5 Ways I Make My Home Cozy Year-Round

Although I LOVE to take adventures both close to home and far away, my favorite place to be is in the comfort of my own home. At the end of the day whether after a long work day or day adventuring or of travel, I LOVE getting to come home and cozy up in front of the television with a nice glass of wine. Truly, there is no place like home, whatever time of year it may be. One of the ways I have made my home a place that I adore is by making it cozy. SO, I am going to focus on 5 ways I make my home cozy year-round!

While I have shared plenty of content about my own home decor over the years (including here, here, and here), I won’t be focusing on advice when it comes to decorating your own home. At the end of the day, I’m a firm believer that your home is your sanctuary and that you should make it none other than yours. A home is perfectly your and becomes a comfortable and cozy home when you make it yours and decorate it to your own taste and standards. Rather, I will be focusing here on strategies to make your home cozy year-round. No one else’s home is yours. SO, why not make it uniquely YOU?!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

5 Ways I Make My Home Cozy

1 – A Never-Ending Stock Pile of Candles

Candles truly make my own home that much more cozy!! I am a MAJOR candle sniffer at Home Goods, Target, and any other store that sells them! One of the best ways that I select candles for my own home to make it cozy is to pick candles with scents that I LOVE and can envision myself enjoying on a cozy time at home. Some of my favorite candles include Red Leaf Candles at Home Goods and Amazon (here) and the Peony and Cherry Blossom scented candles at Target (here). There is truly something so great about walking into a room and feeling the yummy candle scents that I LOVE.

2 – A Collection of Colorful Throw Blankets

One of my favorite ways to stay cozy year-round is to cozy up with a nice colorful and warm throw blanket! If you know me in real life, then you probably know that I have a HUGE collection of colorful and warm throw blankets, with my favorites from brands such as Rifle Paper Company (here), Chappy Wrap (here), and Lilly Pulitzer (here). Each of my throw blankets embodies my colorful preppy and grand millennial style, which adds an extra cozy appeal to my own home!

3 – An Essential Oil Diffuser

Alongside having a HUGE stock pile of candles at my fingertips, I also love having a nice essential oil diffuser on-hand. I use the Sparoom Essential Oil Diffuser (similar here) and it has been such a GREAT and affordable investment to my cozy home. Usually, I use my essential oil diffuser in the evenings and when guests are over alongside my candle collection to add an extra cozy appeal!

4 – *Just* A Few Go-To Slippers

Slippers are such a GREAT WAY to feel comfortable and cozy at home year-round. I have a few go-to pairs of slippers including my favorite that I’ve purchased and re-purchased over the last decade from J Crew Factory (here). Nevertheless, I feel so much more cozy on an elevated level whenever I put on a pair of my favorite slippers!

5 – Several Fun Throw Pillows

The final way that I LOVE to make my home cozy year-round is by adding in several fun throw pillows that match my vibe and personality! Personally, I have experience back pain which can be alleviated with a throw pillow on the couch or at my desk chair. One of my biggest tips for throw pillows is that if you have an older or a bit beat up throw pillow from years’ past is to find a pillow cover that matches your style online – Amazon has several great affordable options including those I purchased (here). At the same time, I adore my Furbish pillow (here) and Lilly Pulitzer floor pillow (here). Needless to say, fun throw pillows truly make a home a happy and cozy place!

Wrap-Up

Indeed, a home is a happy place when it is made to be cozy year-round! These 5 ways I make my home cozy year-round bring me SO MUCH JOY and truly make my home my favorite place to be. At the end of the day, I am indeed a homebody despite my love for adventuring. Home is my happy and cozy place and I hope to inspire YOU to make your home a cozy and happy place for YOU, too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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7 Places To Visit in Oahu, Hawaii

Thanks to our incredible host Maxwell, Bryn and I had the amazing opportunity and privilege of seeing the majority of the Hawaiian island Oahu via our 7 days in Honolulu (here). Oahu is the home of Honolulu – Hawaii’s capital and its biggest metropolitan city and business district – as well as several beautiful beaches and unique terrain and flora and fauna. Maxwell graciously drove us around Oahu, showing us ALLL of the beautiful beaches from the North Shore to the West Shore to the Lower East Side and everywhere in between. I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to see so much of one of the many islands in the state of Hawaii, as every island is unique and has its own distinct culture and history (and also within different parts of the islands including Oahu, too). We also spent a gorgeous day on the island of Maui (here). In this post, I will be sharing seven places to visit around Oahu, Hawaii.

