Gardenia's Guide: Oaxaca

A sun-soaked edit curated for exploring the colors, textures, and spirit of Oaxaca, one of my favorite summer desitnations. Think effortless silhouettes, artisan-made details, and pieces designed for wandering mercados, sipping mezcal, and chasing la hora dorada.

The Day Time Look

FRANCISCA V-NECK // COOL COLOR STRIPE FRANCISCA V-NECK // COOL COLOR STRIPE
FRANCISCA V-NECK // COOL COLOR STRIPE
Regular price $86.00 USD
Sparkle Beaded Necklace Sparkle Beaded Necklace
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Sparkle Beaded Necklace
Regular price $18.00 USD
BLACK LEATHER PACHUCO HUARACHE BLACK LEATHER PACHUCO HUARACHE
BLACK LEATHER PACHUCO HUARACHE
Regular price $90.00 USD
COLOR BLOCK LOLITA / GREEN + BLUE COLOR BLOCK LOLITA / GREEN + BLUE
COLOR BLOCK LOLITA / GREEN + BLUE
Regular price $89.00 USD

Our woven pieces, like the Francisca V-neck are handmade in Oaxaca. For generations, lightweight cotton, pieced together with textures and colors reflective of indigenous heritage have been worn daily on the streets of Oaxaca. I love taking the traditional and making it accessible for the modern woman. Creating a boxy top, slightly cropped creates a fit that works for a range of sizes and pairs amazingly well with pants, cut offs or billowing skirts.

Lodging

Stay at Boulenc Bed and Bread

Why I love Boulenc Bed and Bread is simple. Imagine a space that has tile the color of water, and walls the colors of a sunset. The furniture is made from materials gathered from the forest surrounding the high Sierras. Now imagine all that above a first class bakery. Boulenc is a favorite among all Oaxaquenos. Fresh breakfast and lunch is served throughout the day. So shower, get ready and walk downstairs... don't forget to order french press coffee to arrive at your door in the morning.

The Night Time Look

HUICHOL HOOP EARRINGS / LILAC + BLACK HUICHOL HOOP EARRINGS / LILAC + BLACK
HUICHOL HOOP EARRINGS / LILAC + BLACK
Regular price $22.00 USD
LEON COWBOY BOOT // BLACK LEON COWBOY BOOT // BLACK
LEON COWBOY BOOT // BLACK
Regular price $225.00 USD
PURPLE CAFTAN PURPLE CAFTAN
PURPLE CAFTAN
Regular price $280.00 USD
THE MINI TULA / BLACK THE MINI TULA / BLACK
THE MINI TULA / BLACK
Regular price $85.00 USD

Handloomed caftans are a sophisticated piece of fashion. Sure, you can throw it on over a swimsuit, make dinner in it with comfort, but you can't deny the artistry and value with every stitch that laces the piece in elegance. So wear it with pride and tell the story of where it comes from. I love to pair it with our Leon Black Cowboy Boot, giving the look a western flair. Tied together with our leather Mini Tula and giant Huichol Hoop earring... making a statement will be easy.

Experience

Visit Centro Cultural Del Mezcal

The Centro Cultural de Mezcal was an accidental stop on my last trip when we needed a cold beverage after shopping all afternoon. The kind of relaxing, zen-like find, perfect on a hot day when you need replenishment. The garden, the birria tacos and the perfect mezcal margarita hit the spot.

Where to Eat

No trip to Oaxaca is complete without dinner at Casa Oaxaca; a Oaxacan institution serving traditional plates with modern twists. Order the Mole con Pavo with an ice cold martini, of course. Reserve a seat at Crudo for an intimate, full Omakase experience made entirely with local ingredients-- a newer favorite that will soon be a Oaxacan classic.
Crudo Casa Oaxaca

Exploring Teotitlán del Valle

On my last visit to Oaxaca, I stopped by La Casa Viviana—an institution in the village of Teotitlán del Valle. In her outdoor taller, Viviana has practiced her craft for decades, sharing stories of her past with countless admirers. Sitting in small groups, watching her famously beautiful candles come to life, is a privilege. The candles are extraordinary, but it’s Viviana you come to see. She beams with pride as she shares stories of her travels, Vogue features, and appearances across Mexico. Her pieces reflect the magic of her village. Places like hers are what make Oaxaca so special and remind us of the importance of supporting traditions and craftsmanship.

Casa Viviana