Author: thesteelemaiden

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After years of traveling, I’ve come to abide by a few steadfast rules when it comes to souvenir buying.  While they may seem obvious, when you’re on the road and faced with the sudden urge to purchase a giant sombrero I promise they will come in handy.  First off, will you use it?  A grits cookbook was a great little purchase along my southern journey since I love to try out new recipes.. but if you use your oven to store shoes you should pass.  Secondly, is it your style?  If turquoise jewelry has never been your thing, you shouldn’t buy it just because you’re in Santa Fe.  This modern little necklace is just the type of jewelry I love, but now it has the added bonus of being made by a local Austin designer.  And lastly, does it remind you of the trip?  Sure, there are Kate Spade store’s everywhere, but this make up case with a cheeky ‘do the charleston’ logo will always remind me of the city in which I bought it (added bonus: I will use it and it perfectly fits my style).  Happy souvenir-ing!  

(Austin necklace; Charleston case)

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After years of traveling, I’ve come to abide by a few steadfast rules when it comes to souvenir buying.  While they may seem obvious, when you’re on the road and faced with the sudden urge to purchase a giant sombrero I promise they will come in handy.  First off, will you use it?  A grits cookbook was a great little purchase along my southern journey since I love to try out new recipes.. but if you use your oven to store shoes you should pass.  Secondly, is it your style?  If turquoise jewelry has never been your thing, you shouldn’t buy it just because you’re in Santa Fe.  This modern little necklace is just the type of jewelry I love, but now it has the added bonus of being made by a local Austin designer.  And lastly, does it remind you of the trip?  Sure, there are Kate Spade store’s everywhere, but this make up case with a cheeky ‘do the charleston’ logo will always remind me of the city in which I bought it (added bonus: I will use it and it perfectly fits my style).  Happy souvenir-ing!  

(Austin necklace; Charleston case)

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Charleston, South Carolina.

As of today, I’ve made it as far west as Texas – but am backtracking to when I passed through Charleston, South Carolina last week.  Nicknamed ‘The Holy City’ this waterfront town was absolutely beautiful and filled with things to see and do.  We stayed at The Vendue Inn, a gorgeous spot that matched the feeling of the city perfectly and took southern hospitality to a whole new level (they served cookies and milk every night).  The city’s many churches and palm tree lined streets are easily walkable, but taking one of the Vendue’s complimentary cruiser bikes was a faster and more fun way to get around.  And after a day of exploring, make sure you’re back in time to catch the sunset from the rooftop bar.  We had oysters and cocktails at Pearlz, but the most standout meal came from Slightly North of Broad (get the Carolina Flounder – you won’t be sorry).  For shopping, King Street covers all the bases – Kate Spade just opened up a new shop here, perfect for a southern belle.  All in all, I found myself completely charmed by Charleston.  

Posted on

Charleston, South Carolina.

As of today, I’ve made it as far west as Texas – but am backtracking to when I passed through Charleston, South Carolina last week.  Nicknamed ‘The Holy City’ this waterfront town was absolutely beautiful and filled with things to see and do.  We stayed at The Vendue Inn, a gorgeous spot that matched the feeling of the city perfectly and took southern hospitality to a whole new level (they served cookies and milk every night).  The city’s many churches and palm tree lined streets are easily walkable, but taking one of the Vendue’s complimentary cruiser bikes was a faster and more fun way to get around.  And after a day of exploring, make sure you’re back in time to catch the sunset from the rooftop bar.  We had oysters and cocktails at Pearlz, but the most standout meal came from Slightly North of Broad (get the Carolina Flounder – you won’t be sorry).  For shopping, King Street covers all the bases – Kate Spade just opened up a new shop here, perfect for a southern belle.  All in all, I found myself completely charmed by Charleston.  

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Today we’re arriving in New Orleans and while I’ve already had the chance to visit the city (the pictures above left are from my first trip a couple of years ago) it will be the boy’s first visit there and I’m thrilled to get to experience it with him this time.  Between the architecture, history, and general prohibition vibe (where else can you sip absinthe at 9 am?) it’s a place completely unique to itself.  I’ve packed a mauve lace shift dress to recreate the Daisy Buchanan (a la Carey Mulligan) look above.  Stay tuned for more from NoLa and be sure to follow me on instagram for updates along the way!

(picture, right)