Welcome Spring! Here is a round-up of lovely dresses that you can wear to any upcoming special occasion! Which is your favorite?!
…Special Occasion Dresses: Easter Dresses
10 Cardigans to Shop from MANGO Right Now
Happy Wednesday!!! With Spring around the corner, we are definitely enjoying some warmer days! Today’s look includes a super chic pastel cardigan in a check pattern. I started shopping at MANGO over ten years ago while living in Barcelona, and now that I live in New York City I am glad they have a store in the city. This lavender cardigan is from that store.
…The Best Trench Coat For Your Spring Wardrobe Refresh
Margaux: The Elegant Flats Your Wardrobe is Missing
The Pointed Toe Flats Your Wardrobe is Missing
How many flats do you currently have in your wardrobe?
I am so ready to put away my winter boots! When I learned that NYC would be having warmer days this week, I knew I had to share these shoes with you! Now that I live in New York City, I find myself walking a ton more than I did in Miami. Finding comfortable flats is always a priority when shopping for new shoes.
If you have not heard of Margaux yet, let me share a bit about them with you. Margaux is a female-founded company that makes beautiful, high-quality shoes with a single focus on helping you find the perfect fit. Their made-to-measure sizing provides women with unparalleled options when it comes to sizing.
Margaux has designed The Pointe, a pointy shoe that is as comfortable as it is elegant. These flats have 5mm of plush foam padding and are available in narrow, medium, and wide. The Pointe is a gorgeous ballerina-style flat that will elevate any of your everyday looks. Truly versatile, comfortable, and timeless.
These flats will complement and dress up your looks beautifully. Here is another way that I wear them, with knit dresses, like this one from from Abercrombie.
How would you style these flats?!
If you are looking for more comfortable shoe options from Margaux, get these sandals that I love in the color rose nappa or these loafers that I wear a lot in the color chocolate. See recent photos of both below.
Lots of love!
Florencia
TRAVELING TO NEW YORK CITY SOON?
Here are five useful guides for your upcoming visit:
- Top Art Pieces to See at The MET Museum
- 19 Free Things to Do in NYC
- Iconic Central Park Locations
- 8 Coffee Shops in New York City
- Where to See Cherry Blossoms in New York
LOOKING FOR EASY RECIPES?
Here are three of my favorite!
Spring Shoes That Will Elevate Your Style
How I Found My Wedding Dress during a Worldwide Pandemic
How I Found My Wedding Dress
My husband and I got engaged in November 2019, four months before the world was about to change. I got distracted during the holiday season and did not do much wedding planning, but by the first week of March 2020, we had booked and paid for our wedding venue, caterer, and church, our wedding was scheduled for September 2020, and I had 7 bridal appointments planned for the third week of March.
My parents and siblings were home in Florida, and my mom had booked a flight to New York in May to help me find a wedding dress.
Two days after my first bridal appointment on March 13, 2020, I received 6 emails stating “We are rescheduling your appointment. We are closed for business through March 30. We will keep our brides updated on schedule changes as we receive new emergency directives from the city.”
Fast forward to June 2020, and the emails said “We still do not have an exact date for reopening … we highly recommend booking a virtual appointment with us.”
By mid-June, I started to lose hope, but bridal stores in New Jersey were opening up.
We spent the last weekend of June in New Jersey searching for a dress, and that went well, I was very close to making a purchase, however, I felt that I had yet to find “my” dress.
By early July, a few bridal stores in New York City called to invite me to see their ‘sample’ dresses from previous years – but none fit well.
On July 6th, I stayed up late browsing online for dresses, and a video caught my attention. The following day I reached out to the designer inquiring about it and was told that because the dress was a new design, it was not available in stores yet, their stockists likely did not even have it, and a new one would be ready in six months.
With 3 months until our wedding, I called each of their 16 stockists spread throughout the United States, and none had this dress – except one – within driving distance from NYC!
On July 11th, we drove to the bridal store in Darien, Connecticut, and picked up my dress!
Isn’t that incredible?!
GETTING READY DETAILS:
All my fittings took place at the Connecticut home of one of the boutique’s seamstresses, and due to the pandemic, my mother was never able to attend any of them.
My fiancé and I drove from New York to Connecticut to the seamstress’s home and made the best of it by exploring and grabbing lunch in the nearby towns.
The veil I wore is from my sister. She wore this veil on her wedding day in France.
