#SWFW – Sandestin

Day 1 at SWFW

Going Home Outfit

First View from Our Room

Brunch

View from the Pearl Hotel at Brunch

Dinner at Seagar’s

Last View from Hotel Room

Outfit 1:  LNA Dress c/o // Ruby Claire Boutique Booties c/o // BaubleBar Necklace (borrowed from Chic in Academia) // Prima Donna Box Clutch c/o // Tory Burch Sunglasses // Citizen Watch c/o // Sole Society Ring c/o

Outfit 2:  Umgee Dress (bought at a local boutique, similar) // Project Gravitas Vest c/o // Schutz Booties c/o // Nixon Watch c/o // Kendra Scott Necklace c/o

Outfit 3:  Chicwish Dress c/o // Mimic Design Bag c/o // Max & Chloe Ring c/o // RayBan Aviators c/o // Charity Chains Necklace c/o // Thanks to Chic in Academia for playing photographer!

Last weekend Shane and I packed up and headed to Sandestin, FL for a little roadtrip and mini getaway for SWFW.  South Walton Fashion Week was last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and there were events each day.  We were among a group that consisted of 9 other bloggers and a magazine editor and photographer from Nashville.  It was so great to meet all of these sweet and gorgeous ladies!!  Thursday afternoon was the press conference which was a lot of fun.  The entire panel of judges were at the event, and a few of the emerging designers were there as well.  It gave everyone a chance to ask the judges questions like which types of designs they like best, which type of models they’re looking for, what type of trends they expect to see, and even what bloggers influence their style.  After the press conference was the kickoff runway show for fashion week.  A few of the emerging designers showed their collections each night along with some local boutiques and even larger stores like J.Crew and J.McLaughlin.

Friday morning we received a tour of the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.  The property is gorgeous.  They have 2 outdoor pools, 1 indoor pool, an amazing spa and workout facility, gorgeous decks to lie out on and a pool bar and restaurant that even delivers to you if you’re on the beach.  Shane and I stayed in a Deluxe Junior Suite in the Emerald Tower at the hotel.  There was a separate living area with sofa, one king sized bed and even an adorable little area that I know Leighton will love soon.  When you walk into the room, there are 2 bunk beds and a television.  We will definitely have to come back and bring Leighton (and a friend!) next year.  After the tour, we had brunch on the Pearl’s rooftop.  It was absolutely gorgeous there. Afterwards, I did a little shopping with Jessica from Lipstick Heels & a Baby and Lauren from Edit by Lauren (love these girls!)  Afterwards, I had some free time so Shane and I laid out, went swimming in the ocean some, and then walked down the beach together.  The sand was so white and the water was so gorgeous.  It was in the 80’s and the temperature felt great.  The water was a little cool, but once you got in it for a minute, it felt great, and I was actually glad it wasn’t warm like it normally is when we go to the beach in the middle of summer.  I think this might have to be our new time of year to go.  And better rates also!!  Friday night we were treated to dinner at the Four Diamond restaurant, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood.  We got to taste their new menu, and it was even better than I could have imagined.  I had fillets with mushrooms, asparagus, mac & cheese and roasted garlic.  Dessert consisted of bananas foster made tableside.  And now I’m hungry again after typing this.  = )

Saturday morning Shane and I had a couple’s AromaStone massage at Serenity by the Sea Spa.  It lasted for 50 minutes.  50 minutes of pure bliss.  I chose lavender scent for my massage, and Shane picked lemongrass.  It was amazing.  I definitely recommend getting a massage if you are in the area.  Massages are always nice, but I feel like they’re even better when you’re on vacation.  After our massages, we had breakfast together at the buffet and filled up on eggs, bacon and lots of fruit.  That afternoon Shane and I drove down 30A for our first time.  It was so quaint and nice.  I love that they have a paved bike trail running the entire length of the street.  We will definitely be coming here in the future and be bringing Leighton, our bikes and her bike rack next time.  That night we attended the final night of shows for SWFW.  I got to see one of my favorite designers and friends also, Tara Skelley.  She is the designer behind Dilettante Collection here in Memphis, and I promise you will not be disappointed with her collection that will be dropping later.  Her collection is always very feminine, modern and very resort focused in my opinion.  Her new collection was along the same lines, but this time it popped with color and made a statement with lots of fringe and other details that you will love.  As always, her collection was hands down my favorite!  Sunday we got up and sadly had to say goodbye.  One of my friends Bertha was sweet enough to capture a few pictures of my outfit on the last day.  We had such a great trip, and it was so nice meeting some of these sweet bloggers in person.  = )

If you are planning a vacation soon, you will definitely want to check out the beaches of South Walton and the Hilton Sandestin.  It was a nice break from our usual beach vacation.  We usually stay at a condo, but I have to say, I enjoyed this even better.  No laundry, no cooking or cleaning and no having to pack my own towels.  Not to mention, valet parking.  This was definitely my kind of vacation.  It was so convenient, and all of the staff was so helpful and friendly.  I also have an amazing special for you other bloggers out there!!  Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort & Spa is offering a Fashion Blogger’s Exclusive Getaway package.  You will receive 20% off their Best Available rate, complimentary breakfast for two daily and 20% off Serenity Spa services.  This special is good now until February 29 with certain blackout dates applicable and subject to availability.  You must call the hotel to book and mention rate code “FB.”  A 2 night minimum is required.  Have you ever been to Sandestin or 30A?  What is your favorite vacation spot?