Hanging Out At…Poogan’s Smokehouse

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It’s Restaurant Week in Charleston (hooray!!) So, tonight, I decided to try out Poogan’s Smokehouse. It’s sister restaurant, Poogan’s Porch was a place I visited in April and also happened to undergo a renovation by my Charleston Interior Designer cyber-friend, Deidre at Leaf Interior Design.

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There was a 30 minute wait, so I decided to try this bar down the street. And who should pass by me as I walked in? Southern Charm’s infamous Shep Rose

I sat outside in the most beautiful weather ever and enjoyed the scenery of several drunk Bachelor Parties stumbling down the street…

Let’s start my review with the service. My waiter, Mike, was great! He was super nice and really helped me figure out what to get. He recommended the Smoked Pork Belly and Hash and Rice. I’m not really a fatty meat girl, so I went for the Mac and Cheese, Tennessee Hot Chicken Sandwich (hot sauce on the side) with Hash and Rice, and Chocolate Bread Pudding for dessert. Oh, and just so you know, as I’m writing this, I’m still feeling the effects of my Spiced Banshee 🙂

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img_0172img_0173Unfortunately, I had 2 bites of my entree and already needed to box everything up. The beer before dinner really filled me up 😦

But the few bites that I did have were really good. The Mac and Cheese was really flavorful. The chicken sandwich was juicy with just enough spice. The Hash and Rice was really decadent and kind of melted in your mouth. And I didn’t even see my Chocolate Bread Pudding! It’s in the fridge waiting to be devoured tomorrow.

For about 50ish dollars I now have meals for 2 days!

img_0174Definitely worth it!

And as always, here’s what I wore. I call this look Beach Chic, since I took a shower after working out earlier this morning and then ended up at the beach later this afternoon. I quickly rinsed off, but didn’t feel like doing my hair…img_0170Denim Ruffle Dress: Target

Necklace: Francesca’s

 

 

 

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Hanging Out At…Mt. Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island

IMG_9935Today I slept in (way later than I’ll ever admit to), then finally made my way over to Mt. Pleasant and Sullivan’s Island.IMG_0044 IMG_0043 IMG_0045

I wanted to find a restaurant that was recommended online (future post to follow), but I had some time before they opened back up for dinner, so I stopped at the Antiques Market.IMG_0042Upon walking in, I realized that it was one of those “antique malls” that my Dad likes to say is “mostly filled with junk!” He really does have a way with words, doesn’t he? 🙂
IMG_9986Well, amidst the junk, you know I was able to find some treasures!

Some Asian furniture, that were pretty good prices, considering I bought something similar to this for work and it was 3x the price…IMG_9999 IMG_9961 IMG_0010IMG_0005

Didn’t love the piece below for my personal home, but I had to admire the ornate detail of the mother of pearl carving 🙂IMG_0003IMG_0001IMG_0002

I thought the hardware on this piece was one of the prettiest things about this piece. It’s so delicate!IMG_0022IMG_0023IMG_0008 IMG_0007Look at this campaign style dresser for only $169!! In my mind, I had repainted it a beautiful lacquered black. Or sweet lavender. Or kelly green. Or coral pink.IMG_9994 IMG_9995

Here are some metallic piecesIMG_9992

This reminded me of a miniature Ark of the Covenant…IMG_9993IMG_9997

I’m just LOVING these traditional mirrors, like maybe over top of an acrylic console?
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All polished up, this wooden bead chandy could be lovely!IMG_9973

These are curtain tie-backs, which I have already mentally “installed” in my Charleston apartment’s living area, when I redid the place. LOLIMG_9972 Look at these mini candlesticks. Aren’t they cute? They were only $14.50 each!IMG_0025IMG_0009

This XL copper bucket would be beautiful filled with firewood. It was only $50, which is a steal! If I had a fireplace, this may have come home with me.IMG_9977

More trunks:IMG_9985

Imagine this wood tool chest opened and filled with sky blue hydrangeas!
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Some fun animal inspired trinkets:IMG_9991 IMG_9987 IMG_9967 IMG_9966 IMG_9965This little fox hook would be perfect in a little boy’s room for jackets and hats 🙂IMG_9990

Several ginger jars:
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And more generally cool stuff…I would just LOVE to host a party where all of the glasses were this rich plum shade!IMG_9998IMG_9981IMG_0014IMG_0012IMG_0006IMG_0026IMG_9984IMG_0020

