As a fashion blogger, I naturally LOVE to get all dolled up for a night on the town. Dresses, big hair, a fancy bag, and the higher the heels the closer to God. However, some nights you’re not in the mood for all that.
You just want a put together look that’s casual and cool. Well on our recent European adventure, I found myself in exactly that position. Jetlag had caught up with me and I wanted an easy look for a night out. So what did I choose? Items that you probably have in your closet already!
For my look, I opted for a pair of light/distressed jeans. My friends Rachel and Alexa look absolutely amazing in Levi’s ReDone, but honestly…my butt is too big for that. I couldn’t squeeze one thigh in a pair to save my life. Even though I’ve always had envy that I couldn’t fit into the ultimate cool girl pair of jeans, I found some that work for me! Where did I get mine? Forever 21! With a wide range of sizes, a tiny bit of stretch, and holes in just the right places, I’ve been wearing this pair almost every day. But really…just ask my co-workers!
I also opted for a Forever 21 sweater and sunglasses that rival the trendy designer pairs we all covet! I felt on-trend, classic and cute for my night out. But most of all, I felt comfortable! Here’s to those nights out and to finding the perfect pair of jeans!
Hola Dolls! Today I can’t wait to share some details with you about our recent trip to Barcelona. It was actually my first time (and Jason’s) in Spain, so there was almost too much to see, eat and experience! Every year we usually take a mini family vacation with Nigell and Robie, having spent a couple of days with them in Dublin. Last year was Amsterdam, the year before – London, so sunny streets of Barcelona were quite different!
WHERE WE STAYED:
Having been on a recent Soho House kick, we decided to give the Soho House Barcelona outpost a whirl. The private member’s club also doubles as a restaurant (we’ll get to that), spa and hotel. Because it is primarily for members, the clientele is exclusive and quite honestly…super chic! Everyone was beautiful, the décor was impeccable, service outstanding and we felt like we were in a dream. From vintage radios in the rooms playing Spanish guitar to a cocktail cart with nightly visits to your room for a “Getting ready treat,” Soho House delivers on ambiance and service. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay surrounded by Barcelona’s coolest customers, drinking frosé on the sunny rooftop and getting massages in the subterranean Cowshed spa.
WHAT WE DID:
The thing about Soho House being so cool is that you never want to leave! Believe me…we were torn between enjoying the sunshine and actually taking a moment to relax and getting out and soaking up every moment of our first trip to Spain. But as they say…it’s all about balance. Some of the things we did included:
Walking through Las Ramblas – We strolled down Barcelona’s iconic boulevard, taking in the sights, popping in to shops and drooling over ice cream cones.
As an Art History student, I always obsess over every museum in a new city. This time, I so exhausted that I didn’t make it to many, but I was sure to visit Casa Milà (aka La Pedrera), one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous architectural feats. We viewed the city’s beautiful cathedrals including the gothic Barcelona Cathedral, as well as La Sagrada Familia,a breathtaking (and still not complete) wonder!
To relax, we hit the W Hotel for a beachside cocktail. While we opted for a more low-key stay at Soho House we had to hit one of Barcelona’s most famous structures for some time to unwind. Of course, I also found time for shopping…a must in any city! Jason and strolled through L’Eixample, one of Barcelona’s largest and most modern districts. I actually got a new Maje dress that’s coming to the blog soon! Stay tuned!
Where We Ate:
Like I mentioned, the Soho House is actually home to an amazing restaurant that we’ve frequented in other cities: Cecconi’s. We recently went in Brooklyn, Miami and even London – but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to dine there in Barcelona. We ate there on two occasions, one for the most extravagant brunch I’ve ever seen (highly recommended) and one for a casual and cocktail-full lunch before our departure. The fare is modern Italian and undeniably delicious.
Two of our other favorite dinner spots were Feroz and Boca Grande. The latter being my favorite, not only because of food, but because of the unique ambiance and multi-level cocktail bar. After a dinner of wagyu beef paella, and tapas we headed upstairs for cocktails with the city’s stylish crowd. But what was most surprising was the club-scene in the bathroom. A giant room filled with floor to ceiling mirrors of all shapes and designs, the bathroom had blaring music and a crowd that came for the restroom, but ends up staying to dance! So unique! Last but definitely not least, we dined at a local tapas and cava bar that we popped into by chance. The food and wine was so delicious we retraced our steps on another day to enjoy it again! Aren’t happenstance finds like that the best!
I know this recap doesn’t even do justice to the amazing city of Barcelona, but I hope you all enjoyed it. Let me know in the comments if you have any travel plans coming up!
If you guys follow along with me on Instagram (which I hope you do!) then you might have seen that I celebrated my 29th birthday recently! My idea of celebrating was taking my annual trip to the Hamptons to spend time with my best friends. This year was a little different not living in New York, so we spent a couple days in the city catching up with old co-workers, friends, and visiting some of our favorite New York restaurants. I have to be honest – it was the first time I passed our old home since we moved and it made me a little emotional. But, I’m happy to say that I feel lucky to still have a connection to the city and the ability to visit friends often.
One of the big differences from New York to Atlanta – summer in the city! While the heat down South is brutal, you often don’t feel it going from an air conditioned building straight to a car. That’s not the case in New York where you wander the streets and can really feel the heat (don’t even get me started on the subway).
On a morning where we strolled through the West Village and then headed to Soho House, I felt a short, white sundress was perfect for the occasion and the best way to beat the heat! I love the colorful and cute embroidered design, but what I really loved was the price! Can you believe this dress is less than $25? I finished my look with my go-to Summer hat and summery espadrilles that also happen to be on sale. Make sure to check the links below for details!
