Winter Wonderland
Paul & I wanted to go on a 'Christmas Winter Wonderland' trip for the end of 2021. It never snows in LA, but just a couple hours of driving can lead you to a totally new snow-covered world. When you think of a winter trip, your first thought about packing is probably bulky and heavy. But I wanna show you that it doesn’t have to be! We did a one-night, two-day trip that was light and easy to pack. We visited snow covered mountains and also the desert which is much warmer.
The plan
Day 1 (Below 0 - You need to layer up! 따뜻하게 입어야해!! )
8am Departure
-Breakfast burrito
-Idyllwild : Coffee & lunch / Shopping / Christmas vibes / Snow
4pm Hotel check in
5pm Dinner and drinks
Day 2 (37 - 60 F / 3 - 16 C)
11am Hotel check out
Palm Springs: Breakfast / Traditional American breakfast or French style brunch
- Downtown / Shop, Coffee, Gallery
Aerial Tram to Mountain
Paul's plans are usually pretty flexible so even though there are main events, the details can change spontaneously.
I really like his type of planning.
Styling tips
- Choose items that can be worn both in the winter snow mountain / autumn desert city
- Adding some holiday accents
(Suitcase size 14” X 22”) A Santa hat is seriously the best item to boost up the Holiday vibes! The carrier is very portable which can be a carry-on if needed. So we pretty much use it for every trip. Convenient is best.
Accessories are an easy & effective way to instantly add mood to your overall look. I always put any extra accessories in a small container so I don’t lose them.
Day 1 ‘Snow mountain styling’
- Keep warm by layering a cute sherpa vest.
- The head is where the most body heat escapes. Be sure to bring a warm beanie.
- Gotta keep your neck warm too. Prepare a scarf to protect against cold winds.
- And can’t forget the ugly sweater!
@Indian Vista
As the cold wind brushed the tip of my nose, I stared at the clear blue sky. It felt so unbelievable to be in that scene of a snowy mountain so close to home! The nature of California is really diverse all year round which is really amazing.
I think one of the most important things for winter travel is outerwear. I chose 'Lightweight padding' as an item that can cover both winter snowy mountains and autumn deserts. An item that you probably already have in your wardrobe! If you don't, be sure to get one as it's an essential item that can be styled in a variety of ways, covering from fall to spring, and of course winter! I also brought a cable knit beanie and these really cute mittens.
Cute mittens I got at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic games. Souvenirs bring memories back right away.
@Lake Fulmor
The cold, clear air filled my lungs. It was gently snowing when we entered into this beautiful lake!
Day 1 - Couple styling
The point color for both of us is red. A little color can easily boost up the whole mood. And I also styled Paul's outerwear with a lightweight padded jacket. And a thick white hoody on the inside.
For this trip, grippy and rubber outsole shoes were important for the slippery ground and snow. I wore 'black work boots'. I'm sure you already know these shoes go well with pretty much anything. You can honestly wear these shoes at least 300 days a year.
@Idyllwild Museum
The cabin looks so beautiful in this winter forest.
I wore 'White corduroy wide pants.' Corduroy pants are a versatile item for fall & winter season, and actually, even for spring. I wore knee high socks under the pants as extra protection.
Enjoying a cup of coffee.
Do you know who’s the cutest mayor in the world? Max! The mayor of Idyllwild.
@Coachella Valley Vista Point
You can see an incredible scene of snow covered mountains & the desert landscape after just a few minutes of driving.
After crossing into the desert, it's time to take off the sherpa vest and show off that ugly sweater.
@Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
We had a delicious dinner while watching the sunset. Ugly sweaters are such a fun way of enjoying the holidays.
Wild lights @Living Desert Zoo
After dinner, we enjoyed the Christmas lights at the zoo.
Last selfie of the day.
Day 2 ‘Palm Springs - Winter desert styling’
@Farm
We went to Farm, a French style brunch spot in Palm Springs. The inside was really cozy. Felt like being in the French countryside.
We made a quick pit stop to pick up some wine and whiskey for our new years party. The point of today's styling is another ugly sweater (or a vintage cardigan) and a red beret. I wore a white turtleneck rib bodysuit for the innermost layer. It is the perfect basic item to keep warm.
There's nothing more essential than this for layering styles.
@Palm Springs Art Museum
Definitely warmer than yesterday.
They had a 'Modern Chair' exhibition. This was my favorite - Heart chair.
I’m wearing a mid-rise straight fit roll-up jeans. I think the light coated silver metal color goes well with any winter upper items. That means this is also really versatile in a variety of ways.
@Trina Turk
I took off the jacket and wore just the sherpa vest during the day.
Day 2 - Couple styling @Koffi
Accent red sweatpants on a navy & black sweatshirt for Paul. You don't have to wear the same clothes as your partner (don’t recommend this). All you have to do is match the tone or accent color. A lot more fun & natural looking.
The last stop at the mountain tram entrance. We couldn't go up because of the weather. Instead we stopped by a casino won some Blackjack. Haha :)
As you may already know, the key for winter travel is 'Layering'.
Instead of a heavy winter jacket, wear layers on top of a lightweight jacket. See my style illustrations below!
Easy, huh?
The last travel style note of 2021.
Finally, here are some styling options for 'Lightweight padded jackets!' As I wrote above, those are really versatile for all seasons! I recommend a relaxed fit that has some space for inner layering. Plus a boxy short fit gives off a 'Cool Chic' vibe. Comfy, Cool, and Cute!
