CITY GUIDE: SOUTH BEACH + GIVEAWAY

This trip to Miami was definitely one of my favorites to date. From the Vogue Brasil lunch at the Edition to the Mara Hoffman show at the Versace Mansion to hanging poolside at the Ritz with Kristin for my birthday, I am having a hard time picking a favorite moment! Below are a few of the highlights from my trip & recommendations should you find yourself planning a trip to South Beach.

EAT

Beachcraft // Located at 1 hotel South Beach, expect great service & farm to table cuisine. The truffle pizza is a must try. 

Mandolin Aegean Bistro // The perfect way to spend the evening in Greece - no plane ticket necessary. A super quaint atmosphere perfect for a romantic date night. Make sure to order the rose sangria.

Il Gabbiano // Christian took me here for a birthday dinner I will never forget! It is a true dining experience with impeccable service. Make sure to take a stroll down by Biscayne Bay.

Hair Tutorial | Make Up Tutorial

STAY

1 Hotel South Beach // This hotel is a blend of beachy - ecofriendly perfection. Complimentary Tesla car service & a workshop to build custom plant terrariums.

The Miami Beach EDITION // From the delicious food at the Matador Room to night club & bowling alley in the Basement, once you get to this gorgeous beach front property there really isn't any reason to leave. If you hit the bar make sure you try "The Pineapple".

The Ritz-Carlton // Old school service with a smile. Highlights include the amazing amenities at the spa & the adorable beach cruiser bikes. PS* The views from the Penthouse suite are breathtaking.

AC Hotel Miami Beach // A clean, modern, and budget friendly space situated just across the street from the beach. See my full review here.

WEAR

RVCA two blocks up dress (love it in black) | VINCE allison leather slide sandal (similar for only $54 here)  | SAM EDELMAN fit & flare dress (also available here) | GIGI NEW YORK fold over clutch | JACK ROGERS lauren flats | KARINA GRIMALDI black maxi | KAREN WALKER sunglasses | TORY BURCH kira pink cross-body | SANCTUARY CLOTHING white lace dress (also here) | ZARA off the shoulder dress (similar) | ST. TROPEZ gradual tan for body & face oil

Check out my other City Guides here.

-----------------

Speaking of travel, this DVF voyage tote is going to be one of my go-to bags for fall, and it can be for you too! Today DVF is giving away this bag to one lucky reader. Simply follow the instructions below to enter & good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

PIECES OF PARIS IN DALLAS

My first trip to Paris came about at a very interesting time. It was the spring of my junior year - I had just been dumped by my longterm college boyfriend and was in a MAJOR funk. My spirit was crushed, and the only solace I found was at the bottom of a pint Ben & Jerry's or cry-singing to Adele  and babbling about how 'she's the only one who understands me.' I think it is a testament to how truly pathetic I must have seemed, because when my best friend Caitlyn suggested we take a trip abroad my parents not only liked the idea they immediately booked me a flight. 

c/o MAISON JULES lemon skirt & striped top | RED VALENTINO bow sandals (old.) | c/o CLINIQUE 'cherry pop' lip color | DAVID YURMAN crossover ring | VITA FEDE titan bracelets | OLD NAVY bucket bag (similar)

In case you missed the memo Paris is pretty amazing. Experiencing the beauty of this new and exciting city was like a shock treatment for my soul. The city of lights quite literally illumanted my path to the future. I no longer cared to wallow about what I was leaving behind in the past because I could finally see that there was so much laying out in front of me. For me, Paris will always be a symbol of life's amazing possibilities. 

As much as I wish I could just hop on a plane at a moments notice, Paris is after all an ocean away and sometimes I have to get my inspiration stateside. Lucky for me, there are a few Pieces of Paris here in Dallas, that will do the trick in a pinch. Bisous Bisous Pâtisserie in the West Village has some of the best French Macaroons in town (not to mention is conveniently located next door to one of my favorite nail salons MiniLuxe which kills two indulgences with one stone). If you ever need a festive lunch spot or a place for a romantic dinner date, I highly recommend Mercat Bistro in the Harwood District. They also are home to my personal favorite Chai Tea Latte period. Do any of my local readers have any other DFW spots I need to check out? Sound off in the comments - Merci Beaucoup!

