Adventuring with the Capital One

Hi there - I am so excited to share this post as a Capital One Partner!!

I know, I am just as shocked as you must be to hear from me so soon! I think I must be getting my groove back (hopefully!). I say that, and I am sure tomorrow will not go anything as planned.

Since Lily was born I feel like we have been burning the candle at both ends. I know it should be expected as a new parent to feel a little tired and busy, but I am learning something new everyday as a new mom and a new business owner and the learning curve has been crazy the last few months with both.

So I was thrilled when Capital One invited me to Grandoozy to experience their Destination Venture Dome and to have a parents night out on them. Jonny and I have been pretty lucky and Lily has been a very easy going little lady and we have been able to go out on dates with her (quite a bit) since having her, but this was our first night without our little gal. It was hard, but also nice to have some grown up time! We had planned to leave her with my mom for the night and ended up all spending the night over there because we couldn’t be away from her all night.

Jonny and I always love spending time with Capital One. Last year we learned so much managing our finances as a couple at the Capital One Cafe and this time we had a blast figuring out what kind of vacationer by taking the Venture Card Quiz…. shocker I am a “relaxationionist” and Jonny is an “adventurist”. We got to hang out with Ben from The Bachelor - a few of you asked if he was nice. Yes, he really was!

Jonny and I are hoping to make it to the Venture Dome as it comes through town a few more times with a few more exciting guests!

October 20th through the 21st in Cherry Creek

December 15th through the 16th at the Rink at Belmar

January 5th through the 6th at Skyline Park. 

For more information visit: destinationventure.com

Denver Darling is Growing!

Happy Friday Guys!

I feel like I have been dropping a lot of big news on you lately... but I have more! It's all been a lot for me to take in too, but every bit of it is incredibly exciting.  I knew 2018 was going to be a year of wonderful things and big change, but I had no idea how much so!

Our little Miller family is growing this summer, and before then, Denver Darling is making some big time changes too! We are opening our first storefront in just a few short weeks!! For local friends it is in Cherry Creek North (on 3rd between Columbine and Josephine) and non local friends we will also be online soon! 

Around the time I first started blogging (almost 3 years ago... yikes!), my dear friend (now business partner!!) Molly Fortune, mentioned that we should someday open a store.  It would focus on classic, feminine clothing like we both love, at an accessible price point and unique gifts... a one stop shop, if you will! We developed the concept over countless brunches and happy hours and always saw it as kind of a farfetched idea.  After 14 weddings and countless events last summer that left me rummaging through my closet and online dress binges at 12:00am only for them to arrive and the quality to be poor - color wrong - and fit off; which would lead to a busy day of last minute shopping that I just didn't have time for only to go home and settle on an old LBD from 8 years ago.  I started thinking that we were really in need of a store that catered more to the young woman with a busy and fun loving lifestyle in Denver.

Molly and I started hearing similar stories from a lot of our friends and began thinking more seriously that we may be in need of a shop that carries more classic clothing and occasion dresses for every event that may pop up (brunch - black tie and everything in between) and an assortment of unique and fine gifts for the bride, baby or hostess to make life easier on us gals with limited time.

We still had sort of a 5 year plan in mind when we stumbled on the perfect place.  A little house in the middle of Cherry Creek, and we knew it was the perfect place to take the leap and call it Denver Darling's first home.  In addition to a space to house apparel and gifts, the outdoor space and upstairs area provides a unique venue that we hope to share with friends and nonprofits that we love for special events.

We are not sure what we we were thinking, but neither Molly or I got before photos of our little house #badblogger, but here is a photo of my dad taking snap chats (he crushes snapchat) of the original and our new paint job.  We are thrilled with how it is coming along!  We obviously still have some work, like signage and new awning, but it has come a long way in a short time.  We have a few more updates before we open in just a few short weeks and now that the secret is out I will definitely be sharing all of them with you as they come along!

I shared a few sneak peeks of things we will be carrying in the store over the past few days (below too!)... I would have loved to preview a cocktail dress or two, but things just don't fit the way they used to right now ;).  I am wearing a gown that we just got in assuming I don't grow too much between now and then.  We would love to hear what brands you love and things that you would love us to carry as we get started!

