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What To Pack || Napa Valley

Filed Under > Dressing the Part

packing tips napa valley

By the time most of you read this I’ll be wheels up beginning day 1 of my 12 day wine county adventure with Ma(i)sonry and Orison Wines.  If you’re a regular reader of the blog then you’d know I’m a big (BIG) lover of wine so I couldn’t have been more thrilled when Orison and Maisonry wanted to collaborate on a best of Napa Valley piece.  I’ve been to Napa a few times, but I don’t think anything can rival what we have planned.  And while I can’t divulge too much as I’ll be sharing all of my thoughts when I get back I wanted to at least share a few what-to/how-to pack tips with y’all.  So without further ado, and before I’m 3 cabernets deep, my 5 favorite packing tips.  And fair warning…my Instagram feed will be nothing but California sunshine and grapes as far as the eye can see the next 2 weeks.  Cheers!  truly, MKR

** Saint James striped tee via Ann Mashburn also available HERE  ||  Rifle Paper passport mini notebooks  ||   Alexander McQueen studded sunglasses

packing tips napa valley

**  Celine sunglasses  ||  Ray-Ban High Street sunglasses  ||  Red’s Whitner sunglasses  ||  Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses  ||  Alexander McQueen studded sunglasses  ||  Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses

packing tips napa valley

No. 1 –  Garment racks are  your friends.  When I began styling I purchased a few rolling garment racks and now I could not imagine packing (or my every day) without them.  They’re great for planning outfits and corralling all of your items in one place.

** Clare Vivier fanny pack  ||  Sole Society Jill backpack

packing tips napa valley

No. 2 – It’s all about the mini.  When regulations changed and didn’t allow anything over 3.4 oz. carried on it made all of beauty begin creating products in a smaller/travel size which saves a TON of room when packing.  I mean nothing takes up more suitcase space than my every day 20+ oz. can of hairspray or hair volumizer!  So I now buy everything you can in the smaller size and keep them in my beauty bag so all I have to do is grab and go.  I even got my tanning lotion in a mini…how convenient is that?!  And if you’re only carrying on might I suggest storing everything in one of these to make security a breeze.

** Chair, Restoration Hardware  ||  Pillow (available via WOM, email for details)  ||  kate spade new york fine feather purse c/o  ||  Moroccan gold pouf  ||  Alexander McQueen sunglasses  ||  Saint James striped shirts blue, red, navy, green  ||  Jack Rogers Vachetta neon sandals  ||  Jack Rogers Palm Beach Navajo sandals  ||  Marni double jewel sandals  ||  Tory Burch Kira sandals  ||  Stubbs and Wootton slippers  ||  Yosi Samra slippers c/o  ||  Proenza Schouler heels

packing tips napa valley

No. 3 – Expect the unexpected.  When traveling anything can happen; delays, lost luggage, bumps, etc., so best to be prepared.  If you’re checking luggage always carry on your must have beauty products, change of under garments, 1 change of clothing, a bathing suit (if you’re going somewhere beach like all you need is a bathing suit), a back up charger, and a comfortable pair of shoes (I travel everywhere with these in my purse).

** kate spade new york fine feather purse c/o  ||  Pillow (available via WOM, email for details) 

packing tips napa valley

No. 4 – Create an itinerary.  Wether it be in your Google calendar, printed out and in your purse, or set up in Outlook have an itinerary with all pertinent addresses and phone numbers (hotels, rental cars, restaurants, etc.) easily accessible.  And make sure any travel companions have a copy, as well as anyone back home that may need to get in touch with you in case of emergency.

