Rainy Day Thoughts + Style Blogs to Love

Just a quick hello on this rainy Saturday morning!

...aka the perfect excuse to stay at home on the couch. Today I'm doing everything I can to stay inside and just chill. So far I've done WAY too much online shopping and ordered delivery for lunch. It was a hectic week that ended so sweetly with a much needed girl's night. Friendships make such a big difference in life.

I'm grateful to have made new friends through this blog. These ladies are so genuine! We spent this day at the winery hanging out and then chowed down on some burgers. Don't you love when you can just be yourself?

For more style inspiration, check out their blogs below. From left to right...

Nicole of the The Leopard Coat dishing up tons of amazing style tips

Laura's incredible photography and girl boss posts on Mom in Manolos

Katie of Pushing Paper has serious work wear goals

Courtney of Currently Courtney with her adorable pup and chic style

Christina recently relaunched Scopes the Blog and it is so fun!

The best girlfriends are the ones you know you can meet up with sweaty from the gym, crazy hair, a total mess- whatever, and have a blast. Style means nothing without true happiness, and the ability to be your true self. I remember when I was new to DC and had no friends at all. It was a tough time but I learned a lot. When I meet truly wonderful people, I appreciate them so much more. If you are new to reading this blog and feel a little empty these days, good people will find you, and you have a friend here!

Have a cozy, comfy, relaxing weekend.

Photos by Lisa Damico at the Winery at Bull Run in Virginia

Embroidered Dress + Outfit Video // What to Wear to a Winery

My number one approach to dresses (and just about anything I wear) is that I have to be able to move, to play, to adventure, to dance around, whatever! I mean, hey, if I want to hop on wooden a fence and soak up sunset, well, I am gonna do it. 

Yep, still obsessed with this Draper James tote!

We all have amazing women in our lives. The kind when you spend time with them you walk away feeling refreshed and uplifted. This weekend had a lot of that for me and I could not be more grateful. 

On Saturday, I got to visit the Winery at Bull Run with an amazing group of ladies! I had a blast and we got to try their new rose coming out at the end of this month. All of this scenery was located just an hour and half outside of Washington, DC. It was my first visit to a winery, so deciding what to wear was a total try-out for me. I looked for something breathable and easy to sit around in but still stylish. This dress was the ideal match. The sleeves can be worn up or down, it has pockets, and the quality is excellent! This look made me feel:

fun

relaxed

feminine

comfortable

happy

Check out the one minute video below to see more! For reference, I'm 5'1 and I sized up to a small.

Link Love

Who What Wear Embroidered Target dress

Dunway Vines Caroline tote by Draper James (currently sold out, ah!)

Perfect Spring + Summer Anthropologie Dress // Adorn

I fell in love with this dress the moment I saw it! As you are about to see, there is also a lovely bow detail in the back. The bell-shaped silhouette of this dress and pattern makes me feel...

unique

playful

fun

pretty

The overall shape is so easy to wear as it skirts out from the bust down. The petite sizing was too tight in the arms for me, and that's just a huge no for something I want to wear in the swampy heat of Washington, DC. When it is that warm outside I do not always want to wear a tank top and shorts. This dress is a soft but durable, and breathable cotton. I can see throwing it on with sneakers on a walk with Logan or lace up sandals as well!

Another reason I fell in love with this was the way the pattern reminds me so much of one of my favorite Japanese clothing brands, Sou Sou. (Like these! one, two, three)

Link Love

Anthropologie Printmaker Poplin dress is sold out but here is more by the same brand at Anthro.

Steve Madden Valencia wedges

Photos by in11views Photography

Beauty and the Beast at the Library of Congress // Adorn

This gown spoke to me from the moment I laid my eyes on it. It made me think of a modern day Belle and I was inspired to do a shoot at the Library of Congress in honor of this classic princess' love of books and literature. This dress made me feel...

dreamy

airy

princess-like

elegant

The morning these were taken was pretty discouraging. It poured rain and I was stuck waiting in line to get inside the Great Hall along with hundreds of tourists. Thankfully, I had some time to sit and let my hair and dress dry out before we started. Working around the many visitors was a challenge but I hope you can still appreciate my vision for this Belle-inspired look. As I sat inside the hall, I was awe-struck. It is so suiting that such a beautiful place would be filled with vast amounts of knowledge. It is what comes from our hearts and minds that has the power to make us truly beautiful! 

This dress is the Marchesa Notte Dipped in Gold gown rented from Rent the Runway. It runs extremely small! Many sizes were rented already but I would have gone up at least 2 sizes. The sleeves have no stretch whatsoever. Besides this sizing surprise, I highly recommend this gown. Although it appears to have tons of tulle, it is actually very light and layered in such a way that it has a ton of body without the weight. If you love a lacy gown with vintage vibe, you will love this.

All these photos were taken by Carling Zhou Photography. This was our first time working together and I was grateful to her for being so open to my idea for this. She was the one who encouraged me to bring along the red rose- love that! I hope can show you guys a casual, springtime look shoot by her in the near future. And please, let me know if there are any other styles or looks you would love to see featured here! I really love shooting looks for Swann Street so your ideas are more than welcome.

Have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend! Thank you for reading!

Spring Morning Look with Draper James Bag // Adorn

When it comes to trips, mornings like this one are my favorite. A slow, but early start followed by trying a local spot for breakfast. No matter where I am, breakfast around the country and the world absolutely fascinates me. So often, the food offered represents a particular attitude or story about a place. 

