Mexican Holiday: 10 Days of Outfits

Travel ignites me in every single way. Exploring new cultures and meeting people keeping their traditions alive is so, so special. We just returned from almost 3 weeks in Mexico and San Miguel de Allende has become a new favorite destination. We had a little connection before going - Ben lived there for a while as a little one so he couldn't wait to show me around the places he loved as a child.

 After writing Wanderful I started getting more packing and travel capsule wardrobe questions than ever before. I wrote this post on packing for 10 days in Paris quite a while back and not much has changed when it comes to a few things: 1 - I still can get 10+ days of clothing into one roller bag 2 - my toiletries are still minimal, my must haves: multi-use oils, sunscreen, lip tint and mascara and 3 - I'm traveling with gear (laptop, cameras, a tripod, etc) so all of that has to fit somewhere. Besides that, packing for 10+ days in Mexico was quite different in every other way!

What I've noticed that I'm doing very differently when it comes to packing now is this: I've learned that keeping my outfit selections along one particularly color theme allows for lots of mixing and matching and also means there's way less time spent on getting dressed and way MORE time spent on exploring. I've also started focusing more on luxe looking dresses and tops - dresses make things super easy of course, and a few gorgeous tops can be mixed with lots of different bottoms - and I've always loved a good pattern mix!

You'll notice in the outfits below that there's really only a few pairs of shoes featured: I live in my birkenstocks, a good pair of white sneakers and 1-2 additional sandals is really all I need in Mexico. I actually never pack heels anymore - and in San Miguel de Allende the hills and streets are cobblestone and heels would have been totally useless. 

I've also become a girl that travels with hats (hats tie outfits together and protect my skin from the sun, and that's important to me!), and when traveling I simple pack them in a tote bag and just carry them on the plane. Easy. 

Below are my favorite outfits of the trip, and you'll see how I mixed and matched so many pieces in the photos at the end! I'll be back with the full travel diary to SMA soon, are any of you going?! Send me a note on instagram and I'll share all my favorites with you!

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My go to day time look: a top with a deep v, layers of crystals and charms, an oversized sun hat (I love the string tied under the chin - you can drape it over your shoulders when you're indoors - it looks surprisingly chic and effortless that way!) and a fanny pack for all my valuables. (For each outfit you can scroll through and shop via the images directly below!). The belt was a last minute purchase, so inexpensive and I think it really makes the outfit!

For days that lead to long winding evenings: I mentioned packing luxe tops, I love big sleeves and florals and tops that tie too, this skirt is from my friend's shop in New Orleans and it was perfect for a night of dancing!

So, the heat index is pushing 90? Yes, it's been a hot summer everywhere - and days in Mexico are no exception! A breezy cotton dress looks elegant but still feels super comfy. Mine is a thrift find, however, there's a super adorable version linked below. 

For the days you'd prefer to sunbathe... on one particular afternoon we took to the rooftop and enjoyed the luxury of having an apartment with a view. I spent the whole day in my bikini - and honestly, I layered the bandeau top on several other days under my tie front crop tops!

For trips to the market: we spent lots of time visiting the markets in Mexico, for those visits, I pulled on an oversized sweater (the mornings were cool!), some cut-off denim shorts and I was ready to go!

Here's some additional images, and some mixing and matching too. The full capsule wardrobe is below too so you can shop to create your own holiday style! I hope this helps when you're packing for your own holiday travels! Be back soon with the complete SMA guide!

Wanderfully yours,

Andi

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Wanderful Guide to Memphis: Home of Blues, Soul and Rock 'N' Roll

This post is shared in partnership with Memphis Travel

Sun Studio, Memphis Tennessee

In the past few years I’ve fallen pretty hard for the state of Tennessee. I moved to Nashville officially two summers ago, wrote the entire first draft of my book Wanderful in Tennessee and of course included Tennessee as the starting point in the Rock ‘N’ Roll Highway road trip in the book! I've spent many days exploring the State Parks, vintage shops and music venues all along the way and if I'm honest, those are three of the things that really pushed me over the edge when making a decision to move here. 

One place I hadn’t spent much time was Memphis. Until now. What was I waiting for?! Memphis is way more than just a stopover city en route to bigger destinations - it’s deserving of a weekend of your time, and more if you can make it happen (and I seriously suggest you do!). It’s a destination with sharp contrasts of the old and new. It’s famous for its historical and cultural contributions to the South - it's the mama city of soul and the blues - aaand rock ‘n roll wouldn't be what it is without the studios and artists hailing from Memphis.

There's a deep history in regards to the Civil Rights Movement too, and it's worth a visit just to experience the National Civil Rights Museum. Travelers can spend hours hopping from one museum, studio tour and historic location to another, stopping to sample the best BBQ America has to offer along the way. I can't wait to share my favorites of the trip with you below! And you better bet, we're starting with a playlist. 

Memphis Playlist Vibes:

“Big River” Jonny Cash, “Graceland” Paul Simon, "Blue Moon" Elvis Presley, “Back to Memphis” The Band, "Walking In Memphis" Marc Cohn, “Love and Happiness” Al Green, “Midnight Train to Memphis” Chris Stapleton, "Workin' Woman Blues" Valerie June and anything from Justin Timberlake and the Tennessee Kids of course! (There are sooo many more amazing choices, but this should get you started!)

Where to Stay:

There are lots of fantastic options from hotels to super cute Airbnbs too. On this particular trip we stayed at the Hotel Napoleon, an adorable boutique hotel situated downtown, near Beale Street, amongst the trolly stops and a few blocks from the Mississippi River. Other hotels that I’ll certainly be back for: The Peabody and the Guest House at Graceland (because, confessing now - we didn't visit Graceland on this trip, I know - the sacrilege! but I'll certainly be back to devote an entire weekend to just that!)

