Travel - March 23, 2017

Our Spring 2017 Charleston Itinerary

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Last week, Lisel and I flew to Charleston, South Carolina for their Fashion Week, and naturally had way too much fun. Charleston is as charming as cities get, and even though the weather wasn’t what we were hoping for, we still fell in love with the place. From the old, gorgeous homes and cute little shops, to the people and the energy, there’s really no place like Charleston.

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Since we were there for Charleston Fashion Week, a lot of the events we went to surrounded that – so fashion shows, parties, etc. – but we also had time to explore (and eat and shop…a lot) on our own. I’ll try to break down each of our stops below, but I know my words won’t do the city much justice – but maybe the photos will?!

Bottom line: If you’re considering a trip to Charleston, book that ish.

Floral Bell Sleeve Top, White Jeans, Platform Wedges

We certainly didn’t get to visit all the spots on our our list and I’m not about to pretend I’m an expert on the city, so I thought I’d just run y’all though what we did each day and where we ate (etc.) rather than my typical “city guide” style!

Outfit Details: Sun & Shadow Floral Print Bell Sleeve Blouse (wearing size XS) // Marc Fisher Adalyn Platform Wedges  (So comfortable! size down 1/2 size) // Paige Jacqueline High Waist Straight Leg Jeans (love that these are a little cropped, fit TTS)

Wednesday

We flew in to Charleston on Wednesday and headed straight to the Belmond Charleston Place Hotel where we were staying. The Belmond is a beautifully traditional hotel in the French Quarter with every amenity you could ever imagine. I’m talking a deck and a saltwater pool under a retractable roof! This is the perfect place to stay if you want to be taken care of and relax. The staff was all very friendly and there were lots of good places to eat and drink inside the hotel (more on this later).

Then obviously, the next step was drinks and snacks at Club Level at the Belmond. A little crisp white wine to start off the trip, ya know? Duh. But such a cute little place and we loved that we didn’t even have to leave our hotel.

After that we headed to out first night of shows! Charleston Fashion Week was located in Marion Square which is right off of King Street. There they set up a bunch of tents sponsored by different retailers. Every tent has it’s events to participate in. Lexus sponsors the whole thing and they offer places to grab a drink, do a little shopping, and the big tent where the shows are held. Lisel and I walked around and explored every night before we had to be seated at the shows.

storets sweater, black skinny pants, and gucci mules

We took this photo before heading into the Charleston Fashion Week tents at Marion Square (where all the CFW magic happens). // Outfit Details: Storets Navi Contrast Sweater // Rag & Bone ‘Simone” Slim Black Pants // Gucci Marmot Mules

After the shows Wednesday night, we went to the Thoroughbred Club for – you guessed it! – more food and drinks. This was also located at the Belmond and we couldn’t wait to get back to our hotel knowing that we could have dinner there.

You know how sometimes when you travel you’re just exhausted and don’t really want to start exploring until the following day? That’s how we felt, so we appreciated all the options of the Belmond. Thoroughbred club had such yummy food too – think lots of tapas – AND live music. How fun right?

We got the sliders and some french fries – it was just what the doctor ordered. But I think our favorite part was the live music – there was a sweet man playing the saxophone and you guys, it was GOLD. He was amazing and so entertaining!

Thursday

brighton keller breakfast in bed at the belmond hotel Charleston, SC

Thursday started off with breakfast in bed! We actually didn’t have anywhere to be until later that night so we took full advantage and slept in a little and had a really slow morning. Plus, we had some work to finish up on our computers before heading out. It was so nice to take it slow for a bit after a day of traveling!

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Floral Shirt, Suede Jacket, Gold Pendant Necklace, Pink Lip

Charleston has a ton of cute boutiques so we wanted to take advantage of that, and this whole area is adorbs. We checked out Billy Read, Julep, and Jordan & Jane. Also, if you’re a candle fan, Candlefish was incredible and just so aesthetically beautiful.

brighton keller shopping on king street in charleston

Outfit DetailsTopshop Floral Trumpet Sleeve Blouse (wearing size US2) // BLANKNYC Morning Suede Jacket (wearing size XS – I LOVE this jacket so much!)  // Bobbi Brown Art Stick Liquid Lip (in color “Naked Pink” // BaubleBar Slim Bar Pendant necklace

moon and lola in Charleston
charm bar at moon & lola charleston
moon and lola in Charleston

We also stopped by Moon & Lola, since we don’t have one in Dallas, and happened to stumble upon the actual designer for the brand. It was so great getting to meet them and learn a little bit more about how they design their jewelry. And can we talk about how cute the store is?! I mean, OBSESSED! Loved all the WHITE and the BRIGHT, fun colors too! Lisel and I ended up getting matching PJs (you might have seen on snapchat?). I also got this pair of gold hoops that I’ve been wearing NONSTOP since!

Tweed Dress, Tweed Set, Black Sunglasses, Black Over the Knee Boots

After a full day of shopping, we headed back to the hotel for a quick outfit change before heading to a a (SUPER) late lunch at The Darling Oyster Bar, which is (also) on King Street.

This place represented Charleston so well, I thought. A mix of vintage pieces but also very chic and livable. We basically feasted on oysters (which I tried for the first time!) and tons of fresh seafood. We also drank this delicious bubbly rosé which actually paired well with all the seafood. Highly recommend checking this place out if you’re ever in the area!

