Winery Hopping

If you know me, you know during the warm summer months, wine is a major food group. It’s served with our dinner parties, brought on picnics and enjoyed on our porch after a long day at work. If you can't find me on a Sunday afternoon, know that I'm probably at a winery.

A couple weeks ago, 20 of my best gal pals trekked out to Route 7 to visit the wineries with me! (And be trekked, I mean enjoyed a luxe bus ride from Reston Limousine - and to be honest, this is literally the best way to tour wineries that exists.) We each brought a picnic treat, frolicked among the vines and took more photos than my poor 2GB card could handle. See our adventures below at Stone Tower Winery (where all but the last photo were taken) and Hillsborough Winery (last photo), and do yourselves a favor and check these two faves next time you’re vineyard hopping.

On Julien: Dress, Gap (similar here.) Hat, American Apparel. Shoes, Crown Vintage via DSW. Belt, J.Crew Factory (similar here and this one is 40% off using code CLEANUP) Bracelets, J.Crew Factory (similar version here for 40% using code CLEANUP) Map necklace, c/o Three Jane NY. Long necklace (body chain used as necklace), Rachelle Celine. Bar necklace, She’s Unique. Blue ring, Julie Vos (similar here.) Midi rings, c/o Rachelle Celine. Sunnies, Michael Kors.

50 Shades of Beige

I love bright colors - the brighter the better. But look in my closet? Blacks, navys, whites, off-whites, more shades of white and brown. Of course, I have splatters of pink and purple, but the majority are neutrals. So one day, I decided to put on all the beige things for work and VIOLA! The result is as follows.

Photos by Amanda

On Julien: Blazer, Banana Republic (similar sleeveless version here.) Blouse, J. CREW (similar here.) Pants, Ann Taylor LOFT. Shoes, Kelly and Katie from DSW. Bracelet, unknown (similar here.) Long necklace (body chain used as a necklace), Rachelle Celine. Map necklace, c/o Three Jane NY. Bar necklace and earrings, She’s Unique. Midi rings, c/o Rachelle Celine. Sunnies, Kate Spade (borrowed from Amanda.)

Statement Blazer

DC’s weather is a hot mess. One minute it’s 90 degrees and you can’t stop sweating (err, *glistening*) - the next it’s torrential downpour and you, of course, forgot your umbrella. Or is that just me? Literally I only forget to bring my umbrella on days when it rains.

When I spotted this pretty blazer from Anthom, I knew it’d be perfect for those drizzly, cooler evenings in DC. I love how it drapes and the inside lining is satin which is AMAZING. Plus, I love a double duty jacket I can wear for work and after hours!

Next week, I’ll be sharing some photos I shot at Anthom after their store opening. Their new store is in Mosaic District, and if you haven’t visited, I HIGHLY encourage it. I am dying to return for this cropped blouse and these copper hangers. 

On Julien: Dress, Poof! Apparel (love this one.) Jacket, Anthom. Clutch, Michael Kors (similar on sale here.) Shoes, Michael Kors (similar here with gold heel.) Earrings, She’s Unique. Bracelets, Nordstrom (similar here.) Necklace, Target (similar here.) Tights, c/o Hanes Hosiery. Photos by Meaghan.

Chambray Dress

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to check out the new spring collection at The Frye Company with Poor Little It Girl and Lucky Magazine. Obviously, I died and went to shoe/purse heaven. 

I got these Frye boots for Christmas from the hubs a few years ago. Actually, to be honest, I got a different pair that wouldn't fit up my calves (womp) so I ordered the wide calf ones instead. I'm obsessed. People would literally ask me if I owned any other shoes.

And don't even get me started on this fun Ryan Michael dress. I popped the collar and paired it with my metallic Rebecca Minkoff bag for a more glam feel. Thank goodness chambray is here to stay!

Also! My good friend Alicia (the fabulous blogger who took these photos) just rebranded her blog and is giving away $150 gift card to JCREW (say whattt!!!) Scroll to the bottom to enter the contest - good luck!

On Julien: Dress, Ryan Michael c/o (to order, call 855-899-1708 or email.) Boots, The Frye Company. Purse, Rebecca Minkoff (non-metallic version here.) Bangle, Lilly Pulitzer. Leather bracelet, unknown (similar here.) Belt, Martin & Osa (discontinued, similar here.)

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Charms and Stripes

Each year, our family gets together at my hub’s grandparent’s home for a Memorial Day picnic. I love going ‘down to the valley,’ as we say, for many reasons. I love the memories I have of rafting down the river, backroad motorcycle rides and most of all, falling in love.

I remember when Shawn and I were about to graduate high school together. We only recently started dating, but had been good friends for years. He picked me up one evening from the dorms (we went to boarding school) and drove me to an open field. He had brought a picnic blanket and juices for us (we were so innocent), and as we lay there, we stared up at the stars for what seemed like hours.

“I have something for you,” Shawn said after a while.

He told me to close my eyes and open my hands and in them, he placed a little blue box. I opened the box and inside was the MOST darling little charm bracelet (seen below.) It was filled with nautical charms (my favorite, obvi.) He told me that his brother used to give his (now) wife charms for her bracelet each year…and in that moment, our lives changed forever. Ehh okay so I'm a bit dramatic - what can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic!

Speaking of romantic, I opted for a messy fishtail braid for the latest side-by-side challenge - check out these braided beauties below for more inspiration!

Click the name to see more!   Amanda // Jennie // Jill // Lisa // Jen // Kristyn // Marissa

On Julien: Dress, Ralph Lauren (similar here.) Shoes, Crown Vintage. Charm bracelet, Tiffany & Co (similar here.) Earrings, Julie Vos (similar here.) Sunnies, Michael Kors.