Hosting Friends in Charleston

This spring, we’ve had so much fun hosting friends in Charleston on two different occasions. A few weeks ago, we had two friends visit us for High Water Music Festival and this past weekend we had Allison visit us for my birthday. Both weekends have been such a treat as we’ve savored the time with our friends who we don’t see as much anymore since we moved from California.

There are SO many restaurants to try, things to do, and adventures to be had in Charleston.

We can always find something new to do when visitors come. During our two recent weekends hosting friends, we’ve done everything from sailing to biking riding to happy hour on the beach to visiting Angel Oak. I always refer to my Charleston Travel Guide before friends come so I can get a plan in motion. For anyone who is looking to take a trip to Charleston soon, I also wrote my Beginner’s Guide to Charleston and my Guide to Charleston Beaches that are both not to be missed!

On Jillian: Dress (more sizes available here) / Sandals (also available here and here, similar here) / Purse (also love these two: one, two)

On Allison: Top / Skirt / Purse (also love the mini version) / Sandals (old – similar, similar)

When Julia launched her dress line last month, I was so excited that I snagged two dresses as quickly as I could (you saw the first one here!).

I simply cannot wait to see what she has in store for her May collection! In the meantime, I’m wearing this blue and white floral dress from her April release non-stop. It is so flattering and I love the ladylike details of the flutter ruffle sleeves and the bow at the waist. I slid on a pair of pink ruffle slides (on sale!) to keep the ruffle theme going and grabbed a straw bag (also love this one!) and was out the door in the most effortless but still chic outfit.

Allison’s ditsy floral print top looked so adorable next to my floral dress.

We both got dressed and realized we were completely matching, ha! It happens so often! The particular floral print of Allison’s top is one of my favorite prints from Rebecca Taylor in a while. It has a lovely antique feel to it. She released the print in a bunch of gorgeous pieces so you can take your pick! I also adore Allison’s white midi skirt… it might look familiar from this springtime post!

Flowers In Charleston:

I get a lot of messages on Instagram about the flowers blooming in Charleston from people trying to time their trips right. Honestly, one of the best parts about Charleston is that there is always something blooming. As each bloom ends, another one begins. This spring kicked off with camellias, then azaleas, then wisteria, now jasmine, and magnolias are just starting to peak out! I also can’t wait for all the crepe myrtle trees to blooms in June. Jasmine season is particularly lovely because the fragrance is gracing the whole city. It really is a dream! If Jasmine is what you’re looking for, then visit Charleston the second half of April and first half of May for peak blooms.