Wish us luck!! We will be sure to keep you posted these next few weeks with all of the details!! Can't wait to see you all in the store soon!

xo

Abby & Molly

My Favorite Happy Hours in Denver

Happy Friday!

I always feel like summer has truly arrived when Memorial Day Weekend is here.  I have been getting a lot of questions about the nightlife and party scene in Denver.  And although my days of last calls and dance clubs are well behind me (mostly... last weekend was a fluke, guys!) long happy hours in the sunshine are my jam! I wanted to share my list with you guys of my favorite places to happy hour in Denver!

1. Postino

On a typical warm weather week, you can find me, Jonny and Stanley on the patio of Postino, enjoying $5 peach bellinis (me) and $5 pitchers of Saison (Jonny), at least twice.  Their patio is huge so there is never a long wait for a great table and the staff is incredibly friendly (fun fact, my middle school boyfriend works there. Hi Tyler!) be sure to tell him hi if you see him.  My girlfriends and I (remember Bethany from this post and this post?!) love the $5 before 5:00 or $20 board and bottles on Monday's and Tuesday's which include a bottle of wine and 4 different bruschettas... yummmm!!!

2. Recess

On casual afternoon or evening with friends we love heading to Recess  (it is also neighbor to Postino so it is easy to go back and forth).  It is Stanley's favorite bar for for sure.  It is the most doggy friendly bar and we love being able to meet our friends for a fun pup date - my favorite happy hour deal are the $6 Moscow Mules and $7 bites 3-7pm Monday through Friday!

3. Tupelo Honey 

Ok, this is on my to-try list! Every time I have tried to go since it opened a few weeks ago something unexpected has popped up (seriously can't believe I haven't been yet!)! Any place that has a happy hour called "The Six Dolla Holla Ya'll" sounds like somewhere I want to be and $6 glasses of wine, $4 tall boys, and $8 Cherry Bomb Frozé definitely is definitely a perfect happy hour!

4 Mizu Izakaya

Mizu opened recently in Lohi and since we rarely leave our little bubble, Jonny and I were thrilled to have a new sushi spot in the neighborhood! They have $5 rolls and drinks and apps before 6pm and after 9pm.

5. Coperta

Coperta recently hosted our first Blogger Social Club event (filling you in on this more soon - in the mean time sign up here if you are interested!) and the drinks were so delicious! They made the prettiest aperol spritzes which are $5 for their Apertivo Hour.  They also serve yummy snacks for $3-$7 2-6pm Monday through Friday and 4-6pm on weekends.

6. Quality Italian

Just yesterday a friend of mine and I were stopped at the mall and a group of people asked us where they should go for drinks in Cherry Creek.  I immediately sent them to Quality Italian.  The scene is so fun and food is seriously heaven in your mouth! Not happy hour, but still amazing, they did just open for brunch - woo hoo!!!

7. The Way Back

The Way Back has the most creative cocktails I have ever tried.  The bartender was like a mind reader.  I told him specifically what I didn't love and he brought me my favorite drink that I have ever had (I wish I could remember all of the ingredients... but it was delicious!).  Take a peek at their yummy happy hour menu here!

8. Linger

Always a fan fav. Always has been, and always will be on my list for friends when they are coming to visit to stop by for happy hour, dinner or bottomless brunch! And the rooftop is the perfect spot to sit and and enjoy views of the city in the summer (see a few pics from last summer here).  I love their $6 prosecco, $5 cocktails, and $5 snacks Monday - Friday 4-6:30!

9. Avanti

They don't have any specials per se, but it is one of the best views of downtown and it is the perfect place to go with a group because of the cafeteria style set up! Drinks are typically about $10

10.  Toss Up

It was a toss up between Los Chingones, LaLa's, and the Art Hotel's Fire Lounge and my friend Molly we are traveling with this weekend broke the three way tie and said that she and her fiancé love the views at the Fire Lounge!

We are just leaving on our Colorado road trip, what are your plans for the long weekend?! Would love any recommendations for Palisade or Telluride!