** Zara nude heels  ||  Proenza Schouler heels  ||  Yosi Samra Preslie c/0  ||  Yosi Samra Corey sandal c/o  ||  kate spade new york toucan sandals  ||  Tory Burch Kira bow sandals  ||  Jack Rogers Napa Valley Navajo sandals c/o  ||  Jack Rogers Vachetta neon sandals ||  Jack Rogers Palm Beach Navajo sandals

packing tips napa valley

** Rifle Paper + Garance Dore phone case  ||  F. Scott Fitzgerald Tales of the Jazz Age  ||  Rifle Paper travel journal

packing tips napa valley

No. 5 – Be in the moment.  I’ve lost a lot of peace, a lot of moments to trying to capture them or freeze them in time.  To being stuck to a plan.  To not being willing to take the unchartered path.  No more my Loves.  Traveling is all about the adventure.  And while yes you have to be planned, you have to be ready, you have to pose for those pics so you can record them forever you also have to be willing to throw it all away and go on the grand journey.  Because every day, wether it be on vacation or during your daily commute to work, is a day you’ll never get back so you might as well enjoy the ride.  

** Chair, Restoration Hardware  ||  Haute Hippie “Drinks Well With Others” tee

All images original to Waiting On Martha

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding: Dressing the Part

Finding A Dress for Every Type of Wedding
Filed Under > Dressing the Part

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In the thick of wedding season, and with a few special events on the books, I recently found myself at a loss for a go-to source for what to wear to all of these upcoming occasions.  And as someone who loves a good excuse to dress up, anything short of extraordinary would never do.  With visions of flowy gowns, fluted hems and beaded detailing, I swear I think the wardrobe gods must have heard me when wondering what to wear to a summer wedding.  My prayers were answered as the BHLDN team reached out about their new collection, giving me beautiful inspiration for my social calendar. 

As you may know, since its launch in 2011, BHLDN has offered more than bridal gowns; the brand has an assortment of dresses perfect for bridesmaids, wedding guests and special occasions. And just last spring, the brand expanded their wedding guest and event collection even further, which now includes top names such as Jenny Yoo, Needle & Threat, Nicole Miller and Watters, as well as a a few pieces that are entirely BHLDN-exclusive. 

So with an upcoming beach wedding in mind, I scheduled a private appointment at our Atlanta boutique, where I received a full 60-minutes with a dedicated stylist that helped me with sizing advice and recommendations on styles and accessories.  You don’t typically need to make an appointment to try on bridesmaids or event dresses, but you absolutely can if you’re looking for additional guidance on look you’re going for.  

The styling appointment was truly a refreshing run to the dressing room; I received personalized attention and tips that gave me options I never would have imagined on my own. While I chose the stunning Inesse Dress as shown above, I was especially smitten with the detailing on the Marina Dress and the Anessa Dress—how amazing would these be at a garden wedding?—and the Nevena Dress for a black-tie affair. 

I shared my favorite picks via Instagram Stories and was blown away by everyone’s helpful comments and engagement!  I received a lot of comments from you all about not wearing white or neutrals to a wedding in risk of offending the bride, and I must say I’ve always agreed with that stance.  While the dress I chose at the end of the day, pictured above, shows more white than it is, I was confident in the fact that it’s a truly floral dress.  I wasn’t worried about offending the bride, as I know her well.  I think everyone should take that into consideration when they’re selecting a dress that could be seen as similar to a wedding gown; know the bride and if she wouldn’t be comfortable with it, then don’t wear it! 

While you can see the one I decided on, I’m sharing the rest of my top picks below, along with tips for specific weddings they’d be perfect for. And I must say: the little white number was a HUGE hit with all of you, and again I must clarify that this would be best for the bride at the rehearsal dinner or even an elopement!  It was the #1 choice from everyone via IG Stories; it got the most votes but caused the most controversy. I actually almost bought this for date night; it’s just so good on other levels!

Dreaming of a donning a BHLDN dress for a wedding or event this summer? I’d love to know which styles you’re eyeing!  Truly, MKR

P.S.
Booking an appointment with a stylist is easy for whatever you’re dressing for, and it’s even possible to have all of your maids try on at the same time, too.  Simply go to the STORES pages on bhldn.com and select your location, clicking either “Bridal Appointments” or “Bridesmaid Appointments.” 