While we visited different places around Oahu, Hawaii with Maxwell, if you plan to visit Honolulu and want to sightsee beyond the city, I would highly recommend renting a car. After riding as a passenger amongst the highways of Oahu, I would recommend renting a car and being prepared for a different driving environment than you’re used to back in what locals to Hawaii call the mainland United States. The driving there is a bit stressful and something to prepare for and be ready for. Be prepared and ready for a change driving-wise!

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

7 Places to Visit in Oahu, Hawaii

1 – Nu’uanu Pali Scenic Lookout (Nu’uanu Pali Drive, Kaneohe)

To kick off our time sightseeing around Oahu, Hawaii, Maxwell took us to hike the Nu’uanu Pali Scenic Lookout. Offering panoramic views of Oahu’s Windward Coast, Nu’uanu Pali Scenic Lookout truly takes your breath away and was a lovely introduction to the beauty that Hawaii has to offer! While a brief and easy hike that I did in a dress and sandals, the hike was definitely worth it for the incredible views and being immersed into Hawaii’s local environment view the local flora allll around you. We ran into locals and tourists alike while hiking which made for a fun kickoff to sightseeing around Oahu. As a so-called “Hollywood hiker,” I would do it again any day!

2 – Kualoa Regional Park (49-479 Kamehameha Regional Highway, Kaneohe)

Having a public access beach and regional park for all to enjoy, I first touched the Pacific Ocean at the beaches at Kualoa Regional Park! One of the unique things that I learned while visiting was that the locals enjoy their cooking out at the public and private beaches within their communities as a way to come together. We saw kids playing, families simply being together, and meals being enjoyed while at our Kualoa Regional Park stop – truly a beautiful thing. Besides learning about one of the beautiful aspects of Hawaiian life and culture on Oahu, Bryn and Maxwell and I enjoyed taking in the beautiful beachfront views and terrain behind us. Indeed, Kualoa Regional Park offers BREATHTAKING views at every corner!

3 – Turtle Bay Resort (57-091 Kamehameha Regional Highway, Kahuku)

Situated alongside Oahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort: a Ritz Carlton Resort is a beautiful place to stop for a refreshment as a part of your Oahu adventures! We grabbed cocktails at the resort’s onsite Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill and had the best service (the staff are ultra-kind!) and stunning oceanfront views. Alongside a variety of cocktails and drinks, Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill also offers lunch and dinner items alongside small bites and is open to all guests, including those stopping in and not staying at the resort.

4 – Beaches on Turtle Bay

Right by the Turtle Bay Resort whether onsite or nearby, there are beautiful public access beaches on Oahu’s Turtle Bay situated on the North Shore. When we went it was super peaceful and the water was crystal clear and indeed a dream come true to be at! We all swam in the water and simply enjoyed the beautiful moments!!

Note: While you can (we did!) see sea turtles swimming around at the beaches alongside Turtle Bay, it is important to keep your 10 feet distance from them at all times, according to federal guidelines as stated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (here).

5 – Beaches on the West Shore

Oahu’s North Shore isn’t the ONLY place to see beautiful beaches on the island. Oahu’s West Shore also has some breathtaking beaches to visit, too! A fun fact is that Disney’s Resort Aulani is located on Oahu’s West Shore about an hour away from downtown Honolulu. We stopped at a beautiful beach overlooking terrain and *even* having a cave that the waves would crash into – which was super cool and crazy to see!! The terrain on Oahu’s West Shore is unique and distinguishes itself from Oahu’s North Shore terrain which is also unique in itself. Visiting Oahu’s West Shore taught me the beauty of Hawaii and the differences in life and culture across the island of Oahu.

