Top 5 Things to Do in Charleston, SC

May 26, 2015

Hey all, it's SJ from FASHinNY (lover of fashion, travel and New York City)!

A girls weekend away is always a good idea and usually the perfect weekend away from it all! A few weeks ago I headed South to Charleston with 3 of my closest friends for a much needed weekend out of NYC. We explored the sights, sounds, and of course the food.

Here are a few of my favorites and advice on where to go, what to see, eat & of course shop:

1. Boone Hall Plantation
Founded in 1681, the Boone Hall is one of America's oldest working, living plantations spread out on 738 acres of land.

Fun Facts: Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively got hitched here
The Notebook was filmed here....
It took two centuries for the massive, moss draped branches to meet overhead, forming today's natural corridor and a scene that NBC Daytime television says is "a must see stop on any trip to Charleston, S.C."
Highly Recommended: Visit the Boone Hall Farms Market: a main market that carries all produce grown on the farm.
Must Try: Cinnamon Honey Butter (My Honey Butter)

2. Take a tour through town with Palmetto Carriage Tours
Located in the heart of the Historic District and is the oldest Carriage Tour company in Charleston. The city is divided into 3 zones and you get to tour one based on a lottery.

3. King Street Shopping
You can't visit Charleston without shopping a little! With everything from art galleries to upscale fashion, King street is the perfect place to wander through!

4. Charleston City Market
Stop by to pick up a historic Sweetgrass Basket, one of the oldest handcrafts of African origin in the US. These baskets are hand woven from indigenous bulrush, a grass that grows in the coastal region. With more than 50 artists the City Market, it's the epicenter of the sweetgrass baskets.

5. Between rooftop bars and Southern delicacies, Charleston is a great place to drink & dine!
Where to Dine:
Husk
Fig
Cru Cafe (Excellent Sandwiches, highly recommended)
Magnolia (Great for dinner!)

Where to Drink (Rooftop):
The Vendue
Henry's

Other Fun Things
Visit the Charleston Waterfront: stop at the Pineapple Fountain for a great photo op!
Visit The Fudgery: for a fun "Fudge Show" and a sample tasting!

Let me know if you plan on visiting and feel to free to add your own hotspots in the comments.

Catch up with me on Instagram and my blog to see where I go next.
xo, SJ

Babydoll Season

May 25, 2015

It's officially summer, in an unofficial way - how many times have you heard advertisers use that term already? Haha, we can't help it but it's the perfect catchphrase for MDW.

It might as well be summer, the humidity is in overdrive and making this pollen tsunami way worse than it needs to be. Regardless, you have to make the most of it so I've been wearing all my sundresses, shifts and babydoll dresses on repeat.

I also got a few favorites from Tobi.com for my upcoming music festival trips (anyone here going to GovBall or Firefly??). The price is on point and wont guilt you if end up dancing up a sweat-storm at any festival (i.e. me).

Dress: c/o Tobi.com Bangle: Kenneth Jay Lane Purse: c/o Quilted Koala Shoes: Boohoo.com Sunglasses: Ray-Bans Lipstick: Cruella via NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

I also got this cute little number for Summer Fridays at the office. I dressed it up with a red lip and black shoes. No one does a meeting on a summer Friday so there's no real need to worry about covering my arms. But, if the occasion arises I can always toss on a black cardigan.

Also, if you plan on doing a meeting on a Summer Friday - don't. Make it for Thursday or even Monday instead, trust me when I say people's attention spans will be so much better when you avoid Summer Fridays.

P.s. If any of you are in NYC this week, in particular this Thursday please stop by the Anniversary Celebration for the Limelight Shops. I'll be hosting it along with Lynn Do from NeckbreakinStyle.com and a few other bloggers. RSVP here, stop by and say hi!

Photos by Emma Nieradka.

Shop the look:

NYC: 5 Things for the Weekend

May 22, 2015

Apparently this pollen thing that has swept the city isn't limited to NYC borders. In fact it's consuming the entire Northeast under the alias Pollen Tsunami. If there ever was a time to buy Allegra in bulk - it would be now.

Either way, that should not be the reason to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend:

1. Elie Tahari x Vespa

Elie Tahari is collaborating with Vespa and will be featuring their iconic scooters in their NYC + Hampton boutiques. Or should we say Taharized. Each scooter will have seat covers made from the same signature fabrics used in his SS 2015 collection. I'm going to head over and view them myself since it's an awesome Insta-opp (anything for an insta haha). All Vespas will be available for purchase at Vespa Brooklyn.

View the Vespas @ Elie Tahari here: 510 Fifth Avenue, NY; 417 West Broadway, NY; One Main Street, East Hampton, NY

2. View the Cherry Blossoms @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden

If you're in NYC, you must (!!) experience the power of the Cherry Blossoms. It's such a spectacular site along with the rest of the garden. Going solo? Bring a book and sit under a tree. Or, bring the whole fam and a camera (maybe some snacks) - great spot to capture a family photo.

Get more info here.

3. Brooklyn Flea Market

I've been making quite the discovery at the Brooklyn Flea (50 Kent Avenue). There are so many different vendors here you're bound to find something magical. My only advice is to wear light clothing (cause it does get hot) and comfortable shoes (birks are a good choice). After you're done shopping head over to Smorgasborg, it's in walking distance, and TRY all of the foods.

Get more info here.

4. Northern Territory

Das it you guys! I found my rooftop bar for the summer. This place made it onto my monthly round-up for a slew of different reasons: great views, great crowd, lots of restrooms, bloody mary bar... Okay, so definitely sold on this place after experiencing the bloody mary bar. Either way, a great place through and through! Plus, they serve food downstairs (#winwin).

Get more info here.

5. Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room

Does this photo look familiar? You may recognize it from your instagram feed - I see it daily. And everytime it pops up it's like a reminder to quickly go and catch the installation. It's a pretty cool concept too. Before you enter the room you're given colored dots (stickers) and to place anywhere in the room - it's an interactive experience if you will. I'm a huge fan of Yayoi Kusama and have caught her experiences and works each time they're in town. She never disappoints but instead in inspires me to create.

Get more info here.