Caftan and Cocktails in Palm Springs

Caftans and Cocktails in Palm Springs | photography Ashley Williams 

When the month June rolls its lovely self around in San Diego, the marine layer rolls in right along with it. The temps aren't quite as dreamy as one would imagine (I'm not complaining, I'm just stating a point.  That's why they call it June Gloom.)  It's the perfect time to break out the caftans and gear up for a weekend away with caftans and cocktails in Palm Springs.

What is a Caftan, one might ask?  Caftans are underrated in the summer, if you ask me!  In the summer, we are crying out for loose clothing, relaxed fits, and easy to wear pieces.  Wearing a caftan does all of these things!  A caftan is similar to a beach cover up but can often be much more embellished and detailed.  Aren't familiar with caftans or don't own one yourself, yet?  I'll show you how to wear a caftan and offer a few tips for you to try a caftan for yourself!

One of the magical things about wearing loose clothing (think the bo-ho vibe) is that when figuring out how to wear a caftan, you don't have to be exact with sizing like you do with fitted blazers and pants.  This is sooo good for you momma's out there that want something cute, fashionable, yet comfy.  Caftans are that perfect piece.  Here are a few quick tips for figuring out the what is a caftan mystery.

Deciding on How to Wear a Caftan? 

Tip # 1 | Where to start looking?  Obviously online is a great place to start, shops like Trina Turk offer a small selection of caftans, though they refer to them as tunics, which is also totally acceptable!  If you're more of the vintage type, caftans can often be found in vintage shops in parts of Palm Springs, like Deja Vu, which is where you'll find the best deals & the prettiest patterns!  You can also check out Ebay.   In my opinion, the older vintage caftans are the best! Sometimes you can also Google, "mumu" and find a few great ones!

Caftan Tip #2 | Trying to figure out how to wear a Caftan and make it fit? There are some options you have here.  Look for caftans that have some seams near the armpit, that allow for a more "fitted" caftan look.  If they're too loose near the arms, they'll look too unflattering.  But, with that being said, if you find a caftan that you love and it doesn't fit, always, always, use a tailor!  For a small price, they can create seams where there are none and you will have a lovely, properly fitting caftan in no time!

Caftan Tip #3 | What to pay attention to when it comes to purchasing one? Opt for color and pay attention to length.  Caftans, mumus, tunics, rompers, all are a bit different but they have some similarities.  Take my examples below.  If you're not comfortable with a floor length kaftan, opt for a loose knee-length tunic, for example.  And color?  I love colorful caftans that have great prints.  The bright ones are the best!  Orange, blues, and purples, think gemstone colors, are such flattering kaftan colors.  So when you're figuring out how to wear a caftan, opt for a colorful, floor length but it's okay to step outside the box and choose something a little more reserved (if you absolutely have to! wink, wink).

 

Shop:

 || Orange Caftan | Pink Caftan  || White Romper  | Pink Romper | Black & White Romper || Blue Tunic | Red Tunic  ||

Photo Shoot on location at the Viceroy Palm Springs

Little Side Note about our Palm Spring Vacation | Some tips about Palm Springs

Palm Springs is one of my favorite weekend getaways in Southern California.  It is a great two-hour escape into the desert and a great place to relax, eat great food, and feel swanky on a budget.  If you’re heading for an overnight or weekend getaway to Palm Springs like I am, here are my recommendations for what to pack, where to eat, and where to stay when you go.

What to Pack for Palm Springs?  Palm Springs is all about relaxation and playin’ it cool because the weather is so, so warm!  During the day, I highly recommend all things loose and flowy over a swimsuit, as you’ll be spending most of your time at the pool or under those misters at the pool bar!  Hats, great sandals, and a tote bag to stuff all that reading material (ie: all my gossip magazines) is a must.Places to Eat in Palm Springs?  One of the many, many things to do in Palm Springs when you arrive is to immediately scout out the best food around, and there are plenty of small places that are great, among a handful of places that are chain restaurants.  To avoid those chains, here are the places you should try that are hip, have a great food/drink menu, and are very chic with the decor.

• Breakfast | Cheeky’s is a great outdoor spot to go for brunch.  It gets paaaaacked, so be prepared to wait it out.  It’s worth it.  Their drinks, their bacon, and their vibe are all great.  While waiting, walk down the the vintage shop that is 5 doors down or so.  It’ll be a great place to kill time and find a great skirt.  Optional?  Head to the Parker Palm Springs and try their brunch.  Sit outside on the patio and grab a mimosa.

• Lunch | Norma’s at The Parker Palm Springs.  If you don’t make it for brunch, grab a late lunch at Norma’s.  It’s super chill and has a fantastic Jonathan Adler vibe.

• Drinks | Try the Ace Hotel’s Amigo Bar.  They play great music, have a live DJ on some nights, and have a good drink menu.

• Dinner | Birba is one of my fav-favorites when I’m looking for things to do in Palm Springs.  I could plop myself down here at dinner time and whisk myself away with their deliciously yummy pizza and fabulous wine.  It’s mainly an outdoor spot, so sit under the stars and enjoy yourself.  Workshop Kitchen is another favorite, this one indoors.  The seating, decor is minimalistic and their drink list is top notch.  I’d recommend, if you’re here for two nights, trying both spots for drinks & dinner.  Their within a 10 min walking distance of each other.

 Places to Shop in Palm Springs | Of course, one of the many reasons people go to Palm Springs is for the vintage shopping.  Of the things to do in Palm Springs, this is one of my favorites, hands down.  There are a few fantastic spots to pop into like Dejavu Vintage, which I mentioned was a short walk from Cheeky’s, all along the same strip.   Of course, there is the ever-fashionable, Trina Turk, whose shop sits in a great spot near a few design shops.  Her store is worth a stop for some fun & fashionable goodies while in Palm Springs.Where to Stay in Palm Springs |  I’ve stayed at the Korakia Pensione, a gorgeous Moroccan-style retreat.  It is such a delightful reprieve from anything busy.  They serve tea & breakfast in the mornings, and have a lovely pool, fire-pit, and bikes you can take for a spin around Palm Springs.   The Parker Palm Springs is a beautiful place to stay but can get kinda pricey.  I’d recommend signing up for their email list because they have great deals that they send out via newsletter and you can score a room for under $150 during the hot, hot summer season!  Formerly the Viceroy Palm Springs, now the Avalon hotel, is also a great option.  It’s a bit dated from a design perspective (ie: large air conditioners on the patios) but it is a fun place to hang by the pool and the decor is fabulous too.  I have stayed there quite a few times and don’t mind it because they have fabulous pool options (3 to choose from) andtheir courtyard is absolutely delightful.   Last on the list of things to do in Palm Springs for stay options is the Ace Hotel.  Very hipster, very relaxed, and super affordable when you go during the hotter months.  It has a minimalist vibe, but a fun pool scene.   For more on things to do in Palm Springs, you can check out this fab post on rocking a kaftan in Palm Springs!