Where to Eat

There was a moment about ½ way through the weekend that I was certain I couldn’t eat another bite, because all the food was that good and authentic. Well that moment occurred just before trying Memphis’ famous BBQ and then I was like "okay, keep bringing it on!". My recommendation: take it slow and sample as much as you can! Here were my personal favorites:

Breakfast at the Arcade

We sat in Elvis’ booth, yes, there are locals that will fully confirm that this booth was truly his. When I was traveling and writing Wanderful I’d often pick a character that had a history in the place I was visiting - I’d imagine what they would be wearing, listening to, eating, etc. The character was sometimes a literary one and sometimes a real life person too — like Jackie Kennedy, for example when road tripping through Maine! On this trip to Memphis Elvis was my guy. Can you imagine the conversations had at this table... and the amount of deep fried French toast consumed?!

The Food Trucks at the Levitt Shell

There are some things that can make you feel 16 again ... nights that never end, when you’re on top of the world, with the music too loud, sneaking sips of beer from the grown ups. Nights like the one we had at the Levitt Shell gave me that warm and fuzzy feeling. Don't just go to the Shell for the food trucks, but when you do go don't skip the Frito Pie!  

Other places we loved:

Otherlands Coffee Bar and Cafe Keough for breakfast and Second Line for dinner!

Want to Play Outside?

You know I do! On our itinerary the first stop on our second day was to meet Doug at Shelby Forest General Store. Do not skip this stop, I repeat do not skip this stop! We were given three little pieces of information before arriving: 1 - your phone will lose service 2 - Doug will point you in the right direction of a good spot to hike in the forest and then 3 - Doug will serve up cheeseburgers after your hike. When I read this on the itinerary I was super intrigued. After the visit, well I could truly write an entire post about the visit to Doug’s store (and believe me I will).

This afternoon looked like this: sharing stories (and fried bologna sandwiches) with Doug, trailing a family of butterflies on a hike through the hardwood forest and then soaking up some sunshine on the bank of the Mississippi. It was a constant reminder that life offers up so much sweetness when you really look for it.

I have to add - both Al Green and Justin Timberlake used to hang out at the General Store. JT even mentioned it on the Grammys some years back. It’s not the reason to visit, but there’s a little buzz around the store that surely those guys felt the second they first sat on the porch soaking it all in.

For My Music Lovers

Truly isn’t the music half the reason people make the pilgrimage to Memphis? Okay so we didn't visit Graceland but what we DID do is not to be missed. My favorite was the tour of Sun Studio. "Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine” said Elvis Presley and he should know! He was one of the biggest stars of Sun Studio. The history and spirit in this building can be felt just approaching that guitar in the sky and the neon lights in the windows.

We also took in a Blind Boys of Alabama show at the Levitt Shell. Here's a little more about the Levitt Shell: It's an open air amphitheatre in Overton Park located in the heart of Midtown Memphis. The Shell was built in 1939 by the City of Memphis and the depression era Works Progress Act. 27 band Shells were built across the country during this time and the Levitt Shell is one of only a handful that remain standing. It's also worth noting - on July 30, 1954 Elvis took the Shell stage for what some historians call the “first ever rock ‘n’ roll show.” Okay - see? Don't miss it.   

There’s also record shops and bars with killer live music to add to your list: The Cove and Bar DKDC plus Shangri La Records and Goner Records for you vinyl lovers.

Other Can't Miss Places

Old Dominick: We ended our weekend at an event at Old Dominick Distillery as they launched a new line of small batch spirits, straight from the lab of their head distiller, Alex Castle. She's a serious badass too and one of the only female distillers at this level in the country. There's a long family history in the distillery and it's worth a visit for a tour and a tasting! After the event the team from Old Dominick took us out for a night at Earnestine & Hazels and between the juke box and the ghost stories I'm so glad we spent our last evening here.

The Crystal Shrine Grotto at Memorial Park Cemetery: This is one of those you have to see it to believe it. Thousands and thousands of crystals line the walls, floors and ceilings of the absolutely stunning monument. 

Crosstown Concourse: This one is for your history buffs and art aficionados too. It's a mixed use center with so much history. This building was The Sears, Roebuck & Company catalog order plant and retail store and opened in 1927. The building has undergone a massive renovation, however the story of it's origin is told throughout. The preservation of the building is incredible. The gallery space in the building is massive, and there's tons of restaurant and shopping options too!

I"m so incredibly grateful for trips like this one. Memphis doesn't just attract tourists, it truly draws in people looking for a soul connection to a place. Whether you're worshipping at the shrine of Johnny Cash or Elvis or meeting the spirit of Dr. King at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel there's so many ways to spend time here. Of course, as always, if you go be sure to tag me over on instagram! I love following along on your Wanderful adventures too!

Wanderfully yours,

Andi

big thanks to Lauren for taking the photos on this adventure!

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Oui, We Go to Uke Fest

Words, Photos and Illustrations By Maddie Ligenza

Play the guitar, drums, or bass? You may be out of luck, because this particular weekend is ONLY about the ukulele (who knew??). Hidden within the olive trees of Nashville, Indiana, the first weekend of June holds an Ukulele World Congress festival - a rustic mix of midwest locals, friends, and outsiders with their ukuleles.

Almost immediately, the eclectic crowd greets one another, tents are pitched, and the communal jamming begins. ‘Good to meet ya!’ echoes like the sound that flows from the main stage, and singers with their ukuleles, both young and old rush to listen to each other play. It’s truly a culture of its own, and I can’t wait to go back next year.

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Maddie's Visual Diary from the Weekend:

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