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Palm Springs Travel Diary Part 5

Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5

The heat is real, my friends – the heat is real.  Palm Springs is known for its high temps and high fashion.  We’ve had the most amazing time at The Parker Palm Springs.  The hotel is an oasis.  On our final day we mostly lounged and did a few of our favorite things on the property: riding bikes, playing bocce ball, drinking spiked lemonade and laying by the pool filled our last few relaxing hours.

I just couldn’t help but take a few final photos on our last day.  This off-the-shoulder top from Zara has been my go to this summer!  It’s airy, stays in place and has an interior smocked bodice so no additional undergarments are required if you want to keep cool.  I paired the top with a super summery pair of wide-legged denim from Seafarer purchased during the Moda Operandi sale.  Both pieces have been staples in this girl’s summer wardrobe.Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5

We’ve had the best time in Palm Springs, but this party must move along.  Next up, we’re off to Key West, FL.  Check back next week for my Summer Friday Snapchat takeover of Rent The Runway with my fave lady Liz Teich and come back next week for my Key West looks, bites and fave spots!

xoxo, Accessories Gal

Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5 Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5 Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5 Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5 Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5 Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5 Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5Palm Springs Travel Diary Part 5 // Top: Zara // Pants: Seafarer (on sale!) //Shoes: Chiara Ferragni  (one sale!) // Bracelet: Margaret Elizabeth 16 Stone Bangle,  Cartier Love Bracelet // Necklace: Custom coordinates from Coordinates Collection // Sunglasses: Dior // Hat: Panama Hat

Palm Spring Travel Diary Part 5

Joshua Tree Rock Climbing

Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 5

What drives you?  For me, it’s the thrill of a new adventure.  I live for trying new things, pushing my limits and feeling the rush of adrenaline.  On my recent trip to Palm Springs I decided to spend a day rock climbing in Joshua Tree with my husband.  Now, I’ve rock climbed many times before, but nothing quite like these conditions.

As prep for our trip I decided to try out a new workout called Body Conceptions.  BoCo, as many call it, is a workout designed to create a lean and sculpted body like a dancer.  What I fell in love with was the complete muscle exhaustion, serious sculpting, and overflowing positivity you find in every class.

There are a few different classes you can take at BoCo, but my favorite is the classic.  It was great prep for rock climbing because it mixes cardio and sculpting into one perfect hour long class.  The best/worst part  is called the seat section.  It’s 15 minutes of exhausting backside work that leave you feeling like you may never lift your legs again.  But let me tell you, it really helped with my rock climbing skills.  Your legs and butt are what propel you up the rock, and thanks to that exhausting seat section, I was ready.  Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 10Now a bit about our climb.  Joshua Tree is composed of granite rock formations.  What I learned to love about this, is your rock climbing shoes really stick to a granite surface.  Most of the climbing I’d done previously involved leisurely climbs with lots of hand holds.  Well, this was a bit different.  I came to the shocking realization on these climbs that there weren’t many hand holds at all.  This is where I learned how to smear, a technique used in slab climbing.  Smearing is where you press your shoe into the rock to propel yourself up.  Most of the time on these climbs my hands were just flat against the rock and you had to trust your feet to keep you ascending.  It was an amazing experience, terrifying and exhilarating experience.  Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 8

If you’re thinking about heading to Joshua Tree for a rock climbing trip, I highly recommend our guide Castle Rock Climbing School.  We learned so much on this trip and left with fatigued muscles and smiles on our faces.  Check back Monday next week for the final Palm Springs Travel Diary.Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 1 Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 2Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 5 Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 3Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 6 Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 7 Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 9 Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 11 Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 12 Joshua Tree Rock Climbing 13

Joshua Tree Rock Climbing // Top: Under Armour (similar here) // Leggings: Live Love Dream (similar here) //Shoes: Nike // Sunglasses: Dior 

Palm Springs Travel Diary Part 2

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I open my eyes on day two in Palm Springs and already feel at ease.  One of the great things about this town is there are things to do, but you are encouraged to relax, take your time and enjoy just hanging out.  Today we decided to see a bit more of the town and do a bit of shopping.  I chose to pair a refined top with a bit less refined pair of denim shorts.  These shorts have been my go to for summer since I purchased them two years ago.

I threw on my new Aquazzura sandals and gorgeous new bag from Joanna Maxham.  This bag is my new favorite travel accessory.  It holds EVERYTHING and looks super chic while doing it.  The sides of the purse latch down for a slightly smaller bag.  Or if you’re like me and happen to stuff your purse when traveling, you can expand it to be something along the lines of a Mary Poppins bag.IMG_9706

What to do and where to go DAY 2:

We started the day with a bit of yoga.  The Parker offers group yoga classes on the weekends.  It wasn’t super strenuous but it was the perfect relaxation, zen yoga that vacation calls for.

