Being Bridget

Muslin Fitting | Custom Gown Process

Its been almost a month since my initial meeting with Nardos where we sketched out two ideas I came up with for a black tie event I have during the Holiday season. I shared my inspiration and we settled on a design for my custom dress – a form fitting black velvet dress with a square neckline and nipped in waist. Fast forward to now, the next stage in the custom dress process is to make the muslin – a copy of the exact dress you want, but in a much less expensive cotton fabric so you can cut, pin, and make all the adjustments you need before working with the much more expensive velvet.

Below is how the dress looked straight off the hanger {it’s loosely pinned in the back by Nardos’ sweet assistant, Delayna} and I’m waiting for Nardos to come in a fit the dress.

I knew right away I wanted to cut the neckline to my lower. I want it to skim the top of the bosom and then be lined with the soft scalloped lace. Nardos got out her big scissors and started cutting, ripping and pinning – she works fast!

She also cut down the back a little and fitted it more to my figure – isn’t this so cool? I feel like we’re really starting to get a feel for what the dress will look like!

Lastly, she fitted the fabric around my arms, and pulled the corset they put on me up to get an idea for what the lace would look like {it will still be different from this, but cool to get an idea!} We are debating about a 3/4 length sleeve or a long sleeve – what do y’all think?

The muslin will be corrected and then used to cut the actual fabric for my next appointment {in a few weeks!} The next time I try on, the dress will be 80% complete – No zipper, no hem, and minimal pinning, but all in all, the structure of the dress will be the same. So exciting!We are getting so close to the finish line now, and I can’t wait to share with you all that next step!

For more information on working with Nardos and her team, click here! And to read about the first step in the custom dress designing process, read my last blog post!

 

Holiday Gift Guide | For Teachers/Neighbors/Coworkers

1 // 2 old, but here is a valet tray!// 3 old, similar here// 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 old, but love these! // 10 old, but similar here // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14

You see them all the time yet you might not really know them. Coworkers, teachers, and/or neighbors are often times a huge part of your life, and you want to make sure you get them something thoughtful, but that uncertainty about knowing what to get them, can also lead to some pretty lackluster gifts. So, I thought I would kick things up a notch and give you a few good gift ideas for those trickier situations in your life. You want the gifts to be special, but also cost-effective, thoughtful but also appropriate, and all this be a delicate balance sometimes! Let’s break down some fun ideas below.

Monogrammed Items

Who doesn’t love a gift with their name or initial on it? These gifts will go a long way in showing the person {or people!} that you care. The pencil holder {#2 old, valet tray here} would be so cute for a coworker or teacher, and at $19.99 it’s a steal! Mark & Graham also have a site wide sale going on! The cutting board {#10} and cheese tray {#13 old, but similar here} are both practical and super cute – and 25% off right now making them both under $30! The personalized catchall tray {#7} and leather keyring {#4} are also cute and practical gifts that anyone would love.

Baked Goods

Like I mentioned above, homemade cookies, marshmallows, cakes etc. are all wonderful gift ideas – but also time consuming and with everything going on in our lives, we don’t always have the time to home bake our favorite goods. Thank goodness for retailers like William Sonoma and Neiman Marcus who make gifting yummy treats easy. These chocolate dipped peppermint cookies {#1} are so cute in their festive red holiday tin, and I’m sure they’re delicious too. Same goes for the caramel popcorn {#5} who doesn’t love this sweet treat to snack on?

Home Items

We all know how I feel about candles, and I’m not sure there are two better scents than Nest’s Holiday fragrance and Thymes’ Frasier Fir. Whether it’s in bar soap form {#6}, lotion {#11 – perfect for a purse or desk}, or soap + dish {#8 – perfect for a powder bath}, these three items are sure to get the receiver in the holiday mood.

Beauty

I wanted to keep the gifts as unisex as possible, but couldn’t help myself in adding a few favorites. This facial mist + lip balm duo {#14,} would be perfect for traveling or throwing in your bag for on the go, and this and mini make up brush + cleaner set {#12} is the perfect starter kit. I especially love the silicon cleaning pad – I have one and use it 1x a month to clean my brushes!

