Happy Friday! To say this week was amazing would be a gross understatement. What started with a fun fitting, hard work (on an amazing project that I can't wait to share!) and Lorelai's weekly ballet class ended with an incredible Anthropologie fashion show/cocktail party. I was flattered to walk the runway in Anthro's Fall/Winter lineup and celebrate my feature in No'Ala's September style issue.

In order to keep the party going, we're headed back to the Virginia/Washington DC area tomorrow. Lo and I will spend a week (Mr. Jackson has to return to Huntsville for work on Monday, boo!) with my sister and parents. As of now, I haven't decided whether or not I'll be taking a break or posting as usual but you can definitely expect a little fashion show recap!

In the meantime, here's what I've been reading lately:

Wit + Delight's Target party collection
HATCH founder Ariane Goldman's home via The Glitter Guide
behind the scenes of J.Crew's NYFW presentation with Garance Dore
a peek inside the world of Paper Clay ceramics
& a fantastic Loren Hope lookbook on Catalina Creative

photos by sleepy fox photography

Is there anything more fun than taking a trip with your girlfriends? Nope. For the second installment of our Explore series, Aissa, Ginny and I ventured to Nashville to check out a spot we've been dying to visit... Pinewood Social.

Based on the idea that you should have a cool place to gather morning, noon and night, Pinewood Social is one of Nashville's most fun places to play. Whether you're stopping in for brunch, bowling a strike or checking out the airstream bar, there really is something for everyone.

At any given moment during our visit my ears perked up to the sound of clanging silverware (digging into some seriously savory plates), the woosh of a milk-steamer via the coffee station and the resetting of pins in the venue's vintage bowling lanes. Quirky yet curated design made sense of a seemingly random components (bocce ball, a swimming pool, fine dining? of course!) and I never wanted to leave.

Visit Aislerchic to see Aissa's take on our trip!

A big thank you to Pinewood Social and Strategic Hospitality for letting us have free reign of the awesome space.

photos by

mint julep boutique maxi dress c/o, free people bra, birkenstock sandals, urban outfitters bracelet

The South has such a hold on my heart and Nashville just might be my favorite place so far. With plans to scout and share a few locations for our "Explore" series (stay tuned for Thursday's post!), I set out to music city last week with a few of my best girlfriends in tow. If ever there were an occasion that called for a comfortable maxi dress, road trippin' with your girls and tasting all that Nashville has to offer is it...

We bopped around the city, got caught in the rain (I'm totally getting soaked in these photos but I believe in Nashville too much to pass up this photo-op) and had an incredible soul-restoring day!

The girls of The Mint Julep Boutique were sweet enough to send over this incredibly comfortable crocheted maxi (to help me bring 'sexy back'... just kidding) and they want to share the love with you! To enter the giveaway and for a chance to win $25 towards The Mint Julep Boutique, simply complete the form below.

* Don't forget to sign up for their mailing list for new arrivals, coupons & for a giveaway entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

p.s. This item was sent to me for consideration by The Mint Julep Boutique, however, all opinions expressed herein are genuine. Thank you for continuing to support the brands that make Chelsea & The City happen!