Before I started travel blogging, I moonlighted as a style blogger. I love fashion; always have since I hosted dress-up competitions with my friends in the backyard.

Now that I’m completely nomadic and living in an Airstream, my wardrobe must be functional. Still, I’m too vain to give up stylish clothing and, as a travel host, I need to be camera-ready even when I’m hiking a mountain. So, my wardrobe still has sequins, velvet, faux fur, and fun stuff… but a few more baggy pants and comfy shoes.

Travel style is harder than it looks

As much as I love fashion, I have three challenges when it comes to travel style:

Very limited closet space in my Airstream
Need for a multi-season wardrobe (I lived on a tropical island for 7 years and only had a summer wardrobe)
Fluctuating weight (I lost 30 pounds, but have gained back half)

So, I’ll be doing a series of travel style posts and addressing all three challenges.

Let’s talk about winter coats

My first stop in California was Joshua Tree National Park where it was a bitter 40 degrees. I knew I wouldn’t survive a day in my thin wool coat or any of my cute cropped jackets, so I gave in and bought a puffer coat. Because I’m a curvy size 10/12, I don’t like clothes that add bulk. However, being warm is essential because I love the outdoors. Enter the puffer coat… I went on a 5-mile hike at Joshua Tree National Park and was so glad I had this down coat!

I found this stylish beauty at Macy’s, but not in my size, so I ordered it online. I like that it is fitted in the waist and that the hood is oversized to balance out my sizable hips. It zips and snaps and has pockets.

My velvet ankle boots hadn’t seen the light of day yet, so I broke them in at scenic Joshua Tree. I’m forever on the hunt for stylish, low-heeled shoes and these fit the bill. (You can shop my other comfy shoes here.)

Glamping at Joshua Tree National Park

I only got to explore Black Rock Canyon Campground, but this was a good introduction to Joshua Tree. The campground didn’t have hookups for our Airstream trailer, but it did have water and bathrooms. The sunrises at Black Rock are stunning and there are a couple hikes you can do from the campground. There were plenty of people camping in tents despite the cold, but I was very glad to have a warm place to retreat to.

Stay tuned for a full photo essay or watch my drone flight over Joshua Tree!