Category: Fashion

On The Hunt: Zella Leggings and Jesus

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Happy Friday, Loves! Let’s get riiiiiight into it!

ZELLA LEGGINGS

Am I the last woman alive who doesn’t own Nordstrom’s Zella Leggings?? Don’t answer that. Every blogger I know has mentioned buying them, loving them, and buying more. I even put them in my cart last week when I was going through a major shopping spree (MUST.BUY.EVERYTHING.) But, then I looked at my current legging collection, and my alter ego, Alexis, came out and was all, “Girl, where u gonna put them at? Yeah, thas right, you got no room in them draws.” Ugh. Who invited her?

Thank God I have a birthday coming up in June…

Apparently, the original Zella Live In High Waist Leggings are the perfect length for petite girls. Perfect! I’m 5′-2″!

But I also really like the look of an ankle pant, so maybe the Zella Live In 7/8 Leggings?

And for those of you who love pockets, the Zella Live In POCKET 7/8 Leggings!

SPANX LEGGINGS

Again, have I been living under a rock? How could I not have a pair of these Faux Leather lovlies?Or these slimming Faux Leather Moto mamas? Oh, that’s because I have at least 3 moto/faux leather style pants in my “draws” already. But, I need them, OK??Wait…what the ?? Did you know Spanx sells jeans?! Like, really, really cute Distressed Skinny Jeans?! Should I be ashamed of myself for A. Not knowing this and B. Wanting a pair? Again, don’t answer that. Good thing I’m looking for Jesus, because He’s the only one that can stop me now…

JESUS

In theory, we all “need Jesus”. So, on my hunt to find Him, I came across these super cute inspirational tees. The past few years has got me l-o-v-i-n-g Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you” and so, this darling tee from ButterflyDesignCo on Etsy is the perfect way to remind myself of that every time I wear it! And how cute does it look with some Converse sneakers and a plaid shirt (and some ripped jeans – obvi…)? 

This is also a really cute option from EllyandGrace on Etsy…

I’m also seriously vibing on Ephesians 3:20, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”, so this sweatshirt, also from ButterflyDesignCo does the trick.

OK, NOW I’ve found Jesus!

Happy Shopping!

❤ The Huntress

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On The Hunt: Distressed Boyfriend Jeans, Leopard Flats, and Off-The-Shoulder White Top

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Every weekend I’m going to write about the things that I’m craving in more consistent “On The Hunt” posts! Let’s dive right in!

Distressed Boyfriend Jeans

Even as I’m typing this, I literally can’t believe that I’m looking for glorified mom jeans! 😂 Often, I think about different styles from my past and how at that time I would have been mortified to wear certain clothes that I wear now. Alternately, I think about how mortified I would be today if I had to parade around town in pedal pushers and a fuzzy pink sweater. Not like I wore that to a 7th grade dance or anything…On further thinking about this, that was the same dance where one of my classmates wore faux leather pants and a black top. Some of us were really ahead of the fashion curve. I’ll give you a hint: It wasn’t me.

If you followed my Instagram stories (@thehuntressblog) this past weekend, you would see that I DID end up scoring 2 pairs of distressed boyfriend jeans this weekend. I’m linking them here! I’ve also linked other options that I’d consider if I could try them on.

Here’s the link to the Kancan girlfriend jeans I bought from Palmetto Moon!! I’m SO excited I found them! They run True To Size to slightly big, so I would size down.

And I was finally able to locate these these Target jeans! Truth be told, I”m 5′-2″ and 122 lbs. I hold most of my weight in my lower abs and thighs, so often, jeans fit my thighs, but gap at the waist. Or fit at the waist, but are suctioned to my thighs. *shakes head* I bought these in a 0, but when I went online, to link them for you, I saw they had a 00 (which ended up fitting like a 3 or 5) The online description is different from the tag description, but I can confirm that they ARE the same. The physical tag says Wild Fable “High-Rise Mom Jean” in Washed Blue. I did buy them online and had them shipped to my closest store. I posted the Try On in my Stories, and returned the original pair (which is what I’m wearing in the photo). The smaller size fits more like a girlfriend jean – kinda straight leg, not baggy. I’ll wear them this weekend and snap a photo.  Again, they run big, so size down!

Click here for the link to these lovelies!