Hope these ideas were helpful in jump starting your holiday gift buying! Let’s get those tricky gifts out of the way first so we can relax and enjoy the holiday season! Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever received a gift from a coworker, neighbor or parent that you found especially special or unique – would love to hear! xx

 

Travel Day Look

Sweater: Ann Taylor Cashmere Sweater // Jeans: Ann Taylor Skinny Jeans {wearing a 2R} // Coat: Ann Taylor Shawl Collar Wrap Coat {wearing an XS} // Shoes: Soludos Ibiza Classic Sneakers // Suitcase: Away // Tote: Barrington Gifts // Sunglasses: Celine

I’m often asked what I wear when I travel, and I must admit, it is always a slight variation of the same thing. Comfortable jeans, sneakers, a loose fitting top and jacket or scarf are my go-tos when looking for a look that will keep me comfortable and warm. Thankfully, Ann Taylor has some pretty amazing pieces that got me excited {a prepared} for my travel to Boston last weekend. This jacket was perfect for everyday – it transitioned from day to night beautifully and always kept me extremely warm. Ann Taylor also has the most insane cashmere collection – I scooped up this oversized tunic and it was perfect for keeping me warm & cozy on the plane, and also throughout the day once we landed in Boston. Perfect for running around {and getting to my gate on time!} were these uber comfortable and classic white sneakers. Y’all know I already love a crisp white sneaker, so these were a no brainer. They were so comfortable for traveling and super easy to slip on/off. Last but not least, these olive colored jeans. I’ve always wanted a pair of jeans this color, but had never found a pair just right until now. The perfect army green/rich olive color and the most comfortable fit. Only thing to keep in mind is that these stretch out a bit, so I would size down! Oh, did I mention Ann Taylor offers both tall and petite sizing? This is huge!

Other Ann Taylor favorites include this gorgeous houndstooth coat in the same style as the one I already own, these cashmere joggers, and these calf hair leopard flats {swoon!}. I’m in love with all of the new arrivals Ann Taylor has to offer – {don’t even get me started on all the other beautiful coats I don’t need but am nonetheless talking myself into!} Best part? Ann Taylor is currently 40% off the entire site with the code: FRIENDS40, so you can get all these goodies for a fraction of the cost!

What do you travel in? Are you more uggs + sweatpants, dressed to the nines or somewhere in between like me? Let me know in the comments! xx

photos: The Retro Penguin

thank you to Ann Taylor for sponsoring this post

 

Boston Travel Itinerary

SATURDAY

My mom and I arrived to Boston around 11am, and made it to our hotel, The Four Seasons, around noon. Maggie, our contact at the hotel was there to greet us and get us all checked in. She led us up to our room on the 8th floor overlooking the Boston Public Garden and we were blown away to say the least. It was a newly renovated, spacious, gorgeous room with a separate seating/living area from the bedroom. The bathroom was spa like and the view was incredible. The name of the room we had was ‘The Garden View Executive Suite,’ and it was beyond. My mom and I both gasped when we saw the colors of the trees just outside our window. Why doesn’t fall look like this in Texas? We couldn’t believe our luck that we would get to wake up to this view for the next two days.

After checking in and getting settled, my mom and I set out for lunch. We were starving and I knew Saltie Girl was near the hotel. We walked through Copley Square and over to the restaurant only to find out it had an almost two hour wait {the restaurant is tiny!} We decided to put our name down, and try to find somewhere else to eat in the meantime. Unfortunately for us, it started to sprinkle right as we were leaving, so we knew we needed to find a spot nearby and fast. Luckily, my assistant Jourdan had put all of y’alls recommendations into a google map*, so I was able to use my location and quickly see what other recommended spots were nearby {*more from Jourdan on this amazing google map process HERE!} By this point it was full on raining, so we went as quickly as we could to Aquitaine,  a restaurant that one of y’all had recommended in the South End neighborhood. We walked in and immediately felt good about our choice. The space was cozy and warm and even though we were eating a late lunch, the place was buzzing with diners. I ordered the french onion soup and my mom had a salad. It was such a nice reprieve from the cold and the rain.

