Spring Break Dresses

Morning Friends!

I just got home from a beautiful few days at Secrets Akumal in Riviera Maya!  It is always so nice to get out of town for a few days, but no saying is truer than "Home is where the heart is."  It was hard not sharing such a beautiful place with Jonny and I am so happy to be home (a little tanner) today.

You know I am a dress fanatic, so it was nice to pack only one pair of shorts and jeans for the plane for this trip.  I had never been to an all inclusive resort  so it was such a pleasant surprise to not have to bring a purse anywhere.  Today also happens to be National Dress Day so I wanted to be sure to share a few of my favorite dresses from my Spring Break.  

I posted this dress (which is now on super sale $42!) on Instagram during my trip and got a lot of questions about it! I love the tailored fit of this shift (sometimes they can be boxy).  For sizing, I always check out Asos size guide because some things are tiny tiny and others run big.  This dress runs true to their sizing guide, I ordered a 4 and it fits perfectly (I typically wear 0-2 in most dresses).  The colors are a bit brighter than advertised which is so perfect for a beach trip, bachelorette, or vegas vaca!!  Also, big plus for me, 2 day shipping was a huge life saver since this was a last minute trip and you know I am not always the best about planning ahead :/.  

I immediately put this dress in my cart when I saw it - you know I can't resist a flowy dress with ruffles (under $60)! As you can see it does have a much deeper cut than I would normally wear, but "When in Mexico..." πŸ’πŸ½πŸ’ƒπŸ½! I would suggest fashion tape which I sadly forgot.  I love all of the fun earring styles right now, perfect for spring breaking too! My earrings $48 come in six other colors  (2 shades of pink!).  I also love these and these!  

Excited to share more from my trip with you guys!! Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!

Travel Style

Hola from Riviera Maya, Mexico!

This has been a fun, but busy week!  Last weekend  I celebrated my birthday in the mountains with my very best friends.  We went snowshoeing, made dinner at our cabin and played games - It was the perfect way to ring in 30 for sure.  Then I had just a few hours to get myself organized before heading to Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya.  I can't wait to share more about this amazing resort with you (I have never done this all inclusive thing before and WOW!).

I got a few questions about how I dress when I travel so wanted to be sure and share a few tips! I feel like I have been on a plane quite a bit lately and have figured out what works well for me in terms of a travel uniform.  

When it comes to traveling, my moto is function over fashion.  When Jonny and I first started dating, and he was in school across the country, I would dress up (boots, accessories, the whole nine) for my 4+ hour plane ride to go see him just to be disheveled and uncomfortable after a half day of travel.  

A few years wiser, I try to stick to a simple, classic look when I travel.  I always select pieces that are versatile and can be updated quickly once I arrive.  I like a chambray shirt because it can be worn so many ways like my pants, white jeans, or leather leggings ($18) for dinner once you arrive!  I always layer up with a cardigan and jacket because temperatures fluctuate so much on the plane.  I wore this jacket on our flight to Mexico as well as these tennies on our trip down here and these flats on my trip to NYC - both were unexpected Target finds and I wear them all of the time!  Finally, I like to bring a nice tote that can fit my lap top and double as purse which minimizes having to carry extra bags! I am loving my tote from H&M - affordable and well made, the blush is available in stores, but I also love the taupe and gray!

Love getting your feedback and questions!! Hope you have had a lovely week and happy weekend!

