Un-Fancy

Outfits: Summer, summer outfits

in my bag: napa

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It’s been one year since we decided to move away from fun Seattle and back to our little hometown of Abilene, Texas to live closer to my family. (You can read more about that here.)

I wondered if the shine would wear off after a year. I wondered how I’d feel once we’d been here a while.

This past weekend, while we were celebrating the Fourth of July with my family, doing things like cooking out, shooting fireworks, and playing yard games, I felt so much confidence in our decision to move back.

Even a year later. Even through the hard stuff.

I know we made the right decision.

We’ve grown closer than ever to our family — and that’s what matters.

So now this weekend, I’m excited to get some bonding time with the ladies on Aaron’s side of the family. We’re heading off on a girl’s trip to Napa. I’m so excited — it’s my first time!

We’ve never been on a trip together, just us girls, but we’re hoping to make it into an annual thing. A special tradition we can share.

We’ve got hiking and yoga on the agenda, along with wine tasting and a special dinner out. So I’m packing a mix of functional workout gear and versatile clothes that can go dressy or casual — like today’s outfit above.

Here are a few more things I’m packing:

• A couple of black dresses including this one from Everlane (the black color is out of stock, but it’s still available in navy). 

When I need versatility, and I don’t want to feel too underdressed or too overdressed, I do black dresses. Classy but not fussy — they never fail.

I think they’ll be perfect for wine tasting because they won’t show any spills — which is good because I tend to spill wine, especially when it’s red.

• Three pairs of shoes: Athletic shoes for hiking, cute clogs for nights out, and comfortable flat sandals like these for wineries and walking around town.

• Workout clothes including mid rise leggings and this Outdoor Voices crop top for yoga, plus some sturdier pieces for hiking.

• A great swimsuit like this high neck stripe top and adjustable bikini bottom from Vitamin A.

I discovered Vitamin A this year and decided to invest in one of their swimsuits after reading about their commitment to making eco-friendly swimsuits — that also happen to be made in the USA. It’s pricey, but I love it and the quality is unreal. I know it’s going to last a long, long time.

• A little iPhone tripod so we can take plenty of group pictures. I’ve had mine for years and it really saves the day when it comes to group photos. I love that it’s small enough to fit in my purse — I usually have it with me everywhere.

•••

What about you? Do you have any habits, activities, or traditions that keep you connected with your sisters (or sisters-in-law or lady friends)? I’d love to hear about them.

And if you have any recommendations of places to eat / things to do in Napa, I’m all ears.

Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:

01 / Silk cami by J.Crew | similar (made responsibly)

02 /Jeans by Seven (made in USA) | Fit note: I’m 5’5″ and I got the regular inseam length. I thought I might need the shorter inseam, but the regular inseam ended up being the perfect length to pair with 2 or 3 inch heels — no tailoring needed | same jeans in lighter wash (made in USA) | similar in a dark wash for under $90

03 / Clogs gifted by BRYR (handmade to order in USA)

04 / Bag gifted by ONA | similar (made responsibly)

05 / Bracelet by Moulton (handmade to order in USA)

06 / Necklace by Madewell

xo

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Comments

  1. How fun, you’ll be only 1 1/2 hrs away from me! I teach barre fitness on SUP’s. I’ll bring them to you and your friends if you want to try!! Instagram: barre_ga
    Website still in development :)

    Reply

    • Hi D, yes as comfortable as a nude strapless can be… haha. I’ll have a post coming soon on bras and undies :) xo, Caroline

      Reply

  6. I so appreciate your style (and this outfit!). I came across your blog last weekend and ended up capsuling my wardrobe right then and there. Getting dressed this week has been SO MUCH easier. And I’m excited to replace some of my basic essentials that I love with quality versions.

    My husband and I went to Napa in April on our honeymoon. We have family and family friends that love it there, and now we know what all the hype is about. You will fall in love!

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  7. Here are some recommendations for your Napa trip.
    Model Bakery in St. Helena or at the Oxbow Market. They are famous for their English muffins and are a must try.
    Farmstead restaurant in St. Helena So good and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
    Sullivan winery in Rutherford (I think). It’s by appointment only, they are a small family winery. There is a gorgeous tasting room or you can taste outside underneath oak trees.
    Mustards Grill in Yountville and Rutherford Grille (best kale salad ever!) are both great.
    Enjoy your girls trip!

    Reply

  9. I love this new “life perspective” you have on all of your recent posts. I am trying to to make a few life changes and your blog is such an inspiration. I had been inspired from your posts to look more closely at where my clothes are coming from. I have been trying to shop more ethically when I can and emphasize quality over quantity and love that you’re showing how to incorporate this into every aspect your day-to-day life including workout gear. I also love this fresh transformation your blog has taken from purely capsule/fashion advice more towards living a minimalistic lifestyle. I am in my first year of doing capsule wardrobes and it eases any anxiety I have about where to take this process in the future and helps give perspective on why I am doing this. I have found a new love for your blog xox

    Reply

  11. I love that outfit so much! I also went to Napa about 3 months ago for the first time and loved it! My favorite meals were at Bouchon Bistro and Gott’s Roadside (the ahi poke tacos are out of this world). But the food everywhere in Napa was really great and fresh! We just did wine tours while we were there, but our two favorites were Artesa in Napa and Petroni in Sonoma. Petroni is only open if you make an appointment to go, but it’s a gorgeous location and the wines were fantastic. Have fun!!!

    Reply

  14. I would love to be able to wear tops and dresses like the one in this post, but can never seem to find a good strapless bra that will work for said outfits. They always end up showing somehow. What do you do? Any thoughts on how to modestly wear fun strappy tops/ dresses without flashing my bra to someone every time I bend over?

