Cocktailing: Dark 'N' Stormy

I'd love to introduce you to your new favorite cocktail. The Dark 'N' Stormy is a long-standing family favorite, stemming from a long love of the pink sands of Bermuda, where the Dark 'N' Stormy is the "national cocktail". Shouldn't everywhere have a national cocktail? The stunning simplicity of this drink, deliciousness factor, and effectiveness make this a classic not to be missed. 

There are really only 3 necessary components: Barritts Ginger Beer, Goslings Black Seal Dark Rum and ice. Barritts Ginger Beer, a generational Bermudan family business, has been around since the 1870s, and until recently was really hard to get ahold of in the States. In an amazing reversal of fortunes, it's now readily available in both can and bottle form at Total Wine. (My personal preference is can.) I need to emphasize the importance of using Barritts; there are other ginger beers available, but Barritts is the best  (seriously) and considered the "official" ginger beer of the Dark 'N' Stormy. Goslings Black Seal dark spiced rum has the perfectly balanced kick, and again, should really be the only option for the official Dark  'N' Stormy. (Goslings even owns the drink's trademark!) I get angry when I'm offered a faux D 'N' S. 

To make: put ice in cup, pour Barritts into cup, top with copious amount of Goslings, stir (maybe). Drank. Garnish with a lime if you feel naked without garnish. Now here is the ideal version: styrofoam cup (sorry), cubed ice, Barritts, copious amount of Goslings, boat. It's a transformative beverage that you will find yourself craving year-round.

Dark 'N' Stormy:

Barritts Ginger Beer

Goslings Dark Rum

Ice

Lime 

Labor Day Sale Roundup

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I cannot believe the end of summer is here. The end of the summer and the beginning of football season. OOH, the beginning of football season AND a weekend of Labor Day sales! I just turned this whole thing around. Here's a round up of some of the can't-miss online sales going on this weekend. Shop from home, shop from the beach; you have to love technology during sale season.

1. Blank NYC (my FAVORITE affordable jeans brand), 20% off everything Aug 26-Sept 2, use code SEEYA

2. Buru, amazing site, 25% off sitewide with code LABORDAY

3. Anthropologie, extra 20% off sale through Sept 1

4. C. Wonder, 30% off everything and an extra 50% off sale

5. Hometown fave Furbish Studio, 15% off of everything with code ENDOFSUMMER

6. J Crew, extra 40% off sale online and in store

7. Loeffler Randall, 15% off with code LABORDAY through Sept. 7, get THESE

8. Lulu & Georgia, 25% off with code laborday25

9. Tibi, 20% off select Fall picks with code hellofall

10. Barneys Warehouse, extra 30% off of clearance

Get on it! And enjoy your weekend! Go Tigers!

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Vintage At Charlotte's

Hermès H Bracelet + Michael Kors Gold Watch

Already a mainstay for all of your jewelry and accessory needs, Charlotte's is now expanding its collection of luxury vintage......which is a major development for my shopping problem. Timeless Hermès belts and bracelets along with mint Louis Vuitton and Chanel handbags and travel pieces are available now! Every piece is in exquisite condition, some even look brand new. The thing that I love about classic vintage pieces is that they are really legacy pieces. You will always recognize the iconic LV, the interlocking Cs, the quilting. They can be handed down through generations. They have set a brand standard that is so high that vintage is sometimes coveted more than brand new. That's why the investment is worth it. The pieces stand up in any decade, and never look dated. They are begging to be styled for today. Below are just a few of the vintage pieces (along with some great styling ideas) that are in store right now, with many more to come. If you are on the hunt for a specific piece or want to hold anything contact either Charlotte's location.

Hermès Bracelet Paired With Chanel Via

Hermès H Belt Available Now At Charlotte's

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Hermès Belt

Chanel Bag Available Now At Charlotte's

Louis Vuitton Keepalls

Louis Vuitton Keepall Available Now At Charlotte's

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Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Speedy Available Now At Charlotte's

Louis Vuitton Available Now At Charlotte's

Field Jacket

J Crew Downtown Field Jacket

This field jacket from J Crew is a must have for Fall. Clean, classic lines and structure + a modern fit = perfection. Having something this weight is a necessity down here in the South. An awesome transition piece, and you can get 25% off this and more right now with the code ALMOSTFALL.

Splurge + Steal

1. Isabel Marant Studded Sweatshirt | 2. Steve Madden Elusion Leopard Flats

3. Tory Burch Nicki Leopard Flats | 4. Sanctuary Studded Sweatshirt

Nothing like a good splurge + steal challenge. I am loving these leopard pointy toed flats for fall. The Tory Burch gives you just the slightest hint of a heel. So good with black skinnies or a sharp pencil skirt. I have also been lusting after Isabel Marant's studded sweatshirt for a hot minute, and was sooo excited when I found the Sanctuary version. All the look for a fraction of the glorious Isabel. So take your pick! Go luxe or go less? 

Wednesday Wants

Favorites from Vermillion, for more click here. And mark your calendar for the Gabrielle Jewelry & Nili Lotan trunk show on August 20-21st!

Balenciaga Clutch | Rag & Bone Fedora | Rag & Bone Noelle Bootie

What Will Your Verse Be?

Find your verse. And please...don't give up.

Furbish Finds

Kilim, similar here (on sale!!!)

Where better to visit than Furbish on a dreary Monday? Here's a smattering of some of my favorites!

Gorgeous pink & bone inlay serving tray + white ceramic urchin

Blue Floral Plate

Tortoise Bar Tray

Teepee + Rainbow Fringe Garland

Pillows & Bedding Galore

It's Nice To Say Pom Pom + Sandwiches On The Beach Print 

White Whale Mixers...Made In NC!

Kate Spade Cocktail Tid Bits Plates

Abstract Art + Turquoise Foo Dogs

Dana Point Oasis

How could you be anything but totally zen in this ridiculously gorgeous house with ridiculously gorgeous views of Salt Creek Beach and the Pacific near Dana Point in California? One of the best parts of the story is that the owner is a self-made man, having started his career as a box boy at a grocery store. SO you're sayin' there's a chance! The home, featured on Elle Decor, is a cozy blend of California beach chic and Mediterranean glamour, and I just want to curl up there with a book and a glass of wine. It's a dream. I could stare at that view forever! 

images via Elle Decor