6 – Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline (8751-9057 Kalanianaʻole Highway, Honolulu)

Even though paved hiking trails are offered at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, we opted to simply stop at a scenic lookout alongside the drive as Bryn and I were to be boarding our flight back home that afternoon. I felt a bit sad as we were leaving Oahu while we visited, but as always, I found myself in awe with the beauty that this scenic shoreline has to offer. Oahu is nothing short of beautiful beaches and getting to see the stunning shoreline views one last time at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline was indeed the icing atop of the cake of an incredible trip!

7 – Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall located just outside of downtown Honolulu. Most notably, Manoa Falls is known as a place of healing. I feel very lucky to say that I got to experience Manoa Falls’ healing powers, myself, and am grateful that I got to (more on that here). Manoa Falls is beautiful and I would recommend bringing the proper shoes to hike it as I 10000% did not – LOL!

Wrap-Up

Oahu is a beautiful Hawaiian island filled with several unique beaches and opportunities to learn about Hawaiian life and culture, whether by the shore or not. Through it all, I am so grateful for the memories that we made jamming out to music in Maxwell’s car amongst the sheer beauty of Oahu. Truly grateful!

Mahalo, Oahu!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Dining Guide

***Please note that this Old Town Alexandria, Virginia Dining Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the historic district’s most up-to-date dining scene. This guide was most recently updated as of November 2025.***

After living as a college graduate and growing up in the Washington, DC area, I have fallen in love with Northern Virginia’s Old Town Alexandria. Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I frequently share my adventures to Old Town Alexandria. Fun fact of the day: Old Town Alexandria, Virginia is the United States’s third-oldest historic district! Alongside Old Town Alexandria’s historical significance, the historic district boasts a robust culinary scene, offering visitors and locals alike extraordinary dining experiences. I feel oh so fortunate to have experienced much of Old Town Alexandria’s dining scene and hence have created a dining guide for YOU. Truly, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Old Town Alexandria!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting The Pink Chickadee.*

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

Old Town Alexandria Dining Guide

Table of Contents 

Planning a Trip?!

Virginia + Washington, DC Gift Ideas

Cafes

Casual Eats

Upscale Restaurants + Bars

Desserts

Planning a Trip?!

Planning a trip or staycation to Old Town Alexandria?! Look no further than Hotels.com & Booking.com to reserve your stay!

Virginia + Washington, DC Gift Ideas 

On the hunt for a Virginia or Washington, DC-themed gift?! I got you covered! Check out my Virginia gift ideas & Washington, DC gift ideas to get inspired.

 

Cafes:

Fontaine Caffe & Creperie (119 South Royal Street) – A gorgeous French-inspired cafe and creperie serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as wine, beer, and cocktails. I have passed by Fontaine Caffe & Creperie on a few occasions and knew I would LOVE dining there before having a wonderful dining experience with my college best friend Hannah when she came to visit from North Carolina. The atmosphere is adorable and the eats and drinks are delicious!

Misha’s (6 Prince Street & 917 King Street) – An independent coffee shop and roaster with two locations in Old Town Alexandria, Misha’s has been serving local coffee and selling their coffee to customers since 1991. Misha’s location on Prince Street has a gorgeous rooftop section that is fun to enjoy in the warmer months (and remains on my bucket list!). One unique aspect of Misha’s is that their variety of coffee beans are on display for customers to see.

Call Your Mother Deli (1300 King Street) – Having several locations across the Washington, DC area and in Colorado, Call Your Mother Deli is a well-known deli and bagel shop and cafe paying homage to its owners’ Jewish roots. Call Your Mother has an adorable branding of pink and teal and has beautiful interiors!

Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee (631 King Street) – A gorgeous Persian-inspired dessert shop and cafe owned by a woman and mother named Lily. Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee is all-things pretty and pink from the flower walls to the chocolate, tea, coffee, and desserts! Indeed, Lily’s is an excellent place to stop for a sweet refreshment while gallivanting the streets of Old Town Alexandria and perhaps snapping a photo, too.

Tatte (515 King Street) – Tatte has several locations across the Washington, DC area as well as the Boston area, however, I ALWAYS forget that there is a Tatte right in the heart of Old Town Alexandria! Tatte is a Mediterranean-inspired cafe selling everything from breakfast and lunch dishes to baked goods and pastries and coffee and tea. Each Tatte location has the most elegant and sophisticated flair and the staff are always ultra-kind and go above and beyond to ensure that each customer has a wonderful experience there. One thing to note about Tatte is that due to its high popularity, locals and tourists alike will flock here in crowds during peak breakfast and lunch times.

Starbucks (100 South Union Street) – While I try to steer clear of sharing chain restaurants like Starbucks in my dining guides, I do want to point out that the specific Starbucks on 100 South Union Street overlooking the Potomac River is pretty unique and a historic site within itself! The Starbucks’s interiors are stone-lined and represent Old Town Alexandria’s historic charm. There is a historic plaque in there to honor this Starbucks’ roots as the once Seaport Inn & Restaurant dating back to 1765. It is definitely my favorite Starbucks location due to its unique history!

Casual Eats:

Daniel O’Connell’s (112 King Street) – Described as a modern Irish pub in an an ancient Irish pub setting, Daniel O’Connell’s boasts live music and traditional Irish delights in a beautiful 2-story restaurant. One of the unique things about Daniel O’Connell’s is that I have on multiple occasions had staff from Irish be my servers, which I find to be super neat and adds to the pub’s Irish pub experience.

Andy’s Pizza (North Fayette Street) – Although I have yet to dine at the Old Town Alexandria location, Andy’s Pizza is truly worth a visit! I dined at the Tyson’s Galleria location and was very impressed. I lived in New Jersey until I was 8 and fell *in love* with New York style pizza as a kid and Andy’s Pizza truly exceeds my expectations.

Upscale Restaurants + Bars:

When dining at any of the upscale restaurants and bars in Old Town Alexandria, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance. Most restaurants in Old Town Alexandria take reservations and is a great way to plan in advance, as they are pretty popular and do get pretty busy especially during the weekends and even on the weeknights. Many of these restaurants also have happy hour which can be a fun way to enjoy an upscale restaurant at a fraction of the cost, however, I do recommend getting there as soon as it starts *even* on a Monday or Tuesday and checking the restaurant’s website beforehand and planning accordingly. The bottom line: be sure to check out the restaurant’s website before dining there!

Josephine (109 South St. Asaph Street) – Known for the “happiest hour in Old Town,” Josephine is a multi-level elevated and elegant French restaurant. Josephine is indeed the place to go for any kind of celebration and is my go-to special occasion restaurant in all of Old Town Alexandria! This French restaurant has the most stunning Parisian-inspired interiors and serves all-things French cuisine and drinks. One of my most special memories at Josephine is celebrating my 25th Birthday there and the staff bringing out complimentary dessert and champagne alongside sparkling cider for my friend who doesn’t drink and indeed making us feel like royalty the entire time! The people who work at Josephine truly go above and beyond to make every diners’ experience there unforgettable.

Vermillion (1120 King Street) – Committed to supporting the growers, families, farmers, purveyors, and watermen across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region, Vermillion honors the work of those locally with their curated menus that change with the seasons. Vermillion offers two settings and menus, making it the perfect spot for a casual dinner or brunch, celebratory occasion, or happy hour. Upstairs, Vermillion has a wine room with its walls lined with wines from vineyards across the Mid-Atlantic where they also host specialty wine tastings and events throughout the year.