30th Birthday Lessons

Hi Friends,

Oh hi, its me.. I'm Abby and I'm 30??? WHHHAAAA, where has the time gone?!!! I remember crying in 5th grade because I didn't want to go to outdoor camp in 6th grade because after outdoor camp meant middle school, then high school, then college, then marriage, then you're 30!! Welp, 12 year old self, you were right!  I have been struggling all week with this birthday, but I woke up today and am so excited about this next chapter.  I think turning a new year older always brings a little reflection, transitioning into a new decade brings a whole lot of reflection.  Through these past few days I've come up with a list of advice that I would share with my younger self and thought I'd share as a reminder to me and hopefully helpful to you too:

Location: Sweet Cooies Ice Cream // Photography: Jenna Sparks

  • Be Kind

This seems simple and obvious, I know.  I've found when I am having a bad day and the last thing in the world that I want to do is be friendly to anyone other than my dog, doing something nice for another human makes my day instantly better.  Kindness makes people happy - happiness makes you laugh - laughter is the best medicine and keeps you young.... so pretty much being kind is the fountain of youth! 

  • Find Your Passion

They say that if you do something you love you will never work a day in your life.  I am not entirely sure that is correct.  I think once you find something you love you will work your a** off like never before to make sure that it succeeds.  Before starting Denver Darling I worked on The Hill in DC, in the non-profit space as a fundraiser, and also at a PR agency.  Each were great jobs, but never got me excited to wake up early or well into the night like I do now.  

  • Be Active

Do something active every. single. day! Before I found workouts that I loved I would stress about working out.  I would plan a trip to the gym days or a week in advance.  I realize now that was because I never loved the exercise I was doing and was just so dang bored at the gym! I fell in love with CorePower Yoga, it turned into an every day thing for me and now I alternate, yoga, CycleBar, hiking, skiing, running, and walking with Sir Stanley.  

  • Don't Diet (seriously)

Just don't do it! If you know me personally, you know that up until recently I was always on some crazy diet.  I realize now that I missed out on some fun times and delicious meals to a save a few extra cals.  I believe that my metabolism has finally kicked in at 30 because I am eating normally and enjoying what my body is craving.  Eat the damn ice cream cone and enjoy it (and this new spot Sweet Cooies just might be the cutest place to do that!)! #yolo

  • Quality over Quantity

My early 20's self worried about doing as much in one day as humanly possible and spending little time with as many people that didn't mean all that much to me.  Now I spend more time doing the things I love with less people that I care the most about.

  • Roadtrip

Jonny and I have been to some fun places for sure (last year we spent my birthday in Thailand which was a highlight!), but one of my favorite trips to date was a last minute road trip we took to Montana.  We took our time, and stopped for hikes, pictures, interesting biker bars and listened to Hamilton on repeat.  We can't wait to do another this summer!

  • Know your go-to's

Find 2 favorite restaurants that you love that are perfect to recommend to friends for brunch, that you can always drop in and have a great meal and perfect for date night (we love Postino and Linger here in Denver).  Memorize a delicious, but easy recipe that you can whip up for guests or take to a friend's (this dessert is always a hit!). Know your go-to beverage orders... mine are prosecco, an oaky chardonnay (this one is sparkly and gives 15% back to charity!), and Cider!

Enjoy your weekend!! I would love to hear your favorite kernels of wisdom always feel free to email or share in the comments below.

xo

Going Red with Kendra Scott Tonight!

Hi Friends,

I am so excited this morning because today kicks off a long few days of birthday celebrating.  Don't get me wrong, I am normally not a birthday person at all!! However, I think transitioning into a new decade feels a little different and I am going to soak in the last days of my 20's and celebrate the heck out of this weekend with my friends and I just can't wait.

Tonight I am celebrating the start of my birthday weekend with Kendra Scott and the American Heart Association and I can't think of a better place with a more important message to kick off the fun! February is Go Red for Women Month and I recently learned that cardiovascular diseases kill about one woman every 80 seconds and about 80% of cardiovascular diseases may be preventable.  Last year, I touched on some heart issues that my mom had been dealing with and how important, as women, it is to be our own biggest advocate.  The last few months, she has been having trouble again and I have been so proud to watch her advocate for herself to ensure that she gets the care that she needs.  Yesterday, she received a heart monitor to make sure that her heart is working properly and I am thrilled that tonight's event will benefit the American Heart Association.