My favorite Denver neighborhoods

By far, the question I get most frequently is, "What is the best neighborhood for young women to live in Denver?"  And it seems recently, I have been getting more emails, comments, and messages that a lot of you are making a move here from out of state (or even just looking for a change of scenery within the city).  First of all, YAY!! You will love it! We can't wait to have you!  And next, the mission for my blog has always been to be a resource for friends new and old to share my love for all things Denver/Colorado.  That being said, I get giddy when I see your emails asking for neighborhood, restaurant, or shopping recommendations because you are taking a trip or moving here.  You may have noticed the new "Denver Guide" tab at the top of the blog which I will be adding all my local recommendations and favorites going forward.

Lohi

A few of you have been pointing out that you are hoping to live in a place that is fun, but have outgrown the party scene.  I'm with you!  Jonny and I live in Lohi and it is hands down my favorite neighborhood, but obviously I am a little biased.  Lohi is nestled between the Highlands and the edge of Downtown, where the rejuvenated Union Station area is.  We love that there are at least 10 great restaurants within a few blocks and a new one popping up seemingly every day (I say this all the time, but we love Linger, Postino, Avanti, Lola, and Recess to name a few).  We rarely leave our little Lohi bubble because there is so much going on: a fun place for happy hour, great brunch spots, and it is a 15 minute walk (via pedestrian bridge) to the Union Station area to enjoy the beautiful farmers market in the summer.  And because I am a visual person and maybe you are too, here are a few of my favorite looks I have shot around the hood (look 1, look 2, look 3, look 4, look 5).  

Apartment recs: Commons Park West, The Station, The Manhattan (Riverfront), Line 28, Studio Lohi, Glass House (for rent by owner)

Wash Park

When it is nice out I am at Wash Park at least once a week.  Because Colorado is landlocked people flock to big parks to hang out when it is warm and Wash Park is the perfect location.  It is right between Downtown Denver and Cherry Creek (which we will cover next).  Cherry Creek Shopping Center is the closest mall to me and I must admit, that I am there far too much, but I do love stopping at Wash Park before or after for a quick jog with Stanley.  The neighborhood around the Park is just as charming as the park.  Just south of the park is the best sushi in town and a couple of my favorite boutiques on Pearl Street and a few blocks east is an adorable gift shop and bakery.  A couple of my favorite looks from Wash Park (here, here, here, and here).

Apartments: Country Club Towers

Cherry Creek North

Cherry Creek North is another neighborhood I find myself in often.  Jonny works in the area and my mom lives in the neighborhood as well (it doesn't hurt that the mall is there as well).  My mom loves living there.  She walks to dinner with her friends, and is able to walk to the mall or boutiques.  The salon I have been going to since I was 18 is a stones throw from her condo and several of my favorite restaurants (Hillstone, Cucina Colore, and Quality Italian are all within blocks of each other. I shot a few of my very favorite looks in CC North! Like this one and this one from our holiday card!

Apartments: The Seasons of Cherry Creek and Steele Creek

Cap Hill

Some of our best friends live in Capitol Hill and love it! It is in walking distance to Trader Joes (which was a big deal for us CO peeps btw), several other grocery stores, and Cheeseman Park, another gorgeous park for jogs and picnics.  

Apartments: Acoma

Other favorites:

• Highlands: West of Lohi, great restaurants and a lovely farmers market in the Summer.
• Riverfront: Connects Lohi and Union Station, affordable apartments, great restaurants like Colt and Gray, and Sushi Sasa.
• Uptown: East of Downtown (gosh we were creative with the names here...?) affordable apartments, great restaurants! We like Coperta and Beast and Bottle!
• Congress Park: Just discovered this adorable neighborhood, but shot these photos at Sweet Cooies here and can't wait to go back! The main street could not be cuter.. packed with families and young people.

Where I shop small

I often get asked where I like to shop in Denver.  Of course I find great things at the mall, but I love being able to run to my favorite boutiques, say hi to the owners that have become friends, and know that I am going to find something unique and special.

And if you have been following my blog since the beginning, you know that the reason I started Denver Darling is to be a resource to girls (and guys!) in our awesome city.  When I first made the decision to start my blog I would constantly send out lists to my friends and friends friends about the best places to shop or get a manicure or their hair did.  So I figured there would be no better day than today to share my favorite places that I shop small!

