My Charleston Birthday Party.

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Back in June, I was visiting my friend Deirdre in Charleston, and we had the idea to throw a joint birthday party. (Her birthday is September 20th, mine’s the 27th). Really, it was just another excuse for me to go back to Charleston. We continued to joke about the joint birthday party until some time in August when we were like, “Wait. Why don’t we just do it!?!” And so, we did. Honestly, it felt a little bit silly throwing ourselves a birthday party, but I love planning a party!

Deciding on a venue was the easiest part. We are both completely obsessed with Leon’s Oyster Shop. They have the best fried chicken and oysters, ever. It’s my favorite lunch spot in Charleston, but what you may not know is that they have an “oyster shed” out back, which is perfect for throwing parties + larger dinner parties (it seats up to 25)! Oysters, fried chicken, frosé, and soft serve froyo for dessert – what could be better? And yes, I got to go back to Charleston again. It was an amazing night (ending with dancing at The Commodore). I feel so lucky to have such incredible friends in two cities (when I got back to New York, I had a happy hour as it was a larger crew). Meanwhile, I’m still recovering… (and burning off all of that fried chicken on the treadmill!) It was worth every calorie though… YUM!

A quick word about what I wore. Of course we went shopping at Hampden the day before. Hampden has quickly become one of my favorite stores… maybe my favorite. The owner, Stacy Smallwood (who I profiled here) has become a very close friend and she’s really helped me to become better at dressing for my body. This dress might not look like much but it’s absolutely amazing + so flattering on – I love how you can adjust it to make it longer or shorter. Stacy suggested getting a thin black turtleneck to wear under it this winter, so that’s next on my shopping list. And these shoes are incredible. I’d wanted them forever and when I tried them on, I couldn’t take them off! They keep selling out, so I linked to multiple sources to buy them below!

My Outfit: Etoile Isabel Marant Nicky Dress (also here, here, here, + here)  // Loeffler Randall Nicolette Sandals (also here, here, + here)

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

So fun – Deirdre (in her spare time, she DJ’s!) made everyone an “Oyster Hour Mix” as a little party favor. You can download/listen to it here, if you’d like!

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

The most perfect party shoes, possibly ever. I should also tell you that they are exceptionally comfortable. (Blame the block heel).

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Of course we had frosé! (See also, my tried + true frosé recipe!!)

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Chassity in her element!

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

Grace Atwood + Deirdre Zahl Birthday Party - Leon's Oyster Shed; Charleston, South Carolina

photography by Clay Austin.

Leave a Comment

Leave a Comment

29 Comments

  1. Jenn Lake:

    SO cute – looks like you guys had the best time! Loving the Disco Drinks, too – perfect party addition!

    10.3.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      We had so much fun!!! I didn’t know that’s what they are called… I loved drinking out of it! Xo

      10.3.16 Reply
  2. brittany olander:

    1. those shoes!
    2. these pictures are so pretty- good light!

    looks like you had a blast! charleston suits you.

    i’ve got a dark floral roundup on my blog today-
    http://brittanyisablob.blogspot.com/

    10.3.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks Brittany! Xx

      10.3.16 Reply
  3. Liz Adams:

    UM, you look absolutely amazing! Happy birthday again!!

    10.3.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Aww, thanks so much friend!!! We need to go back to Charleston at the same time again! Xo

      10.3.16 Reply
  4. Marta:

    It seems like it was a great party! And the shoes are amazing!

    10.3.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      We had so much fun!!! And thank you – I love them so much!

      10.3.16 Reply
  5. Thuy:

    I am not surprised that you had frose at your birthday party lmao. Made me smile.

    http://www.dressupchowdown.com

    10.3.16 Reply
  6. Dana:

    This looked SO fun! So happy you had the best time!

    Pink Champagne Problems

    10.3.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      It really just was the best time. Thank you Dana! xx

      10.3.16 Reply
  7. Deirdre:

    That was sooooo (too much?) fun Love you and so excited for our girls trip!

    10.3.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      TOO MUCH. Can’t wait for Charlottesville! Xoxo

      10.3.16 Reply
  8. Diana Pearl:

    Looks like such a fun night (and my mouth is watering over that fried chicken!) PS: I’ve had the same black turtleneck from J.Crew for years and it’s still a closet staple of mine! Happy belated birthday!

    x Diana // http://www.dianapearl.com

    10.3.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Ooh that is so good to know! I am going to pick one up at some point, once things cool off. Thank you for the birthday wishes! xx

      10.3.16 Reply
  9. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul:

    How fun! Good for you for making it happen! Also yay September birthdays! I’m the 19th!

    10.3.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Aw, yay! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, Erin!! xx

      10.3.16 Reply
  10. Iris:

    Those are adorable shoes!

    Happy birthday to you both!

    10.3.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks, Iris!!! The shoes are my favorite – they just make me so happy! xo

      10.3.16 Reply
  11. Belen Baquerizo:

    so cute!!

    10.3.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thanks so much, Belen!

      10.3.16 Reply
  12. carrie:

    Ah looks like such a fun time! Happy birthday again to you, Grace.

    Carrie
    http://www.wearwherewell.com

    10.3.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Thank you so much, Carrie! Happy Monday! xo

      10.3.16 Reply
  13. Taylor - Lights Camera Catwalk:

    Happy birthday girl! Love this setup, and you can definitely tell it was a blogger’s birthday! Haha!

    Xx Taylor
    http://lightscameracatwalk.com

    10.4.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Hahahaha, you always can tell when a blogger is behind something! 😉
      Thank you for the sweet birthday wishes – hope you have a great week!

      10.4.16 Reply
  14. Emma:

    OMG Leon’s is our favorite place! I’ve just convinced my friend to throw her birthday party in their space in December.

    Those shoes and dress are gorgeous! I’m wondering how to get on the guest list next time;)

    So happy you love our city!

    Emma xx

    http://www.winsomedelights.com

    10.5.16 Reply
    • graceatwood:

      Yay! Glad you love it as much as I do. Love your city so much – hope to be back soon! xo

      10.6.16 Reply