06 January 2014

Asheville Green

little bit green  little bit green

What is up with this whole waking up at the crack of dawn thing again? I miss being off from work ... It was a good holiday break and I'm sorry to see it end. Despite starting things off with a wretched cold, I managed to visit family and friends in three cities and pretty much spent the past two weeks consuming my weight in carbs.

I did plan a short mid-holiday getaway to Asheville, NC and we did the obligatory day trip to the Biltmore (pricey but I highly recommend it - plus the restaurants on-site are delish!) and pretty much meandered all over town on the rest of the days. I think we hit all the highlights - the Grove Park Inn, downtown and the Tupelo Honey Cafe (bomb-diggity biscuits), Biltmore Village (and even stopped for an apple pie at their super-fancy McDonalds) and the J.Crew Clearance Center in Arden (luckily I didn't find a whole lot there that I wanted, but did snag this sweater).

little bit green  little bit green

We stayed at the Grand Bohemian right next to the Biltmore (luxe and another high recommend) and like the Red Stag restaurant on-site so much we ate there twice. Roaring fire and free hot apple cider in the cozy lobby? Yes, please!

This was my first real trip to NC and I loved the scenery and the little town of Asheville. I am hoping to go back sometime in the spring so I can appreciate the gardens of the Biltmore and maybe do some hiking along the rolling hills. Any recs of places to eat or things to do in the area are appreciated!

little bit green

Coat: Athleta cherry creek (sim, sim)
Sweater: J.Crew tippi (worn here - sim)
Top: F21 bejeweled georgette (worn here - steal, sim, long-sleeved)
Skirt: J.Crew double-serge no.2 pencil (worn here - factory version, deal)
Necklace: GroopDealz (worn here - the original, sim in clear)
Bracelets: C.Wonder initial (sim enameled), Asos (sim set), Yunikelley (sim) & J.Crew (sim)
Shoes: Guess kissani (worn here - sim, deal, stack heel)
Bag: New Look via Asos phoebe (worn here - sim, same look in black)

Some quick camera phone pics of my outfits and some sights in Asheville - including a fantastic shared banana pudding while snuggling in bed!

ash 1 ash 2 ash 3

Coat: J.Crew excursion (worn here - sim, tan, furry)
Sweater: Target (sim, sim, longer)
Pants: Target (sim, deal)
Boots: Born taro (worn here - sim, sim)

ash 4 ash 5 ash 6

Coat: Gap (sim, short, pricey, B&W)
Sweater: J.Crew tippi (worn here - sim)
Top: H&M (worn here - sim, sim)
Pants: Target (sim, deal)
Boots: Keen akita (sim)

ash 7 ash 8 ash 9

Coat: J.Crew excursion (worn here - sim, tan, furry)
Sweater: Pim & Larkin via Piperlime sequin key stripe (sim simpler)
Pants: Banana Republic classic skinny (worn here - sim, steal)
Boots: Born taro (worn here - sim, sim)

61 comments:

  1. love the monochromatic look here with the bright pink shoes, too fun! i've been to asheville once and really enjoyed visiting the city over a long weekend. we went to the mile high swinging bridge, which is about an hour outside of asheville but was quite an experience if you're looking for a little adventure!

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    1. Ooh, that bridge sounds awesome, thanks for the rec, I need to look that up for next time!

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  2. I loved Asheville when we went years ago. We were able to stay at the Grove Park Inn and since my hubby was being super sweet to me, let me have a few hours to go to the spa and indoor water area there. I still dream of going back. We also hit Tupelo Honey and the clearance center!!!

    I love the outfit today, I have a thing for cute embellished shirts under sweaters, something very buttoned up yet kind of sexy secretary. Darling color combo, too!

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    1. There's an indoor water area at the Grove Park? We didn't have time to explore the whole place, but we tried the buffet there and wandered around the main level checking out the gingerbread homes and beautiful scenery.

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  3. super cute! i hope you had a good holiday, Lisa. happy new year! xo

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  4. So fun you got a little trip in, we never go anywhere. I'm not ready for work again either, it's pretty much for the birds.

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  5. Looks like you had some nice time! I am loving the look and how stunning is that color combination? "Offensively' stunning!

