Blog post courtesy of Lauren Genell. Check out her full site here.
With this beautiful sunny weather, all I can think about is sunshine, spritzers, and sundresses. That's right, it's officially sundress season! The forecast is looking bright and I'm gearing up for some much needed outdoor adventures. That means pulling out the sundresses.
When I look for the perfect sundress, I keep my eye out for three specific criteria.
1. Flowy - I'm not a woman who spends time in the hot sun and emanates a glittering glisten. I sweat. Flowy, breathable fabrics allow for more air flow to keep me cooler on warm days. This is a must!
2. Comfort - I love to feel both beautiful and comfortable. Why should I have to sacrifice one for the other?! I always look for dresses that feel comfy and look amazing!
3. Versatility - My life can be hectic at times. Balancing my work life and personal life can be hard. I like to find dresses that are versatile and can accommodate any occasion.
The most recent addition to the my sundress collection is The Kingston Dress. This dress is so perfect for warm weather and is so chic! Plus, it looks amazing with sandals and wedges, so it's great for everything.
What's your favorite sundress this season?!
I truly take joy in getting "dressed up." When Dan and I first started dating, I would buy a brand new outfit for every occasion. Every monthiversary, every holiday, every exciting date, etc. called for new threads to impress my suitor. After awhile, I started to realize that my wardrobe contained several pieces that I had only worn once and never really expected to wear again. Not to mention my wallet was suffering from the constant drain.
Recently, I read a fantastic book which I highly recommend. For Women Only, by Shaunti Feldhahn, gives women an insiders look into the inner lives of men. It offers insight into men's thoughts, actions and tendencies based on personal interviews and a national survey. Shaunti spends an entire chapter focusing on, why what's on the outside matters to him on the inside. I wasn't necessarily surprised by the findings I read in the chapter. Although it can tend to be viewed as superficial, the truth remains that putting effort into our appearance, as women, is extremely important to the men in our lives.
With that said, I don't just get dressed up for the purpose of impressing my husband, nor does he ever expect that of me. In my opinion, confidence is exudes beauty. There are plenty of ways to continuously be building my personal confidence when it comes to appearance. I spend time and effort working out and eating healthy to stay fit. I also invest in products that make me feel attractive, like my lipstick for life. Appearance is one thing, but I think the most important thing is feeling confident in who you are. What makes you feel confident and beautiful?
We are so thankful to have our good friend Lauren Gennell take over our blog on a regular basis. Make sure to follow her blog for tips, tricks and all things #Nashville.
It is officially Spring! The faint chirping of birds can be heard in anticipation of the beauty that is soon to bloom. And as we head into a season of gentle, gradual warmth with evenings of lingering sunshine and shadows, we retire our bulky winter threads. We fill our closets with items suited for an evening fireside s'mores, a picnic in the yard, and drinks on the patio. As I begin this process for myself, there are a few fashion trends this season that are guaranteed to end up in my wardrobe. My favorite of these being a focus on the soft shades of the pastel palette.
These milky, muted hues are everywhere this season and I think they're fantastic! With pale pink, delicate baby blue, lavender, and muted mint, this saturated color palette offers a fresh and feminine look, one which I'm eager to incorporate into my wardrobe.
In a dusty pale pink, The Muse Dress from Hazel and Mae certainly meets this 2018 Spring fashion trend. The Muse Dress boasts a chic yet simple look, and is quickly climbing to the top of my list of favorites. The scalloped hemline adds a delightful couture finish. The lightweight, knit fabric offers an airy feel.
I completed my look with a pair of SUGARFIX Mixed Media Tassel Drop Earrings by BaubleBar, currently available at Target. With luxe stonework and swishy tassels these earrings are a great statement piece that falls in line with the perfectly pastel trend. This delicate ensemble is perfect for an afternoon adventure about town or for an evening out!
Embrace the subtle shades of this charming trend and incorporate them into your wardrobe this Spring! Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts on this Spring fashion trend.
My work week can get pretty crazy. So, when the weekend approaches, it's often met with anticipation. Weekends are all about having fun, being comfortable and taking time to relax. After living in Nashville for a little over two years, I have come up with a list of my absolute musts for the weekend.
