Where Have You Been?

September 28, 2016September 28, 20161 Comment

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:

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.

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:

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:

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

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.

Here’s what I wore:

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.

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…

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.

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.

❤

Hanging Out At…Acquisitions

September 11, 2016September 11, 20161 Comment

Although you may see me on lots of adventurous trips, I actually have been working for my job back at home quite a bit. So in between answering emails, directing my Maintenance staff in Philadelphia, putting out more “fires”, reviewing invoices, and selecting ceramic tile, I’m trying to peruse shops and try new restaurants here in the late afternoons.

I’m seriously cramming as much in as possible, which means that when I get home, sometimes I just can’t bear the thought of getting right back onto a computer to sum it up again in a post. So, I’m slightly overdue for including you on my adventure this past week…I walk past Acquisitions every time I’m out and about, so I thought I’d finally check it out. After an embarrassing pull on almost every one of the 5 doors around the building, I finally walked around the entire place only to discover that the entrance was the very last door in the very back of the building…

Here are my treasures!

Some of the pieces were brand new, like this white bamboo dresser. I would love to see this nestled in between 2 twin beds in my “daughter’s” room.

I just loved the pom pom/fringe blanket. I’ve seen these more and more recently, and I’m totally feelin the trend. This sectional was not only good-looking, but also really comfortable. Imagine that! All of their newer furniture was made in North carolina

This pretty chair was a beautiful mint green color. I t was hard to tell in this photo, so I took another one with a discontinued Dash & Albert Rug. The rug was so soft, I could only imagine how snuggly it would feel on bare feet 🙂

And some were antiques!

This was a Swedish daybed, and the intricate carving was just beautiful 🙂

There was something about this old chair (and it’s matching friend) that I really liked. I think it was the worn arms. You have to wonder about the people who touched them so many times that the paint wore away. The cane seat definitely needed to be redone. Even with the cushion, I sunk down a little too far into the seat.

As always, I know you want to know what I wore 🙂Embroidered Top: J Crew Factory

White Shorts: J Crew Factory

❤

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

September 4, 2016September 11, 20162 Comments

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

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.Upon 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? 🙂
Well, 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…

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

I thought the hardware on this piece was one of the prettiest things about this piece. It’s so delicate! Look 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.

Here are some metallic pieces

This reminded me of a miniature Ark of the Covenant…

I’m just LOVING these traditional mirrors, like maybe over top of an acrylic console?

All polished up, this wooden bead chandy could be lovely!

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

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.

More trunks:

Imagine this wood tool chest opened and filled with sky blue hydrangeas!

Some fun animal inspired trinkets: This little fox hook would be perfect in a little boy’s room for jackets and hats 🙂

Several ginger jars:

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

That’s an old tobacco basket!

A beautiful NARROW 33″ wide farmhouse dining table

Cool doors and windows:

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! Sometimes, the display pieces are not for sale…like this beautiful mantle.

Headboards:

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

Sometimes you see funny things too, like this rope chandelier:
HA!

But the funniest thing happened when I was looking at these old photographs:There 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?

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

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

In person, this chandelier was HUGE! Look at the scale of it next to the barstool behind it!

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

And obviously, this posts includes what I wore!

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! ❤

What I Wore: The Charleston Dress

September 3, 2016September 3, 20163 Comments

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This is a real fear and I have suffered from this many times in my life. This pretty J Crew Factory linen and blue embroidery dress, which I affectionately dubbed “The Charleston Dress” (sold out) was my most recent source of anxiety:

similar, similar, similar

My sweet Mama bought me this dress for my birthday. As soon as I bought it, I folded it neatly and put it in a “WEAR IN CHARLESTON ONLY” bag designated for my trip. It came out once to get slightly altered (typical), and then made the 500 mile journey down South with me. Of course, I thought of all the times I could wear it: Meeting some new friends out? A casual dinner al fresco? Strolling a plantation? The possibilities were endless, that I couldn’t decide when I should wear it! One thing I did know was that it was white, and Labor Day was swiftly approaching. (Although I still think I’ll give her one more go in the fall…suede open-toed booties, denim jacket…)

Anyway, I felt like today would be the perfect day to take her out for a spin. And boy, was I right! Not only did I get direct compliments, but I even heard some gals telling their friends, “Oh, isn’t that dress cute!” At one point, I walked into a shop and a woman said, “Oh, we saw you outside, and I told my associate, ‘That’s the dress I’ve been wanting!’ I LOVE it!”

