Tag: Indie Brands

Destinations, Florida, Style, Travel, USA

A Bit of France in Florida: Attending the Pétanque Amelia Island Open

standing under petanque sign

I first encountered the sport Pétanque (also called Boules) when I was researching for my very first trip to France back in 2014. Upon arrival, I witnessed the cutthroat nature and unshakeable camaraderie of the players Michael and I saw in the parks of Paris and so were inspired to attend the largest tournament in …

Belgium, Destinations, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, Travel Tips

Traveling Light: Two Weeks in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium Packing List

packing list benelux

Do you have a warm drink handy? Today I’m sharing a packing list for a recent trip to the Benelux region of Europe, and it grew quite lengthy by the end, so please feel free to make something and settle in to read (I won’t say no to a mug of mulled wine, so if …

Belgium, Destinations, Travel

The Best Places to Shop in Antwerp, Belgium

A view of the ornate Antwerp Centraal Station

Antwerp has been synonymous with fashion since the Antwerp Six exploded into the fashion world in the eighties, and the undeniably cool city is worth at least a day trip should you find yourself in Belgium. Granted, a day will only allow you to scratch the surface of the city’s designers and shops, but if …

Destinations, Netherlands, Travel

Retail Therapy: The Amsterdam Stores That Are Worth Your Time and Money

Alyssa shops in Amsterdam at Charlie + Mary

Shopping no longer holds the key to my heart the way it once did – and as such it no longer holds a strong spot in my travel itinerary, either. However, there is something so fun about responding, “Oh this? I got it in Paris/New York/Amsterdam/wherever,” when someone asks you about your outfit. A recent …

Style, Travel, Travel Products, Wish Lists and Gift Ideas

Fall Travel Style Wish List

A pair of sneakers set in fall leaves with text overlay reading: travel style wish list FALL

Happy Fall! Michael and I are currently in the middle of our first travel in Europe during Autumn—we usually travel in the other shoulder season during May and early June. The weather is still brutally hot at home, but the slightly chillier temps here in Amsterdam have me longing for all things Fall. This season, …

Journal

Journal | 9.8.18

Happy Saturday! I always feel like I have to “pay” for a long weekend, and this week was a doozy at work. Nevertheless, we made it! This weekend is all about finalizing everything for my trip to Europe with Michael next weekend. I’m beyond excited but I’m also feeling a little anxious, as this is …

Style, Travel, Travel Tips

One Travel Uniform, Three Ways: Stay Stylish and Comfortable from Gate to 10,000 Feet

Alyssa wears a cream silk top, blue skinny jeans, and black asymmetrical flats while carrying a grey sweater

You see it all too often. The grown adult at the airport awaiting their flight wearing pajamas and flip flops, causing you to momentarily wonder whether you’ve walked into a public place or someone’s living room. This scene is always jarring to me, particularly after returning from more fashionable destinations, where it may be considered …

Journal

Journal | 8.25.18

Happy Saturday! As all of our office said yesterday as we were leaving work, we made it. The students returned to campus this week, and while I love the vibrancy of a college campus during the first few days of classes, I am beat! Michael and I plan on having a fairly quiet but productive …

Destinations, Missouri, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: A Summer Packing List for St. Louis, Missouri

A graphic with a photo of the St. Louis Arch with text overlay that reads "Packing List: St. Louis, MO"

Sharing everything I packed in my carry-on for a weekend in St. Louis, Missouri Well, Michael and I finally made it to St. Louis, Missouri, and we did so in celebration of our tenth dating anniversary at that. With just shy of thirty-six hours in the city we had no excuse but to pack lightly—which …

Journal

Journal | 8.18.18

August is more than halfway over, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t freaking out. Where on earth does the time go? It’s lovely to be home this weekend, one of only a couple of weekends at home over the next two months. Michael and I are taking care of my brothers (12 …