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  6. Perfect combination, looks like a seamless dress, but they are separates! Love the coat too!

    Choo Choo
    http://choochooli.blogspot.com

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  7. You look stunning in green! I love how you paired the sweater and skirt together to look like a dress. I've never been to NC but I do have relatives there so I'd love to visit one of these days!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Headband Giveaway!

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    1. Now you have an excuse to go - it's hilly and beautiful there!

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  8. Seriously. What IS up with this whole waking up with an alarm thing? It can go away STAT.

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  9. Your trip looks like it was fab! Love these color combo you're rocking today...I rarely go monochromatic but it's growing on me more and more! Fun pop of color on your feet! =) Have a great day!
    Jenni
    www.foundinmycloset.blogspot.com

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  10. Ooooohhhh, Tupelo Honey Cafe. For real, their Rosemary Peach Lemonade is the nectar of the gods. Yum.

    If you're into breakfast/brunch (which I wholeheartedly am) you need to hit up Early Girl Eatery and Sunny Point Cafe in Asheville too. We also love Wicked Weed Brewery for food and craft beers. Lastly, the dinner at had at the Inn at Biltmore Estate's Dining Room is just one of the best meals I've ever had. Fancy and delicious and beautiful; you feel like you're a Vanderbilt when you eat there.

    We are definitely heading back for Biltmore Blooms, and plan to bring our bikes to ride around the estate!

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    1. Thanks for the links to your Asheville posts - I wish I had more time there because there are a ton of other places I wanted to go to. And definitely back to the Biltmore for spring. We only had time to do lunch at the Bistro in Antler Hill Village and I highly recommend that place. Really good stuff!

      We went to the Wayside Bar & Grille in Biltmore Village one night - really cas neighborhood place, but they make everything. Their peach hibiscus iced tea was pretty fab!

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  11. The sweater & skirt is a perfect match. I love it paired with the unexpected pink shoes and coat! Looks like you had a great time off. Hope work goes well this week!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  12. We visited Asheville last year and I loved it! Since it was a business trip, we were limited on time and didn't get a chance to visit the Biltmore. But we did get to go downtown and wander through the streets for a few hours. I thought it was such a charming town - the French Broad Chocolate Lounge was the highlight!

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    1. We didn't have a chance to go to the French Broad Chocolate place, but it's def on the next to-visit list!

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  13. When you go back to Asheville in the Spring you have to do the food tasting tour (if you have time of course). This tour will allow you to sample food from some of the best restaurants in Asheville and you will get a discount card. If you like Italian one off my favorite restaurants there is called Strada so check it out.

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    1. Thanks for the info - I will need to look that up and try to time my visit just right. Eating is one of my fave parts of traveling! ;o)

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  14. I know what you mean! I was definitely running late this morning. I am in denial that all the "breaks" are done now. :-(

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    1. I know. My company doesn't have an official paid holiday now until Memorial Day - wah! ;o)

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  15. Another blogger stayed at the Biltmore. It looks marvellous. North Carolina has never been high on my places to visit but after all these positive reviews I am now adding it to my list.

    I love this aqua colour and those shoes.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. We happened to be in West TN at the time, so it was a convenient drive over there. Curvy mountainous highways though!

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  16. Love, love your outfits as usual! I'm so glad that you posted that jacket again because I've been looking for it to pop back in my size and it finally was back in a medium today. Sounds like a really fun trip to North Carolina.

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    1. I love this jacket! It's a fleece jacket but shaped like a coat, so it's soft and light-weight.

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  17. I love Asheville so much!! (And your awesome green outfit!) I'm veg and really love Rosetta's Kitchen there. If you like beer, the Wedge is one of my all-time favorite breweries (but best on a sunny, warm day because it's mostly outdoor seating.) Green Man is great, too.

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    1. Thanks for the recs! They will go on the to-visit list for the spring!

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  18. How lovely! Hot apple cider by a fire sounds divine! And yes.. I'm dreaming of another break, too!

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  19. When I was in college right outside of Asheville, I went to Tupelo Honey way more than I should have!
    There are so many great restaurants and so much to see in Asheville! The Grove Park Inn is fantastic in winter. They always have gingerbread houses set up for the public, and that is probably one of my favorite things to go see; my work used to go do that and then eat at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge...yum!