But the REAL wonderfulness happened as I was sitting on a bench in Waterfront park, innocently reading my book, when a man came up to me and said, “I am a painter in Atlanta, and you look so nice on this bench, would you mind if I took your picture, so I can paint this scene?” Ummm, YESSSSSSS!!!!!!! Now, some may say that this was a very smooth way to try and pick me up, but that was the last thing I was concerned about. My Charleston Dress had the potential of being immortalized in a painting!!! Not “panting”, a comical word mixup that spurred this text conversation with my best friend:

❤

What I Wore: Clothes-ing Out The Year

December 23, 2015December 23, 2015Leave a comment

Graphic Button-down: J Crew Factory

Necklace: J Crew Factory

Pleather Leggings: TJ Maxx

Ombre Hair: Claire at JuJu Salon

Blue Peplum: Ann Taylor via my lovely friend, Michelle, who was giving this away!

Colorful Striped Blouse: J Crew Factory

Cranberry Top: Charlotte Russe a bazillion years ago

Pink Buffalo Check Popover: J Crew Factory

Navy Puffer Vest: J Crew Factory

Suede Boots: Nine West Factory

What I Wore: Late Summer

September 22, 20151 Comment

White Tee: J Crew Factory

Coral Clare Cardigan: J Crew Factory

Necklace: J Crew Factory

Dark Denim: Van Heusen Outlet

Blossom Sandals: BCBG via J Crew

Black Zipper Dress: American Apparel via Once Worn Consignment

Camel Cardigan: C Wonder Outlet

Necklace: Ann Taylor LOFT Outlet

Suede Camel Boots: Nine West Outlet

Grey Tee: J Crew Factory

Pinstripe Pants: Express Outlet, Editor Pants

Scalloped Blue Dress: City Studio via Macy’s

Mustard Cardigan: Banana Republic Factory

Beaded Necklace: Francesca’s

Leopard Sling-backs: Anne Klein via Greene Street Consignment

White Peplum Top: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

White Lace Tank: White House Black Market

Lavender Clare Cardigan: J Crew Factory

Necklace: J Crew Factory

Dark Denim: Charlotte Russe

Black Beaded Sandals: Naughty Monkey via Once Worn Consignment

Taupe Blouse: Ann Taylor Outlet

Draped Black Pants: Joe B via Kohl’s

Black A-Line Dress: Romeo + Juliet via TJ Maxx

Necklace: J Crew Factory

Sandals: Unisa via Marshall’s

On The Hunt: Modern Pantsuit (This One’s For You, Stephanie!)

September 5, 2015September 10, 20152 Comments

A lovely reader, Stephanie, requested that I post about pants suits. Now, this was a challenge for me, as I rarely wear pants, if I can help it (see photo below), and even harder was that I rarely like to match tops and bottoms. But, The Huntress doesn’t stop just because things are hard! I really wanted to help you, Stephanie!

So, here are my inspiration photos from Pinterest:

I love the skinny leg and tailored color block jacket of this suit. It suddenly reminds me of a pair of shoes I had when I was a little girl. They were white with a little gold chain. How fashion forward of me!

I know this really isn’t a pants suit, but I imagined this is what the suit above would look like if you removed the jacket. Additionally, it has such a classic look without the blazer, that I still think can be worn in the same instance as a pants suit. It may require a cami, but the sleeves diminish the need for a blazer.This next one is just as classic as the first, except that this one has the added embellishment. Jessica rocks this sequined trim, but that could easily be swapped out for something simpler, like satin or leather…See what I mean about the leather? It has that polished, yet bad ass look.
This might be one of my faves. Look at that peplum (oh god, I’m obsessed with peplums!) It’s just so darn classy! I will have to recreate this with some pieces I have in my closet! So chic, I can’t stand it!

