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.

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.

We Wear Pink on Tuesdays Too

This past weekend, we found ourselves along the beautiful cobblestone streets of Old Town Alexandria for the grand reopening of The Pink Palm. To celebrate the occasion, I wore my brightest pinkest dress and my new Rebecca Minkoff bag (that I just got from their latest sample sale!) And since my legs haven’t seen much sun since last summer, these Hanes sunkissed tights gave me that summer vibe my legs desperately needed.

I can’t wait to show you the pics I took of The Pink Palm’s new digs - the store summertime perfection. After visiting the store, we took the (adorable) town trolley down to one of my fave jewelry shops, She’s Unique. We topped off our night at the cutest Greek restaurant, Taverna Cretekou. Their patio was so romantic - definitely the perfect way to finish our evening.

To kick off celebrating Memorial Day weekend, I'm giving away two pairs of Hanes Hosiery Silk Reflections tights...so even if you aren't heading to the beach this weekend, you can still get that sun kissed look! Enter the contest below and check out what I wore in Old Town. (P.S. Could this pink be any brighter?!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

On Julien: Dress, Banana Republic (similar dress here and romper here.) Shoes, Franco Sarto (similar wedge version here.) Purse, Rebecca Minkoff “Mini M.A.B.” (un-metallic version here.) Bracelet, Lilly Pulitzer (similar here.) Map necklace, c/o Three Jane NY. Bar necklace, She’s Unique. Ring, Julie Vos (similar here.) Tights, c/o Hanes Hosiery.

Denim Vest and White Jeans

I think we’ve discussed how I was a little unsure about the denim trend earlier in the season (I was SO awkward in the 90's, you guys. Bad memories.) But now I literally can’t stop wearing it. In fact, for this month’s style challenge from 2 Girls in 2 Cities, I decided to wear TWO denim trends, a vest and my favorite white jeans. I may or may not be an overachiever.

I’m also digging the other outfits from the other super cute bloggers in this series. The denim blazer from Jill is great for adding a bit of fun to office attire (and that floral skirt is adorable.) Jennie is on point with her white jacket with all black ensemble and Amanda is killin it in her camp pants/jean jacket combo. Thanks to Lisa, I just realized I NEED a pair of light denim for summer.

Check out how I styled my denim faves and check out the other girls who did the challenge too! What’s your favorite way to sport denim?

On Julien: Vest, H&M. T-shirt, JCREW Factory. Jeans, Lucky Brand from TJMAXX. Shoes, Etienne Aigner (old, similar here.) Map necklace, Three Jane NY c/o. Bar necklace, She’s Unique. Earrings, She’s Unique c/o. Bangles, JCREW (similar here and here) and Lilly Pullitzer (similar here.) Ring, Julie Vos. Sunnies, Michael Kors. Purse, DKNY (similar here.)

Valentine's Day

Happy (early) Valentine's Day! I've spent the last week in paradise, so coming home was definitely bittersweet. I decided to brighten my spirits by dressing up in my Valentine's best and share tomorrow's outfit with you! Can we please talk about how amazing the sparkly elbow patches are on this sweater?!  

Outfit details: Sweater, Banana Republic. Skirt, Phillip Lim for Target. Ring, Julie Vos. Earrings, LOFT. Necklace, Blue Nile c/o (on sale). Nails, W Salon