Patterns and Pops: Lindsay and Brittany from Patterns and Pops are two of the sweetest girls and they have clothes and gifts just as the name of their store describes with great patterns and pops of color.  My top is so cozy for the holidays (above) and can be found on their site here! They also have an adorable mobile fashion truck, Patsy and will soon have a brick and mortar store (can't wait!).  Their tulle skirt s, like I wore last year here are 30% off through tomorrow night!

Jewelius: Jewelius is right up the street from our house so I often run there last minute (which happens more than it probably should) when I need to add jewelry to my outfit (literally will stop by on my way out), or will pop in and say hi and end up shop for hours with owner, Rachel.  The fun tassel sweater I wore here is from Jewelius.  Today they are offering free gift with purchase of $100 or more!

Gracies: Gracies is one of the first places I posted about (here and here).  They always have fun and affordable pieces.  They do a HUGE sale twice a year that is 75% off the whole store, and they just opened online as well and are offering 20% off for Small Business Saturday.

Stitch: Stitch has all of the Colorado girl essentials. Great cozy sweaters, and fun graphic tees.  I got my favorite Broncos tee from there.  I love this bright shift that I got there last year!

Garbarini: Garbarini is like the original gals boutique. They have been around forever, but have gorgeous current stuff.  Their price point is a bit higher than the other places I have listed, but I know I can always go in and find a great dress for a wedding or black tie event!  I always love their assortment of Milly and Alice and Olivia dresses - I wore this one and this one all summer long! And for Small Business Saturday, all sale items are an additional 50% off!

Real Baby: I got asked the other day about where to shop for baby stuff and gifts.  We obviously don't have a baby yet, but do have little niece and nephew and love the cute things at Real Baby and they are so helpful with clueless people like myself!

• Melrose and Madison: My favorite fall floral dress is from there!
• Inspyre: My bestie, Liz goes there on the reg!
• Hailee Grace: I just started going there and love the price point and great selection!
• Willow: Boulder is a bit of a drive for me, but when I am in the area I love stopping in! I found this fun top and jacket there.
• Corey Anthony Photography: Yes, he's my photographer, be he also sells awesome prints and prints on metal... so cool! 
• Swoozies: Swoozies is a chain, but we are their only store in the west (had so much fun with them here and here)!
• Sit Stay Stich: My friend Taylor makes the most adorable dog collars - we are definitely getting Stanley one of the holiday inspired collars!

If you have any other things you would like me to round up, shoot me an email and I would be happy to share my recommendations!

Have a great rest of your weekend!

To Market to Market

Hi Guys,

I hope you have had a wonderful week so far! It has been so beautiful here - it has really been a hard week to get anything done because I just want to be outside enjoying the sunshine.  Does that ever happen to you?  When you feel like a 5th grader just gazing out the window yearning for recess - I have felt like that all week!

As most of you know, I have a serious thang for farmers markets.  Exploring a new one makes me giddy and wandering around a familiar one is always relaxing and brings a smile to my face.  I recently partnered with Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine to share some of my favorite things about the new farmers market at Union Station in Denver (read it here). 

This will forever be one of my favorite shoots, and favorite days.  It was one of our last outings with Mr. Brown and it was perfect.  I am so thankful to Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine for honoring our boy and making him the cover boy of their "Dog Days of Summer" issue this month.

Whenever I visit a farmers market I love chatting with the vendors and learning about the products that they are so passionate about and have clearly put their heart and soul into.  I was obviously immediately drawn to the beautiful peonies that The Fresh Herb Company had at their stand.  However, I was even more intrigued and loved learning about the Field to Vase dinner they host in their fresh flower farm annually... I am so jealous that Zoe is going next weekend (August 13th) , we will be out of town and I can't wait to see the pictures!

Read about the rest of my favorite vendors from the Union Station Farmers Market in the current issue of Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine.  I would love to hear about your favorite farmers markets or vendors around town!

My dress is out of stock, but I also love these (this, this, and this) similar white dresses (all on sale!).  And I have had these wedges forever - they are so comfy and I love that they still look brand new.

Have a great day!

xo