Criss Cross

I'm convinced I could wear these leopard ankle booties with 98% of my wardrobe (most recent evidence here, here, & here). I tried on a few other shoe options with this look but nothing was quite right. As soon as I threw on these booties, the whole vibe changed - leopard just adds that instant cool factor. This crisscross a-line dress is perfect for Fall in Florida - lightweight, soft, 3/4 sleeves and just enough detail to keep it from being boring.

Dress - Forever 21 (similar) || Bag - Rebecca Minkoff c/o Shopbop || Booties - Sam Edelman || Sunglasses - Warby Parker || Lipstick - Maybelline "burgundy blush" 

Cactus

Sometimes a print just speaks to me, like this cactus muscle tee which instantly grabbed my attention while browsing through the racks at T.J. Maxx. I've had so many great finds there lately (this tank, dress & romper) that I've made it a routine to do a monthly lap around the store. I was too busy obsessing over the print to realize it was an x-large, but I held onto it while I hunted for another one in a smaller size. I searched high and low but no to avail, so I tried it on anyway. Using one of my favorite styling tricks, I knotted the extra fabric on the bottom of the tank and loved the over-sized look with a little peek of skin showing. Best part: it was only $10!!

I also have to mention this bag because it's pretty much the prefect fall bag - olive green, soft suede, classic satchel silhouette, with gold accents and long tassel pull details...so good. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Mine will be filled with wedding planning yay!

{outfit details}

Cactus Muscle Tee - T.J. Maxx || Jeans - Current/Elliot || Olive Suede Bag - Rebecca Minkoff (c/o Shopbop) || Sunglasses - Warby Parker || Booties - Steve Madden || Lipstick - Revlon "blase apricot" 

Vermont Food Crawl

On our last day in Vermont, Greg and I did a food crawl in Waterbury with all of my VT family including my aunt, cousin, god sister and both of their boyfriends. The morning started at Cold Hollow Cider Mill for for fresh apple cider, maple coffee and warm cider donuts. Next up: cheese tasting at Cabot - so many delicious flavors that you can't find in stores! We didn't quite have our fill of dairy, so we finished with a little something sweet at the Ben & Jerry's factory tour. It was such a fun day and the perfect way to end the most memorable trip of my life. 

{The cider donuts were so good! We immediately regretted not ordering more than one each, but we had to pace ourselves for the rest of the food crawl! }

{I don't discriminate when it comes to cheese - I love it all, but these flavors were so delicious! We went home with the garlic & herb and my parents bought the tomato basil - together they made the most epic grilled cheese sandwich!

{cookie dough waffle cone for the win}

{one of each, please}

{The cutest pin in the gift shop! Also got a comfy Ben & Jerry's tee that says "I like to spoon" - also known as, my favorite shirt to sleep in}

Flannel

Fall & flannel are synonymous in my book. The weather was beautiful when we were in Vermont, with highs in the 60's during the day and lows in the 40's at night. I could have lived in this outfit the entire vacation - there's nothing I love more than crisp October air & a cozy flannel! While I will always have a soft spot for traditional buffalo plaid, this windowpane one is becoming a favorite due to its simplicity and versatility. 

{outfit details}

Flannel - Madewell || Jeans - Express || Booties - Dolce Vita || Aviators - Ray-Ban

Vermont Vacation 2016

We survived Hurricane Matthew, I've packed & unpacked endlessly for the last week and a half, but I finally sat down and sifted through all of my Vermont photos. Before this trip, the last time I had been to Vermont was in high school (almost a decade ago - not ok!) but this was the most memorable vacation of my life. In case you missed it - Greg and I got engaged! (more on that here) Since he popped the question on our first day of vacation, we had all weekend to celebrate with family & friends, hike, check out the foliage, and take some time to just relax. Below are some of my favorite photos from our trip, including hiking Jay Peak, walking around my family's campground, the brook & waterfalls, and exploring back roads to see the changing leaves. Stay tuned for a recap on our Vermont food crawl - coming next week!

ENGAGED!

September 30, 2016 was the best day of my life thus far. My best friend asked me to marry him on the top of a mountain! 

We were on vacation in Vermont with my parents and hiked Jay Peak on our first morning there. It was 1.7 miles to the summit, and about three quarters of the way up, Greg and I went ahead of my parents to try to see the view before the clouds rolled in. Once we made it to the top, the view was absolutely breathtaking - 360 degrees of mountains from Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and Canada! We climbed up to the summit and took a few pictures of the gorgeous landscape. Greg found a little bench so we snuggled in the cold wind for a few minutes waiting for my parents. 

When they got there all of us were taking photos together when Greg said he wanted to take a picture on a rock in front of the mountain range. So we made our way down to the ledge and Greg went to set his backpack behind a rock. He pointed out the tram going down the side of the mountain and by the time I turned back around, he was down on one knee! I cannot even begin to describe how I felt in that moment - it was so surreal, it takes my breath away every time I think about it. He pulled off a huge surprise since I was expecting it to happen on our anniversary trip in November, so I was totally shocked! Of course I said YES!!! 

It was such an amazing moment, and made even more special by the fact that my parents were a part of it! It was so great to celebrate with them and my family in Vermont all weekend! Almost a week has passed and I still feel like I'm living in a dream. Greg and I could not be happier and want to thank everyone for their well wishes and congratulations, it means the world!