Sale e Pepe - Marco Island

If you missed it, last week we went to Florida to visit my grandfather! He just turned 96 (96!!!) so we always make a point to visit him for a long weekend (which turned into a week thanks to a little unexpected weather) each year. 

For the past few years, I’d been dying to visit this one restaurant down the strip from where we stay - Sale e Pepe. I’d only seen photos online, but it looked SO dreamy. 

But a pretty Italian oasis comes at a pretty penny. It was definitely more than we’re used to spending, but for me, when it comes to GOOD food, there is no price too high. (KIDDING, of course. But I certainly don’t mind paying a little more if the food and environment are top notch.)

Somehow, I was able to convince the two money-saving men (my hubby and grandfather) that this was a good idea, that I had rented a dress JUST FOR THIS SPECIFIC OCCASION and that we essentially HAD to go. (Still can’t believe it worked!)

We arrived and I *actually* felt as if we were back in Italy on our honeymoon. I made a bee-line for the romantic terrace overlooking the ocean (even though my poor grandfather tried to sway us to eat inside instead - PAPOU, YOU CAN’T INSTAGRAM WHERE THERE IS NO NATURAL LIGHT, SILLY!)

Besides the swarms of people covering the picturesk sunset, it was perfect in every way. Wonderful wine selection, a plethora of dishes for me to choose from (ME! THE VEGETARIAN!) I ended up with the black truffle risotto (still can’t believe I actually said YOLO after ordering as I handed the menu back to our waiter.) $200 later, we all left with happy tummies and of course, a few photos to mark the occasion. 

About the dress: This gorgeous Line + Dot maxi dress from Rent the Runway was everything I had dreamed of and more. It was lightweight and romantic - the hubs even asked how much it would cost to keep it. Even though RTR doesn’t work that way, I know I’ll be keeping an eye out during their next Clearance sale!

Wearing Line + Dot maxi dress and Lovers + Friends jacket via Rent the Runway, Maumero sandals c/o, HOBO the Original bag c/o, Cuyana belt.

How We Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Let me just preface this post by saying the insanely gorgeous dress shown here is not what I’ll be wearing for Valentine’s Day (sadly.) I borrowed it from Rent the Runway for a shoot with my dear friend Leah Beilhart (check out her gorgeous photos on Insta) at the Sweet Root Village studio a few months back! I'm holding their stunning flowers here and if you're in the market for wedding or event flowers, THESE ARE YOUR GIRLS. 

It was a fun, spontaneous project we all worked on together - simply for the joy of collaborating with other women, supporting our passions and enjoying each other’s company.

So - Valentine’s Day. I know the feelings on this holiday run the gamete - from loathing the expectations surrounding this one day to baking heart shaped cupcakes for everyone in their office. I lie somewhere in the middle.

In our early dating years, I put the most unrealistic expectations on Valentine’s Day. You want everything to go JUST RIGHT, conversations to go swimmingly, the bubbly and laughter overflowing. 

And after years of finding the right balance for us as a couple, we’ve come up with what seems to be a tradition for Valentine’s Day.

First off - we don’t really do gifts (minus the bouquet of flowers my hubby loves to send!) It’s so close to the holidays, hubby’s birthday just ended a couple weeks prior, it’s too much. Instead, we pick out a meaningful card for each other. I prefer a handwritten card over gifts any day.

When we get home from work, we turn on the tunes (John Legend is our fave) and cook dinner together. Usually we’ll pick a recipe from our Positano cook book (where we honeymoon’ed) the night before. Almost always, it involves a fresh French baguette and some sort of delicious cheese, usually eaten while cooking. It’s a relaxing way to wind down from a busy day and really focus on each other.

Before dinner, we’ll take turns getting ready. We’re usually pretty casual - jeans and a cute top or sweater usually win out for me. I have an abundance of cute little candles from our wedding 5 years ago so I’ll usually light a few of those around the table, pop open a bottle of wine and we’ll spend a quiet evening together. A little old-lady like, but it’s just the way I like it.