I wanted the dress to be the focus, so I chose very delicate accessories. For jewelry, I wore a gorgeous headband that I found online, and pearl drop earrings from Ralph Lauren.
Deciding whether we should postpone, suspend, or cancel our wedding was not easy. Negotiating with our wedding vendors was not easy either.
No one could have predicted this pandemic, and we never know what the future holds, so I am happy that we decided to go forth with our wedding plans.
I still hope to celebrate with friends and family at a future date…
Allan Zepeda was our photographer; I couldn’t love our photos more!
Photography: Allan Zepeda
Ceremony: Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Hotel: Lotte New York Palace Hotel
From the Beach to the City – How My Style Has Changed
THE SPRING EDIT
How To Style a Faux Suede Coat
How to Spend 24 Hours in Charleston: Full Itinerary
1 Day in Charleston SC | What to See in 24 Hours
If you like charming cities as much as I do, you will love Charleston. We’ve visited Charleston multiple times because there is so much to see, do, and eat! This time, as we made our way north from Miami to New York, we decided to spend a week in South Carolina.
Charleston was founded in 1670 and is defined by pastel antebellum houses, cobblestone streets, historic sites, horse-drawn carriages, and its beautiful harbor. This port city is one of the oldest and most well-preserved cities in the United States with beautiful Colonial architecture.
Here is a list of my Top Things to See in Charleston, and a complete One Day in Charleston Itinerary (in case you are wondering what to do with your first 24 hours in the city!).
Top Things to See in Charleston
Best Things To Do In Charleston
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is an eight-acre park overlooking Charleston Harbour and the Cooper River.
Be sure to stop at the enchanting Pineapple Fountain, not only is it the iconic focal point of the park, it is also one of Charleston’s most Instagrammable landmarks!
Did you know that pineapple motifs represent hospitality?
Rainbow Row
You can’t leave Charleston without checking out Rainbow Row!
Rainbow Row refers to the captivating row of thirteen pastel-colored homes located on East Bay Street, just along the waterfront. These historic homes were first constructed around 1740 and were used by merchants who ran their businesses on the ground floor and lived on the top floor.
After the Civil War, Dorothy Porcher Legge and her husband purchased a section of the houses and started renovating them. These homes will brighten your day!
The Battery
After checking out the homes on Rainbow Row, make your way to The Battery, a fortified seawall at the southernmost tip of the Charleston peninsula. We enjoyed this beautiful promenade that is well-known for its antebellum homes!
shoe details: Pointe Flats
Charleston City Market
Spend a few hours exploring the Charleston City Market, picking up a regional souvenir, and soaking up the local culture. Spanning four blocks, the historic market was established in the 1790s and is one of the oldest public markets in the country. This market’s most popular arts and crafts include sweetgrass baskets, a true Charleston treasure.
An interactive map of how to spend one day in Charleston SC
Charleston – Where to Eat
If you like to try traditional Southern cuisine, then you will enjoy this restaurant located inside a beautiful Victorian townhouse tucked away on charming Queen Street. When visiting Charleston, biscuits are a must! Their homemade biscuits are fantastic, and one early morning I walked over to pick up half a dozen for me and my husband!
Address: 72 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401
The Restoration’s The Watch Rooftop is a farm-to-table restaurant worth checking out! One of my husband’s college roommates recently moved to Charleston, and brought us here for cocktails on the rooftop and a panoramic view of Charleston from above!
Address: 75 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401
Wood-fired pizzas, hand-crafted pasta, and great wine – need I say more?! My husband’s cousin has lived in Charleston for many years, so we met up with her and her boyfriend here for dinner. Delicious food & fun times!
Address: 526 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
We stopped at this lovely eatery on the way to the Pineapple Fountain! This popular cafe has smoothies, sandwiches, and desserts, just three minutes from the Waterfront Park area.
Address: 198 E Bay St #100, Charleston, SC 29401
Food Tours in Charleston
Here are two very popular food tours in Charleston:
Charleston – Where to Stay
We enjoyed our stay at the Indigo Inn because of its excellent location. Another advantage is that it has a parking lot on site, and wine & cheese daily at 5 PM. We were traveling with our two dogs, so staying at a hotel that welcomed them was also a requirement. I feel that we got lucky with this one – we booked it one hour before we arrived in the city!
To book a room at Indigo Inn, click here.
