TRAVEL: The City of Atlanta

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After a recent trip to Atlanta to celebrate a friend's wedding (and a bf that keeps heading there for work!)  I can't help but think of all the delicious and fun places I need to go back and see again! 

At Briza! (another great place for brunch in Midtown!)

I lived in Georgia for about a year and a half before moving to Raleigh, and I must say that I truly miss the city. 

I really enjoy exploring each neighborhood, because they all have something great to offer. 

So if you live/work/or just play in the city, here's a few of my favorite picks you should try: 

DINE:


South City Kitchen

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I've been before, but it wasn't until my recent trip to Atlanta when I remembered how good it was.  It's southern cuisine with an upscale twist.  The service is great, just make sure you make a reservation beforehand!  Everyone else loves it too. 


Holeman and Finch Public House

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I've been here twice.  


Once for dinner and drinks with family-friends.  
We were there for HOURS.  It was amazing. 

The second time was for a casual brunch which was also very good.  

I hear they have delicious burgers.  They only make 24 a night and serve them promptly at 10pm.  
This is something I hope to try since there's so much hype around it.  Maybe my next trip will be it!



DRINK: 

The W Hotel, Midtown

The website describes it as: Southern comfort and hospitality meet contemporary luxury and sleek chic....and I couldn't say it better myself!
We had a lovely time getting drinks in the lounge of Spice Market.  There really isn't a shortage of places to check out at this hotel, plus The W is footsteps away from a bunch of restaurants in the area.  

TOP FLR

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It's a restaurant, but their drinks are really good too.  If you're into a nice, well made cocktail, this is definitely the place to go.  I think it's a well kept secret, which is something I enjoy.  Last time I was there I met lots of cool people!

DANCE:

the Sound Table

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I can't wait to go back to this place.  From the moment I set foot at the Sound Table I was in love. Every time I go the music is amazing.

They also have really cool, creative drinks.  I remember they had one with cayenne pepper -- it was hot, hot, HOT!

See more {here}

Hear the sounds {here}

INSPIRE: Motivational Monday

FASHION: Redress Raleigh Eco-Fashion Show

Have plans Saturday night?

I do!  

I'll be spending it doing two of my favorite things -- supporting my local designers WHILE attending a fashion show!

Sneak peek of Saturday's show!

It's called Redress Raleigh.  A fashion show featuring Raleigh's top designers and their eco-friendly collections. 

You may remember my posts from last year when I attended the event.  See posts {here} and {here}

I couldn't stop raving about Zass Design, a mother/daughter duo who make cutting edge jewelry out of upcycled materials.  

This year they're back in the show along with several other designers with some amazing looks for spring and summer.  

RedressRaleigh.com

(I already got a sneak peek during the dress rehearsal earlier this week!) 

Don't miss out on all the fun.  You'll regret it if you do.

Buy your tickets {here}

FASHION: Sunny day shades

Spring is here, and this past winter I noticed my sunglasses took a major backseat.  

In some cases I would go days without wearing them, but as it warms up I find myself reaching for them more and more!

I will always love my classic Ray Bans (with a gradient lens!), but I can't help but think of all the possibilities that are out there!

Sporting the Ray Bans

Right now I'm dreaming about the cat eye sunglasses.  

(Beth called it months ago when she mentioned them in her fall fashion post!)

With a trip to back home to sunny South Florida in the coming months, I may have to look into these: 

My absolute faves! [Prada]

A charming vintage feel with the gold trim [Gucci]

If I lived in Miami during the 60's you'd see me in these [Dior]

Obviously, the price point for these is quite high! 

You'll see me heading to stores like Target, Forever 21, and the like to find a comparable pair for a fraction of the cost. 

However....I do think it's important to have at least ONE nice pair! :)

Let me know what you find. 

Until next time,

FUN: Chatham Hill Winery

I recently had the chance to check out the Triangle's "urban winery" with the Blog Girls!

A little tour behind the scenes paired with a tasting of some of their best selling wines turned a regular Sunday afternoon into a whole lot of fun!

The wine they make are from grapes imported from across North Carolina!  I'm usually a "cab" girl, but their Merlot was my favorite!

Who knew that such a neat little spot was tucked away right outside of Raleigh?

Maggie, Me, Carly, Elisabeth, Sara, Heather

FASHION: Red Carpet Glam

This year's awards season may be winding down, but I'm still very excited about all the lovely looks I spotted on the red carpet!  

From the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Grammys, and the Oscars... These girls took Hollywood glamour to a whole new level. 


Overall best dressed:

Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta [photo credit]

Classic elegance:

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu [photo credit]

Chalize Theron in Dior [photo credit]

Glitz and Glam:

Jennifer Hudson in Roberto Cavalli [photo credit]

Naomi Watts in Armani [photo credit]

Bold in black:

Halle Berry in Versace [photo credit]

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen [photo credit]

Delightfully daring:

Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera [photo credit]

FASHION: Beaded Couture

I decided to be a little bold one Saturday night and wear my Grandmother's beaded top. 

She gave it to me after I found it hanging in her closet during my last trip to Baltimore. 

I was enamored with it!


Let's just say it was perfect for the impromptu photo shoots that took place that evening. 

Who knew beaded couture could be this fun?