It is highly likely that I will be wearing this exact outfit tonight (please don't judge).  I don't know about you, but when I find an outfit that I love, I wear the heck out of it!  And I love these pants and can't get enough of them!! I have really been into high waist trousers lately, but they also come in a mid rise version.  The fabric on these is so so soft.  This blouse had me at "hello" ruffles, flowers, and a bow? and a price point under $60, game over!  My Kendra Scott earrings are from their Go Red collection and as I mentioned here 20% of proceeds will be donated to AHA and will be a great way to support if you are not able to make tonight's event.  Hope to see you there!! Please see details below. xoxo

Bundled up in NYC

Happy President's Day, Friends,

This weekend was gorgeous in Colorado and Jonny and I spent the past few days soaking every bit of the springy weather in.  An unexpected warm week in the middle of winter always puts a little spring in my step.  I told you that I have really been craving sunshine, so the 70 degree weather was such a welcomed surprise after our week dealing with so many snow related set backs.

This was my second look of the day and wore it to some evening events at NYFW.  It is my favorite kind of outfit to put together - feminine with some unexpected edgy touches.  In normal every day life, I would wear a cami under this lace top ($79), but wanted to be a little edgier than I would typically.  My tweed jacket sold out super fast and I got a ton of questions about it so I searched high and low for you guys to find it! It looks like it is available in very few sizes here!  Sister Jane has a very similar option here.  I think they have the cutest stuff, while searching, I found this dress, this pink ruffle dress, this bow jacket, and this two piece set that I want in my closet for spring.

One of the perks of traveling with mom is getting to borrow her fun things... this pretty vest is hers, but I also love this similar one and this one!  We are heading to the mountains next weekend and I am always sure to pack my vest since it is so warm and is perfect to throw over any casual outfit.

Hope you are enjoying this gorgeous weather and your day off!!

xo

A New York Minute

Hi Friends,

My trip to New York and my few days at fashion week flew by!! A super quick trip made shorter because of flight cancellations, but the long girls weekend in the city with my mom was an absolute blast.  Also, I think it was the perfect introduction to fashion week for me.  This was my first time experiencing fashion week shows and events, and I have to admit that I was beyond intimidated at the idea of going initially.  

Since I missed about 50% of my planned events and shows (talked more about it in this post), I packed as much into Saturday as I could! The first thing on my list was the ShopStyle Social House event.  Once I arrived, my initial hesitation of not knowing anyone or not having the funkiest clothes was immediately put at rest.  I met new friends and old (like Maggie from Blush and Blooms and Emily from Vita Brillanti who I met at Create and Cultivate last year).  We explored the fun event and each got a a cute monogrammed Gigi New York file folder and browsed the clothes that were available for borrow for the week - it was like a giant closet... so fun!   After the event I met up with Lauren Bloom, the sweetest photographer from Dallas and we shot this look.  

I ran to our hotel for a quick outfit change and went to a fun happy hour that Maggie organized for everyone.  As I have mentioned before, my favorite part about this industry is the great connections you can make with people from all over! 

Next, I went to the Julianno Bass show and got to bring my momma!  We loved her gorgeous gowns and tailored jumpsuits.  Finally, (I told you it was a long day!!) mom surprised me with tickets to the live show of SNL!! So we stopped for a quick bite at The Standard (yummmm), and scooted off to 30 Rock!  

When I was deciding what to wear, I wanted something that felt true to my girly style with a little edge and thought this skirt ($44) was perfect! There are only a few left in the white I am wearing (also comes in navy)!  My turtleneck ($39) is the softest shirt that have and sleek enough for a skirt or loose enough to wear with jeans.  These boots were great for walking around all day - although I really wanted to wear heels, it just did not make sense since 1. freezing and 2. I was going to be running around all day!  