After lunch, we headed over to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. We were met with a huge line outside of maybe 50+ people waiting. We didn’t have any other plans for the afternoon, and luckily the sun had come out, so my mom and I decided to wait it out. In the end, it moved relatively quickly and we inside the museum within 25 minutes or so. It was well worth it. The museum itself is quirky, but beautiful. The grounds were built by Mrs. Gardner right after her husband’s death in 1903. There is a giant inner courtyard where I can just imagine Isabella hosting the most fabulous dinner parties – something she apparently did often. The museum is also notorious for being host to one of the largest unsolved art heists in history. In 1990, thirteen of the museum’s works were stolen, resulting in a theft worth over 500 million dollars. Among the stolen was The Concert, one of only 34 known by Vermeer and thought to be the most valuable unrecovered painting at over $200 million. Also missing is The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, Rembrandt’s only known seascape. The frames, from which the paintings were stolen, still hang empty to this day, in ‘homage to the missing works and as placeholders for their potential return.’ If you’re interested in learning more, I suggest listening to the podcast called ‘Last Seen’ which goes into some theories about where the paintings may be today!

After the museum, my mom and I decided to go back to hotel, have a glass of wine and figure out our dinner plans. I hadn’t been able to get a reservation at Coppa, but when I called down to the concierge at the Four Seasons, they were amazing and got us two seats at the bar. I was so excited! So many of you had sent me messages about this place and to sit at the bar {my favorite option, always} was a dream! We arrived and the space was adorable. Again, it was quaint, cozy and candlelit. We grabbed our seats at the bar and ordered the most delicious cheese board. My mom ordered the truffle gnocchi as her main and I ordered the prosciutto arugula pizza. YUM!

SUNDAY

I woke up a little nervous for my Harvard Business school Influencers panel, so I spent most of the morning reviewing notes and practicing my answers with my mom. We knew we’d have breakfast in the room so we enjoyed our lovely coffee and bites from room service. Around 11, we both packed up and jumped in an Uber. I was heading to Harvard for lunch with the HBS students, and my mom was going to check out the Harvard Museum of Natural History. She said the museum was lovely and would be great for children. She also said she enjoyed a nice lunch in the cafe! I ate with the students and then my mom came back to the HBS campus to watch my panel.

As for the panel, it was an incredible experience! I shared the stage with 2 other lovely ladies {one a food blogger, and one a fitness} and share my experience with social media and how it relates to working with businesses. Most of the students were interested in either starting a new business, or working for one, so they wanted to learn ways in which they could use influencers to help grow. We covered and expanded on the following questions:

  • The Benefits of Influencer Marketing
  • How to Look for the Right Influencers to Work with
  • How to Form Solid Influencer Relationships
  • Think Outside the Box: New Ways to Work with Influencers

It was so incredibly rewarding to be in a learning based environment and feel like I actually had something of value to add. I loved my time speaking with the students and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

After the panel, my mom and I decided to walk across the bridge into Cambridge and explore Harvard’s main campus. It was so beautiful and I’m so glad we both got to see the big, beautiful library {and all those steps!}, rub John Harvard’s shoe for good luck, and visit the Co Op. I couldn’t leave Harvard without a little swag! #whatlikeitshard

With daylight savings in full effect, the sun set so early, and with that came the bitter cold. My mom and I again, opened up Jourdan’s google maps full of y’alls recommendations, and found Russell House Tavern nearby. Right off of Harvard’s campus, it was cozy and warm, and the perfect place to have a glass of wine, and relax. Although I felt totally prepared for the HBS panel, it was the first one I had ever been on and I was nervous! This is the first time since arriving to Boston I really let myself fully relax 🙂 After an hour or so, we headed off to Little Donkey for an early dinner. They’re known for their global take on tapas and it did not disappoint. We ordered the spicy thai street noodles, the biryani, the wok fried green beans and the charred sweet potato {we didn’t hold back ?}.  Needless to say, it was delicious.

After Little Donkey, we headed back to the Four Seasons for a nightcap. Maggie had told us all about their refreshed cocktail menu in their restaurant, The Bristol, and we both were dying to check it out. We ordered the ‘Maple Syrup & Cardamom Old Fashioned’ and the ‘ Turnip the Beet.’   The Turnip the beet wasn’t for me – it was a little too earth for my taste, but the old fashioned was smooth and tasted like Christmas! Would definitely order again.