Leopard FLATS

I used to have a pair of these old Rocket Dogs flats, back when they were popular…

But, now, I’m looking for more of a sneaker, or pointy-toed look. I’m seeing them ALL over Insta, but I’m old-fashioned and I need to try things on. The lovely @sarahknuth just posted these from Nordstrom, but at $89.95, they’re a little too expensive for me…but they DO have hair-on-hide. Damn, that’s how they getchya. These platform sneakers from Amazon could be a good alternate for the Nordstrom pair!

Payless has SERIOUSLY been stepping it up, especially after that commercial where they show people paying 700 bucks for a pair of $20 heels *shakes head* So, I’m on their site right now, and these aren’t leopard flats, but…how cute are THESE?? They are totally a great dupe for this $100 Steve Madden pair! They have faux hair hide too! And they’re only $20.99, which only reinforces why I will NOT spend $90 on leopard sneakers at this point in my life.

I like the idea of a slide. And they’re super trendy, but I want to be able to walk comfortably, like, maybe a couple of blocks, and I’m imagining a lot of clopping around. Sometimes you just KNOW yourself. So, maybe these J. Crew Factory Zoe Calf Hair d’Orsay flats would be better? I get SO many emails from them notifying me of specials, and it looks like they have plenty in stock, so I’ll try them on in the store, and then wait until there’s a sale!And these are a little pricey, at $72.99, but they’re Dr. Scholl’s, so I think they’d be more comfortable, right?

 

OFF-THE-SHOULDER WHITE TOP

I have a white long-sleeved PIKO top that I slept in once, which resulted in it being permanently stained with self-tanner 😦 I tried everything to get it out (“…and they used Bon Ami”)  I was able to wear it in my Insta stories this past Sunday when I was showing off my new Free People Adella Bralette and these Target Boyfriend Jeans. But I’d like something a little more fitted, casual, and classy. The kind of top you’d wear to brunch that says, “Oh, me? I woke up like this.”

Narrator: But, she did NOT wake up like this.

As I was writing this post, I realized I have about 8,612 white shirts in my closet, one of which happens to be an off-the shoulder white top from Victoria’s Secret a million (OK, 8) years ago. But, it’s super thin and never really lays right. Which always begs the question, “Why did I buy this?” Anyway, I’m still waiting for my super cute white Truly Madly Deeply peplum to arrive from Urban Outfitters, but in the meantime, I’ve found another Truly Madly Deeply top that nails the off-the-shoulder look.

And, although this one’s a sweater, it still has the same effortless vibe I’m after. It’s only $25 but I’ve never ordered from Boutiquefeel before. Is it legit?

And these are basically the same shirt. I think Lulu’s might have more in stock, so I’m linking it here, but I’d probably go with this Guess Factory option, because it’s on sale for only $19.00!And I knowww this isn’t a white top, but it’s cute AF and it needs to go on my “want” list 🙂

❤

What I Wore: July 2017-December 2017

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This post is my blog equivalent of the proverbial “Midnight Kiss”, it’s what you’ve been waiting for all year, and hoping that months of waiting has been worth it.

How did my blog go from focusing on clothes, to only 2 posts about it a year? It must mean that I’m seriously enjoying life!Sad story about this top…its a TJ Maxx score, but when washed, all trim fell off. Maybe a tailor could add some decorative tassels back on?
Sooooo cute, right? Unfortunately, this Zara rain jacket was $89.90, and I just couldn’t justify the cost for a jacket I could only wear when it rained. In person, it had “outdoor” details, that didn’t lend itself to wearing as a top. Currently, I’m only slightly disappointed that I didn’t purchase it, let’s see my Regret Post, come a rainy spring… Ahhh! Isn’t that long, icy blonde hair FABULOUS? Too bad it made my hair so weak that it broke off before I could let it grow any longer…
Banana Republic Sheath Dress, always a classic!
Wearing a black lace Max Studio dress at HD Platinum Circle Gala

FCUK cleavage dress. Subtle enough to wear to a professional work event, scandalous enough to catch glances from professional men 🙂