    Reply

    • Hi Karli, I have a post coming about bras and undies. :) This one is just a nude strapless. But stay tuned! xo, Caroline

      Reply

  15. Whenever my family or my husband and I go to Napa we always stop at V. Sattui winery. They have fantastic wines, a mouth watering upscale deli, and gorgeous grounds to picnic on (tables/benches or blanket). We usually bring some fruit, then buy some bread, cheese, charcuterie, and other nibbles at the deli, and a bottle or two of wine to enjoy.
    vsattui.com

    Reply

  16. I own this tank and a pair of Flea Market Flares from Madewell that I wear all the time with a pair of clogs. You just totally made me feel so validated in my fashion choices!!

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  18. I can’t believe it’s already been a year, I remember reading your last post before you took a break and thinking I was going to miss your outfit inspiration! Time really does fly.

    Gott’s Roadside is a great place to go for sure! Their fries are absolutely amazing.

    Angelina Is | Bloglovin’

    Reply

    • Marie – the million dollar question! Haha. I’ve got a post coming, but this one is just a nude strapless bra. :) xo, Caroline

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  23. Dear Caroline,
    may I ask how you wear this cami – I love them but I don’t like it when the bra straps show and I feel uncomfortable not wearing a bra so I wonderd if you just go braless? (I hope this question is not to intimate)

    Also, I’ve been following your blog for a while now and was hoping that you would give us some (more) insights into your lovely home and which parts you fixed yourself. I would really love to hear about it :)

    And last but not least I wanted to let you know that beginning with you blog, I followed a more minimalistic approach in my life. This weekend, I am moving to another city and my boyfriend and I agreed to downsize and rent a smaller appartment. So I sold, donated and tossed lots of our stuff and I could not be more excited about it! Thank you so much for having such a positive impact in my life!

    Reply

    • That’s so fantastic Aylin! Congratulations on the move, and thank you for sharing your experience :) xo, Caroline

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  24. Hi Caroline –
    I was born & raised in Napa and still visit my family about once a month. I love Model Bakery (there is one in Napa proper and one in St Helena). They have the most spectacular English muffins of all time! Gott’s Roadside is a Napa institution and they have an awesome Ahi tuna burger and great milkshakes and sweet potato fries. Also, if you like Thai food, check out Mango on Main, I’m hooked on their yellow curry. Robert Sinskey is still a favorite winery. I used to work at Jesup Cellars and still have so much fun there. Anyways, have a great time!!

    Reply

  25. For everyone asking about a good strapless bra, the Lillyette Tailored Strapless bra. I think it is seamless also. I have 2 and love them

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  26. I’m just sitting here and nodding my head at all of the inquiries you’ve received regarding your strapless bra! LOL! The struggle is soooooooo real. I’m glad you are planning a post about underthings. I haven’t needed to purchase a strapless bra in years, but I will be paying attention. I can’t shop right off the rack from most places (not even Victoria’s Secret or SOMA). my band size is a 28 and my cup size is a DDD/G, so I can only shop specialty shops, and even then they usually have to place a special order for me because they don’t stock a lot of 28s in my cup size (and, of course, the bras I need are at least $60 or more EACH). I do, however, whole-heartedly endorse having a bra fitting. It’s crazy how so many women don’t wear the right size! And if women can find a place that sells the full range of sizes of the brand Panache, definitely give it a try. I have the best everyday bras from Panache, as well as a fantastic sports bra that has wonderful support and keeps the ladies where they need to be.

    Happy Friday!

    Reply

    • Ha, just saw the rest :) Nevermind!

      How about this though – dry cleaning deets. How do you keep so many dry cleaning items in rotation on a budget?

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      • Hi Lyn! Great question, sometimes it’s not spending the money on dry cleaning so much as it is having to leave the house to get it done. Haha ;) But I look at it this way – since I’m purchasing good clothes that I want to keep around for awhile, I try to take care of them. That being said, I don’t dry clean after every wear. I use a steamer often to freshen things up and kill bacteria. And I have found a few pieces are just fine with a delicate or hand wash/hang dry, so I’ll do that occasionally instead. Hope that helps! :) xo, Caroline

        Reply

  30. My favorite winery on our Napa vacation was Plumpjack – fun and funky. The tasting room felt like your neighborhood pub. Great wines too.

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  31. I just adore your blog! I am heading to Napa for Thanksgiving, hoping I can use this post as the inspiration for a cold weather “what to pack” :) Have an amazing trip & thank you for your wonderful posts!

    Reply

  36. Hi Caroline! Speaking of your Seattle adventure, do you have any fast recs for things to do there? My boyfriend and I are going in September for the first time and I’d love any advice you have! Thanks a ton! :)

    Reply

    • Hi Cassie! How exciting for you guys! It is such a cool city, so I know you’ll love it. If you enjoy tourist activities, you might want to consider a CityPass, which will get you to the space needle, the aquarium, and a couple museums. A harbor tour is always fun too. I’m sure you have Pike Place Market on your list already. And I would also highly recommend carving out some time for nature, whether it’s near the water or in the forest or even the arboretum, there’s so much beautiful landscape to see. Have a wonderful trip! :) xo, Caroline

      Reply

  37. Could you share a post on your favorite workout gear? I’m working on a minimal closet, but I haven’t quite gotten to the workout/lounge wear. Would love to see how you’ve done yours. Thanks!

    Reply

  42. This might be a silly question, but what type of bra do you wear with a camisole like this?

    Reply

  44. Hey, just wanted to mention that Grana makes silk tops similar to the one you’re wearing here. Not sure if you know them already. I think they’re a Hong Kong brand. :)

    Reply

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