Ireland 2007

In honor of #ThrowbackThursday & my upcoming trip with my sister, I wanted to share some photos from the first time we went abroad with our family. I came across these photos the other day when I was showing them to my friend at work. I even said, "these pictures don't live anywhere beside Facebook." That made me sad! I wanted to give them a second home & re-live this amazing trip. We haven't traveled abroad together since. Our trip in November is a real treat!

In 2007 our family went to Ireland & Paris. My uncle + his family were living in Ireland at the time which was the main reason for the visit. My aunt is a Foreign Service Officer for the State Department, which means they move a lot! We were super excited to visit them in Ireland! First stop was Belfast.

^^ Their home in Belfast was adorable!

^^ My sister, Robert & Anne hanging out at the house. These kids have grown up so much!

^^ We went on the Troubles tour to see the political conflicts in Northern Ireland. It was a very eye opening experience & interesting to learn more about the history of Northern Ireland that I didn't know much about.

^^ My family! Even Baba (miss you).

^^ We went to Newgrange, which was one of the highlights of the trip! Newgrange was built during the Neolithic period that makes it older than Stonehendge (very cool!) The site has different mounds that lead underground to interior chambers. Nobody really knows what the site was used for but it's speculated it was used for religious purposes. If you go to Ireland I highly recommend checking this out. We all LOVED it!

^^ Driving around we saw castle ruins. We got out of the car & walked around them. It's also gorgeous right on the water! (Sorry those pictures aren't great)

^^ My family decided to go on a road trip from the Northern part of Ireland down to the southern part & we ended up in Dingle. My Dad was a champ & learned how to drive on the right hand side of the road.

^^ We stopped in Dublin! We obviously had to check out the Guiness museum + enjoy one from the roof (best view!) Then we went to the Temple Bar, it's very famous. 

^^ We stayed at Castle Durrow that was converted into a hotel. It was amazing! I wish I had more pictures of it. The food was also one of the highlights! 

^^ My sister & I snuck off a couple of times. We loved the bars in Ireland! Everyone is so friendly no matter where you go! Don't be shocked if there is live music either.

^^ After lots of driving we ended in Dingle. So gorgeous & such a cute little town!

^^ After a long journey we ended in Northern Ireland at the Giant Causeway. I highly recommend checking this out if you're in Ireland or planning a trip. 

One week until we get to travel together again, I can't wait! Stay tuned for more updates.

Shop my updated (dream) suitcase:

I am going to try to write while I am abroad. Let me know if you want to hear about anything in particular. 

Xo,

Emily

Shop Talk

You guys I am FREAKING out, why you ask? My trip abroad is right around the corner. 14 days away to be exact! Where did time go? Crazy! Since I have packing on my mind & there are tons of sales going on I wanted to share the items I’ve been scoping out. Plus the cooler months are ahead so I’ve got to stock up!

Sweaters

Travel Wear

Hats

Happy shopping! I hope you all have a great weekend.

Xo,

Emily

Fall Into Fashion

What girl doesn't love having Bloomingdale's to herself while being served champagne + hors d’oeuvres, helping a great cause & getting 10% off purchases? That's exactly what happened last week at the Junior League's Fall Into Fashion event. I was lucky enough to get an invite to attend!

I am not currently a member of the Junior League but I know many women who are. The Junior League is a nation wide organization that volunteers their time to better their communities. The event did just that– 10% of every purchase was donated to the DC chapter & their literacy initiatives.

So I did what any girl would do & went shopping, come along!

The whole store was reserved for the event. What a great way to shop!

But first, champagne then shopping!

I acquired a shopping buddy, Terrell! If you love her dress as much as I do you can shop it here. 

Then we headed downstairs to look at shoes + makeup!

It was a great night of shopping & supporting an awesome cause, truly inspired by the amazing women who dedicate their time! I am sad I will be out of town for the rest of the Junior League Holiday Shops but, stay tuned a lucky reader could win tickets ;).

Xo,

Emily

Far Far Away

Come November my sister, her husband & I are going on an adventure! We are going to be traveling to Rome, Prague & Thailand. I can't help but to think of all the things I am going to pack + how I am going to make it happen.

I've been saving money like crazy which cuts my budget back for spending on clothes. But since I will be transitioning my wardrobe into fall, I wanted to share some of my favorite picks + what I am craving for my vacation.

Rome & Prague

I've never been to Italy or Prague but I seriously can't wait. I can only imagine what these beautiful cities will be like in November. When it comes to traveling I like to be comfortable & stylish. I try to pack items that can be mixed & matched.

Day: Converse/ Striped Top/ Scarf/ Jeans
Night: Stripe Sweater/ Floral Tee/ Dress/ Flats/ Booties

Thailand

Coming from Rome & Prague in November, Thailand is going to be a nice treat. The packing is going to be VERY different. Swimsuits, light weight dresses & sandals are on the list.

Beach: Floral Two Piece/ Floral One Piece/ Palm Two Piece
Cover up: Palm Cover Up/ Pink Cover Up/ Embellished Sandals/ Yellow & Cream Sandals/ Beach Hat

Have you been to Rome, Prague or Thailand? I am knee deep in planning so, fire off your suggestions below. 

Xo,

Emily