Old Hat Bar (112 N St. Asaph Street) – Opened in 2021 in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Old Hat Bar has since become a local night life staple and a great place to enjoy a drink, whether it be a specialty cocktail or a glass of wine or beer, and some light bites.

Indochen (1615 King Street at the Hyatt Centric) – Proudly serving comfort Indian-Chinese food, Indochen serves both Indian and Chinese cuisine favorites alongside a wonderful onsite cocktail bar. Founded by Chef Ram Thapa, an accomplished chef from Nepal, Indochen takes on the Chef Ram’s Nepalese roots from the heart and soul of his grandmother’s kitchen.

Thompson Italian (1024 King Street) – With delicious menus curated by Gabe and Katherine Thompson, Thompson Italian opened their second location in Old Town Alexandria a few years ago. Thompson Italian serves delicious and unique Italian dishes and offers fun food + wine tastings and a Monday Happy Hour deal of a $30 pasta bowl and a glass of wine!

Barca Pier & Wine Bar (2 Pioneer Mill Way) – Dining at Barca is a literal experience in itself! Located on a pier on the Potomac River via Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront (minus a small bar section inland!), Barca Pier & Wine Bar serves Spanish tapas and drinks for all to enjoy. Barca has become a family (and friend!) favorite spot of ours over the past few years, as we’ve celebrated birthdays and other celebrations as well as simply going for a good time together. It truly is our go-to Spring/Summer restaurant! I highly recommend dining at Barca and timing your reservation for when the sunset is on the day you plan to go — you will NOT regret it!!

Mia’s Italian Kitchen (100 King Street) – Mia’s Italian Kitchen is definitely a fan favorite of mine! Not only does Mia’s Italian Kitchen have an excellent and affordable happy hour, but it also has a delicious vast lunch and dinner menu including pizza by the slice and a rotating gelato menu for dessert. Each time I’ve dined at Mia’s, the staff truly make it a great experience, too.

Ada’s On The River (3 Pioneer Mill Way) – Named after Ada Lovelace – the founder of computer programming and a pioneering woman in STEM, Ada’s On The River offers delicious eats on the Potomac River. Everything on the menu at Ada’s is wood fired, from the French fries to the seafood and steak and everything in between, making it uniquely delicious! The scallops and French fries are my FAVORITE. Every time I dine at Ada’s, the staff treats us all like royalty and the views and food are impeccable!!

Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge (101 North Union Street) – Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge is located alongside the Potomac River with sections both indoors and outdoors. In the Summer months, Vola’s also offers alongside their outdoors section cocktail stand where people can grab a drink and walk alongside the nearby pier and waterfront park. One of the beautiful things about Vola’s is that it’s named after and pays tribute to Vola D. Lawson: the Washington, DC area’s first female city manager. I will say that the staff at Vola’s is ultra-kind and I have had some of THE BEST crab here!

The Majestic (911 King Street) – Housed in a 1932 established theatre, The Majestic offers an intimate and sophisticated feel *just* as if you walked into a mashup of a jazz club and vibrant art gallery combined from decades prior. The Majestic specializes in modern comfort food combined with its vintage interior charm. The staff at The Majestic indeed ensure that all diners feel like royalty when eating there and you truly feel as if you’ve been transported back in time!

Virtue Feed & Grain (106 South Union Street) – Housed in a 1800s feed and grain warehouse, Virtue Feed & Grain is named for its heritage and serves delicious American eats. Virtue Feed & Grain has endured flooding over the centuries, including during Hurricane Isabel in 2005. Yet, Virtue Feed & Grain has truly stood the test of time and has served diners over the years and continues to do so. It is even occasionally a spot during an Alexandria ghost tour (depending on which tour operator you use)! Read more in-depth on Virtue Feed & Grain in my blog post here.

