5 Things I'm Thankful For This Year

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought it would be nice to share a few things I'm especially thankful for this year! 

1. New Friendships
This tops the list for me because I've been so blessed by the people who have come into my lift this year. There are so many creative women I've met over the years who inspire me everyday, and this year was no exception. To name a few - my bestie Erin Krespan (yes I know it seems like we've been friends forever - it feels like we have!), another friend and photographer (who took this photo!) Leah Beilhart, Sylvia Coella (who I desperately try to become more like every day) and so so so many more. Connecting with others and meeting new friends is, in fact, my favorite part of blogging. 

2. My Number One
Very often, I find myself worn out from a long day at work and a dreadful commute home...and I'm so grateful for my hubby picking up the slack day after day. And who can forget the weekend instagram snaps and cold coffee he's had to endure for a mere photo! Whether it's doing the laundry or cooking dinner, I actually don't know how I'd get by without him. 

3. Supportive Family
Shout out to my mom for making me meals when my honey's out of town and for helping out with our mischievous dog, to dad for always having us for dinner last-minute when we're too tired to cook, and to my sister who sends me funny snapchats and memes to brighten my day.

4. My Church
While I grew up going to church, I've never had an experience like the one at our newer church. I've met some of my favorite people there, gotten to play a part in building their website, and help out with social media. It's always such a great break from my hectic week - and a saving grace for my sanity. 

5. Great Restaurants in DC
This seems SO silly, I know...but food is very important to me! I love finding new places to connect with others...a few favorites include Chaia, &Pizza, Rose's Luxury, Cava, Dolcezza and so so many more. 

What are you thankful for this year?

Thanksgiving Outfit Inspiration

I don't know about you, but I am SO EXCITED about Thanksgiving this year! Maybe it's because I get to hang out and spend time with extended family members...maybe it's about all the amazing home cooked meals everyone brings...maybe because I actually get a chance to spend a little more time than usual in the kitchen, whipping up my Nana's favorite Italian Christmas Cookies. Heck, maybe I just need a few days off work to really REST.

Needless to say, comfort has been and always will be a priority with family gatherings - but I love it when style and comfort come together in perfect harmony. Like this dress from Rent the Runway. It's not only super flattering (THANK YOU A-LINE,) but the pattern feels fresh, yet classic at the same time.

And until midnight tonight, when you rent one dress, you get two for free! WHAT! I know. Too good to be true? Not so, my friends. You must book between now and November 26. Just use the code: THANKS3FOR1 - what are you waiting for?!

Wearing The Kooples dress and Elizabeth & James bag via Rent the Runway, Kapten & Son watch,  M.Gemi boots, Sophie Blake earrings.

Holiday Giveaway: $1000 Nordstrom Gift Card

Now…it’s time for a fabulous giveaway! I’ve teamed up with an amazing group of bloggers to give YOU a chance to win: a $1000 Nordstrom Gift Card, just in time for the holidays!

Simply enter below by completing the rafflecopter. You’ll receive one entry per completion. This giveaway is open internationally and runs until 12/5. Winner will be announced here. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

7 REASONS TO VISIT QUIRK HOTEL in Richmond

A few months ago we had the opportunity to visit Richmond, Virginia for my sister-in-law’s birthday! It was going to be one of those weekends where driving home after her party wasn’t going to be an option, so we started on the hunt for a cute hotel. 

I hate to admit this, but I’m a bit picky when it comes to where we stay. Some people feel that they don’t really care about where they stay; that it’s just a bed to sleep in on a trip. That’s never really resonated with me. I’m more the type where I enjoy slow mornings waking up early after a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed, getting ready in a cute bathroom, and having plenty of space to sprawl out my outfit options for the day. Starting the day on a positive note is key when I’m traveling, and so what if I want it to be an Instagram-Worthy diggs? The heart wants what the heart wants. 

So when we stepped into Quirk Hotel, I knew I’d hit a goldmine of inspiring spaces. Here’s why you need to check it out:

1. They have the comfiest beds.
No joke, friends…I had a GOOD night’s sleep here. Plus, bonus points for the super cute pillow on our bed.

2. All the featured art
Don’t have enough time to hit up a museum while in Richmond? No worries - they have tons of gorgeous art throughout the hotel. My favorite pieces were done by local DC-area resident Elizabeth Graber, who also painted the dressing rooms at the Alice + Olivia in Georgetown. I have one of her smaller paintings in our home and it’s one of my favorites!

3. THE BRUNCH
Sorry but this totally deserved all caps. Because I am shouting and singing for happiness over how incredible it was. They have killer brunch cocktails and their french toast was on point/fleek/whatever the kids are saying these days. We ate so much great food we practically rolled out of the Gossip-girl’esk dining area. (In the most graceful way of course!) 

4. A Killer Coffee Bar
If you can’t make time for a brunch, their coffee bar is equally as adorable, complete with really, really good lattes and marble tables to sit at (and take a like-worthy Instagram shot.)

5. A Drool-Worthy Rooftop View
Rooftop bars are becoming quite a thing in Richmond, but this is one of the best I’ve been to. With multiple levels of rooftop, you get a great view from just about anywhere.

6. The Cutest Gift Shop of All Time
This is not an exaggeration. It is the absolute cutest. I bought a keychain that says OH HEY (best $8 I’ve ever spent) and a stuffed animal rabbit for our new niece! If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for great, unique and adorable holiday gifts, this is your place.

7. You’ll Be Constantly Inspired
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your creative self is to get away from your everyday surroundings and visit someplace new. And let me just say - I’ve visited a lot of area hotels having written a ton of travel articles when I worked in the magazine industry - and Quirk Hotel is definitely one of my favorites…

Trending: Pretty, Ruffled Blouses

Every few seasons, I start to obsess over collecting a particular item. Last year was DENIM. I had sort of just discovered that designer denim is *actually* life changing and I can never go back to regular old jeans again, ever.

This past summer, I couldn’t get enough of sneakers. I wore them with everything (much to the chagrin of my family members who aren’t in the FASHUN world) from dresses and skirts to shorts and denim. There wasn’t an outfit that I wouldn’t pair sneakers with, to be quite honest.

This season - I’m ALL OVER the blouse. There are SO MANY varieties I’m currently lusting over - the whimsical off the shoulder, the millions and trillions of ruffles blouse (seen here), the peek-a-boo blouse with cut-outs in all the right areas…the options are actually endless. 

This particular one is from one of my favorite local shops, Take 5 Boutique. It’s so fun and fall’ish that I have a hard time not wearing it every single day. While I’ve worn here with my favorite black denim of all time, I’ve also styled with a high-waisted skirt and under a dress. Plus, it leaves lots of room for Thanksgiving eating if you get my drift. ;)

And during this time of year, I love using the holidays as an excuse to shop local. This calf hair clutch made right here in the USA and designed in Middleburg by Two Charmed. They have tons of gorgeous buttery bags that would make great gifts for your bestie (or yourself!) 

Wearing Take 5 Boutique blouse, 7 For All Mankind jeans (hands down - my favorite!) from South Moon Under, Two Charmed clutch, M.Gemi "The Alba" boots, Miu Miu sunglasses