New Buffalo Anniversary Trip, Night One

I cannot say enough about how wonderful our anniversary weekend was. (Check out my first ever Belle On Trend post about our wedding!)  We had SUCH a good experience where we stayed, ate and dined/explored! Mike planned this whole weekend himself for us, which was the kindest gift to me ever.  Our first anniversary trip was absolutely fantastic, and I want to recommend the places we went to you. Whether you have an anniversary or birthday approaching, this is a spot for you and your significant other.

This is the deck outside our door at the Lake Country Inn. It is a small hotel, with about 10 rooms, but each is a color. We were in the "red room", not to be confused with REDRUM, haha. It was SO CLEAN and spacious and gorgeous. Everyone we met who worked at the hotel (the owner, his wife, another employee) were just so lovely. They were kind and happy we were there. The other people we ran into who were also staying there were all so friendly. It was awesome.

I LOVE Adirondack chairs. I don't know why, but I have such an affinity for them, particularly colorful ones. When I saw these on the deck, I was sold! 

The Lake Country Inn is walking distance to anything you'd want to do/see in New Buffalo. Staying on the water or marina is much more expensive, but honestly, this was the greatest experience that even if we had more money to spend, I wouldn't choose another location. 

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer. Mike bought me this one down in Florida in March, but linked are the updated patterns.

Earrings: old Stella and Dot, similar here. 

Lips: Stila in Amalfi. 

This is my favorite Lilly Pulitzer dress I've ever worn (and not just because my hubs bought it for me!). It is fit and flare, which is most flattering on my body. It has a half zip back that is stretchy. I needed a size 4 for this, so I sized down from the shift dresses (I am typically a 6 in those). 

Purse: old Banana Republic, similar here.

Wedges: old Lilly Pulitzer (4 years old to be exact! I will always know because I purchased them for my mom and step dad's wedding in July 2012). Updated styles here and here. 

The outdoor/backyard area of the Inn was so peaceful and shady. We loved sitting on the deck to eat our breakfast (which was complimentary, I might add!). 

Bangles: left, old Kate Spade, similar here. Right, bow bracelets (and here) by Kate Spade.

Watch: Michael Kors. Pro-tip about MK watches: both my silver and gold MK watches were purchased during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale in years past. I have had my watches since 2009/2010-- they last forever! I've only replaced one battery on my silver watch. But, definitely wait to get the Michael Kors watches on the #Nsale. Starting very soon (credit card holders had access on July 14), you'll be in Nordies Heaven!

Mrs. neckace: Kate Spade.

Another huge bonus to this dress: POCKETS!!!!!! 

Had to turn the camera on my amazing hubs.

One of the many reasons I am so madly in love with him is his style. He's effortlessly cool, and I love that about him. He bought these gingham pants, and I DIED! STYLISH! 

Sunglasses: Kate Spade.

We walked over to the marina for a spectacular dinner at Bentwood Tavern. I highly, highly, highly recommend their crab salad, guacamole and shrimp (the trio!) as an appetizer! YUM! 

Gorgeous view from dinner. 

Outside the Bentwood Tavern with my love.

The wind kicked up my skirt a little-- haha!

I will say, this dress is shorter than my typical Lilly dresses. However, I usually wear a size 6, so that might have something to do with it. Also, the heels might add to it. 

I was so shocked at how late the sun went down in Michigan! I couldn't believe it was this light out at 9 pm! Mike grew up in Michigan, and he was used to this.  I was really surprised and jealous, haha. I would have loved to play outside as a kid until 9:30 pm!

Gorgeous sunset by the marina. 

Even better view with my MAN! 

Have you ever been to New Buffalo? I had only driven through on a few trips from South Bend to Chicago, stopping at Redamaks (!!!). Thanks to Julie for exposing me to those amazing burgs! It is another must-do-- Velveeta cheese burgers at Redamaks on your way home! More on that in the next installment... ;-)

xxoo

Mary

Ivory and Birch multi-colored dress!

I was so excited to visit Ivory and Birch in Boardman, Ohio, when I was home for my bestie Megan's wedding showers in June. My other bff, Amanda, had gotten me the most adorable mug from Ivory and Birch last year when I was going through some really rough times, and every time I look at it, I am reminded to be strong and courageous. It was the most thoughtful gift, and I love drinking my coffee from it! 

