Hi friend! My intention is always to send this on Sunday, but no need to follow arbitrary rules — I hope this quick read brightens your Tuesday morning!
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I finally made it to the newly reopened The Occidental at the Willard Hotel. It originally opened in 1906, but has been under construction for a year and a half since Stephen Starr took it over. There has been a lot of buzz about the reopening, so I was excited to grab dinner with friends and check it out!
The gorgeous patio sets the bar high as you walk up to the front entrance — all the flowers and boxwoods?! The green striped upholstery and fringe umbrellas?! So chic!
The interiors are a fun mix of modern elements and art deco flourishes — think velvet, brass, and playful murals. It reminded me of Monkey Bar in NYC! We went during the week and most tables were filled with what looked like business dinners. I’m sure the weekends are more fun for people watching!
My favorite “dish” was the buttermilk biscuits with the honey butter — buttery and perfectly flaky. The caesar salad was lackluster, which sadly should be an easy crowd pleaser. Our other dishes were all good, but I wasn’t necessarily wowed. Service was oddly slow for a not so busy weeknight.
Regardless of my mixed feelings, I would still go back for the ambiance and to try some of the other dishes. I’d love to sit at the bar or on the patio for drinks once I’m able to drink again!




Outfit 1 (left): Something easy and comfortable for a mani/pedi followed by an early dinner with friends. This Michael Stars maxi dress is a favorite from pre-pregnancy days — it has a ton of elastic stretch, so I just sized up 1 to accommodate the bump. I paired it with this under $100 raffia clutch and strappy sandals (mine are an old Reformation style but here are two similar styles: splurge vs. save). One of my favorite style hacks for adding interest to an outfit is to wear a chic neck scarf — loving these 3 options: one, two and three.
Outfit 2 (middle): This polka dot dress from Sézane was perfect for a weekend dinner with friends — chocolate brown polka dots will always remind me of Pretty Woman! Sadly it looks like it’s already sold out, but it’s the Giuseppa Dress if you’re curious. I paired it with some of my go-to pieces — these white strappy heels and my favorite Hunting Season clutch. I keep hoping that Hunting Season will restock the red colorway, but until then, this true red clutch could be good alternative.
Outfit 3 (right): I wore this long sleeve knit polo dress from Sézane to dinner at The Occidental. Unfortunately, it is also already sold out (ugh!) but this is a similar option. To lean into transitional season styling, I paired it with Dolce Vita mules (currently on sale) and this darling suede bag from Paris/64!
So many fun spring finds at Tuckernuck — like this easy shirt dress, this very chic summer tote under $150, and this dress that has been surprisingly bump friendly. See all my favorite Tuckernuck spring finds here!
A great pair of red sneakers under $100.
How to study and distill fashion shows to find inspiration that aligns with your personal style.
One of my favorite easy t-shirt dresses is on sale! I have the olive and white version and got so much wear out of it last spring and summer.
I’ve been seeing so much in the chartreuse/kiwi color family lately — like this strapless midi dress, this chic mini dress, this cord pearl necklace, and this matching swimsuit and pareo.
Spotted this petite basket bag from Hunting Season!
My baby shower dress, now in a strappy slip dress version — perfect for a summer wedding .
Filing away this list of little luxuries for tough days.
Speaking of little luxuries, Jess Graves recently shared this customizable lip stick + case and now I’m coveting the red crocodile case! It would be such a fab gift.
This red clutch would be the perfect summer accessory (plus it’s on sale!)
14 new arrivals from Banana Republic — think lots of linen and crochet!
If you’re a DMV local, Fine Day Fair is coming to Chevy Chase, DC this weekend. Anything home/garden/antiques/shopping is right up my alley, so you know I already bought my ticket!
Did you watch the Met Gala fashion coverage last night? This year was celebrating the Met’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” show — if you missed it, you can catch up on all the looks here.
Until next time,
Kelly
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