Outfit and Occasion

Outfit:

Lou and Grey dress (Shalom Shuk, Burlington VT), $3.00, Marimekko bag (gifted)

Lou and Grey’s tagline is “Clothing for a Comfortably Confident Life”.  This dress is the definition of comfort, while still being versatile enough to wear to work or play!  I matched it with a fun, printed, signature Marimekko bag that my mom got for me in Finland to add some color and pizzaz.

Have you heard of athleisure?  It’s the fashion trend that makes it acceptable and stylish to wear leggings and fresh sneaks anywhere and everywhere.  Sporty spice knew what was up!  Who needs uncomfortable heels, dresses that ride up, or stiff jeans when you can show up to an event in complete stretchy heaven?  Well, I still like to dress up (and spend less), but it’s cool that athleticism is “in” outside of the gym!  Way to go fashionistas of the world!

Occasion:  peach picking!Who knew peach picking existed in Vermont?  I certainly didn’t!  I went to Shelburne Orchards to experience the wonders of it all for my first time!  My friend said to me, “you haven’t truly experienced summer if you haven’t been peach picking”.  He was right!  There is nothing better than plucking a picture perfect peach right off the tree!  It was not necessarily cheap, but those peaches were so delicious, it was worth every penny!  Not to mention the cider donuts fresh out of the oven!  There is still time to get your peach picking on before they are completely replaced by apples!  Check it out!

Outfit and Occasion

Outfit:

French Connection dress (Richmond Thrift Shop, Richmond VT), $6.00

This is my ultimate favorite summer dress!  It is light and airy, super comfortable, and the elephant sleeves are perfect for a hot day.  Seeing as there are few opportunities left to wear a sundress without leggings and a jacket, I am getting in as many wears as possible before it’s too late!

French Connection, aka FCUK (their controversial branding logo), is a UK based designer brand that was established in 1969.  They produce high fashion that is reliably chic.  In Burlington, I often see this brand at the adorable shop, Sweet Lady Jane, which sells other brands like Free People, Cupcakes and Cashmere, and BB Dakota.  Similar white dresses by French Connection are in the $100-$200 range.  I would actually pay retail for this brand (50% off or more, of course!).  Luckily I found it for less than the cost of the sandwich at the next door cafe, Sweet Simones!

Occasion: Sister Weekend and Revolution Kitchen

My sister, Jess, visited this past weekend for our annual summer reunion!  With a jam-packed, printed itinerary, we truly took advantage of the sunny days and incredible food in Vermont.  Some highlights are: hiking Snake Mountain, wine tasting at the quaint Lincoln Peak Winery, peach picking at Shelburne Orchard, relaxing at Bristol Falls, North Beach, and Charlotte Beach, creemee’s at Cookie Love, walking through Middlebury and Bristol, and just enjoying each other’s company.

Among our favorite eats was Revolution Kitchen.  It is vegan, gluten-free friendly!  It really is a special place :).  We went with our amazing cousin, Sam, and got spring rolls, a beet salad, a tasty stir-fry, and a hearty and delicious veggie burger.  What really rocked my world though was the maple vanilla cake.  It is SO moist and SO flavorful, I can’t possibly think of a better dessert!  My parents and I discovered this mind-blowing treat a couple of years ago, and now it is a must-have during visits.  You really just have to try it.  It was once described like pancakes, but really, it’s in a whole separate league!

I am so thankful to have such an amazing family!  Jess, this one goes down in the books!