MONDAY

We woke up feeling nostalgic about our last day – we weren’t ready for our reign over the garden to come to an end! Everything in Boston thus far had been magical, and I of course always love spending time with my mom. But I was grateful atleast for an accommodating Four Seasons staff who granted us a late check out since we had a half day left of exploring. For our last breakfast, I knew I wanted to walk across the garden to Tatte Bakery in Beacon Hill. Another recommendation that came in by the hundreds was this cute little cafe – and you guys were so spot on. Tatte was warm, cozy and had a surprisingly large assortment of both pastries and regular menu items. I had planned on only getting a pastry or two, but when I saw the full menu I knew life was too short and I needed it all 😉 I ordered a latte, a fruit cup {pastry cream in pastry shell with fruit on top – omg}, a veggie breakfast bowl {with squash, and parsnips and all the yummy fall things} and then my mom got the sweet potato tart. All of it was amazing. All of it was devoured. I could’ve sat in there all day!

From Tatte we walked over to Acorn street, the ‘most photographed street in the world.’ I probably wouldn’t have gone out of my way to see this sight, but it was only 2ish blocks from Tatte so we made our way over. Honestly, the street was nice, but it didn’t seem to be anything particular special {IMO!} I think if I saw it on a beautiful, spring day with blue skies overhead I might feel differently, but honestly it just looked like every other street to me.

From Acorn street, we went straight to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. I had heard amazing thing about this museum and this collection so I was especially excited to visit. My mom and I went straight to the second floor to see the John Singer Sargent collection. It was incredible. He is one of my favorites, and I loved reading the stories about his subjects. He spent a good amount of his time in Boston, so it made sense the MFA had such a wonderful array of his pieces. We also really enjoyed the Monet’s, the Sisley’s, and the Degas’ the museum had on display. If you want to explore everything the museum has to offer, you need to block off atleast one full day – it is huge and their collections are seemingly endless! Would recommend 100x over.

We had worked up an appetite while browsing at the museum, so I directed us to Citrus & Salt – another highly recommended restaurant many of you suggested. Unfortunately, it was closed when we arrived, so we decided to try Saltie Girl again. It wasn’t too far, and when I called they said the wait was only 15 minutes {hallelujah!} We waited a few minutes, and took our seat at the bar. I was so excited. This tiny little restaurant is so up my alley. Also – the food did not disappoint. The chowder – omg I didn’t even think I liked chowder. This one was **heavenly**

After our late lunch it was unfortunately time to go to the airport. I’m so glad so many of you convinced me to stay an extra day – it was sooooo worth it! My mom and I seriously had the most incredible time together in Boston and can’t wait to go back again someday soon.

Also! Because I received so many wonderful recommendations from you guys, I wanted to share them in bullet form below. As I mentioned before, Jourdan helped me create a Google Map with all of these pins on them so you can easily reference them. This will be so helpful should you ever visit Boston! *The notes alongside the recommendations below are what was written to me from you guys & does not reflect my own thoughts & opinions! 

HOTELS

  • Langham (Financial District) – Even if you don’t stay, go for high tea or for a drink at bar bond; Formerly the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
  • Boston Harbor Hotel (Financial District)
  • Envoy (Seaport) – Best view; More modern
  • Yotel (Seaport)
  • XV Beacon (Beacon Hill) – Fireplace in every room
  • Liberty Hotel (Beacon Hill) – Old Jail, near Beacon Hill {super cute neighborhood}, cute bars, best walking area; Very unique; Cool bar; Near the Charles River and at the start of Chartles St. (where all the independent/locally-owned businesses are)
  • Beacon Hill Hotel 
  • The Boxer (Between North end and Beacon Hill)
  • The Charles Hotel (Cambridge) – Harvard people stay here as it’s nearby; Right on Harvard Square
  • The Taj (Back Bay) – On the Commons; Classic and central Boston location
  • Four Seasons (Back Bay) – Huge renovation and recently updated; Directly on Public Garden; Near Newbury St.
  • The Eliot (Back Bay)
  • No. 284 (Back Bay)
  • The Loews (Back Bay)
  • The Lenox Hotel (Back Bay)
  • Copley Fairmont (Back Bay) – Wonderful location; Stunning lobby; Rooms can be small
  • Park Plaza (Back Bay)
  • The Mandarin Oriental (Back Bay)
  • The Godfrey (Downtown Crossing)
  • The Ames Hotel (Downtown/Back Bay)
  • Nine Zero (Downtown)
  • Omni Parker (Downtown)
  • The Intercontinental (Downtown)
  • Hotel Commonwealth (Kenmore Square) – Has a super cute bar

