t get past the subtle differences in tone. I ended up getting a new matching set to avoid pairing one bright white piece with another slightly off-white one, and the House Of CB Palmer White Plunge Blouson Top ($119) and Loie White Gathered Maxi Skirt ($135) did the trick.
A fair warning for anyone wanting to buy: this skirt grew and grew as the night went on. I’d definitely recommend sizing down.
Worn With: Target A New Day Alyssa Floral Slides
Looks like an amazing trip!! Love that Mara Hoffman Rina dress!