Earlier this month I was invited on a trip to one of my favorite cities, Charleston, South Carolina; to celebrate the spring launch of clothing brand NavyBleu. I have a deep love for the South and went to Charleston many times as a child with my parents. My father was from the Carolinas so they have always had a special place in my heart! Full bonnet and smocked gown, my mom and I would visit and enjoy this beautiful city. My brother and his wife also got married in Charleston, which was the last time I had visited. So when I was invited to shoot for women’s clothing brand NavyBleu and their spring collection on site there I was thrilled. It was a whirlwind 78 hours in Charleston and I loved every minute of it!
Hotel Emeline
I arrived on Sunday afternoon and checked in to Hotel Emeline. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown Charleston and steps to the market. I loved staying at the Emeline because it is just a short walk to King street and south of Broad. The rooms were beautiful and I stayed in the Collectors Suite- one bedroom room. I had a sitting room, bathroom, and king bedroom all to myself. As a mom of four, I cherished every quiet moment in my room. I had room service every morning and enjoyed the coffee and water stations just steps from my room. I walked around that afternoon and had an early dinner at the hotel restaurant Frannie and the Fox. I couldn’t wait to get some sleep that evening since I had been up since 3 a.m. traveling!
Day Two
On day two I got up early and grabbed a coffee at Clerks, which is conveniently located in the Emeline lobby, and went for a walk south of Broad. It was the most beautiful January morning walking down by the water and looking at all of the beautiful historical homes. Of course I walked by Rainbow Row and had to snap a picture of all the pretty houses. That day I shopped up and down King St. with my lifelong friend Emily who lives in Charleston. We dined at 167 Raw for lunch and we shared local oysters, which were amazing! I couldn’t resist ordering a margarita and the crab salad. If you have been to Charleston then you already know how wonderful the food scene is. There is such a love and appreciation for good Southern cuisine in this city and it shows so I knew that for my 78 hours in Charleston, I was sure to be in for great food.
That evening I met up with another friend, Patricia Olsen of Piqued PR for an early dinner at Sorelle. It was a marble dream inside. Just stunning and I had one of the best meals, swordfish piccata. After dinner I turned in early to prepare for a fun day of shooting with NavyBleu with Emily of EmilyOandBows and Morgan Sharlin from SeasideSouthern.
Photo Shoot Day
I headed out to Drybar that morning to treat myself to a blow out, which was wonderful, but mother nature had other plans that day and we had some crazy humidity and rain. We pushed the shoot back to the afternoon. Before the shoot we all met for lunch at Little Palm. This was an old Holiday Inn that was converted into the most adorable hotel and restaurant. We had a great time and lunch was delicious!
After lunch we got ready for the photo shoot. We photographed the new line from Navybleu around Charleston, at Hotel Emeline, and then drove out to the beach. We laughed because we were all midwestern girls at heart and the high of 57 degrees that day in Charleston actually felt warm to us! It was a day full of laughter and connection!
That evening we met up with several other local creators and influencers for dinner at Frannie and the Fox. We all wore Navybleu for the dinner and it was so great to see how everyone styled their pieces differently! They served us the most delicious salads, appetizers, and wood-fired pizzas family style. The food and company were incredible!
I had a wonderful 78 hours in Charleston and shooting the new Navybleu collection around the city of Charleston. It was such a fun experience and I loved connecting with the other ladies who were also shooting with the brand. You can shop some of the new pieces from this gorgeous collection below!
If you’re headed to Charleston this winter or spring and not sure what to pack, my post on what I packed for 30A in February will be useful as the climates are similar.
