Fun in the Sun

 

 

 

Dress: Francesca's, Cardigan: J.Crew, Hat: Nordstrom, Sandals: Via Spiga, Watch: Michael Kors

This dress has a really cute back, which I would have loved to show off, however, the backs of my legs got sunburned SO badly my first day in San Diego that a friend told me, "Your legs look like someone beat you with a bamboo cane." I'd hoped that wearing red would somehow detract from the cooked-lobster color of my legs. I don't know why. I thought maybe I could claim it was the shadow or reflection from my dress making them look so red. That plan did not work. I guess that's what happens when you go from Minnesota winter to California sunshine. SPF only goes so high, and my poor, pale legs didn't stand a chance. They were so bad that strangers apparently felt the need to call me out in the grocery store. There I was, minding my own business, inspecting the margarita supplies with a friend, when a creepy old man inserted himself into our conversation. I expected his comment to be booze-related, which I actually would have welcomed, but instead he zinged me with, "Hi, I'm from Washington, and I just wanted to tell you we have this thing there called sunscreen. . . ." Really, creepy old man, really!? I wish I would have had a quick retort like, "Well, I live in Minnesota, and we have a thing there called personal space. Get out of mine!" But I was too shocked and flustered and instead I laughed awkwardly and fled the aisle.

Other than that embarrassing encounter, my trip was amazing. Beautiful weather, plenty of beach time, and lots of hanging out with friends. I overpacked to the extreme, as I usually do. Eight dresses and a raincoat may have been slightly unnecessary for a long weekend, but I maintain that if I can cram it into a carry-on, it's acceptable. And as an added bonus, the weather in Minneapolis is beyond beautiful right now, so all those things still sitting in my suitcase are going to come in handy. I planned it like that.