Swim Show 2021

 

So as you all may know, I have been in the fashion industry for over ten years now. Up until recently I have been working at the Breakers Hotel here in Palm Beach, managing the Polo Ralph Lauren store. I wanted to share that last week I officially accepted a new position right down the street, managing a boutique called Une Belle Trouvaille, French for ‘a beautiful find.’

This store houses a beautiful array of bohemian finds from all over. I was so excited to get started. This was my first week at my new store and my first order of business was to attend Miami Swim Week as a buyer. Talk about a dream come true!

I have been to several trade shows as a model, and even a sales representative, but this was my first time attending as a buyer. We received the cutest bracelets and swag bags at check in and were even treated to coconut drinks. They also offered several services from waxing, to bracelet making and more. I must say being a buyer has it’s perks, but first it was time to shop for the store.

The convention center was broken up into two sections, the Swim Show and the Cabana Show. We started at Cabana and made our way through the aisles of branded booths. It is definitely overwhelming at first, as there are hundreds of vendors, and thousands of new products to catch your eye so you have to stay focused.

In the morning we had a few appointments to see a few of our favorite lines. By the afternoon we took a break for lunch and scouted for new brands for the boutique. My favorites ranged from 9 Seed to Pitusa among others. We ended up buying everything from straw hats and bags to coverups and scarves. We were still on the hunt for swimwear so we were off to the Swim Show.

The first person I ran into was actually my sister who was modeling for Scandal. It was great shopping for the store with her and many more. We picked up a few more hats and visited a few of our new sales rep friends. By the end of the weekend we were ready for our reward… a stop by Eden Roc.

This iconic hotel housed several smaller shows, like Project and Destination and more. We made our way into Destination to discover some smaller resort brands we may have missed. We found a few great gems to buy for the boutique, before we had to hit the road. It was such a rush seeing so many up and coming brands. I learned a lot about the buying process, and i learned a ton of trends for the upcoming season.

Stay tuned to see what we chose by following Une Belle Trouvaille on instagram, and see us in store today at 251 Royal Poinciana way in Palm Beach!

Hallmark Channel & Chill

During this Coronacation, one of the things that has kept me both sane and entertained is the Hallmark Channel. I love to cuddle up in bed with one of the new Spring Fling specials on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Over quarantine, I must admit, I have binged about 20 so far, and I made a list of my top five faves to share with you. So grab a glass of wine, a warm blanket, and let’s get started…

First up, we have Bottled With Love:

A hopeless gal lacking love tosses the classic message on a bottle into the sea to an unexpected recipient.

Next, lets see Love In Store:

Two rival shopping network hosts must work together for a promotion. Will they find an off-camera spark?

After that, try Love, Of Course:

A young mom helps run a Harvest Festival. Will the rugged farmer stay or get in the way?

Now, on to Dater’s Handbook:

Meghan Markle’s character turns to a self help book to decide between Mr. Right and Mr. Unpredictable.

Let’s wrap up with Chance At Romance:

A handsome photographer is secretly set up with an admirer of his work with the help of his tech- savvy son.

 

Still searching for more? Download the Hallmark Movie Checklist app to keep up with ones you have and have yet to watch. Happy watching!

 

Earrings provided by Taylor Shaye Designs

 

 

Come See Me Festival

Every April I always look forward to our annual salute to Spring, the Come See Me Festival. It is my favorite local festival in my hometown of Rock Hill, SC. This fest is full of fun events, from frog jumps to fireworks and more.

The community kicks off the event with the Come See Me Parade. Our beloved mascot Glen the Frog always makes an appearance, along with the Shriners and the Strawberry Queen.

I also love to hit the Hops in the Park, where you can sip samples from local breweries, and snack on sweets at the Gourmet Gardens. The best party is the Beach Bash, where you can dance the night away to live music, and have a beer with your best buds.

A great event for the girls is the Bubbles and Berries Brunch. It is a wonderful afternoon hosted by the Women’s Club, complete with sweet treats and champagne.

The grand finale is the famous fireworks show. Locals gather around Winthrop Lake for an all- day tailgate. The night lights up with live music as fireworks fill the sky. What better ending to this annual event? I already can’t wait for next year!

Come See Me Festival: April 12-21st in Rock Hill SC

Palm Dress: Britt Ryan  .  Sunnies: Lilly Pulitzer  .  Maxi Dress: Lilly Pulitzer

 

Pony Tales

What a week it was celebrating Cinco de Derby. After all the festivities were over, we were off to explore the rest of Oxford Farms.

My parents and I stayed in a cute little cabin beneath the trees and set our sights visiting the on the harem of horses.

We wandered the fields of flowers as the farm dog followed. I was wowed by what they called the ‘Taj-Ma barn’ complete with shiny chandeliers.

The best part of visiting the pastures was the paint ponies! There were fields of fabulous fillies that I couldn’t wait to play with. I reminisced on my riding days and wished I could stay. What a memorable moment, and an even better ending to our daycation. I already can’t wait to come back!

 

Outfit and accessories: Lilly Pulitzer  .  Location: Oxford Farms in Anderson, SC

Easter Pups

Easter was an ‘egg’xtra special one last year. Every bunny had a great time with our precious puppies. I helped host Life’s a Beach’s 8th annual ASPCA Adoption Event. A portion of the proceeds went to our local shelter, and we invited some of their sweet faces to be adopted.

The first couple came by and scooped up our first pup. The coolest part was that they adopted one of our dogs last year, and then came back for another! They fell in love with their new furry friend and couldn’t wait to take him home. We also had a bundle of puppies up next at our event, but there was actually a line out the door waiting for them before they headed our way!

I have to say, one of our cutest characters had to be Hank. He was a sweetheart, who was still in search for his forever home. We later hosted a party in his honor to meet his future family.

After working with these adorable dogs, I couldn’t wait to head home and play with my own. Meet Coco and Gigi, my own little cuddle pups we adopted from Carolina Poodle Rescue years ago.

As you can see, I was more than ready to spend Easter with my furry fam! You know I can’t resist a great matching moment, and the babies looked best in their new bandanas. Love my ladies in Lilly!

Dresses: Lilly Pulitzer  .  Location: Life’s A Beach, a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store in Duck, NC

For more information on saving the pups, please visit this link: ASPCA