After five days of dress pants and blouses, I'm ready to slip into something cute and comfortable. I love a good pair of jeans. They are a must for my weekend shenanigans and are so versatile. My new pair of Talley Jeans are perfect for weekend adventures. It's not easy to find clothes that fit well, while also being comfortable and chic. The ladies at Hazel and Mae always have something for all my weekend adventures!
The Nashville Farmers' Market at Bicentennial Mall is one of my favorite weekend musts! There are so many sensational food and drinks options. Dan and I always like to grab a beer at The Picnic Tap and do some people watching. Whether you're looking for a full meal, a sweet treat or just a snack, the market has it all. Jamaicaway and Bella Nashville are two of my go to choices for meals. If it's something sweet I crave, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams wins hands down. My guilty pleasure is the Brown Butter Almond Brittle and I'm never disappointed with this weekend must!
With a bowl of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream in hand, wander through the farm shed to purchase seasonal vegetables and fruits of all varieties, in addition to various all natural meat and dairy products. Also be sure to walk through Garden's of Babylon to admire the landscape art and breathe in the fresh scents.
Adjacent to the Farmers's Market is Bicentennial State Park. Teeming with history, the park is the perfect place to enjoy a little bit of nature in an urban setting, and it's on my list of weekend musts. If the weather is nice, I like to grab a good book and find an empty park bench to take in the scenery and enjoy the outdoors.
On weekends when I have time for a drive, I head to Percy Priest Lake or Radnor Lake. Both Percy Priest and Radnor are approximately 25 minutes from downtown. These outdoor musts offer hiking trails and scenic views to satisfy the outdoor enthusiast.
Throughout Nashville and it's surrounding areas are a number of breweries and wineries. Breweries like Tennessee Brew Works and Smith & Lentz offer outdoor seating, games, and live music. If you don't mind the drive, wineries like Grinder's Switch and Natchez Hills offer scenic patios and picnic areas. Closer to Nashville is Arrington Vineyards, a must on my list. Although it can get quite busy on the weekends, you're still likely to find a spot on the lawn to enjoy a picnic tasting or a glass of local wine. If you enjoy dry red wines, try the Antebellum 2014. It's a must!
What are your weekend musts?
Be sure to check out all of Lauren's must dos on her blog: Lauren Genell.
]]>As fun as it is to celebrate St. Patty's in your home city, sometimes it's the perfect excuse for a Spring weekend getaway. This year March 17th falls on a Saturday, so you can guarantee the festivities will be plentiful & vibrant!
On today's blog we are featuring our favorite travel destinations to celebrate like an Irish(wo)man!
Head over to her blog to hear about more adventures from Puerto Vallarta to her quest for finding the perfect natural deodorant.
Now in Lauren's words....
Destination CartagenaThe 1984 classic Romancing the Stone, starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito, follows a unsuspecting author who is thrown out of her element on a treacherous journey through the mountainous landscape of Colombia. Her mission is to save her sister from villainous captors. To the young author’s dismay, she must venture on a jungle trek alongside a ruggedly handsome vagabond with questionable intentions. Their destination: Cartagena, a beautiful and historic city by the sea.
When I was in my teen years, my dad and I watched the movie together for the first time. To this day, it is one of my favorite movies. Complete with a dangerous quest, a heart breaking betrayal, and, of course, romance. Romancing the Stone was my first introduction to Cartagena, Colombia. One which resulted in my impression of the Caribbean port city being a tropical paradise bursting with color and culture.
Last month, a dear friend and I embarked on a trip to experience the coastal splendor that is Cartagena. With visions of Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner dancing around in my mind, my spirits were high yet expectations were few. We were prepared to expect the unexpected and be pleasantly surprised.
And pleasantly surprised we were! Here are my 7 tips on how to navigate the colorful colonial architecture, cobblestone roads, and Caribbean coasts of Cartagena, Colombia.