That’s an old tobacco basket!IMG_0024

A beautiful NARROW 33″ wide farmhouse dining tableIMG_9979

Cool doors and windows:IMG_9975IMG_0017IMG_9983

Sometimes, the best pieces are actually display pieces, like this cool bamboo shelf. I mentally put it in an all white bathroom, complete with mosaic marble tiled floors. I cleared off all of the crappy things and placed fresh, fluffy, white towels rolled up, next to artisanal soaps and glass apothecary jars filled with cotton balls. On the walls are small, framed John Audubon prints. If that didn’t give you a visual, I’m not sure what will!IMG_9974 Sometimes, the display pieces are not for sale…like this beautiful mantle.IMG_9969 IMG_9970

Headboards:IMG_9971IMG_0019

How cool are these old scuba masks? The kind of thing I would just love to incorporate into a kid’s “underwater” themed room!IMG_0004

Sometimes you see funny things too, like this rope chandelier:
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But the funniest thing happened when I was looking at these old photographs:IMG_0018There weren’t a ton of people in the store, so it was strange when this elderly woman came right up to the small corner where I was standing looking at these photos. She remarked, “Wow! I’m sure all these people are dead!” Then picked up one of a woman in Victorian clothes and said, “Well, I know SHE’S dead!” And then proceeded to thumb through the stack of photos proclaiming, “Dead…Dead…That one’s dead…” So I actually started to walk away when she called out, “That’s where we’ll all end up…in an antique’s shop!” HA! Well, that made me chuckle!

This alabaster lamp base was the one thing that I really hated to leave behind. It was a little bit more than I want to spend when I’m on a limited budget. Especially when I don’t really need a lamp. But it was SOOO cute. Such a sweet size, so perfectly carved. I was worried about the wiring, but that’s something that could easily be fixed, right?

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Next door was a shop called Steven Shell Living.IMG_0041It very much reminded me of Nadeau in Manayunk, Philadelphia (which they also have a location in Charleston!) IMG_0027IMG_0028

I thought these little whale bookends were so classy for a beach house.IMG_0040

In person, this chandelier was HUGE! Look at the scale of it next to the barstool behind it!IMG_0039 IMG_0037 IMG_0035 IMG_0034 IMG_0033 IMG_0032 IMG_0031 IMG_0030

And who couldn’t be pleased with this scalloped edge dining table??IMG_0029IMG_0038

And obviously, this posts includes what I wore!

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White Lace-Trimmed T-shirt: J Crew Factory

Pink Scalloped Shorts: Monteau via TJ Maxx 

Bag: Kayla Striped Crossbody via Francesca’s

Until next time! ❤

New City, No Friends (yet)

 

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When I said that I would have some time alone with my thoughts, that’s exactly what I’m getting. Without knowing anyone here, I’ve got lots of time to myself. I’m trying to keep myself busy, knowing that as soon as I have some friends, I’ll feel more like a local.

Confession: I’ve lived in Philadelphia for almost 10 years, yet I still have absolutely no idea where I’m going. I mean, I recognize things and locations, but I still need a GPS to get me everywhere.

My mission in Chucktown (that’s for you, Dad) is to learn this city and figure out how to get around without relying too much on my GPS. When my Dad and Other Mother 🙂 stayed downtown in April, we walked everywhere and just that one week here really helped me to feel comfortable coming down this time. I’ve been walking everywhere and am starting to know where I am! Downtown Charleston is pretty small and so it’s getting easier everyday.

Here’s what I wore yesterday while strolling around downtown:IMG_9719Ruffle Top: Ann Taylor LOFT Outlet

Striped Green Skirt: Greene Street Consignment (and then tailored, of course!)

Striped Navy Cross-Body: Francesca’s, a birthday present courtesy of Iron Man specifically for my Big Trip!

These lovelies are from a shop called Alexandra AD, which sells beautiful French antiques.


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This lovely campaign chest was over $9,000 and spotted in David Skinner Antiques & Period Lighting. The rest of the lighting was in the same shop.