Address: 1 Maiden Lane, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29401
This historic hotel is also located in the heart of Charleston! Live jazz music along with cocktails is available at the hotel’s Swamp Fox Bar. A full-service spa and Starbucks Coffee shop are on site as well. We could not stay here because the hotel only allows one dog per room and small breeds. I think this hotel would be perfect for a romantic getaway!
To book a room at the Francis Marion Hotel, click here.
Address: 387 King Street, Historic District, Charleston, SC 29403
This top-notch hotel offers a relaxing and cozy environment in the heart of Charleston’s historic district. If you are looking for refined elegance during your visit to the city, this luxury boutique hotel is a must! The hotel offers complimentary cruising bikes and a Tesla car charging station. Be sure to check out the rooftop!
To book a room at The Loutrel, click here.
Address: 61 State Street, Charleston, SC 29401
We didn’t learn about this hotel until after we left, but I’d love to stay here in the future! This 5-star hotel features a gorgeous lobby, indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace! The hotel welcomes two pets of any size, for an additional fee.
To book a room at The Charleston Place, click here.
Address: 205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29401
See all Charleston hotels here.
The best time to visit Charleston
The best time to visit Charleston, South Carolina is during spring (mid-March through May) or fall (September – November) when the temperatures are lovely.
September is hurricane season, so be sure to check the weather reports!
Is 1 day in Charleston enough?
Although one day is not enough, it is a good start! Charleston offers history, charm, architecture, great food, and scenic views, so you will want to visit again for sure! Take a look at the 1 day Charleston itinerary below, and enjoy your time!
How far is Charleston?
If you are visiting Charleston from Florida, the trip from Miami to Charleston is 590 miles (950 km) via Florida’s Turnpike and I-95. The drive usually takes 8.5 hours with normal driving conditions.
Can you do a day trip from Charleston to Savannah?
Yes! The trip from Savannah to Charleston is a little over 100 miles (160 km) via I-95. These two cities are often visited together because Savannah’s proximity to Charleston makes it the perfect day trip destination while staying in one or the other.
Which airport is best for Charleston?
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is 13 miles (20 km) from Charleston.
Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is 302 miles (486 km) from Charleston, a 5-hour drive.
Charleston 1 day itinerary and map!
Map of Charleston South Carolina
Charleston One Day Itinerary
- Start your day with an early breakfast at Poogan’s Porch
- Explore the Historic Charleston City Market
- Take a coffee break at Carmella’s Cafe
- Walk to the Pineapple Fountain & enjoy a walk along the river
- Make your way to the colorful homes on Rainbow Row
- Continue to The Battery & stroll by the water
- Watch the sunset at The Watch Rooftop while enjoying a cocktail
- Finish your day with dinner at Indaco on King Street
A final note!
If you are in Charleston for longer than two days, you can do a day trip from Charleston to Fort Sumter National Monument. It’s an island fortress in the middle of Charleston Harbor that is famous for being the location of the first battle of the American Civil War. Less than two miles from the fortress you will find several dining options like NICO Oysters & Seafood, Page’s Okra Grill, and Water’s Edge, a restaurant on historic Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. We had lunch at Water’s Edge with friends of my husband, and I enjoyed the views and the linguini, but check all the restaurant options to see which you’d like best!
What are you looking forward to seeing in Charleston? I hope that this list of things to see, and my 1 day Charleston itinerary helps plan your next trip to the Holy City.
Lots of love, Xx
Tours recommended for Charleston:
Shop for Charleston
Looking for pet-friendly hotels in Charleston?
I wrote an article on the best pet-friendly hotels we have stayed at, and I included pet-friendly hotels in Charleston and other cities along the East Coast of the US.
More destinations you will love!
- FLORIDA: The Top Things To Do in St. Augustine FL | 2-Day Itinerary
- FLORIDA: Where To Stay in The Florida Keys
- FLORIDA: Jacksonville & Where To Stay in Atlantic Beach
- GEORGIA: 5 Hours in Savannah
- MAINE: 11 Very Best Things To Do in Portland
- VERMONT: 2 Days in Woodstock & Where To Stay
SAVE THIS POST WITH FRIENDS!
Jacksonville & Where To Stay in Atlantic Beach Florida
Jacksonville Travel Guide
The city of Jacksonville had always been at the top of my list of cities to visit in Florida! Jacksonville has 22 miles of beaches, beautiful historic neighborhoods, parks, museums, outstanding golf courses and fantastic local restaurants.