Now I’m SO curious - how to you celebrate Valentine’s Day?! 

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Trends To Try For Valentine's Day

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day or even if it's just another workday for you, I've rounded up a few fun outfit ideas and trends to try for Valentine's Day this year!

Plus, you can click on each image to see the full outfit post!

THE LACE DRESS
It’s no secret that lace has totally taken over the romance homefront. This classic style has staying power, making it a top trend to invest in now and all year long.

THE STATEMENT PUMP
While I have quite a bit of neutrals in my closet, I always like to make exceptions to my own rules. I love this fuchsia pair and these blush calf hair pumps - both are from Banana Republic!

DARK FLORALS
This is another trend with staying power - the maxi dress is something I bought a year ago, but it's remained on-trend (thankfully!) Try a maxi dress for the ultimate romantic statement or one with ruffles for a fun, flirty look.

THE MIDI LENGTH
There's something eternally timeless about the midi-length dress. The modern silhouettes feel less 20's but still give off that forever classic vibe.

THE CULOTTE
Speaking of midi-lengths, the culotte is another fun trend to try. While my hubby isn't behind this trend 1000%, it's still something I love to dress up for a work celebration or a friend date. 

FAUX FUR
If there's one trend we're seeing on street style stars this fashion week, it's BY FAR big, faux fur. The bigger, the better. Guaranteed to make a statement and keep you warm. 

SILK SCARVES
Get in touch with your inner French girl and sport one of my favorite trends of the year - the silk scarf. While bandanas are the trend's more casual younger sister, the silk scarf reigns supreme when dressing up an outfit.

TRENDING COLORS: BLUSH & BURGUNDY
I'll admit, not much has changed on the trending colors homefront over the past year. Blush is still relevant as ever and burgundy has slowly made it's way into my closet a couple pieces at a time. It's a great combo to pair together or apart!

Navy Carven Dress

• SHOP THE POST •

Each year, we make a trip down to Florida to visit my grandfather. It usually includes a trip to Costco, dinners at the local pizza joint, and tons of reading by the pool!

This year was special in particular because there was lots of celebrating to be had. Between my grandfather's 96th birthday, my hubby's birthday, and the Patriot's big win (which my Papou still can't bragging about to his friends!), I was in a pinch to put together a few fancier looks. 

Of course, I went straight to my go-to site for dressier looks I could get in record time, Rent the Runway. They were THE most helpful in rushing down a few outfits that I had favorite'd in my account. 

I fell in love with this classic Carven dress that we wore out to eat our first night. The detailing is absolutely gorgeous between the delicate buttons and ruffled accents. I paired it with the cutest little clutch from Clare V (another Rent the Runway find!) which fit my ID, credit card and phone.

I try to pack light when I travel, so I only brought one pair of heeled sandals from Maumero. They ended up being perfect with every dressed-up outfit I wore. The baby blue color gave each look a little pop of springtime cheer.  

Can't wait to show you the rest of the outfits Rent the Runway sent my way - stay tuned for more soon!

Wearing Carven dress and Clare Vivier Jane bag via Rent the Runway, Maumero sandals c/o, Gorjana necklace (sold out, similar here!), Anine Bing bra.

Off to Somewhere Warm

Hi friends! Keeping it short and sweet today - I'm heading somewhere WARM for the next few days because I *literally can't even* with this cold weather. 

"But this winter isn't even that bad!"

Don't judge me. I'm allergic to cold weather. Even if that cold weather is really only about 30 degrees. I am so over it. (And while we're at it, I'm over being in D.C. for all the reasons.)

So where am I heading? The super sunny state of FLORIDA! Follow along on Instagram for daily outfits and tons of beachy goodness.

JULIEN - OUT.

Wearing Lucky Brand jeans, Lacoste leather slip-ons, Lou & Grey sweater (similar), Uniqlo coat. Photo by Erin Krespan

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