Tip #1 Eat, Drink, Be Merry
During our travels, we met a friend native to Colombia, who was able to make some great suggestions on food to try and drinks to taste. Cuzco, a Peruvian restaurant located in Old City, offers an intimate, dimly lit atmosphere and affordable pricing. It was also highly recommended, and rightfully so. For just over $35, one could enjoy a cocktail, a flavorful dish featuring lobster tail, shrimp, and scallops, along with a dessert. As one who greatly enjoys seafood, Cartagena has a lot to offer; it's fresh and plentiful. However, there are a plethora of other well priced options for those who shy away from seafaring flavors.
Colombia's official national drink is called, Aguardiente, and can be found at most establishments where alcoholic beverages are sold. Derived from the Latin phrase meaning hot water or fire water, the clear anise-flavored liqueur boasts a very unique and bold flavor. Although the drink was served with a lime wedge and salt, I found the liqueur's flavor was better savored unaccompanied.
Tip #2 Get Lost
This is certainly an idea to which Kathleen Turner's character, Joan Wilder, can relate. However, her experience might not have been considered as enjoyable, and it certainly wasn't on purpose.
At the end of the 16th century, in an effort to safe guard the enormous wealth the Spaniards had amounted in the port city, a wall was erected to protect the city's fortune. The wall holds within its structure a great history. It also stands as a pretty obvious boundary around the Old City. So, even when purposefully getting lost, one might walk to the wall and once again find their way.
Stroll through the narrow streets and admire the colorful colonial architecture. Discover one of the many plazas, grab a coffee, enjoy a snack, and people watch. Wander through the shops. Embrace the rich history of centuries old structures and cathedrals. Allow yourself to get lost in the beauty and charm that Old City Cartagena has to offer.
Tip #3 Uber
Likely you've heard of Uber, the transportation app that allows you to arrange safe and easy transport conveniently from your mobile device. If you have never used Uber, downloading it for use in Cartagena might be a wise choice, especially if you don't speak Spanish. Uberallows travelers the opportunity to arrange transportation to any destination at a set price without the worry of being duped into paying higher fees or being taken to the wrong place. Uber is easy to use, however, it does require an internet connection, so be mindful of your cellular data.
Tip #4 No Comprendo
It's always respectful to learn a few words in the local language, so learn a little bit of Spanish before you travel. Remember that Spanish can vary depending on the country in which you are traveling. Research popular Spanish words and phrases as they are spoken and understood in Colombia. My personal favorites are, "Cuanto cuesta?" meaning "how much does this cost?" and "Donde estan los banos?" translated in English as "where are the bathrooms?".
Tip #5 A Shore Thing
Just southwest of Old City lies Bocagrande, boasting modern, new-age structures. Lined with beaches, this area of Cartagena offers breathtaking views along with an eclectic dining scene. However, due to it's urban surroundings, the beaches of Bocagrande are less then appealing when compared to the crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches that the Caribbean often offers. But don't dismay, Baru is merely a bus ride away. Baru, along with the Rosario Islands, features a picturesque beach scene complete with margaritas. Transportation is easy to arrange. Just talk to the concierge at your hotel and you'll be soaking in the sun in no time.
Tip #6 Peso Yourself
The exchange rate currently in Colombia is $1 USD to approximately $2.800 Colombian pesos (COP). It's helpful to note that with COP, while measured in the thousands and ten of thousands, the number itself displays a period in place of where we are used to seeing a comma. This information is quite helpful when using an ATM, which generally offers a fair exchange rate depending on whether your bank charges additional international transaction fees. In addition, the $50.000 peso bill only displays a "50" and therefore is not to be mistaken for having less value. It can get somewhat confusing trying to calculate what you're spending. With the current rate, $10.000 COP equals approximately $3.50 USD.
Tip #7 Dress Appropriately
Cartagena lies just North of the equator, therefore the average temperature is in the mid 80's. Shorts, skirts, and dresses will help to keep you cool. My token piece for the trip was my Stillwater Skirt from Hazel & Mae. With vibrant colors and a comfortable fit, this skirt is both cute and practical for walking the streets of Old City.
But dress appropriately... literally. Situated between the sea and the bay, Old City Cartagena experiences what I would consider to be a very strong breeze, pretty consistently. Therefore, loose, free flowing dresses might not be suitable for an evening on the town. Speaking from experience of course.