I love these earrings from Kendra Scott - they go with everything and I love even more that 20% of proceeds are currently going to the American Heart Association which I think is such an important organization! For local friends, I will be celebrating my 30th with Kendra Scott and the American Heart Association next Wednesday, Feb. 22nd at the Cherry Creek store 5-7 p.m. Please join us for some drinks, treats, and shopping for a great cause of course!  Hope to see you there!!

xo

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My Funny Valentine

Happy Almost Valentines Day, Friends!!

After a wonderful girls weekend in NYC with Mom, I am so excited to get back home to Jonny and Stanley just in time for Valentines day ❀️.  My mom and I had a busy few days in the city attending events and a few fashion shows and I can't wait to share more from our trip with you!! 

Jonny and I chatted briefly about our Valentines plans and agreed that after a busy few weeks of travel for both of us that the best way to celebrate our love would be a night in at home.  He offered to make dinner, which I am very much looking forward to because after eight years together I have realized that Ramen Noodles is his house specialty, but even that would be ok with me!

If Jonny's cooking doesn't work out, we have a few tried and true restaurants we always go to.  When we are planning a special date night we usually opt for Linger because the ambiance is fun and food is always new and delicious (it is also right up the street which is a little bonus), or Mercantile (we had our Valentine's date there last year).  Also, Cooper Lounge, is always a great spot to grab a drink before or after dinner and has a beautiful view and always fun people watching looking over Union Station.  We have really been wanting to try The Populist!  We have heard great things and it looks so pretty! What is your favorite date night spot?

Almost my whole look is Banana Republic.  I was instantly drawn to this blush midi skirt and I love how soft this matching sweater is which comes in 7 other colors.  My fur vest is old, but I found a similar one here and here.  My shoes are probably the most comfortable heels I have ever had.  Stanley may have loved them even more than me and mistakenly used them as a chew toy, so I am so glad I found them in stock here because they are pretty much out everywhere else. I found a few other burgundy options that I also love here and here (and these also come in blush!) 

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Vail Travel Guide

Hi there, Friends!

As you know, Vail holds a special place in our hearts.  Jonny and I got married here in 2014 and before that, many of my childhood memories were spent just outside of the Village.  I received so many notes requesting recommendations about our favorite places in this lovely mountain town and have been meaning to give you a little tour.  I shared a few of my favorite spots last fall, but winter is often the most popular time so I wanted to be sure and share some of our winter picks as well!

Where to Eat 

  • Up The Creek: Serene view, affordable, local favorite, same day reservations
  • Mountain Standard: New, fun and cozy atmosphere, new-American cuisine, early reservations suggested!
  • Sweet Basil: Romantic, modern, new-American cuisine, early reservations suggested!
  • Matsuhisa: Sushi, creative and modern atmosphere, early reservations suggested!

Wheret to Apres

  • The Red Lion: live music, cozy, good drinks
  • Los Amigos: great view of the mountain, endless chips, great margs
  • Garfinkel's: (Lionshead) best nachos in town, drink specials, and yummy apps

Where to Stay

  • The Sebastian: We love the Sebastian (shared our love for this hotel here and here)
  • The Tivoli: Cozy, doggy friendly, ski in ski out, wonderful breakfast in the morning, and a cozy apres scene with cookies and drinks in the afternoon.
  • The Sonnenalp: Charming, walkable, doggy friendly, great spa, wonderful service!
  • The Four Seasons: So cozy, walkable, doggy friendly, wonderful service!

Where to Shop

  • Blitz Boutique: This whole look is from Blitz, wore more from them here, here and here as well! They have a great location, right by the covered bridge into town and just outside of the parking garage (so it is always hard for me to avoid).
  • Gorsuch: Gorgeous furry things and ski outfit inspo!
  • Odd Molly: The whole store and website is painted pink... need I say more?

xo

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What to pack for a mountain getaway

Hi Friends!

It's no secret that Jonny and I escape to the mountains pretty much every chance that we get!  After our adventures last week, I got quite a few notes that a lot of you guys have some fun mountain getaways coming up.  Instead of writing each of you with the same packing list, I thought I should share what I pack in my ski bag here.  

