I just got back from a Caribbean vacation to Jamaica, where I stayed at Idle Awhile in Negril. I spent most of my weeklong birthday trip exactly how I wanted: at Seven Mile Beach.
When I wasn't laying out in the sun or floating in the warmest ocean I've ever felt, I was going out to eat at restaurants like Ivan's and Flag City Seafood & Grill. There's also a man who walks along the beach selling patties, which quickly became my go-to lunch. I started calling it "P&P time"—short for Pepsi and patties (specifically the beef ones).
For my birthday dinner, I went to the cliffside Rockhouse Restaurant located at Rockhouse Hotel, a boutique property designed by two architects who once worked under Frank Lloyd Wright. Perched above Pristine Cove, it has stunning sunsets and endless horizon views. I can't recommend it enough.
When it came to clothes, in true fashion, I overpacked (21 swimsuits!), only to end up, as always, wearing a handful of favorites on repeat. The clear winner of "most-worn item" was the 90's Bias Skirt by Charlie Beads. I couldn't stop reaching for it.
Keep scrolling to see what I brought with me—from sunscreen to slips.
Beauty
The only hairbrush I will ever use when my hair is wet.
I have fine hair, and this Rōz serum never weighs it down. It's my favorite.
The trusted EltaMD sunscreen.
Bal d'Afrique was the only scent I brought with me.
An everyday lip liner…
…topped with clear gloss.
Swimwear
This baby-blue swimsuit from Frankies Bikinis.
I love this Baserange one-piece.
Fruity Booty makes the best swimwear.
The white polka-dot version I have is sold out, but it comes in black as well.
This is one of my favorites—I love the color.
This got a lot of wear.
I'm a big fan of Miaou for bikinis.
Clothes
Whenever I'm going somewhere warm, I bring a five-pack of these Hanes tank tops to throw on during the day when it's too hot to think.
A sheer Gimaguas halter maxi.
I literally wore this Charlie Beads skirt almost every day.
The easiest slip dress from Cou Cou.
Louisa Ballou is my favorite designer for tropical vacationwear.
Tell me why I know that Addison Rae wore the white version of this in her "Times Like These" music video.
So many of our editors own this skirt.
For going to dinner.
A red coordinating set.
Pointelle is one of my go-to materials when it's above 80°.
The only flip-flops I ever need are the Havaianas Slim Flip Flops.
These are such good beach shoes too.
In-Flight Essentials
Compression socks for the plane ride.
I like Aritzia's Butter Tumbler Tank with the New Cheeky Hi-Rise Capris for flying in.
The matching capris.
I always pack a cashmere sweater for the plane.
I've been stuck on a noisy plane before, which is the absolute worst, and ever since, I've been traveling with noise-canceling headphones.
Earplugs too.
I keep an eye mask on hand.