Now that I've filled you in on my love affair with Paris, it should come as no shock that I am obsessed with Macy's Maison Jules line. As I mention in this post, I love that these styles are très chic without breaking the bank. While I hate to play favorites, this lemon skirt is too cute not to sing it's praises. I have it style with this striped tee today (a Parisian style staple), but I can't wait to wear it again with a white crop top or a slouchy cream knit. The shirt dress I wore to Mercat is also one of my favs, and doesn't it look just perfect next to their blue & white patio chairs? Make sure to check out the entire collection at Macys.com.

c/o MAISON JULES shirt dress | JOIE wedges | J.CREW straw tote | RAY-BAN gold aviators | c/o CLINIQUE 'cherry pop' lip color | DAVID YURMAN crossover ring | VITA FEDE titan bracelets

Photography by Mary Summers for SideSmile Style 

This post was brought to you by Macy's, all opinions remain my own. 

Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

Never miss a post! Sign up for bloglovin here : 

Follow

CITY GUIDE: CHARLESTON, SC

Charleston was even more picturesque than I could have imagined! Having all the bloggers with us was such a blast for the first half of the trip, but I was definitely excited when the boys go to town. With the quaint cobblestone streets and amazing architecture waiting around every corner, there is definitely a very romantic vibe about Charleston. I feel like I barely scratched the surface on everything this city has to offer, but lucky for me Kristin is getting married there this coming Spring! I've included some of the highlights from our trip below, and if y'all have any places you think I need to visit next time please share them in the comments below :)

EAT

Halls Chophouse // Talk about service with a smile! The owners will great you at the door when you enter, and send you off with a glass of Champagne before you leave. I'm sure it goes without saying, but order a steak ;)

82 Queen // This was the perfect place for a post engagement celebration. Pop a bottle of Veuve and enjoy the gorgeous garden seating. The Crab Cake Benedict was beyond.

High Cotton // A great spot for a classy night out in Charleston, with great live music. The Gorgonzola Gnocchi was EVERYTHING. 

DO

Charleston Waterfront Park // Take a stroll along the pier, and make sure you check out the Pineapple fountain! You may even see someone getting proposed to ;)

SHOP

235 King Street // This is hands down where to shop when visiting Charleston. Hampden Clothing's curated selection of designer duds is definitely a must see.

DRINK

Gin Joint // A mixology snob's dream. The service was a tad slow, but the drinks were definitely worth the wait - the Gin Basil Smash is on point.

Carmella's Dessert Bar // The perfect place for after dinner drinks and dessert.

Republic Garden and Lounge // Packed on the weekends and with good reason. Great live music, and a very creative cocktail menu.

c/o Maison Jules embroidered drawstring dress | c/o JACK ROGERS white lauren sandals | OLD NAVY bucket bag (similar)

BLOGGERS DO FOLLY

It's always nice to get to know other bloggers better beyond the fashion week parties and hectic conferences.  I went into this #bloggersdofolly trip ready for some bonding and real talk, but anytime you get a group of girls together there is bound to be drama...except there wasn't any! Honestly I had such a blast hanging with all of these babes. I mean it's been almost 2 weeks since we all went our separate ways, and the group text has yet to go silent. I think the proof is in the pudding.

{Me, Kristin of Living in Color Print, Shelby Glitter & Gingham, Emily of Life with Emily, Cathy of Poor Little It Girl, Jess of my Style Vita, Bethany of B Soup}

I'm wearing this Orange Striped Monogram Beach Hat with my WILDFOX pineapple bikini.

EAT

Lost Dog Cafe // Mimosa Monday's and some of the best biscuits n' gravy I've had in a while.

Folly Beach Crab Shack // Voted best seafood spot by Southern Living. Make sure to try the fried shrimp.

Taco Boy // I have pretty high standards when it comes to Mexican food (see: TexMex), but I was pleasantly surprised by this spot. The Tempura Shrimp Taco was pretty dank.

Mini Tumbler | Drink Spiker | Radio | Flamingo Koozie | Hat | Sandals | Hello Summer Cup

How sick was all of our beach gear?? Monogram er'ythang

These Sociologie Wines were the perfect refreshments to take down to the beach.

DO

Folly Beach // Obviously the main draw to Folly Beach is the actual beach! Make sure to take a stroll down the pier. 

SUP Safari // Paddle boarding was definitely one of the highlights of the trip! Our guides were super friendly and knowledgable during the tour - and we only had one woman overboard...wink Emily.

Bike Ride // Our Rathershack rental came equipped with bikes, and I highly recommend taking an afternoon to cruise around the island and explore. 

SHOP

L. MAE BOUTIQUE was kind enough to host a brunch for us while we were in Folly, and bring their mobile shopping trailer! I picked out this adorable palm print romper, which I will definitely be wearing for Miami Swim in a few days.