The following couple photos are from my Mexican vacation! Ole!
You know, it’s funny looking through these photos, because many times I think an outfit is cute, and it’s just OK in pictures. Other times, outfits like this ancient H&M striped shirt and J Crew Factory camel pencil skirt paired with Forever21 combat boots, look way cuter than I thought! This little The Limited number was worn for our office holiday party. It “fit” for so many reasons. the blue and white was perfect for Hanukah and my Jewish-owned company, the theme was “nautical”, since it was held at our property called the Atlantic Building, and it was also Christmas, so the homemade bow belt and headband were whimsical! Gahhh! This navy Zara top is just so cute, with its tailored, zippered peplum, bell sleeves, and attached striped undershirt. In. Love. Ummm, thank you Aerie for this sweet, snuggly, sleeping romper. Worn, appropriately, on Christmas Eve. Photo credit: my reluctant little brother. This festive holiday blouse is from J Crew Factory, and I just love it. Its playful ruffle and bold plaid are just perfect. There, I’ve said it!

Happy Holidays!

 

The Huntress Loves Warby Parker

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Hello Lovelies!

Today, I have the awesome chance to talk about Warby Parker and their new Archive eyeglasses and sunglasses collection that just launched this fall!

They’ve got tons of tortoise shell #alltherage. Y’all KNOW I’m a fan. Don’t judge my duck face…this photo is circa 2014.

My work wife, Elise, who also happens to be a killer architect/asset manager/chef/friend just got a snazzy pair of round “architect” frames. It got me thinking…why don’t I own a pair of real “interior designer” specs. And then I saw Carraway. Not only are they tortoise, but the bottom frame is NAVY!! I know, I can’t make this stuff up!

In the same, “not trying to hard (don’t tell anyone it took me 2 hours to get ready)” look, Webster is purrfect. It definitely has a vintage feel, but still modern, since it’s pairing the heavy top frame with the delicate metal on the bottom.


Still thinking about Carraway in Navy? Maybe Dewey will help ease the ache. She comes with a MERLOT accent. And a cat eye. Me-ow!

And if you’re not on the round train, but are totally digging the super cool vintage look, then Lowell is for you. 


And although not part of the new Archive collection, these beauties just HAD to be mentioned! Hellllllo, Louise!Tortoise AND a pop of Violet?! Stoppppp! I’m just loving the shape too, a modern cat eye.

I’m also really a fan of Cora, she still has a color shot in Crystal Plum, but the chunky frame is so fun! I just KNOW I would be known as The Girl in the Tortoise Shell Specs if I wore these…*dream*

And then there’s the Girl Next Door, Laurel, in all of her two-toned Tea Rose Fade fabulousness.

I’m really feeling the color-blocking here. It’s just the right amount of fun and serious. And this shape looks a little more round.

Well, I know the contenders for my Top 5! Oh wait…I didn’t even GET to the sunglasses yet! Good news: a few of the glasses styles come as sunglasses! Woop Woop.

Doesn’t Carraway look great in black? 

Webster also turns heads in black with a little hint of tortoise in the lower frames. 

And I can’t really wrap up this post without featuring Fleta. Literally. No. Words.

 

Which ones are YOU choosing for yourself? If you’re still having trouble, just post some photos to the ‘Gram or Twitter, using the hashtag #WarbyHomeTryOn, and the WP team can comment on the styles they think suit you the best!

 

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Why, Though?

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I write a lot about women’s fashion and things that are on trend. I’m sure there’s lots of “fashionable” styles that men aren’t into. Like, maybe high-waisted mom jeans

Or extra large, shapeless, 80’s print sweaters

But what about men’s fashion? What about the most horrible look for even the most attractive man?

Yes, I’m talking about the Bucket Hat:With so many options, this begs the question, “Why? Why? Why?”

There’s the Regular Hat:

The Backwards Hat:

The incredibly irresistible Side Hat (my friend, Sarah, and I had a whole different college experience because the discovery of the side hat):

NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 05: Channing Tatum visits BET’s “106 & Park” at BET Studios on March 5, 2012 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)

And, brace yourselves, The Backwards Side Hat *swoon*:

So, why the Bucket Hat? This literally takes your attractiveness factor and decreases it by 100%. Let me repeat this again:

The Bucket Hat decreases your attractiveness factor by 100%

So, gentlemen, please keep this in mind when selecting your accessories. Unless you’re trying to repulse us, then go for it.

