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.

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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

VDAY STAYCATION - PART THREE

The Joule is one of my favorite hotels in Dallas. From the Taschen Library, to Weekend Coffee, to CBD Provisions what is not to love? And nothing beats being greeted with a champagne toast & chocolates :)

I swear the Joule has the best mirrors for selfies - shop my look here.

The Midnight Rambler is one of Dallas' hidden gems. The speakeasy atmosphere is perfect for a chill night out.

Love this photo of Christian & I during lunch at R+D Kitchen with my parents--shop my outfit here.

I'm not a huge gifts person, but a great card always melts my heart. I found this one for Christian at Paper Source.

I felt like such a Princess having the full glam treatment come to me! If you have a birthday, wedding, or just a fun Friday night out I definitely recommend booking an appointment with beGlammed app asap :) I wore my favorite JOA window pane dress (on major sale) to our Vday dinner at Toulouse on Knox. The Cointreau Souffle was to die.

I came home to this gorgeous arrangement - a mixture of hydrangeas, roses, and runaculas. Didn't he do good??

I have been going to Sushi Sake in Richardson with my best friend Kathryn since I was 17 years old, so naturally it has been at the top of my list of places to take Christian. I highly recommend the Amiyaki Chicken, Gyoza, & Sake boxes.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four

VDAY STAYCATION - PART TWO

After a fun night of dinner at CBD & drinks with friends at the Midnight Rambler, Christian and I were in a need of a serious pick me up before we headed out to lunch with my parents. Lucky for us one of the best coffee houses in Dallas is located in the lobby of the Joule. I've tried pretty much every Chai Tea latte in town, and Weekend is definitely in my top 3. It also bares to mentioning that Traffic LA, TENOVERSIX, & Neiman Marcus are all within walking distance...but I opted to spare Christian from having to watch me shop and test his patients on another day. Check back tomorrow for Part Three of my 'Vday Staycation'!

EVERLANE striped tee (love the men's version) | FRAME le crop denim | c/o KENDRA SCOTT rayne necklace | J.CREW metallic sandals (similar) | c/o MISSGUIDED 99 problems clutch

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four

VDAY STAYCATION - PART ONE

 

One of the great parts of being in a long distance relationship is getting to treat Christian's visits to Dallas like mini-staycations. Since this last trip fell over Valentine's Day weekend I knew that I really had to step up my game, and show him the best Dtown has to offer. For his first night in town, I decided to take him to dinner at CBD Provisions located inside The Joule Hotel. I absolutely loved the decor, and the ambiance was perfect for a romantic date. We started with the waiter recommended, Buttermilk Biscuits & Creamed Collard Dip, which lived up to the hype! Even though the couple next to us was very adventuresome and ordered the Berkshire Pig Head, I decided to play it safe for my main course and stick to NY Strip with bleu cheese butter (the best I've had in recent memory) & Christian got the Head on Gulf Shrimp and Grits which he loved (despite the fact I could swear they were staring at us). CBD definitely set the bar for the rest of our meals over the weekend, and I would highly recommend if you are ever in the area! Come back tomorrow for Part Two of the 'Vday Staycation' :)

M MISSONI metallic dress (*ON SALE) | NICHOLAS pink wool coat (similar for less here) | MANOLO BLAHNIK bb patent pumps | c/o MISSGUIDED 99 problems clutch

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four

Hawaiian Holiday

Where to begin...our trip to Maui was nothing short of magical! First off the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua was amazing! From the Spa (I am still using the cherry blossom lotion I snagged every day) to the poolside sushi and cocktails, there was very little left to be desired. The staff was so friendly and very helpful with planning our activities including an amazing zip lining adventure & my personal favorite of whale watching. I would definitely recommend ditching the cold and heading out to Hawaii for a very Maui Christmas :) 

Christmas Eve (Ritz-Carlton Kapalua): RUBBER DUCKY wrap dress | RED VALENTINO bow sandals | JENNIFER ZEUNER monogram necklace | LILY & LAURA bracelets | NARS jungle red lipstick

Zip lining (Kapalua Ziplines): NIKE pants and tennis shoes | KAREN WALKER number one sunglasses

Whale Watching (Ultimate Whale Watch): TARGET white sweater | 7 FAM jean shorts