Here are a few of my holiday favorites that are making me smile! I'm in love with the series of Inslee + Lela Rose prints from my mom. I posted a pic of this blue and white dress from the trunk show at Vermillion a few months ago, it was my absolute favorite from SS15. I knew I had to have a set of Inslee's watercolors from the SS runway show and I can't wait to get them framed and find a special nook for them to call home. I also love this Loren Hope necklace, also a surprise--the wonderful thing about writing a style blog is that your loved ones have a pretty good idea of what you may want for Christmas! I plan to get this one to pair with it for a statement look. I'm treasuring this bottle of Hermès Calèche (also from moms) that came with a sweet story about my grandfather bringing bottles back from France to mom and my aunt when they were little girls. It has a fresh, subtle fragrance and is definitely a sentimental favorite. They all made for a pretty picture on this powder blue and gold monogrammed tray I found recently at Target. Don't you just love that color???
Super excited to spread some holiday cheer to these lucky ladies! If you do not receive an email from us by tomorrow, drop a line to southernarrondissement@gmail.com. Thanks to everyone that entered, and especially to these amazing small businesses for being so generous! Happy, happy holiday season to you all!
I recently paid a visit to St. Simons Island for a quick stay at the beautiful King & Prince Hotel. They were in the midst of preparing the recently-renovated hotel for the holidays, so I got a peek at what they had in store for their holiday guests. For instance, check out Chef John's holiday hot chocolate recipe here!
I became familiar with St. Simons when I lived in Savannah, when I would go for day trips to the Tibi outlet (real life, true story) or to go visit with vacationing friends. The island is a tight-knit beach town, with plenty to do and see if you’re not just there for beach bumming. The King & Prince is really the place to stay; it’s a sprawling, gorgeous beach-front property with a long history. I don’t know how to explain it but you can almost feel the history-the way you can when you visit the Biltmore estate. It's like an old-fashioned Gatsby-style glamour. They’ve added a gorgeous bar and restaurant adjacent to the lobby, complete with ocean and poolside views. Very nautical chic. I could go on forever about the staff. They are attentive, but it is more about the attitude; more than once I tried to hug one of the hotel employees.
While the property is super family-friendly, I can’t wait to go back down for a long girls’ weekend. It’s a half-day trip from Raleigh, and only a few hours from Columbia or Charleston making it an ideal spot to meet up with some of your BFFs. Did I mention the Tibi outlet? It’s less than five minutes from The King & Prince. The hotel also has several houses for rent, which is ideal for a pack of ladies on a mission to unwind, or for a bachelorette party for that matter. All the amenities of the hotel but more room for dance parties. It would be so much fun to plan to be there for one of Chef John’s cooking lessons. While there are plenty of spots (Del Sur. Do not miss.) to dine out, dinner at ECHO and drinks at the bar makes it hard to want to leave! I took a zillion pictures of the tile floors and mirrored walls. It's gorgeous. The kind bartender even saved me from a painfully awkward pickup attempt, for which I will be forever grateful. That is some serious top-notch service.
My friends at The King & Prince also directed me to some of the islands’ top spots to visit and best-kept secrets. I took a shrimp boat ride, a bike ride, and a trolley tour that included stops at the historic and stunning Christ Church as well as the best barbecue restaurant, possibly in the South. The dudes at Southern Soul are so serious about their Q it’s almost a religion. The trolley tour was narrated by the very handsome Cap Fendig, who is practically an island celebrity, due to his charm and abundant kindness. I can’t tell you how gracious and welcoming everyone you cross paths with is and how much they love their island. Even for a no-kid having, hard-core relaxer like me, I loved getting out and exploring in a way I hadn't in past visits. The K & P helped me truly explore St. Simons, and helped me love this island even more.
If you’re looking for a romantic, last-minute New Years trip, book a stay at The King & Prince. They have a spectacular NYE dinner menu at ECHO, at an amazing price, and really great winter rates you can take advantage of for your getaway. Now is also an excellent time to get a jump on your spring & summer plans, they book up fast in the high season!
*The King & Prince graciously accommodated me; this post represents my own opinions*
I recently popped in to the new Lou & Grey store at North Hills here in Raleigh to take a peek at this lovely new space; I'd been so curious about it after having watched it come to life throughout their construction. The grey brick and chic storefront had definitely caught my eye, and the interiors didn't disappoint! It's a light, bright space with almost a zen-like feeling. The gorgeous light fixtures are complimented by super-hip woven leather chairs and vintage album covers (you had me at Toto). Lou & Grey, the line, was born out of the belief that women don't want to have to choose between style and comfort...sooo...right up my alley. Almost every single piece is soft, from the slouchy skinny jeans to a buttery, quilted leather jacket. (Also super affordable.) Swear, the jeans I scooped up are 100% as comfortable as your favorite yoga pants. I paired them with one of their tissue tanks (perfect for layering) and a glorious gray cashmere cowl-neck sweater tunic with pockets! Squee! The store is also dotted with small-batch collections from artisans and "makers" from across the country, as well as pretty coffee table books and other chic knick knacks. It was cool to find some really unique little holiday gifties that I know people won't have seen anywhere else. I was OBsessed with Austin-based jewelry designer Zoë Comings; I bought three pieces and foresee more in the future. The sweet Lou & Grey staff took the time to tell me a little about each of the artisans I was interested in, as well as directing me to all of their favorite styles. The dressing room area is home to this giant leather couch/fort that made me want to curl up and grab one of their copies of "Not That Kind Of Girl". I'm excited about this laid-back addition to the North Hills mix. I will definitely be making my way back soon, there's a pair of space-dyed leggings with my name on them. Shop some of my favorite pieces below, and be sure to stop by the store and check it out!