😂

A Year in Fashion

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Wow. I can’t believe that my last clothes post included an outfit from OCTOBER 2016…so much has changed! And a few new additions have made their way into my closet. But the old classics remain 🙂

Feast yo eyes.Dress: Target

Coral Espadrilles: Steve Madden

I just LOVE this 2 pattern dress that my friend, Megan, bought me for my birthday!

Light Blue Bell-Sleeve Top: Banana Republic

Slides: Steve Madden

Dress: Ann Taylor Factory
Laser Cut Eyelet Top: Banana Republic Dress: TeezeMe via Macy’s

I’m so glad I’ve been doing squats, cause this dress was wayyyy s.h.o.r.t.e.r. than I remember…
Dress: Forever21

Shoes: Nine West, “Apple Eye” Booties

This Forever21 stretchy dress has been in my closet for YEARS, but it’s just a classic. It can be dressed up or down and never seems like I’m trying too hard (even if it does take me hours to get ready…)
Top: Banana Republic Skirt: Banana Republic Factory Bathing Suit: Ted Baker via Nordstom

Ummm, can we talk about this suit?! Ted Baker was kind of a splurge, but I REALLY wanted something fab, for this future vacay that the Universe is bringing to me, and it was the last one in my size. After a long day of shopping, I had to take it as a sign 🙂 My facial expression in this photo is clearly not an accurate representation of how happy I was to find this gem!

Dress: Milly, Penelope Gown via Neiman Marcus

Oh.My.Godessss. Back in June, I had an urge to try on super fancy dresses, just for the fun of it. Once I found this one, I almost bought it. But, then I saw the price tag…$725. Yikes.

 Dress: Kohl’s Peplum Top: Ann Taylor Factory

Jeans: Blue Spice via TJ Maxx

I can’t help it, I just love Blue Spice and Indigo Rein jeans. They fit in the waist, thighs, and calves AND they’re a perfect ankle length for us petite girls! I know they’re so cheap, but that’s the goal: cute on a budget! Dress: Romeo + Juliet via TJ MaxxNautical Ruffle Skirt: H&M via Greene Street Consignment Pink Dress: Banana Republic Factory

Geeze, I feel like this is an ad for Banana stores! I should be compensated somehow!White Blazer: Dynamite

Blouse: Ann Taylor Factory

So.in.love with that blazer!Mesh Dress: Banana Republic via TJ MaxxStriped Dress: Monteau via Marshalls Hot Pink Dress: Charlotte Russe Polka-Dotted Ruffle Blouse: Target White Top: Can you guess?? Banana Republic haha Purple Swing Top: Piko

Crystal Necklace: Francesca’s

Black Suede Peep-Toed Booties: Lucky via Lord & Taylor, similar Gingham Peplum Top: H&M Peach Bare Shoulder Blouse: Shinestar vice TJ Maxx

Ripped Denim: Indigo Rein via Marshalls

Flower Sandals: BCBGeneration via MarshallsPaisley Peplum Blouse: Banana Republic
Floral Peplum Bouse: Sienna SKy via Marshalls Orange Tank: Target

Floral Applique Yoga Pants: Aerie Ruffle Blouse: Target

Printed Peplum Bouse: LOFT Romper: Marshalls, there’s no tag, but here’s the RN #116696

Isn’t this the cutest thing EVER? I’m so in love with this summer purchase, I wish I’d been able to wear it more than once this summer…it’s making me excited for next summer already! Purple Swing Tank: Lucy & Laurel via Marshalls

Wide Pants: Joe via KohlsBlush Skin Dress: Joe & Elle via Marshalls

Not gonna lie, I barely ate anything during the day, because I knew I was wearing this at night (insert laugh/cry emoji)
Striped Flare Skirt: Pins & Needles via Greene Street Consignment  Off-the-Shoulder Top: ExpressBlush Ruffle Blouse: Ivanka Trump (ahhh, I know!) via Marshalls
Structured White Blouse: Banana Republic

Polka Dotted Pants: Ann Taylor Hot Pink Blouse: J Crew via Green Street Consignment Juniper Romper: Lavender Fields via TJ Maxx

Denim Jacket: love FIRE via TJ Maxx

I wasn’t sure about this romper, but there was something so playful and casual about it that I just loved. It’s perfect for a lounging night where you still want to look and feel whimsical Floral Print Blouse: Finn & Grace via Marshalls

Dark Denim: Blue Spice via Marshalls

Loved this printed blouse! It’s hard to tell, but it’s off-the-shoulder with a little spaghetti strap!
Kimono Jacket: Target…KIDS section.