This suit is more of a stylish combo than a real suit, but I think this is what a modern suit should look like. This pretty patterned jacket is perfectly tailored and the pink pants don’t seem as loud, when paired with the jacket. Everything about this says, “Kate Middleton” to me. This fun jumpsuit is also a great alternative to a pants suit. It still feels very professional, but this punchy color keeps it feeling young and modern. Great for a young office or a day to night look.

1//2//3//4//5//6//7

So enough inspiration-where can you find these things?! Well, Express seems to be the best place to start.

Here is the Micro Dot Suit:

And here is the Black Studio Stretch Suit:

Next up, the Black Collection Drew Simply Straight Pants and 2-Button Jacket from The Limited

Saks Off Fifth had the Purdy Crepe Jumpsuit by Diane Von Furstenberg:

Asos’ Goldie Halter Neck Jumpsuit is also a bright alternative!

The most helpful hint is probably looking for separates from the same places. Check out these shops!

White House Black Market

Chico’s

Marciano by Guess

Seriously, I may go out and buy some pants suits now! Stephanie, I may be a convert!

What I Wore: July-August 2015

August 16, 2015August 21, 20153 Comments

Slouchy Lounge Tee: Aerie

Blue Pants: Target

Asymmetrical Graphic Dot Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Watercolor Floral Dress: Lily Rose, Kohl’s (Juniors)

Floral Sketch Blouse: Express

Jogging Pants: Aerie

Blossom Shoes: BCBG via TJ Maxx

We had an “Inaugural Ball” event at work celebrating the Grand Opening of our Washington Building, so I thought it was appropriate to wear this flashy dress. Obviously if it was a real ball, I would have wanted this in a mermaid gown 🙂

Silver Sequin Shift Dress: Forever21…so so old!

Isn’t this asymmetrical peplum so darn cute?! The fabric is heavier, so it gives a lovely silhouette. I know peplum’s aren’t new, but I’m having a slight obsession this summer. I can’t get enough!

Black Peplum Top: Bebe via Greene Street Consignment

Leopard Sling-backs: Anne Klein via Greene Street Consignment

Striped Skirt: H&M Outlet

This photo makes this look a little frumpy, but in real life, it looked beach-sophisticated…I think…

Maxi Skirt: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

All of the colors in this watercolor blouse makes it go with so many skirts. I love versatility 🙂

Watercolor Blouse: Ann Taylor Factory

Red Pencil Skirt: Target

I love this dress, so pretty and so easy. I especially love the hint of lavender, which is made better when paired with my lilac Clare Cardi from J Crew Factory.

Watercolor Floral Stretch Dress: , Kohl’s (Juniors)

I just LOVE this new blazer. So chic, so cheap!!!

Black Drape Blazer: Jessica Simpson via Greene Street Consignment

Striped High-Lo Top: H.I.P., Nordstrom (Juniors)

Ankle Pants: Target (sadly, these are the only black pants that I’m squeezing into lately…)

Strappy Shoes: Calvin Klein via Marshall’s

See what I mean about the peplum…in love ❤

Peplum Top: Bebe

This layered set of chain necklaces were a birthday gift from my beautiful friend Aisling and her sister Deirdre. Thanks, Girls! And these lightweight draped pants are the perfect bottoms for pairing with slimmer fitting tops and growing thighs 🙂

Chains: Dynamite

Drapey Pants: JOE B, Kohl’s (Juniors)

Striped Wrap Top: Ann Taylor Factory

Tomato Red A-Line Skirt: Banana Republic Factory

I just wore this last night to my cousin’s wedding! Don’t worry, I wore heels (not the ones in the background…) This was taken after I got home!

Black Swingy Dress: Express

Necklace: J Crew Factory. Thanks, Ash!

I just wore this sassy romper to brunch today with my darling friend, Sarah. It’s been sitting in my closet for years and today felt like the perfect summer day to take it for a spin.

Leopard Romper: Charlotte Russe, so so old!

Black Belt: from another dress…

*Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming post about the adventure that us “Sarahs” got ourselves into after brunch. Hint: It includes shopping!

