A Weekend in Charleston, SC | Travel Diary

Hello lovely reader! Recently I had the chance to take a weekend trip to the ever charming Charleston, South Carolina. It was my first time visiting so of course the first thing I did was Google all things "Charleston blogposts" and scroll through Instagram to find the most photogenic spots. Hopefully this post is a helpful quick summary of some things to check out and places to eat for other first timers. Overall Charleston is the epitome of Southern Charm with colorful historic buildings and cobble stone streets so you really can't go wrong.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Francis Marion Hotel and had a great experience. The location was perfect and it is one of the tallest buildings in Charleston so the views were beautiful.  

Things to See/Do

Shopping on King's Street - From designer storefronts to small businesses, King's street has stores for every budget and is great to window shop too. 

Take some pics on Rainbow Row. This stretch is Instagram goals for color lovers.

Take a Rickshaw ride through the historic neighborhoods.

Have a drink on top of the Market Pavilion Hotel. Chic poolside spot with great sunset views.

Places to Eat

Poogans Porch - Modern takes on traditional southern eats, located in an old yellow house on Queen Street, very cute. Queen's Street is a great place to walk around before or after your meal. (this pic is a building across the street, pink stucco for days)

Hank's Seafood Restaurant - Probably one of if not THE place to eat in Charleston. Tell someone you're going there and odds are Hank's will be on the list of suggested places. The food was great and the best meal we had during our visit. This place books up quickly so try to make a reservation as soon as you know you want to go!

Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar - Gelato? Cakes? Boozy Shakes? Check, Check, and Check. Again super cute and quaint setting for a post dinner treat or a nice place to stop in and cool off after walking around. 

& after you have some dessert, go relax on the swings at Waterfront Park and take in the views.

Modern Camouflage | OOTD

Hello lovely reader! This year I really want to get back to sharing more fashion related posts, from actual looks of my own to high end pieces that I am loving and general information about current fashion industry happenings.

Todays post is centered around something that is always "in" in one way or another, camouflage print. It every year it seems that at least one designer's collection takes influence from military/combat styles, whether it is through silhouettes and shapes or literal print and color choices. This inspiration choice can be for many different reasons such as wanting to portray strength, empowerment, or simply pay homage to the past. I think that it is interesting to see camouflage used in fashion today because of course the origin of the use of these prints was to create a way for people to stay hidden, to blend in, but often times when people where camouflage in day-to-day life, they do the exact opposite and are wearing it as a statement, a way to stand out.

Top: Original-Polo Ralph Lauren Mens Camouflage Oxford Classic Fit Shirt (currently out of stock), Other color option on Bloomingdales, Very similar option on Abercrombie, and Nordstrom Rack.

Black Skinny Jeans: Original-H&M 

Boots: Original Anne Klein (no longer available), Similar on ASOS, Similar ALDO

A Weekend Getaway to Amsterdam & Brussels | Travel Photo Diary

Hello lovely reader! Happy 2019! With the New Year happening, I have been doing a lot of looking back, in order to help understand what I want going into 2019. I have also been doing a fair amount of organizing, whether it be my room, my calendars, or my computer, I always like to make sure I have my "stuff" together for a fresh start. While organizing my computer and looking back at my previous travels, I found a group of photos from a weekend trip that I took with some friends to Amsterdam and Brussels. I wanted to share them now as I know this is the time when many people will start to creating their 2019 Travel Goals and also many people will be leaving to Study Abroad!

Starting with Amsterdam, my biggest tip for this quaint city is to just wander. There are so many idyllic spots along the canals for gorgeous (& insta-worthy photo-ops). It's so peaceful and definitely has a very different feel to another city that I've visited, much more relaxed. 

After having breakfast one morning my friends and I found an open market full of clothes, souvenirs, bakery sweets, flowers, and the delicious and iconic, stroopwafel.  

Have to get one of course.

Inspiring street art on the side of buildings, a easy reminder to look up and around, you never know what you might miss!

Even though it's about as "touristy" as you can get, an "I amsterdam" photo-op is a must! It's also right next to the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum as well as a really pretty little fountain.

Lovely canal houses, each with their own personality.

If you have time, I would highly recommend visiting the Anne Frank House. There is typically quite a long line, but it does move fairly quickly and is worth the wait. To be able to walk through the house was a very surreal and at times moving experience. It really gave me a new perspective and understanding of who Anne Frank was. Very very powerful experience!

Now onto Brussels, a must see spot is the Grand Place de Brussels. A town square surrounded by gorgeous architecture that is just as striking during the day as it is at night. The intricacy of the gilded buildings is so impressive and stunning!

Also have to hit up a clear tourist trap for some Belgian frites. In case you didn't know, French Fries are not actually French so when in Belgium, the the birth place of fries, you've got to try!

Definitely recommend heading back to the Grand Place de Brussels in the evening to see all of the buildings lit up!

The indulgences continue, Belgian chocolate, need I say more? The smell that hits you when you walk into these gorgeous chocolate shops is like getting dunked into Willie Wonka's chocolate river! Often times there are samples being shared and the shop workers are extremely knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you may have about their decadent creations!

Belgian waffles are also everywhere along the streets and of course a must try. No guilt to be had after walking around all day!

If you want to take a break from the city, the Atomium is a nice day trip. Originally constructed for the 1958 World's Fair this structure is now a museum and you are able to go up inside it. If you aren't into heights, there are surrounding parks and benches which make for great people watching and relaxing...

While enjoying your final belgian waffle of the trip!

Have you been the either of these place before? Any tips for future travelers? Xx