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.

Colorful Colorado

Happy Friday, Friends!

I hope you have had a beautiful week.  It has been ggggg-orgeous here and we have just been eating it up! 

Last weekend Jonny and I headed to Vail to celebrate our anniversary.  We are both Colorado natives, but the beauty of peek leaf season in the mountains still amazes both of us.  We thought that this may have been the prettiest season we have ever seen, but I now realize, it is just that the beauty of seeing the colors transition will never get old and always seems more beautiful than the last.  That being said, there are probably only a few more days so if you are in CO you need to get up there!

We stayed at The Sebastian, which is where our wedding reception was held and going back always brings back such wonderful memories.  We hiked Booth Falls, the trail head is just outside of Vail Village so it is quite popular, but it didn't bother us one bit.  We also strolled through my favorite farmers market which ends this weekend, so if you have been hoping to do some leaf peeping and visit the farmers market this is would be the perfect time.   

I had quite a few questions about our matching fleeces... Jonny and I actually received them as a wedding gift and we both love them! They are so cozy and great for cool fall days and very cozy after skiing (also like this for him and this for her).  My vest is one of my favorite things to wear for hikes, sunny ski days, and after yoga.  Also, I pretty much live in these leggings - I love the high waist, so they don't slip down when I am running or hiking.

Hopefully this weekend is as beautiful as the last! Would love to hear your plans and favorite weekend getaways.

xo

Aspen Weekend in Secret Season

Morning, Friends!

I have missed you this week! I got back from our little trip last weekend and had a bit of catching up to do... and here we are, Thursday, and well into June already.  My goodness!  I hope you all are having a wonderful start to your summer.  

Last weekend, Jonny and I kicked ours off with a little trip to one of our favorite local getaway spots.  Growing up in Golden, Colorado, Aspen was always just a bit over the hill so we rarely made the extra effort to drive past some of the other mountain towns.  It seems as a couple, Jonny and I welcome the extra drive time and cherish the beautiful sightseeing along the way.  

We stayed at The Little Nell which we has become one of our very favorite hotels.  As you know, a dog friendly hotel is high on our priority list when deciding where we are going to stay, and they treat Mr. Brown like a king.  We also love activities - and they have them all within steps. Seriously!!  

We arrived late Friday night and received check in information including information about skiing (it was 80 degrees).  I was convinced it was a typo.  The next morning we looked out the window and saw skiers riding bikes in minimal clothing up to the gondola.  We didn't properly prepare, but of course, Jonny did not want to miss the opportunity to get a few turns (and rays) in, so The Nell helped us get set up with rentals and lift tickets for the day and Charlie Brown and I sat at the top while Jonny skied in his swim trunks.  

Any time mid April through this coming weekend is considered "secret season" in Aspen because there is still a bit of snow melt and the weather can be a little more unpredictable.  We would argue that it is our favorite time to visit since there are fun surprises like skiing in June and great rates (like this) that you wont find during peak season.

After our morning on the mountain, we went on a walk around town to find a spot for Charlie to cool off, and bumped into our good friends (you've met Nerida and little miss Pippa here and here).  We all decided to head back to Ajax Tavern for happy hour - it was delicious!  I highly recommend the tuna tartare!  We finished the night at White House Tavern, my must stop spot whenever we visit.  It is semi silly because Hillstone and Cherry Creek Grill have very similar menus (since they are all owned by Hillstone), but I just love the quaint ambiance.

On Sunday, Jonny and I hiked, pooled it up, and visited the Maroon Bells.  We stopped by The Butchers Block (around the corner from our hotel) and brought a few little snacks with us and enjoyed a little picnic among the beautiful scenery.  

We packed a lot into just a short weekend, but there was so much to do!  We can't wait to go back to Aspen and The Little Nell.  Also, I am on a serious gingham kick right now, guys so get ready because I just. can't. stop. My top is available here (I am wearing a size 0).  I have also been wearing my sun hat non stop.  Shop the rest of my look below.

Looking forward to a weekend of organizing the garage this weekend... I guess its called balance.  Darn, adulting!

Thank you to the lovely Bianca McCarty for capturing some wonderful snaps while we were in Aspen.  If you are looking for a photographer while you are visiting or doing a mountain wedding I highly recommend her (she is located in Eagle, Vail)!

xo

This post is in collaboration with The Little Nell. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

A Perfect Mountain Retreat

Hi Guys!

I hope your week is going well!  Yesterday was a toughie for me.  Jonny and I made the (not so) wise decision to take a 6:00 a.m. flight back from D.C. after a long wedding weekend.... never. again!  It always sounds like a good idea at the time to save the $35 or whatever, then when you actually get to it, sleep is worth so much more than those few dollars you saved.  But, I have to tell you, other than the lack of sleep, it was the most perfect wedding weekend celebrating my sister and her new husband.  I was a puddle of happy tears their whole wedding day, it was so incredibly beautiful!  I can't wait to share more from her big day with you!

I am so excited to share more from our belated anniversary weekend;

We love visiting Vail in the fall, there are always amazing deals all over town because crowds have left from the summer and haven't picked back up yet for ski season.  When we visit, Jonny and I always try and stay at The Sebastian Vail.  Not only does it hold a special place in our heart because it is where we held our wedding reception, but it is the perfect place to go and getaway from it all and enjoy the quaint town of Vail. 

Other than the beauty of the hotel itself, what really keeps us coming back is The Sebastian staff.  Everyone there makes us feel like old friends - always remember our names, and conversations from months ago, and we feel right at home every time we step into the gorgeous lobby.  Also, dog friendly hotels are always a top priority for us, so Mr. Brown doesn't feel left out :)...and the Sebastian welcomes him and every pooch at their hotel with open arms (they have a chalkboard with every pup's name that is staying there).  He is always as bummed as we are when it is time to head home. 

Jonny and I spent most of the weekend relaxing, trying some new restaurants and I got my first bit of exercise since my scooter accident (you'll notice my lovely band-aid in a few pics, my owie is still a bit too scary to make its debut).  We took a nice long walk from The Sebastian out to Vail Golf Course where we got married. It was so beautiful - such a perfect weekend!  We are already planning our next trip back.

So fun collaborating with two companies I adore The Sebastian Vail and Ghurka (also seen here) - we will be doing an awesome giveaway next week! So be sure to check back and on my Instagram (@denver.darling) for details <3. 

Thanks to David Gillette for the photos - awesome guy and super talented with a camera, I must say!  Hit him up if you are in need of a photographer in CO!

xo