I always start with a few cozy sweaters that I can curl up with after skiing or wear in town after dinner.  This JOA sweater is one of my favorites, so soft (not itchy) and long enough to wear with leggings.  I always throw in as many leggings as I can because I end up wearing them snowshoeing or under my ski pants (no need for real long johns anymore).  I like these because they hit right at my ankle and don't scrunch up in my ski boot.  I shared my favorite coats here, mine is sold out, but it has been great to have a warm coat that is also appropriate for a nice evening.  This one is gorgeous and under $130.   When we are in the mountains Jonny and I always remind each other to constantly reapply sunscreen because it is so easy to get burned.  I like SPF 50 from Dermalogica.

As for ski attire, since I was a little girl, I have worn Spyder.  My whole family has actually.  Spyder is a Colorado company and their pieces are super warm (I run cold all the time!) which is always important to me.  They have also stepped up their design game and I have been really impressed!  If you are a fur fan like I am this jacket is er, fur you! I have also tried on some adorable TopShop snow apparel, however have not tested it in the snow, but I think this orange jacket is super cute and has great price!  The last thing that I pack (other than mittens,goggles, helmut, skis, hats) are after ski boots and right now I am loving these duck boots which are a serious steal ($29).  Stanley chewed mine #typical so will be purchasing a new pair before we head on our next trip.  These exact boots are girls sizes (I am wearing a girls 4 (womens 6-6 1/2).  They are also available in women's.

Safe snowy travels, I can't wait to hear how they go!

On Mountain Time

Hi Friends!

Jonny and I (and Stanley) are back home and getting reacquainted with "city life" after enjoying the snow in the mountains and being on leisurely mountain time for the last few weeks.  We were really starting to think that we may not ever come home.  We just love being up there and enjoying the fresh air so much - it is incredibly peaceful.  And any place that encourages a cup of cocoa and chocolate chip cookie a day gets bonus points in my book!

I got a lot of questions about this cape when I posted it on Instagram last week.  It is from my favorite Vail boutique, Blitz.  Blitz has been around forever (shared another favorite from them here and here) and always has something that I can't resist (seriously, they are probably the reason I have 97 pom pom hats).  It was too cold to think about dresses, but their dress selection is always spot on! If you have a trip to Vail planned be sure to stop by!

My exact cape can be purchased from their store online here.  I also found several similar options (all under $150!) here, here, here, and here!! I think everyone needs a pair of these liquid leggings and you cant beat the $29 price tag!  Also, I love the height of these boots (also come in a pretty tan)- they hit right at the knee which makes them very versatile.

After Christmas Vacation

Hi Friends!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend filled with joy, family, and delicious treats.  Jonny and I had a such a laid back Christmas this year - we spent almost the entire day in our pajamas and changed into some of our new Christmas gifts, just before dinner.  It was was the perfect Christmas.

We are packing up and heading to the mountains to spend the remainder of the holiday with Jonny's family today.  Packing may be one of my least favorite things, but for this holiday week it always seems a bit easier because I just pack all of my new Christmas sweaters, like this one $79 (thanks mom!), the sparkliest pieces in my closet, my coziest sweatshirts and socks to curl up in after a long ski day, and all. the. fur. (I've been waiting for another occasion to wear this poncho!).

My blouse (comes in black too!) is an additional 50% off today only with CODE: thebest. My new sweater is also an additional 50% off with CODE: thebest.  Recently I have received a few questions about my favorite pink lipstick - I have been buying these Revlon ColorBurst Balm pencils like it's my job.  They are so easy, moisturizing and don't smudge... and $6.19 so I pretty much have one in every purse/clutch!  Let me know if you have any other questions, always happy to answer them.