Sisters Thai (503 Montgomery Street) – Located in Old Town North with multiple locations and sister restaurants across the Washington, DC area, Sisters Thai is a delicious Thai restaurant in a gorgeous atmosphere. Immediately when I walked into Sisters Thai, I was IN AWE by its gorgeously fun and floral environment!

Landini Brothers Restaurant (115 King Street) – A family favorite restaurant of ours, Landini Brothers Restaurant is a lovely celebratory and upscale Italian restaurant. The interiors are lined with cobblestone walls honoring its building’s historic Old Town Alexandria charm and makes it so much more cozy and the perfect gathering place for a celebration! Not to mention the fact that the food and wine are AMAZING and the staff there are ultra-kind and welcoming.

Hank’s Oyster Bar (818 North St. Asaph Street) – Located in Old Town North and being one of a couple of Hank’s Oyster Bar locations across the Washington, DC area, this seafood restaurant is known for its delicious eats and drinks.

Vaso’s (1118 King Street) – With all dishes prepared by Chef Vaso Voliotis, Vaso’s provides guests with the ultimate and authentic Greek fine dining experience. Alongside high-quality Greek dishes, Vaso’s also has a wonderful happy hour that is *even* served on Saturday afternoons.

The Cooper Mill (10 Duke Street) – The Cooper Mill is housed in a Civil War era warehouse that has been repurposed for the first time since being a warehouse. Serving AMAZING pizza by the slice, garlic knots, cocktails and beer and wine, alongside a DELICIOUS chocolate peanut butter cake, The Cooper Mill has IT ALL! The staff at this newly opened Old Town Alexandria restaurant are ultra-kind and it is ALWAYS busy. It is worth noting that The Cooper Mill does not take reservations at this time and will soon be opening up their second floor seating, including some outdoor seating for the warmer months.

Good Fortune Rooftop Bar (699 Prince Street) – Located on the rooftop of the recently-opened Hotel Heron, Good Fortune Rooftop bar is the highest rooftop bar in all of Old Town Alexandria! Guests can take in the STUNNING views of the Potomac River, Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and Old Town Alexandria from up above. As of July 2024, Good Fortune only offered a drink menu, but I am hoping to dine at their onsite restaurant, The Kiln, at some point!

Desserts:

Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. (109 King Street) – When it comes to ice cream shops, Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. is an Alexandria, Virginia staple! This long-time running ice cream parlor has been serving sweet tooth’s both near and far on King Street and boasts a super fun vintage atmosphere.

Kilwin’s (212 King Street) – I don’t like posting too many chain restaurants on my dining guides, however, I adore Kilwin’s for *none other than* ice cream and fudge wherever I may be, including in Old Town Alexandria! The staff at this Kilwin’s location are also pretty kind, too.

Dolci Gelati (107 North Fairfax Street) – Offering free samples and delicious gelato and coffee, I had an amazing time and will be coming back for more gelato at Dolci Gelati! It’s location is in close proximity to Market Square – the heart of Old Town Alexandria’s downtown and home to the historic Alexandria City Clerk and Clerk of Council Building alongside several town events and festivities and the weekly farmers market – making it a perfect stop along an Old Town Alexandria walking journey!

Wrap-Up:

Old Town Alexandria is one of my FAVORITE places to dine out at! Not only is there a vast array of cuisines at a variety of price points for all to enjoy, but it is also a welcoming place and each of my dining experiences there have been nothing short of fantastic. Truly, what makes Old Town Alexandria Old Town Alexandria is the people who live and work there and make it as magnificent as it is!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Visiting the Washington National Zoo’s Giant Pandas Guide

***Please note that this Visiting the National Zoo’s Giant Pandas Guide was written and contains the most up-to-date information as of October 2025. This most will be updated and re-circulated periodically when applicable.***

THE PANDAS ARE BAAAACCKKK!!!! At Washington, DC’s National Zoo over the decades, seeing the giant pandas have become a popular attraction to visitors from all across the world. Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I shared that I recently went to meet and welcome the new-to-Washington, DC National Zoo giant panda duo: Bao Li and Qing Bao. While it was such an exciting experience to meet Washington, DC’s newest panda residents, it was also quite a memorable experience, too. This blog post is going to focus on guiding YOU through your own experience to meet Bao Li and Qing Bao! Check out this guide on visiting the National Zoo’s giant pandas.

