The Glamorous Pursuit's Guide to Baltimore

I had such a great time last weekend in Baltimore with my friends Katharine and Andrew, but a busy  week in trial has delayed any postings.  Here are some of my suggestions for a great weekend in one of America's most historic cities. 

First, take a trip to Fort McHenry.  This National Park is the scene of an important battle of the War of 1812 which inspired Francis Scott Key's National Anthem.  It is a peaceful place to view the city, its water, and huge shipping docks. 

The more modern part of the city is equally as striking.  Go to Federal Hill and overlook the skyline.  This park is surrounded by some beautiful colonial-style houses. 

I think that these roses must have been from a wedding or other ceremony.  Always keep your eyes out for the unusual. 

I always loved the love story of Wallis Simpson and King Edward, the Duke of Windor who abdicated the throne to marry her.  Wallis grew up in Baltimore and returned to the amazing Hotel Belvedere often throughout her life.  I could easily imagine the chic international set here.  The neighborhood, Mt. Vernon was a slice of Europe in America. 

 The hotel bar, the Owl Bar was just what you look for in a lunch place on vacation: unique, quirky, and beautiful.  The story is that the bar was a speakeasy during prohibition and the owl statute's eyes would be your key to a stiff drink.  If the owl's eye blinked you knew that there was whiskey and that it was safe to order a drink.  These little touches always make a food stop more memorable. 

 The food was also absolutely amazing.  This truffle and wild mushroom pizza was amazing!

Tip: Always look for the chicest hotel in town and use that as your pit stop for drinks/lunch in between sightseeing/shopping.  The prices are usually reasonable and it is so much more memorable than the closest chain restaurant. 

Shopping in Baltimore is a fun diversion.  Head down to Harbour East for an area mixed with chain and independent store.  Some of my favorites: South Moon Under, the Under Armour headquarters (great Baltimore souvenir t-shirts), Urban Chic, and Sassanova. 

I found some great jewelry pieces and enjoyed the rest of the window shopping.

Tip: Best shopping break: the Four Seasons' coffee shop. 

Check out Baltimore for a great mix of old and new, historic and history-making, and glamorous and gritty.  Best tip of all, take the trip with some great friends!

High-Low Dress: Baltimore

Sunglasses: RayBans; Vest: Vintage; Dress: Target; Sweater: H&M; Necklace: Target; Boots: J Crew; Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I had a super fun weekend in Baltimore.  It was very difficult to know what to pack because it was cold, but wearing heavy winter clothes feels too strange in March.

These photos were taken at Fort McHenry, where the battle that inspired the Star Spangled Banner took place.  It was very beautiful. 

A high-low dress in a t-shirt like material is the perfect layering piece and will be just as functional when spring finally arrives.  I like the look with tights, knee socks and slouchy boots. 

Since the skirt has some trendiness to it, I like to keep the top simple.  A cotton sweater and vest were just enough. 

The back detail makes this sweater one of my favorites. 

Being comfortable but pulled together is the best way to look when hitting the town!  More pictures from Baltimore to come. 

Laura x

5 Ways to Wear a Silk Scarf

Missoni

Missoni

One of my favorite things about spring and summer is using my silk scarves as hair accessories.  Scarves are a super accessible item and come in every color and pattern imaginable.  I recommend square shaped ones or thin rectangular ones.  Look for scarves that are silk and have unique details.  Vintage stores and thrift shops are a great place to look. 

Vintage Echo

 This style is one of the easiest to do, just tie under the back of your head. 

This is another Missoni scarf.  They are a great Italian brand.  The wild colors and patterns are the perfect pop to any outfit. 

Louis Vuitton

Or you can tie the scarf under your hair.  This is especially good when the scarf is close to your own hair color.  Thanks for this one Mom!

 Keep your makeup simple with these looks.  A bright lipstick is just enough. 

Vintage scarf: Make unknown

This is probably the most daring/out there of the looks.  I usually keep my hair like this when I am outside on my deck or at the pool in the summer.  I don't like my hair to get lighter from the sun, so I try and keep it covered with a scarf or baseball hat. 

Plus this secretly makes me feel like Elizabeth Taylor in a glamorous convertible.  (I wish!).

Try one of these looks for spring, it is a great way to disguise a "bad hair day." 
 
Laura x 

The Glamorous Pursuit's Guide to Savannah, GA

I found Savannah to be a lovely city and I would recommend it to anyone for a short break.  I only spent about 10 hours in the city, so I can't recommend any day trips, but here are some photos I took and some places that I loved.  

Start with a Walking Tour  in the morning.  Most are about 2 hours long.  They are a great way to get your bearing in a new city and find out about its history and what makes it unique.  Your tour guide is also a great resource to ask for restaurant suggestions. 

Tip: Take in the beautiful iron work both on and off of the beautiful squares.  This staircase had pelicans on it. 

 The backstreet has home that are in various states of repair.  This one was fascinating to me. 

There is something more interesting about buildings that are not "perfect" to me.  

Vest: Vintage mink made from a coat; Leather Jacket: AE; Sweater: GAP; Dress: Forever 21; Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs

While the squares seem quiet and haunting, Savannah's waterfront was bustling with local artists selling their work, old fashioned candy shoppes, and pubs. 

Record Wall and Nude Fishnets

Earrings and Coat: Vintage; Dress: J Crew

An outfit which consists of simple proportions and colors can become dramatic if there is a strong contrast between colors.  In this case, a basic wool work dress looks more finished and "dressy" because my tights and heels match and create one line. 

That's why this wall looks so interesting, the graphic black and white records.  

A good tip to make fishnets more wearable is to wear them over a pair of tights.  Here, I have on nude tights and then nude fishnets over.  I think that they add just enough interest to the look. 

Tights and Stockings: Both DKNY; Shoes: Aldo

 Plus, nothing feels more indulgent and glamorous than fishnets. 

Laura x

A Weekend in the South: Savannah and Charleston

Glasses: Ray Ban Aviators; Leather Jacket: American Eagle; Vest: Vintage repurposed mink coat; Sweat: GAP; Dress: Forever 21; Necklace: Target; Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs; Boots: J Crew

I just got back from an amazing weekend whirlwind tour of Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.  Both cities were bursting with beautiful architecture, food, and culture.  They were an amazing mix of old and new, American and European, and wealth and oppression. 

 The houses and churches of Savannah beautifully echoed the natural elements around them. 

Savannah's beauty came from its haunting squares; Charleston's from its regal boulevards and pristine buildings.

I was even able to hunt down the coconut cake from the Pennisula Grille that I had seen featured in Vogue.  Pictured with a palmetto rose.

More photographs to come which I hope captured some of these glamorous cities.

Laura x