A Gilded Weekend in Newport

I pulled out all of the stops for Salve Regina University's 40th Annual Governor's Ball

Staying in style

Since I have never needed to stay at a hotel in Newport before, I wanted to pick the perfect place.

Earlier this fall, Jess Kirby of Prosecco & Plaid wrote a blog post on her trip to Camden, Maine and she mentioned how she stayed at the Whitehall Inn. I remembered that she had tagged Lark Hotels on one of her Instagram photos from the trip. A few link clicks later, I found out that the hotel group has properties in New England and California, including Gilded in Newport.

A stylish boutique hotel style steps away from Bellevue Avenue fit exactly what I had in mind—it didn't take me long to book my hotel room.

The room I stayed in was located on the first floor by the front desk. I was concerned that I might hear everything and everyone, but it was great—I loved how the smell of freshly baked pastries woke me up in the morning.

Quick Change

I decided to buy different shoes and accessories to go with my dress because I was afraid of being underdressed. I went back to Wish Consignment and bought heels, earrings and a necklace, all of which fortuitously happen to be J. Crew.

Do it up

I ran to Apothecary Newport for a much-needed brow design before making my way to JF3 Salon for my updo. The jewelry I bought at Wish made me second-guess myself about whether I should 1) wear both the necklace and the earrings and 2) style my hair all the way up or half up, half down...

So this is the end result.

Party time

The evening kicked off with a special reception for alumni, parents and friends in McAuley Hall. Everyone enjoyed drinks and hors d'oeuvres sponsored by local restaurants and vendors before Ochre Court opened for the ball.  When we arrived, I didn't realize that alumni were seated on the second floor of Ochre Court overlooking the Great Hall—it was a glamorous perch for sipping champagne and people watching.

I'm slightly surprised that I didn't take any photos throughout the night, but I'm happier to have spent a distraction-free evening chatting with friends and alumni. Governor's Ball is now my new holiday tradition that I hope to share with everyone who wants to spend a wonderful winter weekend in Newport.

Until then...

Exclusive Beauty and Fashion Discounts for Salve Regina Students

With all of the amazing local businesses in Newport, it's hard not to break the bank between the waterfront restaurants and the chic boutiques. Thankfully, most places downtown offer student specials and discounts during the school year, which conveniently falls during the city's "off-season" from the crazy tourist traffic.

In other words, if you're a college student in Newport, small businesses want you.

On Thursday, November 13th, JF3 Salon will be offering Salve Regina students 25% off hair and beauty appointments. Hair appointments must be booked with Brooke, Courtney or Tara to redeem the 25% off discount. Ashley, JF3 Salon's esthetician and beauty extraordinaire, does facials, spray tans and makeup applications with Youngblood cosmetics. 

I've been going to JF3 Salon since last year--Tara is single-handedly responsible for my transformation from Pocahontas (long, dark hair) to "beach bunny" (medium-length, blonde highlights).  I've also gotten several facials with Ashley, my favorite being the Repechage Four Layer Facial with Deep Pore Cleansing. 

This is what my hair looks like now--you should see what it looked before and immediately after...

Then, on Friday, November 14th, Laura Jean Denim Shop will be hosting an all-day shopping event for Salve Regina students:

Even if you're not up for a full-blown makeover, it might be worth at least getting a blowout before the polar vortex lands in Newport. At least if you lose power, your hair will still look and feel fabulous...

Also, don't forget to take advantage of Newport Restaurant Week lunch and dinner specials through Sunday, November 16th! 

Taking a Breather (Sort Of)

Spring break is finally here, but I don't feel like I'll be resting at all. I have to write the bulk of my thesis--which, in all honesty, I haven't really worked on--and I'm still working, as always...

One of the buildings at university--beauty shouldn't be taken for granted

Anyways, I'm excited to be attending the Women's Travel Fest workshop on Sunday and the Spring National College Media Convention next Wednesday through Friday, both in New York City. I'm hoping to have time to go to SoHo and check out the new Ladurée boutique, maybe drift into a moment of Paris nostalgia while eating some macarons... I think as busy as I'll be, it's going to be a great break.

P.S. I got my hair done at JF3 Salon for the first time since post-Paris, I like how it's growing out.

Newport/Narragansett/Wickford: Waking Up Blonde

This week can't be over soon enough--it's been busy and slightly exhausting.

I went to internship on Tuesday and it was the first time Leslie, my manager, and Holly, another intern, had seen my blonde hair. They liked it.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mia on Pinterest

We're promoting our sale items (50% off!) at Gossip, hopefully there will be more markdowns soon!

I'm still getting used to having such a dramatically different look. I absolutely love it, but it's just hard for it to sink in. I curled my hair yesterday, the first time since going blonde, and it looks cute. It's hard to believe two weeks ago I had long, dark hair that went down to my waist...

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Before

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After

JF3, the salon where I got my hair done, is offering a 40% discount on facials until March 31st. My bank account is still in recovery from going blonde (#brokecollegegirlproblems) but the Hydro Boost Seaweed Facial, a 30 minute express facial, looks really tempting at only $27 (originally $48). The Repechage Four Layer Facial with Deep Pore Cleansing is on the pricier side for my budget, but it's still a really good deal at $72 (originally $120).

Source: Uploaded by user via Stacie on Pinterest

To check out the rest of JF3's facials, click here!

The Makeover: Pocahontas Turned Legally Blonde

In the past week and a half, my hair has transformed from being long and dark to short and blonde.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I got my hair cut and styled by Tara at JF3 Salon. I donated one foot of hair.

A few days later, I went back to Tara again to go blonde--I would be lying if I said I wasn't mildly nervous. What if my hair didn't go as light as I wanted it to? What if, by some miracle, it got too light? After the four-hour process was finished--foils, steam, rinse, glaze, rinse again, blow-dry, and style--I couldn't be more pleased.

After my experience with Tara at JF3 Salon, I definitely plan on becoming a regular client. I have never had a salon I regularly go to--the only time I would go to a salon is to donate my hair--so I cannot wait to try out the salon's other services, like blowouts, manicures/pedicures, and makeup applications with Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics.

In the movie Coco Before Chanel, Chanel (played by Audrey Tatou) says "a woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life."

I have never been more ready for change than I am now. Let's go.

Narragansett/Newport/Wickford/Wilton: Post-Nemo and More

Narragansett lost power during the blizzard last Friday. After spending an uncomfortable winter night in Rhode Island, my family and I went back to Connecticut for the day. The car trip, which typically takes 2 hours, was nearly 4.5-5 hours long. The rest stop alone took nearly 45 minutes, because Subway was the only food chain open.

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Nemo, Day 1

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Nemo, Day 2

The university was closed Monday, as well as last Friday, so everybody is fairly disoriented. All of my work has piled up and it's gotten a little overwhelming.

On Tuesday, I stayed late at Gossip for a community event co-sponsored by the I Love Wickford Association and the Wickford Art Association. Each store in Wickford center showcased one piece of artwork by a local artist--Gossip showcased "She's Got It" by Sarah Tallarico.

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Date night

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Yet, in the midst of all the craziness, I was able to get my hair cut today at JF3 Salon in Newport--I donated a foot of hair. I have donated my hair several times before, but I can't seem to remember if this was the fifth, sixth, or seventh time I've donated it.

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Superstorm Nemo has really thrown me even more off track than I was before. Hopefully I'll be better organized and energized after the long weekend.