SHOP THE STORY  / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE


  

Ginger Convertible Maxi Dress

BHLDN, $310

Shop Now >

For a Cocktail (of Even Black-Tie) Wedding
This super comfortable elegant jersey dress can be worn a whopping number of fifteen different ways, from strapless to halter and criss-crossed in tons of colors.  Its versatility and universally flattering fits make it a top choice for bridesmaids, too.  I especially loved the olive green for a fall or winter wedding!

Another beautiful option is HERE

Nevena Dress

BHLDN, $340

Shop Now >

For a Black Tie Wedding
You’ll have to see this one up close to truly appreciate the amazing level of detail; the allover beading is truly breathtaking.  This form-fitting, long-sleeve dress is sure to make a statement at any black-tie affair.  My favorite part?  It has a back slit for fuss-free dancing all night long. 

Another beautiful option is HERE (a girl can dream!). 

Inesse Dress

BHLDN, $285

Shop Now >

For a Beach or Destination Wedding
Another stunning option that comes in numerous colors, this Jenny Woo number was my top choice after my fitting. It’s a wonderfully flowy dress in a gorgeous watercolor print that’s classic and feminine.  The blouson top with v-back and airy chiffon material complimented my figure and felt amazing from the second I tried it on. 

Another beautiful option is HERE

Anessa Dress

BHLDN, $200

Shop Now >

For a Garden or Day Wedding
I especially love to wear little detailed dresses like this one for a garden or daytime affair. The allover embroidery over the silk organza material make it an elevated option that’s sure to turn heads.

Another beautiful option is HERE

Jenny Dress

BHLDN, $340

Shop Now >

For the Bride; an Elopement, Vegas or Fancy Courthouse Wedding
While this dress has a modest neckline, its fitted bodice, tuplic skirt and flare sleeves give it a flirty fun vibe. And yet, at the same time, this simple yet sophisticated dress is the perfect option for a courthouse wedding. A great versatile number for a slew of events! 

Another beautiful option is HERE

Photography, Haley Sheffield for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with BHLDN, a brand we love and adore.  All opinions are 100% our own. 

Boozy Butterbeer

A Creamy Libation with Malty Flavors...Loved By Harry Potter Fans Everywhere
Filed Under > Cocktail Hour

Homemade boozy butterbeer recipe via Waiting on MarthaHomemade butterbeer recipe via Waiting on Martha

As you’ve joined us in test-tasting, we’ve been celebrating fall flavors in cocktail form with Pottery Barn; our Rummy Spiced Cider and Ginny Gin Gin Punch have proven to be quite the crowd-pleasers.  But perhaps the best of all?  Our Boozy Butterbeer, inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter. 

I’d be lying if I said the WOM team hasn’t check the mail a few times for their own Hogwarts acceptance letters, like any true Harry Potter fan.  I mean can you find a HP fan who hasn’t dreamt of clanking a few glasses of Butterbeer in Hogsmeade with their best buds?  Nope.  So every time the haunting season rolls around, we let our imaginations drift to a more magical place with this boozy rendition of Harry Potter’s Butterbeer. 

Apparently it was quite the process nailing the final recipe that’s used at Universal, which is delicious, but alas—nonalcoholic.  So in true WOM fashion, we slipped some Captain Morgan into our cauldron, giving each spooky cat glass that buzz it deserves. Think about sipping on creamy, foamy, syrupy, malty, velvety notes by the roaring fire in the common room (in those great Gryffindor scarves!).  Sooo good!  Truly, MKR

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Click Here to View The Recipe

Photography, Rustic White | THIS STORY IS IN COLLABORATION WITH POTTERY BARN, A BRAND WE LOVE AND ADORE.  OPINIONS, RECIPE AND IMAGES ARE 100% OUR OWN.

Copyright © Welcome by Waiting on Martha  /
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