I know, I know, if it isn’t bad enough that I’m 31 and buy all of my clothes from TJ Maxx, I have now succumbed to the children’s section of a chain store…good news is that my very fashionable boss complimented me on it. Score!

 

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Bad News, Good News

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Bad News: I haven’t blogged in a while

Good News: I’ve still been taking photos of my clothes everyday, in preparation for this post

While going through the pictures of my outfits, I realized that there were several outfits that I thought looked really cute, but then, they really didn’t. Those photos did not make the cut 🙂

Yellow Jacket: Banana Republic Factory
Glasses: Ralph Lauren RA 7044 in 1143 Spotted Pink

Army Green Jacket/Blouse: NEW! Banana Republic Structured Blazer: CAbi Outlet

White Blouse: Banana Republic Clearance

Printed Pants: Dizzire via TJ Maxx

Sandals: X-Appeal via Rack Room Shoes
 Ruffled Blouse: Banana Republic via Greene Street Consignment

This outfit was actually inspired by my friend, Claire. She had on something similar in a recent photo, and I thought I should try to recreate it here 🙂

Pink Sweater: J Crew Factory

Polka-Dotted Ankle Pants: Ann Taylor Factory

3/4 Sleeve Pink Top: Piko

I bought this in Charleston and realized that I needed a whole bunch more. So I bought some online in black, lilac, and white. Stay tuned!Ruffled Button-Down: J Crew Factory

Camel Pencil Skirt: J Crew FactoryThere’s the Weekender Bag in action!!
 Long Faux Fur Vest: Almost Famous via Sears!
Navy Blazer: Theory via TJ Maxx. Originally $329, on CLEARANCE for $99.99!!

Ripped Denim: Target

Army Pants: STS Blue via Nordstrom
Black Dress: Express, Similar
 Camel Boots: Nine West

Ciao Tee: J Crew Factory (you can read about my obsession here, and here, and here)

Ombre Leggings: Express, Similar

Brocade Dress: H&M

Cranberry Pants: Blue Spice via TJ Maxx

Shoes: Madden Girl

Mint Sweater:  J Crew Factory, Similar

Floral Choker Blouse: Belle Vere via TJ Maxx

White Blouse: Dance & Marvel, Truth be told, this top was found left in a hotel closet on a previous Charleston trip. What a find!

❤

 

Scoring A Weekender Bag

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In honor of Superbowl Sunday, I want to talk about a recent score of my own.

I spied this beauty at Homegoods a few weeks before Christmas. She was heavily discounted at $269.99, but I still had a few gifts left on my list, and decided it wasn’t a good time to buy.

img_1750I left, but kept thinking about her. She was the perfect rich evergreen color, she looked luxurious, and most important, she was the perfect size for the weekend. I’m fortunate to have several lovely traveling bags to hold my clothes while I’m jet setting. But they were a little too big for a quick overnight.

Fast forward to December 26. My mom and I did our annual shopping trip to the outlets, and on the way home, I decided to stop at Homegoods “just to see” if she was still there. I visualized seeing her, picking her up, and using her for weekend trips, and then…it happened.img_1907There she was! The LAST one on the shelf. I picked her up, clutched her close, and checked out immediately, using a few gift cards I’ve had for ages, just waiting to be used on the perfect gift. By the time they were totaled up, all I owed was $99.00

TOUCHDOWN!

Here’s the details-Terrida brand, Giorgione collection in Green.

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Where Have You Been?

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Well, this past week was QUITE the whirlwind! Lot’s of meeting up with friends, drinking too much, lounging at the beach, and eating myself into oblivion…

Instead of separate posts, this will be one week of nonsense crammed into one!

HANGING OUT AT …39 RUE DE JEAN

WHAT I WORE

My cousin is married to a wonderful girl, Meghan, that we love. Meghan’s spunky sister, Emily, happens to live in Charleston and knows EVERYONE. Lucky me! She has been so sweet and invited me to lots of things, including lunch at 39 Rue de Jean last week. It was INCREDIBLE!!! No photos, we were talking too much 🙂 We shared the Mediterranean Artichoke Ravioli and then I got the Fried Goat Cheese Salad with Grilled Chicken. The chicken was so juicy and the goat cheese melted in my mouth! Oh yeah, and some Rose…Emily got the Mesclun Salade with Duck Confit, which she said is what she always gets, so it must be delicious!