    I'm so glad you got to come experience North Carolina :)
    And you look so darling here! Those shoes with that green is spectacular!

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    1. I need some time to visit some beautiful NC shore too!

      The food at Tupelo Honey - those biscuits sealed it for me, so soft and yum!

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  20. It was so much fun seeing your travels Lisa. The places you stayed were exquisite. What a gorgeous green on you and I love that jeweled collar.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  21. Wow! I think I have never seen you so beautiful! The combination of colours is stunning and your necklace is lovable! You are a really stylish lady!

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  22. I absolutely love Ashville! It is such an eclectic town. You must visit during the Festival of Flowers...it is breathtaking! My husband and I got engaged while staying at the Biltmore for this event. Such fond memories!

    Love your outfit...the shoes are the finishing touch!

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    1. Aw, how sweet, Carla! I def plan on going back during the spring. We didn't get to spend too much time walking the grounds since it was cold and there wasn't much to see this time around. I'd love to just be able to bike the grounds or something.

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  23. Asheville is such a fun place to visit! My husband (then boyfriend) and I spent a week there a few years ago, and Biltmore was definitely the highlight. I also enjoyed trying all the hippie-dippy vegetarian restaurants in town too :)

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  24. Your trip sounds wonderful! I've been to NC, but not Asheville. Your pictures are great!

    Also I know what you mean about getting up at the crack of dawn... It stinks! Today was a rude awakening for me! Your outfit today, as always is gorgeous! I love that necklace!

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  25. I love the monochromatic look! You did it so well with this bold color.

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  26. Oh wow, the places looks awesome! loving your outfits too :)

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  27. Love the bright coat with your monochrome outfit :) Sounds like you had a wonderful time on your travels too :)

    Hope you have a great start to the new year!

    Away From The Blue

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  28. That Gap plaid coat is awesome. I love it. That trip looks like so much fun. And the hotel looks gorgeous.

    I am having trip envy right now.

    Jenni

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  29. Your necklace is absolutely gorgeous...and I love the color combo here!

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  30. Love the all green look on you. It's one colour that's always tricky on me.

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  31. Happy New Year Lisa!! I love the green with the purple pumps. And I'm happy to hear you had a great time traveling!!

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  32. I love the color combo in your first outfit! Those heels are perfection!

    Julia
    Glitterandjuls.com

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  33. Glad you had some lovely holiday travels, and you are looking great in these contrasting shades - such a good pairing.
    Chic on the Cheap

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  34. LOVE THIS POST! YOU LOOK GREAT!

    http://simplysassysstyle.blogspot.com/

    DAWN

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  35. Great post on Asheville! Thank you for stopping by :)

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  36. And here you are, resplendent in green!

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  37. I'm based in the Asheville area. Well more correctly - it's the nearest city to my small town. lol Hubby and I had a good laugh when I read him the part where you called Asheville a small town. lol But then I'm originally from DC so I can see why it seems small compared to other metro areas.

    It really is wonderful country and I definitely think you should do a Spring visit. Nothing like spring hike in the Smokey Mountain National Park. If you enjoy the outdoors I recommend taking a day trip and driving up to Cherokee to see the main part of the park and maybe heading down to Nanatahla for some rafting.

    Check out Doc Cheys for some great Asian food in A-ville. It's a small venue, but awesome. :)

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    1. I can't help it - I grew up in NYC. Atlanta seems like a small town sometimes, haha!

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  38. Lisa, It sounds like such a wonderful week! I love your soft teal outfit with the magenta shoes! I have been admiring that jeweled collar blouse for a long time, I should really try to buy one!
    I also love the statement necklace! Gorgeous. I hope you cold is long gone by now!
    XX, Elle
    http://mydailycostume.com/2014/01/stay-warm-in-a-sapphire-blue-gress/

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  39. Lovely post. And your green outfit made me say: "Oh my!!!" Looks so good on you. Simple but very effective. Well paired with the blouse and necklace. Shoes to die for.
    I take my hat off to you again.
    Greetje

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  40. I have actually been to Asheville for a work trip, back in 2008, and I loved it. I did get to visit some great boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops in my free time. You look gorgeous in this monochromatic look. The necklace & blouse are perfection together.

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