Haute Child in the City: Mark and Graham

Business Travel, Carry-on, Mark and Graham, Travel

carry-on with mark & graham

8/05/2015

Summer Road Trip with Mark & Graham

7/31/2015

summer road trip, overnighter, mark & graham

[overnighter c/o mark & graham // jcrew shirt & skirt // birkenstock for jcrew // banana republic fedora // ray ban aviators]

To me, summer means one thing: ROAD TRIP. I love summer travel, even if it just for a short get away. I've been in hot pursuit of the perfect overnighter for such a road trip for what seems like years and have happily found my match. It's the Goldilocks of overnight bags: not too big, not too small, basically just right. The other thing that I love about it (and other options at mark & graham) is that you can completely make it your own by adding your own personal monogram. In the South monogramming is basically a religion, but mark & graham's take on monogramming makes the piece feel a little less traditional and more modern in my eyes.

As for favorite road trip locales: from Charlotte, I have a few options for you:

Charleston // Distance: Approximately 3 hours via car // One of our favorite locales in our region for sure. We spend the weekend getting lost on the gorgeous streets, shopping on King Street, taking morning strolls along the Battery, eating our way through the city (here, here, and here are some of our must-stops), and staying at one of the unique hotels the city has to offer. If you are looking for a break at the beach, check out Folly Beach or Sullivan's Island

Savannah // Distance: Approximately 4 hours via car // We spent a long weekend in Savannah a few years ago and fell in love with the city. Similar to Charleston with more of a New Orleans flair, I'd recommend you spend your Saturday morning at Forsyth Park taking in the farmer's market (if you are lucky, you might run into King of Pops) and the rest of the day getting lost in the history of this beautiful city. Tybee Island is right around the corner if you are looking for sand and sun.

Asheville // Distance: Approximately 2 hours via car // A little bit cooler (temperature wise) of a locale for the summer month, Asheville boasts such a cool downtown scene with the option of hiking or exploring the breathtaking grounds of the Biltmore Estate. Added bonus: there is quite the craft beer scene in Asheville, as well as wine for those grape lovers.

Greenville // Distance: Approximately 2 hours via car // With great parks, minor league baseball, and a scrumptious food scene, Greenville is a great destination for those who like to explore the outdoors and great food. It truly has everything for everyone, from romantic weekend getaways to family adventures.

Wilmington // Distance: Approximately 3 1/2 hours via car // Between the yummy seafood, the gorgeous river walk, and the proximity to several close beaches, Wilmington is the best of all worlds for me.

I'd love to hear about some of your favorite weekend destinations and road-trip must-haves. Where do you like to road trip to and what do you bring along?

Shop this post:

Anthropologie, diptyque, gift guide, JCrew, Kate Spade, Mark and Graham, Mother's Day, Nordstrom

Mother's Day Gift Guide

5/06/2014

[candles // copper mugs // camera // tea set // bracelet // scarf // sunnies // books (here and here]

Mother's Day is quickly approaching and for those procrastinator's out there (no judgement!) I've put together a list of items to get your minds thinking about what to get your mother for Mother's Day.

Little Luxuries: Everyone loves a good candle set and you can't beat diptyque. They are very pricey (voluspa makes a great budget-friendly version), but I love the small version b/c they are great to travel, as well as placing around the house.

Mama Needs a Cocktail: My love of moscow mules are well documented and usually these types of bar wares are overlooked. Everyone feels a little more fancy while drinking from copper mugs.

#selfie: Mother's are notorious for loading up their phones, memory cards, what-have-you, with images of their little ones, loved ones, and besties. The problem is that we never actually print them out. That's why I really like the resurgence of the instant camera - instant gratification (and it's pink!)

tea for two: I'm a sucker for a pretty tea set and a good cup of tea. This set from Anthro has 'love' at the bottom of the cups and kettle and is so beautiful with the gold touches.

bangles: Kate Spade idiom bracelets are a perennial favorite and I love the 'mother said so' version. They are great stacking bracelets or worn on their own and at a great price point.

pom-poms: Pom-poms is such a fun word and even better when on a scarf that I can throw on and look instantly put together. I swear, they are my go-to these days.

rose-colors sunnies: Because who doesn't love a pair of fun shades?

book worm: I love a good coffee table book and I also love Diane Keaton. If neither one of those items are your cup of tea, there are tons of great books that often we overlook as gifts, but it's a thoughtful way to show a book-lover you care.

blooms: When in doubt, you can't go wrong with fresh blooms. I love picking up from tulips, wrapping them in a little kraft paper and ribbon and bringing them with me. Not only do they make great mother's day gifts but hostess gifts as well.