vacation outfits worn to slay the buffet
because someone has to
We spent a week in Punta Cana as a family - minimal screen time, maximum buffet attendance, and outfits that had no business being worn to hibachi.
We stayed at a fabulous all-inclusive that truly met all of our needs. Sidenote: where are my fellow Costco members? Are we using the travel perks? Because the air-conditioned van with an iPad that had our last name on it while others melted waiting for their airport ride… an absolute gift from the Costco gods & goddesses.
I think my husband and I are the most low-key hotel guests of all time. We waited too long to book our weekly resys, said whateverrrr, and ended up rolling the dice on the buffet for every meal except hibachi on our last night.
Reviews had mixed feelings about the food, but for my family this was a major upgrade from my weekly rotation of Taco Tuesday and “burnt burgers if mom grills.”
My son will take a bite, look visibly unwell, and say, “Mom… this is very good.” My daughter asks me to remove all the “black stuff” before her lips touch anything I’ve made.
I am a self-proclaimed chaotic packer. This usually looks like me throwing random things into a suitcase followed by a full spiral on the bed staring at the ceiling announcing, “I have nothing to wear.”
Tbh, I have a lot to wear. I used Indyx collections to plan this trip and I’m not being dramatic when I say it changed everything. 1000/10.
I didn’t pack anticipating nightly buffet dinners instead of the “luxurious restaurants,” but as our girl Joan Didion said (and Ariane quoted in her last post), today is all we have.
So I dressed the hell up for the buffet.
Every. Damn. Night.
Here’s my trip recap. Fits and unsung heroes. Nothing over the top, nothing unattainable, just good pieces styled well and worn to the buffet like they deserved.
Affiliate links included below.
Day 1
We flew into the DR and arrived at our room around lunchtime. Ordered room service quesadillas, Dominican coffee (highly recommend), then swam before our buffet bash.
I made sure to get a mani/pedi before the trip even though sitting in a nail salon is my personal version of exposure therapy. On the way back from dinner I stubbed my toe. RIP to my pinky toenail. Trip continued.
Buffet Fit
🏅Unsung Hero: Packable Steamer
Saved the linen. Never traveling without it again.
Day 2
We are a beach in the AM, pool in the PM kind of family. By day two I had successfully befriended all the hotel cats.
My kids also learned a few things this trip - mainly gratitude. Whether through tips, genuine thank yous, or a simple buenos días.
Beach/Pool Fit
Buffet Fit
🏅Unsung Hero: Sunscreen
No cast, immediate reapply energy. Shockingly elite.
Day 3
By day three, the buffet was still hitting. I have a resurrected love for crepes and could genuinely eat poached eggs and plantains every day forever.
There was an inflatable pirate ship obstacle course where I enjoyed watching kids (mine included) and adults face-plant into the pool while I sipped my virgin piña colada, giggling quietly behind my sunnies.
Beach/Pool Fit
🏅Unsung Hero: Cadence Packing Containers (*gifted)
Magnetic, organized, excellent for carry-on-ONLY life.
Day 4
Decided to try and get my fitness on, but the universe reminded me I was extremely dehydrated. Nothing Zofran couldn’t handle. Back on my feet in no time. Rookie mistake: no electrolyte packets.
Hibachi night was a blast. Our personal kryptonite as an anti-social family, and yet we thrived. Met some lovely fellow New Yorkers and yapped it up.
Our chef Eddie kept us laughing. I spent a solid portion of dinner worried he’d try to throw an egg into my mouth while I was wearing my new favorite dress. Crisis averted.
The highlight: a fork-juggling mishap that landed directly on my Four-Shirted-Husband™, whose personal kryptonite is, in fact, a stain.
On the way out, there was a silent disco. My first experience with this social phenomenon. The Cupid Shuffle, the Wobble, the Macarena—I was in my element. I quite literally had to wobble myself back to the shower.
Beach/Pool Fit
Hibachi Fit
🏅Unsung Hero: Gradual Tan Lotion
I’m all about enhancing the glow when you’re only away for 5 days.
All in all, we had such an amazing trip! We loved the hotel, the staff, the weather and a pool big enough that we didn’t have to socialize with other couples at the bar. Listen—we are works in progress, k!?
We would absolutely return. You know it was a great trip when your kids cry because they have to leave. Although my son deeply missed watching WWE and my daughter missed her 1,212 stuffed animals.
It felt really special sharing Dominican culture with my kids—so full of color and life. I have a feeling I might have more to say about this trip… beyond the buffet. Stay tuned.
Hibachi chef Eddie referred to me as “Queen” when he served me, so I will be signing off accordingly.
Sincerely,
Your Hibachi Queen 👑
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Last Week on Rambling In Style
ALWAYS DRESS UP FOR THE BUFFET!! Vacation is fun when there is something to dress for.
I read this post and was mentally transported back to many a bachelorette weekend where every girl’s packing strategy (or lack of) was on full display for the weekend activities. I bet you were the hottest mamacita at the onion volcano. ❤️🔥