I went in to Ivory and Birch to pick out a dress for Mike's cousin's wedding. I knew it would be an outdoor ceremony and a rustic reception, so I was thinking of something a little more casual. I found THE PERFECT dress. 

The detailing of the cross-front was just a small accent, but it really made the dress unique. 

The colors were amazing, too! 

We absolutely love to take pictures in front of this side of a building in Geneva. I think it's a dog grooming place?! That sells fancy cookies for dogs?! Either way, that teal is a lovely color!

My earrings are old Stella and Dot, but here and here are similar pairs. 

I paired the dress with my best Lilly Pulitzer gold wedges. They're 4 years old (from mom and Gary's wedding in 2012!), but they're still in great shape.

Here and here are the updated LP gold wedges. Extremely comfortable and long-lasting! 

My gold clutch was one I got for Anna's wedding in 2013. It was when Target had a line in conjunction with some designers around Christmas time, 2012. This was Marc Jacobs. I adore this bag!

Similar gold clutches: here, here and here/here-- glittery! 

Michael Kors watch: old, but similar here.

Kate Spade sunnies: here. Other adorable options here or here. 

This tunic dress was the epitome of comfortable. I ate (all) the amazing food at Andrew and Stephanie's wedding without worrying about my food baby protruding. It was flowy but not too oversized! I went with a size small for reference.

Bangles: left top- old Kate Spade- similar here, left bottom- old Charming Charlie's- similar here, right top- old J. Crew Factory- similar here, right bottom- Lat & Lo.

Mike's bowtie was a dream! I had to turn the camera on him to capture it. 

Flamingo bowtie: the Tie Bar. 

Cheer Darling change purse: Kate Spade.  

Maria bought me this change purse, and I use it every time I go out for an occasion. It's perfect for my ID, debit card, cash and credit card. It fits nicely in my small clutches. Also, it's so much easier than bringing my big wallet out and trying to stuff it in an evening clutch. Here's another adorable option!

My forever wedding date! 

He's in gingam pants! MELT! He is so fashionable. One of the thousands of things I love about him.

How beautiful is that sunset? Shout out to our SIL, Lidija, for capturing this one outside the reception venue!

Another highlight of the wedding: Sarah (on the left) is a fellow belle! She graduated with me in 2009 from SMC! We had no idea that her cousin was the bride and Mike's cousin was the groom! Such a small world. And her sister, Kate, is on the right-- another SMICK chick! So happy to see them!

My sisters in law! 

Lidija and Molly :)

Molly and her daughters, my adorable nieces! 

Loved celebrating with them!

Additional bright printed dresses: here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Do you like to wear bright patterns? 

xxoo

Mary

Flowy White Top and Jean Shorts!

I am back from the glorious sunshine and warm temperatures of the Gulf Coast of Florida, and I have to say it is tough to come back to snow in April! We came home to cold rain on Friday, followed by sunshine, wind gusts and SNOW Saturday, and 71 degrees on Sunday! What on earth!?  Sheesh, weather-- get yourself together! 

I wanted to share an outfit from one of our first nights in Florida. This is a super easy, dress-up or dress-down look for warmer weather. 

My top is no longer available at Old Navy, but here and here are two similar options at a very reasonable price point. Here is a more toned-down version, less sleeve-y. Haha! This option is for the most daring dresser! 

My jean shorts: here and here. 

My bag is older Kate Spade, but here, here, here and here are fabulous bow alternatives.

I am head over heels for these Toms wedges. Mine are from about 3 summers ago, but here and here are the updated patterns. They are pure comfort for the summer months!

I LOVE my Stella and Dot necklace from the Miller/Wasulko fam! Thank you so much! It can be worn three ways-- the layers clip off!

The man behind the cam! My better half. 

The flutter sleeve top scared me at first. What if I looked like a moth (as pictured) or a kimono dragon? I took the risk, and I am sure glad I did!

Kate Spade sparkly sunglasses: here. 

J. Crew rhinestone bracelets: here and here. 

Michael Kors watch: here.

Alex and Ani stackable bracelets: here. 

I hope your spring break was as enjoyable as mine! Did you travel anywhere if you had time off? I can't believe the next time I'll see my mom we will be with Baby Boy Connolly!
xxoo
Mary