I will be returning to Cartagena again and hope to bring home memories of new and exciting adventures. With these few tips in mind, I encourage you to create a unique and unforgettable experience for yourself, exploring the many wonders that beautiful Cartagena, Colombia has to offer. Chau!
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xo.
]]>Ivory perforated sweetheart midi dress featuring crochet details at bust. Adjustable straps. Zipper at back. Lined. Non-sheer. Woven. Lightweight.
Crew-neck shift dress featuring scalloped cuffs and hem. 3/4 sleeves. Keyhole button closure at back. Unlined. Non-sheer. Knit. Lightweight.
Not just your regular sweater! Get cozy in this crochet Sweater featuring side seam slits!
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Amanda is featured below in our Vienna Sweater. She definitely makes it look like it costs more than $33. Get yours today from out favorite women's clothing boutique in Nashville, TN!!
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SwaddleMe® Original Swaddle: Why I Love It? If your baby is anything like mine, they will figure out how to wiggle free from their swaddle very quickly. The velcro on these sacks provide a more snug fit to keep baby in place longer. Additionally, it's 2 Velcro pieces & wa-la, done!
Baby Jogger® City Mini GT Travel System Stroller: Why I Love It? Your stroller choice is one of the most important purchases you will make & you'll likely buy at least a couple along the way. It's important to keep in mind WHAT you'll realistically be doing with this stroller. Jogging again at 6 weeks sounds great, but will you REALLY be doing this? For me the answer was no. As a family, we spend our evenings & weekends walking our neighborhood. For us, a travel system was hands down, the way to go. It allows us to quickly move from car seat to stroller without waking baby. Additionally, the system comes with 1 car seat base. We purchased 1 additional base for our 2nd vehicle & we were done. We LOVE this stroller!
Baby Brezza Formula Pro One Step Bottle Maker: Why I Love It? Although I was (and am currently) committed to breast feeding, there are certain situations that you will need a quick meal for your baby. For me, my milk was not at full supply yet and we were having difficulties developing our latch. For others, (think adoption) breast milk is not an option. The Baby Brezza is a LIFESAVER when you have a hungry, crying (ok screaming) baby. It works just like a Keurig provides instant, on demand bottles. Additionally, it allows you to pick your ounce size, so you don't waste any expensive formula.
Ingredients
Preparation
1. Put the beef in the freezer for 45 minutes. Remove, and thinly slice.
2. Heat two tablespoons of oil in a heavy cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and peppers and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until vegetables caramelize. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and turn heat to medium-high. Add half of the beef to pan, and using two metal spatulas, cook on one side until edges start to brown. Flip and add half of the onion pepper mixture to the beef. Cook on the other side until edges start to crisp. This won't take long, a minute or so per side. Repeat with remaining beef, onions and peppers.
4. Warm cheese sauce in the microwave.
5. To assemble sandwiches, place beef and onions onto bottom half of roll, smother with cheese sauce and top with bread.
Ingredients
Preparation
1. In a bowl, combine the lobster meat with the mayo, celery, pickle, parsley, tarragon and lemon zest. Stir well to combine and season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Slice the rolls in half and lightly butter each cut side. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place rolls in skillet, cut side down, and toast until butter melts and rolls are golden.
3. Place rolls on a platter and scoop about 1/4 cup of lobster mix onto the bottom halves. Cover with the top halves and serve.
If you’re anything like us, our closet could always use a little TLC. We think in order to look and feel our best, it all starts with being calm and collected in the closet. What use is that gorgeous new top if you can’t find it when you’re getting dressed in the morning? Your well curated wardrobe deserves better than being hidden behind an old jacket you have not worn since college.
Haven't worn it in a year? GET RID OF IT!
Get rid of your old clothes! We know it is hard. ALL those memories. ALL those times you'll never get back. You don't want to hurt their feeli....Wait, clothes don't have feelings. TOSS THEM! Or, better yet, for those pieces you truly love and are still holding up well, donate them.
If you have had it on that list of "I'll take it to the cleaners to fix that zipper" for more than 6 months, toss it! If it’s damaged beyond repair, let it go...