Outfit Details: Storets Ojen Tweed 2 Piece Set // Bobbi Brown Art Stick Liquid Lip // Stuart Weitzman Highland Over the Knee Boot // Karen Walker Special Fit Super Duper Strength Sunglasses

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the darling oyster bar
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Charleston Fashion Week

After another night of watching some amazing emerging designers , we had a very late and much needed dinner at The Rarebit which was cool and hip. This was my kind of food – especially after a long day – like chicken & waffles, grilled cheese and a lot of comfort food, but they also had yummy looking salads & fish. Their late night breakfast menu is to dye for, we talked about it the rest of the trip. Basically, this is the perfect spot to go with friends or a group since they have a little bit of everything. And killer drinks like our favorite moscow mule!

Bell Sleeve Top

Outfit Details: Gibson Bell Sleeve Poplin Top

Friday

On Friday, we switched hotels! After 2 nights at the Belmond hotel, we switched over to something a little different to get another experience while in the city. Our second hotel was actually RIGHT next door, so it was super convienent!

We stayed at Fulton Lane Inn for the second two nights and…I mean, we wanted to move in. It’s a bed & breakfast, which you can image is already adorable, but add in the Charleston charm and oh em gee we were in heaven! Right in the heart of the French Quarter so it’s close to shopping, eats, etc. Such beautiful canopy beds, vintage appeal everywhere, and it was so nice being somewhere that felt homey (like the best home ever). I’d recommend this hotel for a girl’s weekend or a romantic stay with someone you love – or even a trip with your mom! P.S. Amazing for Instagrams – especially the brick alley.

Maris Dehart boutique charleston SC
Maris Dehart boutique charleston SC

First thing on Friday morning we picked out clothes from local boutique Maris Dehart, another clothing store in the downtown area. This store is ADORABLE, I had such a hard time choosing what outfit to wear for the show later that night. We also got to meet Alden and her mother who own and run the boutique. Their southern charm made it so much fun to shop around.

Brighton Keller having lunch at Hominy Grill

And then we ended up grabbing lunch at Hominy Grill, which was AMAZING – as I’m sure you can tell from the photos thought right?!

Shrimp and grits at harmony grille charleston, SC
Lunch at hominy grille Charleston SC

I got the shrimp & grits and was ridiculously amazing! But I did sort of want to take a nap after that…it was heavy but SO YUMMY for sure. I loved that there was a cute courtyard (want to eat outside next time – it was too cold). But they have a window serving drinks for you while you wait for your table, which was AMAZE. And this spot isn’t too far from downtown so it’s easy to get to – I highly recommend it!

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We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring, driving around downtown Charleston. And then we treated ourselves to a steakhouse dinner at Michael’s on the Alley before another fashion show and lemme tell you…AMAZING. We basically fell in love with our server – the services was beyond – and this was such a great experience. Definitely one of my most favorite steakhouses I’ve been to and apparently it’s won a ton of awards. Worth a trip to Charleston alone!

Saturday

Blue Wrap Top, White Jeans, Black Sunnies, Beige
Wrap Top, Blue Checkered Top, White Jeans, Black Sunnies

Outfit Details: ONE by STYLE KEEPERS Modern Vintage Top // Paige Transcend Verdugo Crop Skinny Jeans // Marc Fisher Adalyn Platform Wedge // Karen Walker Special Fit Super Duper Strength Sunglasses

Rue de Jean charleston SC

Then…time for more food. We had lunch at Rue De Jean which is a French cafes (and they have one in Savannah if anyone has been!). This is an ideal lunch spot, especially with the girls – I just feel like it’s very cute for that. They have a really pretty bar too, and everything about this place was pleasant. Great french food and lots of seafood too!

Rue de Jean charleston SC

[ABOVE – lunch at Rue de Jean in downtown Charleston]

Can’t wait to be back, Charleston! If you have any other questions, please let me know! We were pretty busy the whole time but can probably answer random questions that I might not have covered.

CHARLESTON – QUICK LIST

For summary purposes and if you’re planning an upcoming trip, I wanted to list it all out in an easy to read (at a glance) format for ya!

The darling oyster

The Darling – went here and LOVED it! Definitely get the oyster shooters – they’re AMAZING.

Shrimp and grits at harmony grille charleston, SC

Hominy Grill (went here for lunch!) – looks and feels like a southern country cafe, outdoor patio with a window bar so you can get drinks while you wait

truffle potato soup at Rue de Jean charleston

Rue de Jean – French restaurant with RIDICULOUSLY amazing food y’all! I got the truffle potato soup and HOLY COW it was SO GOOD you guys!! It’s got a cute outdoor terrace too!

Rarebit – We went here for late night food one of our nights and got breakfast food form their special breakfast menu (I got the breakfast sandwhich) and it AMAZING! We also got their famous Moscow mules – they were a bit sweet, but different than the usual and good!

Grand Bohemian Hotel’s Wine Blending Class – we heard there was a wine blending glass that’s super fun to do in the afternoon and then head up to their rooftop terrace to enjoy your glass of wine after!

Places we didn’t get to go but kept hearing a lot about:

  • The ordinary (didn’t get to go, but heard a LOT about it)
  • Obstinate Daughter (didn’t get to go) – on Sullivan’s island, 20 minute uber ride, we heard about this place A LOT too!
  • 167 Raw (didn’t get to go here) – heard A LOT about this place too!
  • Persimmon Cafe (didn’t get to go here!) – not too cute from outside (don’t judge lol), but I’ve heard RAVING reviews about the food here!