Outfit:

Free People tunic (gifted), Franco Sarto boots

This is the first piece of clothing I’ve owned that has bell sleeves!  I love the flowy girliness of it!  Better yet, it has a floral pattern!  It was a Hanukkah present this year from my mom (who has the best style btw).  Thanks, mom!  The only concern is that when you are eating you have to be extra careful not to have your sleeves swimming in your plate!  If I could have an all-Free People wardrobe, I would be one happy, hippie-chic gal!

Occasion: Monarch and the Milkweed

The pastry chef from Hen of the Wood, the most upscale, delicious restaurant in Burlington, opened a small restaurant right near City Hall park that is quite fantastic!  It is adorably decorated from the beautiful chandeliers to the twinkling case of endless goodies.  It only seats about 10 people, so you might have to wait to be seated, but the small size is charming and cozy.  I’ve been twice and both times I was in heaven!  I’ve gotten the breakfast sandwich with pancakes, aka”milkgriddles”, in place of bread, a small cinnamon roll with just the moist inside part (OMG), and, pictured above, a powdered almond pastry.  Sweet treats are the perfect way to start a morning off right.  There are no bad choices here, and you can find everything from tarts to pies!

The restaurant also has a dinner menu and stays open late for drinks!  Excited to try this cute little shop out at night!

Outfit:

Jcrew cherry top (Second Time Around, Burlington), $12.00, Joes Jeans (gifted), Top Shop heeled sneakers (gifted)

Feelin’ merry, wearin’ cherries!

Occasion:  Womens March Vermont

Pussy Power!!!  …and so much of it…at the Women’s March in Montpelier this Saturday!  The unity and fervor from thousands of Vermonters was inspiring.  A sea of pink pussy hats and signs.

We marched to the capitol building, and I got serious chills from the songs, speeches, and spoken word.  ‘Muslim Girls Making Change’, four young Vermonters in high school who compete nationally with their spoken word,  blew we away with their performance.  Their emotionally charged messages touched upon feeling ostracized and misunderstood.  It was powerful!

Bernie Sanders made a surprise appearance that had a deep impact.  His passion for justice  of all kinds, and his ability to invigorate others is unmatchable!

I am so glad I was part of this experience.  Love trumps hate!

Outfit:

Free People shirt (Plato’s Closet, Williston VT), $5.00, infinity scarf (Richmond Thrift Shop, Richmond VT), free, BDG jeans (Urban Outfitters, Burlington), $15.00, Dolce Vita boots (gifted)

When I unwrapped my Hannukah present from my sister this year and saw these killer shoes, my heart skipped a beat!  The buckles, the suede, the western detail on the tip…they are perfect!  Thank you, Juice!!  They are the perfect compliment to any outfit and I am excited to have them be my go-to, while being able to dress them up with a classy outfit!

The infinity scarf was yet another FREE find at Richmond Thrift!  Can’t beat that!  It goes with everything and since I have a lot of patterned clothing, it’s a great basic to not overdo it!

Occasion: City Market

City Market is the local food co-op and it is one of my favorite places in Burlington!  I especially love the section of local baked goods (everything from My Little Cupcake to Comfort cookies), the diverse salad bar (my usual), the comforting hot meals (love me some baked mac and cheese), their selections of dried fruit and granola, and their amazing sandwiches!!  Pictured is the Blue Plate sandwich with house-made meatloaf, Shelburne Farms cheddar, red onions and roasted garlic mayo on Red Hen Cyrus Pringle bread.  It is a special treat and this half-sandwich was only $4.99!  Insider tip: you can get a sandwich on a big bagel for $4.99 as well!

I love to get a bite to eat and sit in the little cafe area, reading my kindle and people watching!  Everyone comes through City Market, so I am bound to see someone I know!  While prices often earn this store the name City “Mark-up”, you can find a ton of local and delicious products all in one place!  While I am more of a Trader Joe’s girl, there is something special about this little local gem.