We drove down to Miami to visit my family during the holidays, and on our way back to New York we enjoyed an amazing week in the city of Jacksonville!
I was invited by Jacksonville Florida Tourism to explore the city and share my favorite activities. We visited during the third week of January, and the weather was amazing. It was breezy at night, and we had plenty of sunshine during the day.
Keep reading to find out where we stayed, where we ate and what we enjoyed the most!
Where To Stay in Atlantic Beach FL
There are so many different experiences to have in Jacksonville. This time around we were looking to explore the fun things to do in town, relax by the ocean, and enjoy long walks on the beach. One Ocean Resort & Spa in Atlantic Beach was perfect for doing all of that.
Located about 25 miles south of the Georgia state line and 350 miles north of Miami, Jacksonville was the first stop we made after leaving Miami. We were escaping the snow, so spending a few more days by the beach was exactly what we were looking for.
One Ocean Resort & Spa is a luxury resort that features guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of the Atlantic Ocean. We stayed in one of their Deluxe King Rooms, which offered a breathtaking view of the ocean. Upon arriving, we opened the windows, and my husband noticed that we could hear the waves crashing from inside the room, he was so impressed! The guest rooms feature deluxe beds custom-designed for the hotel, and our bed was one of the most comfortable beds we’ve ever slept on. The hotel’s oceanic-inspired décor, combined with ocean views create an incredibly soothing experience for its guests.
See One Ocean Resort’s rooms and reviews here.
What To Do in Jacksonville
In Jax, as the locals call it, you will discover that this perfectly positioned city along the Atlantic Ocean in northeast Florida, has something for everyone! If you are looking to explore the coast, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach and Amelia Island are all within an hour’s drive from downtown Jacksonville. If you enjoy staying active or spending time outdoors, Jacksonville offers hiking and biking trails that will definitely get your adrenaline going.
Art lovers can enjoy an afternoon at the Cummer Museum & Gardens (my favorite place!), or at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Finally, did you know that Jacksonville is home to the World Golf Hall of Fame, The Players Championship, PGA Tour and Champions Tour, as well as home to world-class golf courses?!
SHOP: Cozy Long Cardigan
Where To Eat in Jacksonville
Southern Grounds & Co. – Quickly became one of our favorite breakfast spots in Jacksonville! Their gluten-free blueberry muffins are so delicious! I loved their cute indoor area, if you are ever in town, check it out!
Address: 1671 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Whit’s Frozen Custard – This is one of the most delicious cold desserts! Whit’s Frozen Custard is located across the street from The One Ocean Resort so it was easy for us to grab a frozen custard every single day! The flavors that I ordered the most were: mint, banana & raspberry, and the last one was my favorite.
Address: 38 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
The Local on Neptune Beach – The Local is a fun place with a cool atmosphere and live music every night! We grabbed dinner here one day and had such a great time. Their fresh lemonade is one of the best I’ve ever had.
Address: 301 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar – Tacos & margaritas? Yes, please! This restaurant has an entire menu that is gluten free, how amazing is that?! My husband and I both love Mexican food so we had to try it out!
Address: 207 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
Azurea at the One Ocean Resort – We enjoyed one of the best fine dining experiences here! Azurea is a beautiful restaurant located inside the One Ocean Resort that offers a seafood-centric American menu. We loved the mussels as the appetizer, the seabass as the main course, and the brownie for dessert! The seabass for dinner is a must-have! It was probably the best fish I have ever eaten.
Address: 1 Ocean Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
JACKSONVILLE AND ATLANTIC BEACH FLORIDA MAP
How is the weather in Jacksonville, Florida?
The average annual temperature of Jacksonivlle is 70 degrees, with an average high of 78 and an average low of 62. You can expect year-round sunshine, chilly nights during the winter months, and temperature in the 80s during the summer months. Jacksonville’s coldest month is January!
Where is Jacksonville located?
The city of Jacksonville is situated in the northeastern corner of Florida, 350 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, and 350 miles from Miami.
Save this post, and plan a quick getaway to Atlantic Beach soon!
And be sure to check out Visit Jacksonville to see why Jax is the perfect destination year round.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA TRIP
Have you visited Jacksonville? What was your favorite spot?
MORE PLACES TO STAY
See all Jacksonville area hotels and reviews here.
MORE TRAVEL GUIDES
