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spring with banana republic.

| dress : c/o banana republic  | earrings : c/o banana republic | 

| heels : madewell | lipstick : smashbox "tabloid" |

I don't know what it is this year but I don't think I have ever 

been quite so happy that Spring is finally here.

As the temps slowly climb, I am starting to stock my closet with spring/summer essentials.

First on that essentials list : sundresses.

I am all about dressing with ease and in the spring/summer nothing is easier that 

just throwing on a dress and running out the door.

Not only do I love the fabric on this dress from Banana Republic but I also love the fit.

It hits perfectly at the knee which makes it the perfect picnic dress and office appropriate.

Did I mention it also has pockets?!

A simple sundress wouldn't be complete without some fun accessories to make 

your outfit really pop.

These art deco inspired earrings make it pretty easy to jazz up a dress or any outfit really.

Style Tip:

If you work in a more relaxed office atmosphere,

all you have to do is layer a cardigan or blazer on to top to make the look office appropriate.

This way you will get more wear out of those pricier pieces you may be eyeing.

shop this look:

shop my favorite BR pieces:

“Banana Republic provided free product in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.”

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Brunch Review : Texas Jack's Barbecue - Arlington, VA

Texas Jack's Barbecue is quickly becoming a favorite brunch spot of mine in Arlington, VA.

I made my first trip a few weeks ago before I started recording my brunch antics and knew I wanted it to be my first local place I shared with you. :)

Right off the bat, I have to mention that I discovered my new drink of choice here :

the Champagne Julep.

They mix two of my favorite things, champagne and bourbon, to make the breakfast beverage of my dreams. 

They are slightly pricey at $9 a pop, but honestly, by the bottom of the second - you won't mind the price tag.

One of the reasons why I love visiting Texas Jack's is because you can tell everything is fresh.

On this trip, I had the Biscuits & Sausage Gravy with brisket on top.

 I could immediately tell the biscuits just came out of the oven and they were uh-mazing.

Honestly, I doubt you could go wrong with anything on the menu 

(especially if it comes with pork or brisket).

Have you been to Texas Jack's yet?

If so, let me know what your favorite drink or/and dish is.

Since I plan on becoming a frequent visitor this spring and summer, if you see me drinking my champagne julep make sure to say hi :)

Champagne Julep

Biscuits & Sausage Gravy with brisket

Breakfast Sandwich

Huevos Racheros with brisket

1/2 lb of Pulled Pork with Coleslaw

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

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print work.

| top: loft | skirt: topshop | heels: rachel roy  |

With the weather warming up I am finally breaking out my work skirts for the office and trying to find a few to add into my rotation.
Keeping the top simple with a basic button down makes it easier to rotate in different skirts.
I don't think it photographs well but I love the print of this Topshop skirt. 

Printed bottoms (in either skirt or pant form) are my favorite way spice up my work wardrobe.

shop similar skirts below:

shop similar tops below:

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drybar tysons corner grand opening.

On March 10th Drybar opened their first location in Virginia in Tyson's Corner and 57th nationwide location.

I got the opportunity to sneak off during my lunch break to join in on the festivities which I was super excited about because I had never gotten a blowout before. 

Like, ever.

Shocking - I know.

I obviously had heard praises about Drybar for awhile now from numerous friends.

They either swear by their blowouts, products, or both but I had never taken the plunge myself.

I really didn't know what to expect since have slight control issues with my hair and rarely let people cut/style it but I was willing to give it a go.

When I walked in I knew I was going to love the experience.

Cupcakes, champagne, fun tunes, and smiling faces greeted me for my appointment.

Oh and did I mention Alli Webb (founder of Drybar. above.)was there walking around chatting with clients??

Yep, she's that cool.

I got to chat with her a little bit and she is amazingly sweet and humble.

Fun fact: she started Drybar because she had issues with getting her curly hair done at traditional salons that could contain her naturally frizzy hair(same reason I've always shied away!)

My stylist was amazing and he immediately brought me back to my chair, had me sit my stuff down, and then showed me the way to the room to wash my hair. 

Once that was done, it was time to pick my style from the menu (see below).

I was a little lost with just the titles but luckily a lookbook was there to scan through to get visuals on all the styles.

I think I would have been safe with any of them but I went with the Mai Tai (a messy tousled wave).

I really loved the style, speed, and service of the whole experience.

I will totally head back for so many reasons/occasions because honestly - why should I wash and style my own hair when I could have someone do it for me and it lasts a few extra days PLUS you get pampered?? 

I mean that is a no brainer.

Have y'all been to the new Drybar yet?!

8068 Tysons Corner Center

Tysons Corner, VA 22102

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Spring Trend 2016 : Trench Coats

Trench coats are such a classic closet staple and have been everywhere this Spring. 

I have been kind of obsessed with the idea of updating my trench this season and adding to my growing outerwear collection. 

My trench coat is about 5 years old, a little worn, and the belt disappeared ages ago. 

Since the perfect trench is way out of most of my budget (*cough* Burberry *cough*) I have been eyeing some more affordable yet chic options. 

The ones that have really been capturing my attention are the ones from LOFT (on sale) & Ann Taylor (on sale). 

One is the classic structured jacket and color while the other is a little more unique with a more loose fit and pale blue color. 

I have been trying to keep a strict budget recently but I may have to break my shopping freeze to snag one of these beauties. 

 I guess only future blogposts will tell :)

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a.viza travel: lisbon

| top:  j.crew | denim: current elliott | boots: rag&bone |

Lisbon really caught me off guard in the best way possible.
I knew very little about Portugal, let alone Lisbon, prior to arriving.
Luckily, all of the locals were so friendly and forthcoming with divulging the city's history.
Honestly, I learned so much from a super friendly tuk tuk driver who explained much of the city's history to us.

WHERE I WENT

Alfama

This beautiful district of the city is full of hills crammed full of amazing architecture with most of it covered in beautiful tiles.  I think I walked the equivalent of 15 miles the day we wandered around but it was so worth it.

There is a cute little café at the top of a hill that overlooks the whole city.

It really is breathtaking.

Praça do Comércio

This plaza was the center of the old royal palace prior to a devastating tsunami that occurred in 1755 that destroyed most of the city.

Today it is a beautiful open square that overlooks the water and has a grand statue of a former king in the center.

It is a must see and hard to miss.

Bairo Alto

The home to the traditional Portugese music genre of Fado.

WHERE I ATE

Time Out Market Lisboa.

We ate at local restaurants mostly but we did end one of our days at this spot.

The options are endless for any type of food you could be craving which is helpful when traveling with a group of people.

HINT: a glass of wine is only 2 Euros (a bottle is only 10) however they have a heavy pour so opt for the glass.

Winery tour:

Another way I learned so much about this city and surrounding areas was due to a winery tour we took.

Not only did we get to drink delicious (and cheap in price!) wine we also got to visit some places outside of the city we would have never seen like the an amazing seaside town a castle, among other things

We visited the Quinta de Alcube and the José Maria da Fonseca wineries.

Both were amazing and planning my next trip back to visit more of the wine country.

WHERE I STAYED

We lucked out and scored a fabulous Airbnb (no longer available!) a few blocks from Praça do Comércio.  This was my first experience with staying in an Airbnb but it really was great.

This location was so convenient to walk around the city, get to restaurants or shops. 

There was a local market a few houses/doors down too that really made us feel like a local.

At least in this city, I would highly recommend doing a little research and staying in one.

WHAT I MISSED

Castelo de Sao Jorge
We had a great view of this amazing castle a few short steps from our apartment but we never made it inside for a tour.