Have a wonderful day! Jonny and I have a bet going to see if we will be able to fit in one car with all of our bags, Stanley, his kennel, and all of his belongings (he's like a baby).  I think we can do it, but Jonny is skeptical.  I'll let you know!

xo

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Holiday Week of Chic: Coats for him and her and lip kit giveaway

Happy Sunday!

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend and that you have been enjoying this Holiday Week of Chic Giveaway series as much as Lacey and I have.  Today we have partnered with Glo Minerals to give away a Lip Temptation Kit which makes for the most perfect holiday lip color!

We are exactly a week away from Christmas so today I am spending the day ordering the last of my gifts online to ensure they arrive on time.  With the amount of snow we have gotten over the past few days I have had coats on the brain as a great Christmas gift.  I snagged mine this summer (you know I never plan ahead, but this time I did and am so thankful!) and got this coat for steal! It is so incredibly warm and still on sale HERE and I also love this one and this one also on sale!  I found a very similar coat in four colors, I like the white, and 50% off ($89).

A person or two on my list have requested this coat (40% off with code Holiday).  I have this similar option in grey (worn here and here) and currently $134.  I also love this long puffer jacket very similar to the one I am wearing and $80.

Jonny always needs a new jacket (or two).  With the weather constantly changing and outdoor activities here in Colorado he always has a need for a slightly different layer (or so he thinks ;) ).  

Jonny gets the a ton of use out his Patagonia jackets and fleeces - he wears them to the office, after skiing and out with friends, so you can imagine he wears through them pretty quickly.  I love this plain one and this quilted one, and know he has eye on a patterned one like this .  For work I always think it is nice for a guy to have a classic pea coat and this one is 65% off!  I also like the idea of an updated fun parka like this one $199 that is nice enough for work, but warm enough for weekends in the mountains. 

Be sure to join today's giveaway and the other great giveaways that will be open for a few more days (we have two more coming your way!!) Have a wonderful Sunday!

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Holiday Week of Chic: From our House to Yours and Minted Giveaway

Good Morning, Friends!!

It looks like we may have a white Christmas here in Colorado.  We woke up to about about a foot of fresh snow in Denver so I am currently debating if I am going to be at all productive today or hibernate for the rest of winter (or at least the day!).  

If you have been following along for a little while, you know I have a bit of an obsession with Minted.  They helped us outfit our home (here) and I have used them for our Christmas cards every year (a little about that here).  This year was no different!! So obviously, Lacey and I didn't think this giveaway would be complete without a little something from our favorite online stationary and gift store.

Today's giveaway is $125 to Minted which is good through 2017!!  So you can get a head start on next year's holiday cards, New Year's cards, wedding stationary, or home decor... whatever your fancy.  Happy Holidays from Lacey, Minted, and me to you!!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Happy Holidays from our house to yours

Love,

The Millers

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Holiday Week of Chic: What your Bestie Wants Giveaway

Happy Friday Guys!!

We are on to day four of our Holiday Week of Chic Giveaway series! And that also means less than 10 days until Christmas (holy moly!) so I am sharing some of the things that are on my list for my best friends including some fun pieces from today's giveaway with J.McLaughlin and Margaret O'Leary.   

Guys, this Forever 21 clutch is my favorite bargain of the season ($7).  I literally bought four of them (3 as gifts and one for myself)!  My friends and I are always needing to charge our phones while we are out and about so this glittery Kate Spade charger would be a perfect gift!  I was just talking to two of my girl friends the other night and we all love these monogrammed necklaces.  Bauble Bar does a great job all together with gifts.  I just received a few of my orders in the mail and can't wait to give them on Christmas.  I particularly love this set from them!

For today's giveaway we are so excited to be partnering with J.McLaughlin and Margaret O'leary to give away a pair of sunnies and the coziest scarf!  J.McLaughlin recently launched a new line of sunglasses  and I love that a classic pair like Lacey and I are wearing never go out of style! And who doesn't need a warm piece like this scarf to bundle with during this chilly winter?

Have a wonderful Friday!!

Join the giveaway below!