Daughter 2 and I toured the University of Mississippi this past weekend and this charming college town was a dream destination for those of us who like to wear sundresses, shop, and drink our weight in sweet tea. The heart and soul of this place is palpable.
I packed in a flurry and ended up wishing I had two more dresses in the rotation for our two night excursion but otherwise my choices were solid. I love knowing what people pack so here you go!
On the plane: D.C. to Chicago to Memphis, then a 90 minute drive to Oxford - WTH. I could have flown to Europe in less time.
I have learned the hard way that I cannot carry a cute bag on an airplane. Crushing a nice bag under the seat makes me crazy (the dirt! the grime!) and I hate shoving my pocketbook into a crowded overhead compartment with dirty roller bag wheels. Plus I need a bag that closes completely. And so, I have chosen to sacrifice style and regularly use Daughter 2’s expensive Patagonia backpack when I fly. I bought her said backpack for the one serious outdoor expedition she has endured in her seventeen years. I myself have not slept in a tent since my Girl Scout camping days; we are not outdoorsy types. I am always freezing on aiplanes and this trip was no exception. I brought a heavy sweatshirt to layer over all of the above components while on the plane and, dear reader, I was still freezing.
Outfit notes: The Uniqlo tee and Tibi sweatpants are Best In Class, truly. Meanwhile I’m still trying to figure out how to style the Citizens denim shirt. Honestly, it is so oversized that I don’t wear it as much as I thought I would. It’s good for travel layering though.
On the campus tour:
Obviously I was overdressed for the occasion but I don’t know any other way to do it. In my defense, I thought we might go out to a nice lunch afterwards. Also, it was 85 degrees. I learned that spring in D.C. is summer in Mississippi. Also, these folks are on central time. Not to be an East coast chauvinist, but who knew Mississippi was so far west?
In actuality I wore a spring 2022 version of the dress pictured above. I couldn’t find an image of my Isla dress which is more of a floral pattern, but the dress style is the same. I have seen and tried on this year’s version in real life though and someone must buy it! It’s so darn cheerful. If I didn’t already own the floral version it would be mine. I tried to coax Daughter 2 into wearing a sundress for the tour as well but she refused - opting for a tennis skirt and t-shirt instead. To each her own, but the Gen Z commitment to athleisure is going to be the end of me. My daughter also insisted upon ordering Chick-fil-A at the student center minutes before our tour even though a full breakfast had been offered to her at the hotel. “I wasn’t hungry then.” With no time to eat her chicken biscuits before the tour and no handbag of her own, she asked if I would hold her biscuits in my vintage Speedy.
Shopping, Dinner, and Exploring the Double Decker Festival
Outfit notes: Remember Christy Dawn dresses? This is the only one I own and it’s a one size fits all situation, which is always a risk in my experience. The drawstring waist really does allow the waist to expand and constrict depending on how much fried chicken one has consumed. I had my tailor add a snap at the bust and I have worn this dress for years and years. The picture isn’t great; the dress is the dreamiest cotton yellow seersucker fabric and is one of my favorite sundresses. It turns up on the resale sites every now and again. In fact, I bought it via resale. The Pink Haley hat is old as well and just a really nice shape for walking around outside. It doesn’t read as too beachy and you could prep it up with a ribbon. Hard to find as it’s several years old. The festival was full of art and music and FOOD. Overall, it was a really spectacular time to be in Oxford!
Where We Shopped
missbehavin: for sweet Gen Z dresses, bikinis, and casual wear - good prices
Jane:for me! Hunter Bell, Paige denim, so many pretty things!
Cicada: also for me. Mother, Veronica Beard, Anine Bing, all the things.
Frock - for everyone. Sundry dresses and Splits59 leggings.
Square Books - independent bookstore love love love.
Where We Dined
Ajax Diner: Chicken fried steak with a side of okra? Don’t mind if I do!
City Grocery: Gentlemen must remove their hats in the dining room.
Big Bad Breakfast: Lord have mercy, these biscuits.
Our Hotel
Graduate: fun decor and vibe, fantastic location that is walking distance from “the square” (all the shops and restaurants) and a rooftop bar.
What I wish I Had Packed
Two more sundresses at least. I needed a more casual dress to change into after the campus tour and then maybe a third dress for dinner. People were dressed up in town - casual, southern, preppy, chic. If I had it to do again I would have thrown in a Molly Moorkamp shift or two and maybe a matching skirt and top set. Except that I don’t own the latter.
Post-Scripts
Nan Phillip is on Substack - hooray! She is one of my favorite instagram follows - an authentic voice in a sea of sameness. Her recommendations have never done me wrong.
I loved the styling on April’s Southern Living cover. Can we talk about Camila’s dress? Her whole look, actually. I’ve been slowly but surely coaxing my curly headed husband into growing his hair out after a lifetime of military haircuts and if I sort of squint his hair now looks like Matthew McConaughey’s curly locks.
Speaking of men with hair, I cannot wait to watch the Bon Jovi documentary on Hulu. “It’s four episodes?” my husband groaned. Meanwhile I’m thinking"It’s only four episodes?” I’ve also been enjoying Bon Jovi’s Sirius new station (312) when my kids aren’t in the car.
What do we think of the naked nails trend? Nobody loves a bright red mani/pedi more than me, but I’ve been influenced and I’m trying out OPI Put it in Neutral in these early weeks of sandal season. Frankly, I’m not sure how I feel about it. On me, this shade is only slightly more than a clear coat and I’m wondering if there’s an alternative that gives me a tad more coverage? Unpopular opinion, but I’m not a fan of Bubble Bath. I do like the more modern look of bare nails (which of course are not actually bare, sigh. It’s like the no makeup makeup look). Please share any suggestions and thanks for listening. Nobody at my office or in my house is interested in this conversation.
Never Not Shopping
I find Madewell to be hit or miss for me but there are several things in my cart right now - I love these Madewell knotted sandals in black (they add nice texture to an outfit) and this ruffle trim tank. I’m imagining that I would wear it with jeans or maxi skirts.
I’ve written about my love for two controversial items - the capri pant and the barrel leg jean. Gwyneth has shown me up again by going where I don’t dare - the wide leg capri jean. Note that she does not have bare nails.
All right, these green pants are everywhere and I love them! But I fear I’m too late. By the time I got on the Sambas train, everyone else had them and I felt like a Where’s Waldo picture. Sadly, my Sambas have been passed down to my college daughter and I don’t want the same fate to befall these green pants so I’m holding off for now.
Thanks for reading!
XOXO,
Tara