Clothes don't fit? Maybe you're a little bigger now than you were when you bought those jeans 8 years ago? Don’t beat yourself up. Keep the clothes that make you feel good about yourself right now. If you like to have that motivational pair of jeans around just in case, keep one or two things. A closet full of clothes that are too small will only create decrease your confidence when getting ready!
Closet Rules:
Set your own or use these. We don't love rules, but sometimes we have to be stern with ourselves. :)
Sweaters — Fold them, do not hang them, so they don’t lose their shape. If storing longer than 6 months, use cedar.
Tops — Hang them, even the t-shirts. We have found hanging tops are worn more often than folded.
Dresses — Do not leave your dresses in the dry cleaning bags because it can damage the fibers. Organize by length. This is usually the first decision made when deciding what dress to wear.
Jewelry — More work on the front end, means less work when you get to wear it. Find a jewelry organizer that fits your space. Hang those necklaces!!
Hampers-Find something that works for your space. Get something with a lid, so you know when it is laundry time. Hint: when it will not close.
Remember, your closet is the one of your first interactions of the day. It is the foundation for the way you look and feel. Give it some love, and you’ll be loved in return!
]]>1. Take a nap. I want to take a nap at least once a week. Like a real nap. Set aside some time and fall asleep on the couch. 15 minutes or an hour and a half, I just want to nap.
2. Twice a week I want to call a friend. Call instead of text. Two times, that is totally doable, right?
3. Three times a week I want to commit to making dinner at home. Does anyone else struggle with this? Sometimes, I am so good. Until I am not.
4. I want to exercise 4 times a week. I thought 5 may be a little ambitious.
5. Five times a week I want to go out of my way to say thank you. Shoot a text, send a letter, walk over to someone. I want 2018 to be a year of gratitude.
What is your 5 a week for 2018?
]]>We are obsessed with her earrings. When we place an order, we always order extra for ourselves. Did we mention bracelets and necklaces? We have plenty of pieces in our shop, but to see her full collection, click here.
Her style and quality are unmatched in our book. The pieces she makes are always top notch.
Here are some of our favorites:
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Friends-Have you heard of FFAF? If you haven't listen up!
Do you love woman's clothing boutique shopping in Nashville, TN? How about boutique shopping on major DISCOUNT? How about boutique shopping on major DISCOUNT with COCKTAIL?!? Did you just scream? We sure did when we heard about this event.
This is one of our favorite events every year. We hope you join us on Feb 3 at Rocketown in Nashville. This is the best place to sock up on all the best woman's clothing in Nashville, TN!
Save $5 on tickets with code: Hazel
xo,
hazel & mae
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We have. Let's just say it did not go well. Then, we found these great blogs about them. Give them a try and let us know what you think!
1. The Silk Flower Crown
2. The Boho Flower Crown
3. The Bridal Flower Crown
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Last year it was Greenery.
"The Color of the Year is one moment in time that provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design." -Pantone.com
This year, it is a gorgeous ULTRA VIOLET. From runways to store shelves, we cannot wait to see what the fashion world does with this color!
Congrats, Pantone. You have done it again!
]]>Why not make those celebrations even sweeter?
Glass. Cotton Candy. Champagne. It is that easy! Lets those bubbles flow!
These drinks will be perfect for a bridal shower, a get together with the girls, or for graduation parties that are just around the corner this Spring!
It's super easy and oh so fancy, perfect 'gramming with your group of girls <3
]]>The Tuscan Dress, $42
The Austin Dress, $34
The Cheekwood Dress, $48
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See how the always stylish @TheJohnsonCamp styled it with black boots? We're in love.
@Benjaminstreetbears took it a different way with some tan suede boots at her recent date night to Rosepepper in East Nashville, TN.
Either way-we are loving this combo for fall. Check out all of our new fall arrivals here.
]]>@jenni.eliz is featured below in our Pinstripe Tank. She definitely makes it look like it costs more than $35. Get yours today!
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Venice
Venice is known for it's romantic canals, gondoliers, and beautiful architecture. It's no wonder American heiress & socialite, Peggy Guggenheim, made Venice her home in her later years.