On The Hunt: J Crew Factory Herringbone Vest

July 16, 2015July 16, 2015Leave a comment

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I’m sorry, but I had to indulge in this little nugget of information before I shared it with you…but here it is!!!

THE J. CREW FACTORY HERRINGBONE VEST IS BACK IN STOCK!!!!!!! They are actually calling it “Factory Novelty Quilted Puffer Vest”, Item: 02533, Color: Steely Grey

And obviously, I had to get one. It was justified, since I had a gift card from Meg (and John)!

The wonderful news occurred this afternoon when I saw an Instagram friend of mine post about it.

2:28pm: I see Instagram post about herringbone vest

2:29pm: I triple-check the Factory website to make sure it’s really happening

3:05pm: I had to tell someone about this!

2:29-6:37pm: Cannot calm down until that vest is purchased, using my gift card, which happened to be at home!

6:38pm: Purchased!

Read this post, and this one, and this one to hear about my cray cray obsession with this elusive beast 🙂

What I Wore: Birthday Month 2015

July 4, 2015Leave a comment

Watercolor Blouse: Banana Republic Factory

Black Knit Top: Forever21 Essentials

Leopard Necklace: J Crew Factory (a birthday gift from my darling friend, Meg!) We bonded on this post 🙂
Sparkly Blouse: Ann Taylor LOFT Factory

Aqua Blouse: Kohl’s, Candies

Pink Blouse: Express, similar

Happy Birthday, Lovely! This fabulous City Studio junior’s dress was purchased at Macy’s on a spontaneous trip to Manhattan with Iron Man. It’s not sold online, but check in stores!

*You know I don’t talk too much about my personal life on my style blog, but I will say that I hope I mention Iron Man in more future posts 🙂

Navy Top: J Crew Factory, a gift from my friend, Ashley.

Jewel Candy Necklace: J Crew Factory, ALSO a gift from Ashley! (and her hubs Patrick) It’s so sweet, I just want to eat it! Similar

Scalloped Pink Shirts: So cute, right?!?! Monteau Los Angeles via TJ Maxx

Pink Crossbody: Francesca’s, a gift from my best gal, Sue! Similar

And because I loved that outfit SO much, I morphed it into this for work…

Shoes: Nine West Outlet, old

Floral Dress: Macy’s, Speechless (another Manhattan find…)

With a pair of my favorite Sisters at the Taylor Swift concert!!!

Lace Blouse: Charlotte Russe

Denim: Target

Lace Short Extenders: Grace and Lace, Shorties

Black Drapey Pants: Joe B via Kohl’s

Geode Necklace: A gift from Barb!! Etsy, via shopgreyweather. SO beautiful, right?! It’s on a 32″ rose gold chain and goes with just about everything. Lovely 🙂

Pink Blazer: Charlotte Russe

Striped Dress: Monteau Los Angeles via TJ Maxx

And just because this is so ridiculous, I had to include this photo of me wearing a “real” blanket scarf

These next few outfits seem to be early July favorites as you can see from last year’s post…

Lavender Cardigan: J Crew, Clare Cardigan

Skirt: Banana Republic FactoryRed Cardigan: J Crew, Clare Cardigan

Polka Dotted Skirt: Banana Republic FactorySkirt: Banana Republic Factory

And in the spirit of Independence Day, and supporting the financial independence of women everywhere, here are all of the sales I found:

J Crew Factory is having a 50% of EVERYTHING sale, and then ANOTHER 20% off of selected items. Use the code “HOTSALE”.

J Crew is having a 40-60% off final sale items. Use the code “LONGWEEKEND”.

Charming Charlie has a 4th of July sale, Buy 2, Get 1 Free.

The Huntress Blog

Tag: J Crew Factory

Where Have You Been?

Hanging Out At…Acquisitions

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

What I Wore: The Charleston Dress

What I Wore: Clothes-ing Out The Year

What I Wore: Late Summer

On The Hunt: Modern Pantsuit (This One’s For You, Stephanie!)

What I Wore: July-August 2015

On The Hunt: J Crew Factory Herringbone Vest

What I Wore: Birthday Month 2015