Here’s what I wore:

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Top: J Crew Factory (new from June, purchased for my trip!) I’m noticing now that it is slightly see-through. Oooh -la-la (you know, because France…)

Denim: Bass

 

HANGING OUT AT…LOW COUNTRY BISTRO

Next up was a late breakfast on Wednesday at Low Country Bistro for my first ever taste of their Coleman Farms Chicken & Waffle. Let’s just say, I hope it’s not my last! This place was recommended to me by 2 different people, and they were right-it was goooooood! The chicken was so juicy and crispy, the waffle was made of sweet potato cornbread, and the butter was infused with pecans and bourbon.

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I have to admit that I pretty much ate the whole damn thing.

 

HANGING OUT AT…THE COCKTAIL CLUB & HALL’S CHOPHOUSE

WHAT I WORE

During our lunch, Emily said I should come out with her and her friends on Thursday night. When I asked where she wanted to meet, she said, “The Cocktail Club…Everyone goes to The Cocktail Club on Thursdays!”

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I checked out their website ahead of time, and it’s a really cool place. Very rustic and industrial with moody lighting, creative cocktails, and live music 🙂 Here’s what I wore:

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Off-the Shoulder Top: Hummingbird via C’est La Vie. Remember when I posted about it here? I wish it photographed more clearly….

Black Shorts: J Crew Factory

Earrings: Charming Charlie

Clutch: Charming Charlie

I wore nude platforms from Nine West Outlet

Here I am really enjoying myself:

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And here’s what took me over the edge and kept me up all night wishing I had taken it easier…

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Drink courtesy of our second stop, Hall’s Chophouse, and the nachos from across the street, which they hand-delivered to us because we were hungry and their kitchen was closed. That’s why this place is voted among the top 10 Restaurants in the US…

 

HANGING OUT AT…CO & AMEN STREET FISH & RAW BAR

WHAT I WORE

I’ve walked by CO several times and someone told me that they enjoyed it, so I stopped in on Saturday night. It was a little confusing-a long line, but no hostess…I waited a little bit, got some menu recommendations in line, and then had a seat at the bar, where I ordered a Blackberry Cooler/Spritzer? and the ever-safe Pad Thai with Shrimp. It was SO SO good! I’m convinced there is no bad food in this town! A little spicy, with just the right crunch from the peanuts. I would DEFINITELY eat here again.

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Here’s what I wore:

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Dress: Forever21 (that I originally posted about here)

Booties: Madden Girl

And then I came home, sat inside for an hour watching the ID Network, decided I looked too cute to be sitting at home, and went on a mission to find me some key lime pie. Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar delivered.img_0635

Did I feel slightly uncomfortable that I went in by myself, at 10pm, on a Saturday night, sat at the bar, and only ordered pie? The answer is yes. Did the pie make it worth it. Also yes. Are all of my clothes seeming to shrink smaller and smaller as the weeks go by? Sadly, the answer is yes to that too…

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Earlier on Saturday, my new friend, Abbey, joined me at the beach on Sullivan’s Island. It was a slightly impromptu visit, and we had such a great time laughing and talking. She is just so sweet and insightful, and I met her through Emily! I feel so happy and excited that I am making some new friends to help me feel a part of the city 🙂

Sunday was another beach day which included more eating, laughing, talking, and sunning 🙂

 

HANGING OUT AT…SAFFRON CAFE AND BAKERY & THE NOISY OYSTER SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Emily recommended Saffron Cafe and Bakery to me the other day, and so I took a stroll there this morning. I have been craving hash browns ever since I started thinking about them yesterday. This did not disappoint (see what I mean about no bad food?!)

I got the Eye Opener-2 scrambled eggs with American cheese, hash browns (obviously), and 2 biscuits, but I only ate 1! Yay! Don’t worry, that was the last self-restraint of the day. Eggs were buttery, biscuits were flaky, and hash browns were crispy. Incredible.