This outfit was easy and just right for the spring morning temps on our way for breakfast where I indulged in berry crepes! And later a little lounging around the house with pour over coffee by Mom. 

These jeggings are perfection, by the way. The short length is absolutely ideal for petites and I want a pair in every color. 

I was particularly excited  about this gorgeous bag! My latest addition and very first Draper James piece: the Dunway Vines Caroline tote! I call it my first because there will be many more, I'm sure. This is my perfect everyday bag.

Today being the last day of my visit to Charlotte is bittersweet. I cannot wait until I can come here again. I hope your weekend was exactly what you needed it to be!

Link love

American Eagle jeggings

Madewell sweater (similar, similar) 

Target Dillion booties

Draper James handbag 

Flower Crowns with Whistle Wild + Taffy Floral

Photos by the gorgeous Sarah of District Damsel

At this workshop I was reminded of how when women gather amazing things happen. We took a table with piles of stems and transformed them. We take what is separate and messy and make it into something beautiful, something wild.

Speaking of amazing, this event was held at The Lemon Bowl, a creative space for workshops. Between the plants and vintage vibe, it struck me as an awesome place to have fun and learn with other women. I hope to attend more classes here!

This flower crown workshop was held by Michelle of Taffy Floral and Amanda, owner of Whistle & Wild online boutique. Both of these creative and gracious women are inspiring. It was so wonderful to meet them!

This was the kind of event I just love. Not only because of my obsession with flower crowns but the connection, the vibe. There is a great energy when women meet to be creative and in this case, adorn ourselves with living crowns. As Michelle likes to put it, it was pure #flowermagic.

PS Someone at this event told me they loved my flower crowns and I was so, so touched by that! I literally had no idea what to say, THANK YOU! Thank you to anyone who reads my blog, who remembers anything I share on Instagram. My heart guides my content. I know time is precious so I always want whatever I share to be worth your time.

Floral Maxi Dress from Chicwish // Adorn

This dress was perfect to pack for our cabin trip. When we were done hiking it felt good to wear something flowy and easy. It made me feel...

feminine

relaxed

pretty

comfortable

Even in its smallest size this ran a bit long and big on me, but I have yet to get it altered. With wedges the length is just fine and for lounging around cabin I did not care to have it done before I left. After wearing hiking boots and getting muddy all day, a dress like this was the perfect thing to throw on. It is ideal for cooler spring days as well as fall. You all know I love when I can find things to wear at least two seasons (ideally 3!).

Link Love

Keep Swinging floral maxi dress by Chicwish 

Private Cabin at Savage River Lodge // Getaway

At times it is difficult to reconcile my adoration for being in nature with all the fun of living in downtown Washington, DC. One way I try to keep things balanced is by planning weekend trips to spend time outside. In the midst of a very busy March I was planning ahead and searched desperately for a place that we could hike, bring our pup Logan, and not have to worry about cooking. It was just meant to be that I stumbled upon Savage River Lodge. 

We had a wonderful stay here for a weekend! Because it is so nearby to DC, I want to share details about this place for others, especially those who want to travel with a dog. If you have any questions, email or comment and I would be happy to share more info.

We spent all our time gathered around that gas fireplace, I swear! It was irresistibly cozy. Overall, I think this is a great place if you want to spend most of your time outside and have a comfortable, cute cabin to go back to between outings. It is a place to bring a book and have long talks on the porch. The guest book pages read again and again, "We needed this." And isn't that so true? Don't we all need some time away in the peace and quiet of nature? 

What I loved the least: 

I love a luxurious bathroom. When it comes to glamping, any bathroom over having none is "glamorous" but I found that these ones needed an update. Don't get me wrong, they were fine and even had big bathtubs, but it is what I was least impressed with. If I could change one other thing, I wish there were skylights in the cabins! I know, I'm pushing it I suppose, but wow, how pretty would that be? 

What I loved the most:

The cabins are right near the trails making it easy to hike each day. The staff remembered every detail about who we were including specific dietary restrictions. Logan was welcomed with treats and so much kindness. That made me feel so good! They provided bowls for his food, they have a dog food menu, special treats...I could go on and on. Each morning a cooler or picnic basket filled with goodies is dropped off at your doorstop. Instead of knocking, they quietly leave it at the door by 8:30am. The staff is there if needed, but otherwise you are left without interruption. I really, really enjoyed the privacy and not having to talk to anyone. That sounds awful but it is true! Oh, and the entire cabin was spotless...perfectly clean!

Tips: 

This was a 2 hour and 45 minute drive from downtown DC. It was easy to find and we rented a four wheel drive (they recommend this) from the airport to use for the weekend. 

Request a cabin that has a private porch facing the forest. We stayed in Cabin 13, which picked up right at the Bodhi trail and had tons of privacy.

We found ourselves wanting to listen to music and a podcast but forgot our portable speaker. Definitely bring one along! 

There is no wifi anywhere on the premises but our service was fine.

The yurts look amazing! I originally attempted to book a yurt but those are not pet friendly. I would go back to stay in one for sure.

Last, we took all our meals to go, which took some time but everything was fresh and packed nicely into a basket to carry back to our cabin. We also had dinner sent to our cabin, which I recommend as well. Why dine out when that experience is so plentiful in DC? Eating in a spacious cabin was more enjoyable for us.

I will be planning more experiences like this throughout the year so look out for more posts on fun weekend trips!