RESTAURANTS

  • Somerville
    • Celeste
    • Sarma
  • Legal Seafoods (airport) – Get chowder; You can ship fresh lobsters home from their restaurant
  • No.9 Park (Beacon Hill) – Located in an old, elegant townhouse, amazing service, very romantic; European-type cuisine
  • Mooore 
  • Kenmore Square
    • Eastern Standard
    • Eventide
    • Island Creek Oyster Bar
  • South End
    • The Gallows
    • B&G Oyster – Order the lobster rolls; Patio is a must
    • Barcelona Wine Bar – Great tapas/small plate wine bar; Chain with locations in DC, CT, Atlanta, and STL
    • Aquitaine Restaurant – French
    • Coppa
    • Beehive
    • Bar Mezzana – Beautiful restaurant; Coastal Italian
    • Myers & Chang – Funky Asian fusion
    • Toro – Spanish tapas; Owned by same guy who owns Little Donkey
    • Kava – Incredible Greek food
    • Frenchie
    • Stella’s
  • Back Bay
    • Citrus and Salt – Mexican
    • Saltie Girl – Lobster rolls; Instagrammable; Specialize in tinned seafood that they bring out with crusty bread for spreading
    • Select Oyster
    • Ostra
    • Salty Pig
    • Lolita’s – Amazing margaritas
    • Gre.co – Fast casual
    • Deuxave – Fancier French option
    • LA Burdick – Chocolate treats
    • Uni – Sushi; Just won best restaurant in Boston
    • Mistral
  • North End
    • Neptune Oyster – Lobster rolls; Multiple hour wait so get there early and give restaurant cell number and then walk around North End; Recommends getting in line 30-45 min. before opening
    • Giacomo’s – Best Italian seafood/cash only/no reservations
    • Il Panino
    • Florentine Cafe
    • Taranta
    • Ward 8 
    • Monica’s – Deli side next to the restaurant; Best gourmet Italian sandwich
    • Prezza – Gnocchi
    • The Daily Catch (Little Italy)
    • Limoncellos – Pasta
  • Seaport
    • Sportello
    • Menton
    • Row 34 (Fort Point) – Oysters, rose, the best farm/sea-to-table food; Get a cocktail at Drink across the street beforehand
    • Chickadee
  • Cambridge/Harvard
    • Tatte’s – Breakfast/brunch
    • Sofra – Breakfast/brunch
    • Table Boston – Jen Royale’s new spot
    • Alden and Harlow – Very funky; Was in Bon Appetites city guide
    • Waypoint
    • Pammy’s
    • Little Donkey – Global Tapas; Owned by the same guy who owns Toro in South End
    • Hourly Oyster
    • Russell House Tavern
    • Bagelsaurus – Quick breakfast
    • Mike’s Pastry (Harvard Square) – Original is in North End; Best cannolis in the world
    • Daedalus – HBS bar
    • John Harvard’s – HBS bar
    • Crema – Order the golden latte
    • Benedetto – Sweet potato and ricotta ravioli; Near Harvard campus
    • Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage (Harvard Square) – Best local burger spot and Harvard Sq. institution
    • Craigie on Main – Fancy burger; Sit at the bar and order that burger with potato galette topped with creme fraiche and caviar
    • Giulia – Fantastic, unpretentious Italian spot; Requires reservation in advance; Known for their bucatini, grilled octopus, and mushroom pasta
    • Oleana (Harvard Square)
  • Downtown
    • The Parker
    • Yvonne’s – Cool speak easy bar; Need reservation
    • Zo (State St.) – Amazing gyros
    • Gourmet Dumpling House (Chinatown) – Near the Ritz; Sometimes you have to share tables with other people because it’s small; Usually a line but goes quickly

ACTIVITIES

  • Gardner Museum – Listen to the “Last Scene” podcast about the unsolved art heist at the museum before you go
  • Public Gardens
  • Walking Historical Tour with Jeremiah Poope
  • Newbury St. – Shopping; Boston’s Rodeo Dr.
  • Freedom Trail
  • Boston Public Library
  • Museum of Fine Arts
  • Holocaust art installation in Boston Common
  • Aquarium
  • Faneuil Hall
  • Brattle St. – Dreamy houses

Ok, well! If you’ve made it down this far, then you deserve a medal! ? No, but in all seriousness, I hope this itinerary can be some sort of help for you as you visit, or plan travel to the wonderful city of Boston! I for one, know I will be back! Also! Don’t forget to check out Jourdan’s incredible guest post HERE on how she created the Google Maps with all of y’alls amazing recommendations!