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.

Snow Day in Keystone

Hi Friends,

I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start!! We had such a wonderful time with our family in the mountains over New Years.  The house was full with Jonny's three brothers and their wives, two babies, Jonny's parents, and one puppy which made for a lot of love and laughter.

We were so lucky to get quite a bit of skiing in last week, but one day was just bitter cold and there was no way I was going to attempt to get on the mountain.  I stayed in a coffee shop at the base and waited patiently for Jonny to finish so I could partake in Apres (since that is often the best part of skiing anyway).

I doubled up on layers because it was so chilly.  I wore my new coat that I got for Christmas (thanks Mom!), I also love this one and this one and wore my warmest puffy coat on top (also wore it here) btw its on sale!  I layered this metallic pink blouse under my dress for another added layer.  Both my dress and top are H&M - I always love stopping in and finding such great affordable pieces (this dress was $15!).  I got a few questions about my hat when I wore it last week - it is old, but I found a very similar one here!

Have a great day!

A Favorite Day at Trappers Cabin

This week in particular, I (as I am sure we all are), have been looking back and reflecting on my favorite moments of 2016.  I never got the opportunity to share this very special shoot from earlier this fall with you all, but it was definitely one of my very favorites to date. 

Jonny and I were asked to participate in a bridal styled shoot by one of my favorite photographers, Jenny Nelson (also shot this look, and this look in Vail last year).  Working in the creative space in Colorado has really allowed me to meet some of the most fantastic people who have instantly become dear friends and she is definitely one of them.  Jenny mentioned that it was a bridal shoot - I hesitated for about half a second because Jonny and I are like an old married couple now, and thought that could could be a little silly, but then realized that the shoot coincidentally coincided with our two year anniversary which made playing dress up with my forever groom that much more fun (well, and who doesn't wan't to wear a wedding dress again?).

This is at beautiful Trappers Cabin in Beaver Creek, which is about 15 minutes past where we actually got married, so the similarities to our actual wedding day were kind of amazing.  They have just opened this space for weddings and would be incredible for an elopement or very intimate wedding.  Right after visiting Trappers Cabin, I knew it would be perfect for one of my a good friend planning her wedding.  She and her soon to be groom will be one of the first to take advantage of this gorgeous space... I believe there is talk of skiing into their ceremony? How fun is that!

Colorado is small, and the beautiful mountain community is even smaller.  The lovely coordinator and brains behind this shoot was Jill Chalfant from Snapdragon Celebrations.  It turns out that Jill and I knew each other from (fun fact) when I was a ski school instructor one winter.  I was so excited she picked out this amazing blush tulle skirt and gorgeous lace top for me to wear from Anna Be! And Larisa Graham is MY FAVORITE videographer and I recommend her to everyone I know (she shot our wedding) and put together this fun video below of the day for Trappers Cabin.   I had never worked with either women from the hair (Kacee Picot) or makeup (Michelle McKamie) team before, and I am pretty picky about both and thought they were awesome!! 

• Coordinator: Jill Chalfant / Snapdragon Celebrations
• Photographer(s): Jenny Nelson and Nate Agnini / Nate and Jenny Weddings
• Videographer: Larisa Graham / Larisa Graham Films
• Venu: Trappers Cabin 
• Dress: Anna Be
• Jonny's Suit: Gorsuch
• Flowers: Rose Braden / Rose Petals Vail
• Hair: Kacee Picot
• Makeup: Michelle McKamie
• Rentals: Alpine Party Rentals 

Thanks to this wonderful team to organizing such a great shoot! We were so happy to be a part of it!  Friends, I hope if you are having a wedding in the CO mountains someday soon you will contact any/all of these lovely people!

xo

Winter Wonderland

Happy Wednesday, Friends!

Geez, this month is flying by... I must admit, my Christmas cheer has been a little low this year.  Typically by this time I am blaring Christmas music and the house has been decorated for almost a month, but this year has been different.  I think it may have a little to do with the loss of Charlie Brown  (Jonny says Charlie had a lot of Christmas "whoop") and the warm weather late into the fall.  As much as I love this time of year it hasn't felt the same until last night.

Last night we went to our first Christmas party of the season.  The snow started falling just before we arrived and it was just magical! We toured all of the beautiful Christmas lights in the city after the party and I finally feel like I can put up some decorations today :).  Wish me luck!

I am so happy that rules like, "No white after Labor Day," are a thing of the past.  I think a completely white or off white look is perfect for the holidays.  I am planning on wearing this whole J.McLaughlin (minus my boots which are currently 25% off and purse) when we head to the mountains over the holidays.  My fur poncho is so warm and cozy, and I have been wearing the turtleneck under everything!!  I love that that their clothes are tailored to a woman's body, which means the jeans I am wearing have a great mid rise.  I would also recommend sizing down if you are between sizes.

Stay warm today, friends!

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

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!