What to Do: My biggest recommendation in Venice is just get lost in the canals. If you only stick to the Grand Canal, you've missed the authenticity that Venice can offer. There are so many back streets to wonder down. When you get tired, stop in for a beer at one of the local bars. There is usually very few seats & it makes your experience intimate & real. Like most American's you'll want to be sure to knock out a few "must do's" while there. Saint Mark's Square was beautiful, although very busy & touristy. Cruise ships are allowed to port in Venice, so it becomes flooded with people from 10-5ish. There are typically very long lines to get into Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica. Unless you want to spend your whole day sweating with strangers in line, I recommend going to these locations about an hour before close. Although you may be a bit rushed, there are no lines and very few people inside. If you like art, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a must see. In addition to seeing learning more about Peggy and the artist she supported, you can step outside the front door and get beautiful views of the canal.
Getting Around: Buy an all day water taxi pass-period. I was shocked at how long the Grand Canal was. If you try to tackle the island by foot, you will not only barely scratch the surface, but you will be miserable backtracking to the few connecting bridges.
Where to Eat: By far my favorite meal in Venice was at La Zucca. We managed to walk-in, despite reservations being recommended. The food was amazing & the ambiance was so welcoming & cozy.
What to Wear: Venice is hot & humid during the day. Who knew?! You'll want to wear something breezy. The Sacramento Skirt provided this, as well as elegance and comfort! If you are wanting to visit any of the basilica's you'll want to be mindful of your legs & shoulders being exposed. They have the right to refuse your entry into the basilica if you're not properly dressed. Most offer a cover-up to purchase for 2 Euros. The easiest thing to do is carry a cardigan or jacket to slip on if needed. As always, wear comfortable footwear. I went with Jessica Simpson pointed flats and did great!
Next Stop: Florence!
Ciao!
XO- Hazel & Mae
]]>To say it's picturesque New England, is a vast understatement. Picture seagulls calling, lighthouses, sailboats, pier side dining/drinks; all in the quaint, walkable city center of Portland.
We want to provide our FAVORITE locales to give you that perfect 3 day weekend. And since we love all things fashion- what to wear!
1. Take a Ferry Ride- Ferry rides are a convenient way to see the entire Casco Bay on the cheap. Tickets are currently less than $12 for an adult roundtrip and have many departure options.
2. Stroll Downtown Portland- Portland is not a large city and can easily be navigated by foot. Streets are pedestrian friendly, traffic is light, (even in the summer tourist season) and the local shops are just precious. When you need a rest, take a load off at any of their restaurants and bars. You are sure to meet some friendly Mainers, that will be more than happy to chat about their great state! Our favorite stops are: K Colette, Boone's , Holy Donut, and Cool as a Moose.
3. Take Lobster Home- If you're dreading leaving this amazing city, make it a little easier by taking the best of Maine home with you- LOBSTER! We stopped at the Harbor Fish Market right before hitting the airport. They have many packing options that are TSA friendly for a nominal fee. The staff there were very helpful and patient with our Southern questions & lack of lobster know how! The best part, you have something delicious to enjoy when you get home!
1. MEW- 53 W. 35th St. NYC- mewnyc.com
2. The Raines Law Room- 24 E. 39th St. NYC, raineslawroom.com
3. The Frying Pan- Pier 66 @ W. 26th St. NYC, fryingpan.com
live bold. travel often. dress accordingly.
XO- Hazel & Mae
]]>Seattle has a little bit for everyone- museums, restaurants, day hikes, ferry rides, and let's not forget Pike's Market! All of these things equal up to one important style decision- proper footwear! You'll be doing yourself (and your feeties) a disservice if you don't wear cute, but comfy shoes.
Secondly, you'll want a rainproof jacket/coat depending on the time of year. It will almost assuredly rain at some point during your trip. Plan for it!
Lastly, and MOST importantly, we wanted to highlight a couple of our Hazel & Mae pieces that work great for layering and still have that laid back Seattle vibe!
No matter what you decide to do, you're sure to have a great time in the Emerald City!
Live Bold. Travel Often. Dress Accordingly.
-hazel and mae
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