The Full Scoop on Shein

Hi Guys!

I am packing and planning away for a busy weekend ahead in Aspen and then a few trips in the coming weeks.  I am heading up for the Aspen Food and Wine Classic this weekend - something that has been on my bucket list for a long time, so am pretty dang excited!! If you have been, would love any tips!! 

You may have seen this dress on my Instagram story last week as I was starting to pack for this weekend and I got several questions about it.  Many of you may recognize it as the Self Portrait  ($510) dress of the season, but actually it is a fantastic dupe.  

I am often asked what I think about Shein and similar retailers like Chicwish and I must say, that I am always pleasantly surprised with the product.  In no way is the fabric quality what you would get if you were spending 5 or 10 times the price, but for trendy pieces that aren't worth the investment the fabric is perfect.

When I first ordered from the site, I had a hard time believing that they were legit.  With prices of dresses and tops usually below $20 it sounds a little too good to be true.   However, 9 times out of 10 I have had a good experience (taking this amazing skirt this weekend, and remember this?).

I have 4 rules that I use when shopping these online retailers that always ensure that I end up with good product and not disappointed.

1.  Read the reviews! I know this sounds obvious, but it is so helpful in ensuring you get what you want.  Usually someone has tried the piece before you and if they hated it or loved it will leave a review (see reviews from my dress here).

2. Set expectations! Know you are not getting a $500 dress for $20, but you can still find some fun/trendy pieces without breaking the bank! 

3. Order early! If you find something you like, don't wait.  Shipping can take a few weeks since it is coming from overseas and if it is a popular item even longer.

4. Mix and Match! Mix your new pieces with old investment pieces and no one will never know what a bargain you got! (Unless you are me and you share it loud and proud)!

My dress and the original are in the gallery below (on the blog) so you can compare yourself.  Hope you have a wonderful week!

xo

Evening at Alamo DraftHouse

Hi Guys!

Last week was an absolute whirlwind! I was playing catch up all week from my travel the prior week on emails, meetings, calls, and events.  Sometimes I feel like going out of town can be so stressful because I have so much to do when I get back.  The house is a disaster, my suitcase has exploded and taken over our bedroom, and I always have to retrain my body to get back on a regular workout routine (thats for a whole other post).  Luckily I had carved out a little time for fun in my schedule - and the grand opening of the Alamo Drafthouse did not disappoint! 

When Jonny and I first started dating we saw a new movie every week.  As our schedules have gotten fuller, we are pretty picky about how we spend our time and until now have not had the option to enjoy dinner AND a movie in the same venue unless we  drive at least 30 minutes from Denver. So I could not be more thrilled that their is now an Alamo Drafthouse (Sloans Lake) so close to us.

I bumped into a familiar face (Lacey from My Boring Closet - you met her here and here), at the grand opening and before exploring the theater, we were greeted by some rapping magicians on a tilt-o-whirl tuk tuk (I think??)... they insisted we take a ride and "raise the roof", which we of course could not pass up!  I doubt they will be at every movie, but they definitely made for a wonderful first impression.

Jonny and I are already planning our next movie date and can't wait to try the full dine in movie experience.  If you saw my instagram post last week, then you know that the weather was INSANE so getting dressed last week was a little interesting.  I went with this new favorite, lightweight top ($16) (also comes in white)! I have worn it with these white jeans ($59) and these navy shorts ($125) too!  And I wore my favorite OLD sailor trousers, so I am sorry to say they are out of stock, but I found a very similar pair here ($35) and here ($40).

What great movies have you seen lately? Would love to hear your recs!

xo

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Alamo Drafthouse. The opinions and text are all mine.

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

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!) 

 

 

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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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