One of the main attractions in Palm Springs are the spas.  After a bit of research I was pleased to find that The Parker had an outstanding spa called The Palm Springs Yacht Club.  I decided to try out a sugar body scrub, as summer is here and brighter, smoother skin never hurt anyone.  I loved my treatment and felt revitalized afterwords.  One of the most amazing parts of the spa though is the indoor pool and Moroccan Pavilion.  It looked like something out of a dream.  (See bottom right of next photo quartet).  Gorgeous chandeliers, luxurious furnishings, and all under this amazing tent, pool side.

Brunch plans this day are all about King’s Highway at The Ace Hotel.  The decor is an amazing throw back diner and the food was on point.

Head into town and do a driving tour of the beautiful mid-century modern architecture.  There’s so much to see and be inspired by.  The bold lines, bright front doors and concrete lattice structures are amazing.

Do a bit of vintage shopping.  My favorite spot that we found is The Fine Art of Design.  I thought the selection was fun and very Palm Springs.  Prices were a bit steep though, and that’s coming from a New Yorker.

Dinner/Drink plans were super easy and regal night 2.  Mister Parker at The Parker is a super sexy American Bistro filled with mood lighting and even better food.  Bring your appetite though – this is a serious meal.  We finished off the evening with dirty martinis at the bar.

post21Palm Springs Travel Diary Part 2

Palm Springs Travel Diary Part 2Palm Springs Travel Diary Part 2 post2

Palm Springs Travel Diary // Top: 10 Crosby Derek Lamb from Rent The Runway // Shorts: Rag & Bone // Shoes: Aquazzura // Purse: Joanna Maxham c/o // Necklace: Custom from E.Kammeyer Accessories (email ekammeyer@gmail.com for inquiries) // Bracelet:  Cartier Love Bracelet // Sunglasses:Prada from Ditto c/o // Hat: Panama Hat

A little bit about Ditto.  Ditto is an eyewear company that offers you the ability to change up your style effortlessly.  Starting at $24 a month you can rent unlimited eyewear.  With summer already here, it’s the perfect way to stay stylish without breaking the bank.  Use code ACCESSORIESGAL for one month free.

Palm Springs Travel Diary

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I’ve never really been one of those New Yorkers that’s afraid of color.  Don’t get me wrong, a great all black ensemble can look chic as hell, but color and texture are a bit more my style.

With that in mind, my husband and I packed up and headed to Palm Springs to spend our Memorial Day weekend and one year anniversary.  Man, time flies!  We were looking for a cool spot to relax, do a few activities and chill by the pool, oh and did I mention relax?  Over the few posts I’m going to share with you my Palm Springs guide in four days.

Now, let’s start with the important things, what are you wearing to Palm Springs.  In May, the dessert is HOT.  It’s a dry heat, but none the less, you should be in airy, breezy clothes.  For day 1 I chose this gorgeous dress from Jude Connally.  I fell in love with the fun geometric print, bright blues and perfect Palm Springs vibe.  All of her dresses are perfect to travel with and don’t wrinkle, which for me is a huge plus as I can’t remember the last time I used an iron.
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So the big question, where to stay?  We chose The Parker and I’ll be honest, that choice made the whole trip magical.  The hotel is a like a little oasis.  As you wonder the grounds you pass by all of these little hidden nooks and gardens.  There’s a French garden with petanque courses, there’s an English garden with a croquet set, and there’s a lemonade stand nestled by the pool (insert Beyonce joke here).  On top of all that, the interiors were designed by Jonathan Adler.

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What to do and where to go DAY 1:

– Have lunch at Norma’s at The Parker.  A must have on the lunch menu are the fish tacos.  Add a Bloody Mary and you’re set.  No really, it was one of the best Bloody Mary’s I’ve ever had, you won’t be disappointed.

-Go for a bike ride around downtown.  It’s a great way to see the town.  Jump off your bike and swing into a few home decor stores and definitely pop in the Trina Turk store.

-Head for the pool! There are two pools at The Parker.  One is all ages, one is adults only.  Well, I’m sure you can guess which one we spent most of our time at.  The pool is where to be in the afternoon.  We met a bunch of super cool people and spent a few hours chilling poolside.  And better yet, the lemonade stand serves as the pool’s bar.  One spiked lemonade please!

-Dinner time!  One of our favorite food experiences in Palm Springs was Birba.  The ambiance is perfection, lots of outdoor seating, live music, and the food was outstanding.  I highly recommend the egg pizza, brussels sprout chop salad and lasagna bolognese with duck ragu.
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Ready for day 2?  Come back to Accessories Gal on Thursday for all of the day 2 fun and adventure.

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Palm Springs Travel Diary // Jude Connally c/o // Shoes: Christian Louboutin (similar here) // Purse: M2Malletier // Bracelet: Antique, Cartier Love Bracelet // Sunglasses: Prada from Ditto c/o

A little bit about Ditto.  Ditto is an eyewear company that offers you the ability to change up your style effortlessly.  Starting at $24 a month you can rent unlimited eyewear.  With summer already here, it’s the perfect way to stay stylish without breaking the bank.  Use code ACCESSORIESGAL for one month free.

palm springs travel diary