IMG_9721 IMG_9720This fab ship chandelier reminds me of the one featured in Lilly Bunn’s beautiful apartment. As my lovely friend, Elise, would say, “swoon” 🙂

Finally, you KNOW I couldn’t go shopping without trying a few things on…This super cute dress was from Vestique. SO cute, right? It was a tiny bit short, so some minor alterations would need to occur, but that doesn’t usually deter me, since I’m a big fan of tailors!IMG_9728

Then later on, I quickly walked through the Charleston Home Show, which ended up being a bust…the good part was that it was a 5 minute walk from my apartment. Here’s what I wore for my short stint there…

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Dress: Japna via TJ Maxx

Black Clutch: Charming Charlie (originally $22, but purchased with a 10% off coupon from a previous purchase!)

Earrings: Target

Today, I went to Folly Beach! It was really easy to drive there, but surprisingly much harder to find your car when you’re ready to go home…After a minor freak-out (cue massive sweating episode and wishing I had “dropped a pin” on my iPhone…), I found a very nice man driving a buggy wearing a Folly Beach County Park t-shirt who literally drove around all of the side roads to find my car for me. He was so thorough, I thought he drove away and wasn’t going to come back! But, he found my car and I sat inside with the AC turned up, petting the steering wheel and telling her I’d never lose her again…

Before the panic:IMG_9744

Who knows what tomorrow will bring!

*Disclaimer: So many wonderful people have reached out to me saying that they have a friend here, or have put their friends in touch with me. I truly appreciate everyone’s efforts to help me socialize and acclimate to a new city. I feel so loved!

What I Wore: New School Year!

The Huntress-What I WoreHappy Saturday!

Now that the school year has started, it was time to step things up a little bit. I have to admit, I was getting excited about Back-to-School Shopping. Especially when you can get deals like the ones I got from Once Worn. This is the perfect time of year for clothes. The summer is dwindling, but it’s still warm, so skirts and short-sleeves are comfortable, but you can still get away with the occasional jeans and t-shirt, or my absolute fav, shorts and a long-sleeve top 🙂 IMG_4087

Polka-Dotted Blouse: This sweet Peter Pan collared blouse was from Kohl’s on clearance a few month ago

Black Pencil Skirt: Ann Taylor via Once Worn Consignment

Black Beaded Sandals: Naughty Monkey via Once Worn Consignment

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Glasses: Ralph Lauren RA 7044 in 1143 Spotted Pink

Ikat Blazer: Charlotte Russe

Ruffle Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Pencil Skirt: Charlotte Russe

Teal Heels: Nine West Factory

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White Peplum Top: Ann Taylor Factory

Pearls: Charming Charlie

Polka Dotted Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Navy Heels: Lifestride via DSW

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First Day of School!

Ciao Tee: J Crew Factory (my obvious choice to welcome in my class)

Crystal Necklace: Olive + Piper, Anastasia Floral Bib Necklace

Black Pencil Skirt: Ann Taylor via Once Worn Consignment

Leopard Hide Peep Toes: Anne Klein via Greene Street Consignment

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Black Cotton Zipper Sheath Dress: American Apparel via Once Worn Consignment

Double Gold Chain Necklace: gift! via Dynamite, similar This actually came with several individual strands that can be worn together or separately. Theres one that’s even hot pink 🙂 You can see where I wore it with it’s shorter chain friend later on in the week

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Coral Cardi: Clare Cardigan, J Crew Factory

Floral Blouse: Express

Beaded Necklace: Francesca’s (it’s new! they were having a crazy sale, where I swiped it for $10) I will be wearing this next week, so I’ll take a close-up shot

Green Skirt: Banana Republic Factory

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Striped Peplum Top: Silence + Noise via Once Worn Consignment. See how cute it looks once its on?

Black Pencil Skirt: Express

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Black Skater Dress: Romeo + Juliet via TJ Maxx

Leopard Necklace: J Crew Factory

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Cream Cardi: Target

Cream Satin Trimmed Tee: Banana Republic Factory

Nautical Striped Silky Skirt: H&M via Once Worn Consignment

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Taupe Drapey Blouse: Ann Taylor Factory

Black Wide Leg Pants: Joe by Joe B via Kohl’s

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Oh! Hello again, white peplum from Ann Taylor Factory!

Lavender Cardi: Clare Cardigan, J Crew Factory

Necklace: J crew Factory

Dark Zip Leg Denim: Charlotte Russe

Black Beaded Sandals: Naughty Monkey via Once Worn Consignment

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Navy Rolled Sleeve Tee: gift! via J Crew Factory

Gold Chains: gift! via Dynamite, similar

Medium Stretch Denim: CAbi Outlet

Brown Sandals: TJ Maxx