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I finished off my binge-fest with a spontaneous stop at The Noisy Oyster Seafood Restaurant. I’m sure any well-seasoned foodie would have said, “Out of all the places in Charleston, why would you stop there?” Well, it was on my walk home from Waterfront Park, all of their garage-style windows were open and I wanted to sit inside and read my book while feeling the breeze. So, there. That’s why. I got the Chopped Salad with Grilled Shrimp. The shrimp was actually really good-nice and pan-crispy. The salad was really flavorful and had a nice little crunch from the toasted almond slivers 🙂 And that’s it. I didn’t want anything else for the whole night. Just a plain old salad.

OK, I had the Old Fashioned Banana Meringue Pudding. Gahhh! Can’t. Stop.Won’t.Stop.

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❤

 

Champagne Taste on a Tap Water Budget

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Let me tell you, Charleston has some seriously cute boutiques. I want everything! I mean, I usually feel like that, but the sole purpose of my trip is to explore the city, which means that I have time to shop and all I want to do is buy everything and eat everywhere…

Gahhhh!

sleeveless-sweater

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In Philadelphia, anytime I see a sleeveless sweater, I think, “What the hell is this? When it’s cold, you want sleeves!! Why am I the only one understanding this??”

But, I recently realized why they make sleeveless sweaters. Stupidly, since I packed in mid-August, I chose my favorite summer dresses and tops to bring with me. Well, now that the Fall Fashion Season is officially here, I’m feeling silly wearing bright sun dresses, even though it’s hot. Moreover, all of my Fall sweaters and tops are still in Spring colors-pinks, corals, mint greens. What was I thinking???fullsizerenderIt’s like the opposite of my freshman year of college, when I kept thinking I was packing for Fall, so I was forced to wear American Eagle thermal tees at the end of August…How can I even call myself a fashionista?

So in my perusals, I stopped by Madewell (a sister company of J Crew) , which I know is not exclusive to Charleston. But I found myself there and enjoyed the trip. Apparently, I’m not the only one!

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Here was the cutest dress, which was-no pun indented-made well. The thick, heavy fabric and autumnal colors made it fit the season, but since it’s a dress, and had short sleeves, it felt perfect for the location:img_0178

And then there was this dress, which I LOVED, as evident in my smile 🙂img_0179It was a little too small in the top which made me uncomfortable. This is the first (and only) time my chest was “too big” for something! LOL If it had come in one size bigger, it totally would have come home with me, paired with my ancient Charlotte Russe olive jacket and new suede booties:img_9774Madden Girl: Francesca’s, but purchased using a gift card from my bestie, Sue ❤

Then there were these cute shorts, on sale! Also try these, which are ADORABLE!img_0181Too summery for my purpose, but they also came in indigo linen, which I did buy, since they laid really nice and allowed me to wear some of my long sleeve shirts with denim shorts at an appropriate length…And check out the cute peplum tee!img_0180

Also, they had REALLLLLLLY nice work pants, and considering it’s basically impossible for me to find pants that I like and that fit me, this was a home run, except for the fact that they had a kind of weird flare thing going on at the bottom, even though they looked straight leg and were cropped…img_0182img_0183

They were the right kind of tight at the waist, but then had enough room in the thigh (which is ALWAYS the dilemma) I may need to just bite the bullet and get them, and then have them tailored. I can’t tell you how many of my pants end up in the Infamous Pants Graveyard, which is in the back of my closet…

I kept thinking about that first dress, but was not about to spend $138 on 1 item. I know, I know, “quality over quantity”, but I like variation of styles, and maybe I don’t want this dress in 2 years!

I quickly ran into Forever21 tonight, so I could try and find some fall color/summer weather clothes.forever21-logo

Wow, I’m getting too old for that shit. Seriously, the quality was so bad and the styles were so cheap, I was like, “What am I doing in here??” And then I remembered I’m working with a limited budget and limited wardrobe selection, so I allowed myself a small budget and after some serious digging, here’s what I found:img_0194Very similar in “feeling” to the Madewell dress, literally $108 cheaper. Also, very similar to the dress I posted a few weeks ago from Vestique, (which I never bought).IMG_9728

And then this trendy floral romper, that snaps at the v-neck top, so it doesn’t reveal too much cleavage and also shows off my ballerina legs from the Barre classes I’ve been taking while I’m here 🙂img_0193I texted both of these photos to Sue for her opinion. She swiftly approved and even said she liked the Forever21 dress better than the expensive Madewell one. Isn’t she the best? 🙂

❤