Hello! I am on my way back from Mexico as I write this post… apologies for the delay. I scheduled most of my content before I left, but this piece is a bit more timely, not something you can schedule ahead of time. I’d thought I’d have at least a pocket or two of Internet service to write this post but the signal was pretty bad – beyond sending text messages and (weirdly!) posting Instagram stories, I was pretty much out of commission. I was on Isla Holbox for my friend Becca’s birthday celebration. It’s a HIKE to get there but it’s such a pretty place.
I will share more of what we did, photos, COVID + safety stuff, etc. on the blog this week. In the meantime I am really looking forward to being home in Charleston for the tail end of LDW for a few fun things with my family and friends here. Whatever you’re up to, I hope it’s great – enjoy the long weekend.
Weekend Reading, 9.4.21
What’s happening in Texas and how to help.
WOW – Mackenzie’s backyard makeover looks SO great.
I ordered this beautiful yellow floral dress this week. Think it will be so pretty with tan boots/booties once the weather cools down. It looks roomy so I went with a small.
These striped pajamas are so fun, and a great price too. I sized up!
The secret to happiness at work.
All of the Trader Joe’s dips, ranked.
I got us a Faherty code!!!!! GRACEA20 gets you 20% off.
On getting out of a slump: the power of the mental health check-in.
This tiered mini dress is SO pretty. (I’d layer it under a navy blazer for fall).
This Charleston home is incredible.
I thought that this DIY phone case was so clever (it looks really professional too!).
Love these braided sandals. The tan is in my cart.
A local’s guide to CUBA. Still one of my favorite trips, my guide can also be found here!
I brought this navy blue polka dot dress to Mexico and while I forgot to take a pic, it’s pretty perfect. So cute and comfortable. Runs TTS.
A fun, easy, (and very pink!) rental bedroom makeover.
On the demise of the girlboss (still my least favorite expression!!).
Once I’m settled back home, I can’t wait for Only Murders!!!!
I’m really excited about the whole Bobbi Brown x Ulla Johnson collab, but especially this shadow stick.
The most anticipated books of Fall. This list, too!
Liz’s zucchini bread recipe looks so yummy.
I looove the look of this varsity cotton cardigan. The tan is so chic.
Why being bored isn’t always bad.
I have been SUPER into this whipped greens cleanser from Farmacy. Perfect for when I need a deep cleanse (it also gets all the sunscreen off!).
I’ve always wanted to go to Asheville, especially to stay HERE.
Is sparkling water good for you?
This $49 shirt jacket is so cute. I also love the powder blue!
Oh I think I neeeeeed the new Dyson hairdryer attachment!
Why is everything SEA makes so downright perfect? Contemplating splurging on this dream of a maxi dress!
Mmmm – the perfect pico de gallo recipe.
Loved this article about the intersection of travel and fashion.
My absolute favorite toner.
The ultimate guide to tequila.
photography by Clay Austin.
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Can you please share the artist of that awesome pool/palm tree painting on your gallery wall?
Gladly! It’s my friend Aly Harte, an Irish artist. This particular piece isn’t available as it’s an original that I commissioned, but she is crazy talented and does both original paintings and prints! https://alyharte.com/shop/
Thank you so much for sharing!
I look forward to this list every week (I curl up in our window seat with our dog and read it with coffee during a weekend morning!) but this week’s links were especially great – clicked on pretty much every single one. Thank you for always pulling together the perfect mix of fun stories, fashion, and interiors!
Aw that makes me so happy to hear, thanks for the note!
The Biltmore is a great place to tour with a view. It’s busy . A tourist attraction. I’ve never stayed there. But, I have stayed in the Historical district twice . My favorite is place is The Black Walnut Inn . It is unbelievably charming and breakfast and afternoon High Tea and evening cocktails and wine and cheese is amazing . Songood . You can walk to local restaurants and I was in love with my room . It was beautiful and huge decorated like a magazine . Charming big house with a huge porch . We stayed at another place In Asheville too that I loved , 1810 house. Name not sure . But the Black Walnut Inn I could not get over . I think the hosts owned a restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard . Can’t say enough. Drop dead gorgeous and luxurious . I hope u go !
Thanks for the tips!!!!
My sister moved to Asheville about 7 years ago (from Brooklyn) with her now husband, and they convinced my parents to retire there. My boyfriend and I will likely move there someday, too. TBH, it’s similar to your family and Charleston! But you MUST go. It’s so beautiful, and so much good food, shopping, and things to do.
I love that! Dying to go!
You need to get a car so you can start doing road trips to Asheville and the NC Mountains during the fall and hot SC summers. Asheville has a great food (and beer) scene.
All in good time… I prefer to be driven and the roads are better off that way. 😉 xx
As an Asheville native, I can assure you you’d prefer the Grove Park Inn over the Inn on Biltmore Estate. The Biltmore Estate is a beautiful visit, but the Grove Park Inn is a much better stay. So many good restaurants, a spa, exquisite views – this is where you want to spend your money in Asheville.
I lived in Asheville last year (such a perfect place to be during quarantine with all the open outdoor spaces!)! The Biltmore is definitely a must see (a whole day there is not enough!) and it is such a foodie city – you would love it!
So many other great places to stay though like the Grove Park or one of the many famous bed and breakfasts!
I live in Asheville, when you come I’d recommend just visiting the Biltmore and not staying there, or staying at The Inn just one night. Many will also recommend Grove Park Inn too but I think it’s a bit outdated. I always suggest staying downtown. Kimpton Arras, AC Hotel and the new Foundry Hotel are all very nice. Downtown is super walkable with galleries, shops, restaurants and breweries right outside your door. I’d also recommend checking out the River Arts District.