Visiting the Washington National Zoo’s Pandas Guide

Since Bao Li and Qing Bao made their grand entrances in the nation’s capital, I have been fortunate enough to visit them not once but twice. The first time, I went solo in February 2025 during their first few weeks in Washington, DC and with my college best friends Hannah and Alanna when they came to visit in late March 2025 during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Please note that my guide is based off of both of my experiences visiting the giant pandas at the National Zoo.

About + History of the National Zoo’s Pandas:

The National Zoo has been gifted a duo of giant pandas since February 1972 when former President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon visited China. On their Presidential visit to China (which was a historical visit and moment in itself), First Lady Pat Nixon fondly described the pandas to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. In response to Mrs. Nixon, Premier Zhou Enlai gifted a duo of pandas to the United States for all to see and meet at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. And, on April 16, 1972, a notable giant panda day in history went down as the first-ever giant pandas duo Hsing-Hsing and Ling-Ling were introduced at the National Zoo. To this very day, the giant pandas at the National Zoo, while they bring so much love and joy to us all, are a symbolic reminder of the friendship between the United States and China.

Ways To Give Back:

If you LOVE pandas, then there are several ways to support them whether it be at the National Zoo or beyond. One of the best ways to support the National Zoo’s giant pandas, whether you visit or not, is to give back. There are a variety of ways to do so, including becoming a National Zoo member to support conservation efforts, Shop panda merch online, Give to a conservation fund, or visit the giant pandas at the National Zoo (a free way to show your support!). For more information on all of the ways to give back to support pandas, then look no further than here.

In addition to monetary support and visiting the pandas, the National Zoo also hosts various events throughout the year. Although no zoo animals are on display, every holiday season the National Zoo hosts its annual ZooLights where all proceeds from ticket purchases go towards animal conservation efforts. There are also other several events in addition to ZooLights that the National Zoo hosts where you can support conservation efforts throughout the year.

Getting There:

Street Address: 3001 Connecticut Avenue, Northwest

The National Zoo has a unique location in Washington, DC! It is located in the Woodley Park neighborhood just a few blocks away from the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station on the Red Line. From major Metro stations such as Metro Center and Gallery Place, visitors can transfer to and from other Metro lines to the Red Line and take the Red Line train from Metro Center/Gallery Place towards Shady Grove. It is also worth noting that the National Zoo does have parking onsite at an additional cost for a flat rate of $30/vehicle. See more information on getting there here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit/parking-directions

Admission:

The giant pandas have been at the National Zoo and loved by so many people since 1972. The Washington National Zoo is apart of the Smithsonian Institution – research institution and group of museums and institutions many of which are in Washington, DC lining the National Mall – meaning that it is FREE for all guests to visit. One thing to note about the National Zoo is that all visitors must reserve a timed-entry pass online in advance upon entering. All visitors will have to go through a security checkpoint and show their tickets upon entry. Click here to reserve a free entry pass by date.

My Experience:

Overall, getting to meet Bao Li and Qing Bao was a MAJOR treat (!!!!). The signage at the National Zoo to go meet the giant pandas is pretty well-marked and leads you amongst the crowds to go and welcome them. However, I will note that since many people are coming to see the pandas to be prepared for heavy crowds and some stand-still moments while waiting to see them. According to the signage at the National Zoo, giant pandas eat approximately 16 hours a day, which means that they will potentially be chilling inside adorably chomping on some bamboo. The giant pandas were, in fact, chomping on some bamboo when I went to see them. Hence, Bao Li and Qing Bao were in the indoors section eating, making it a bit confusing to go and see them. The indoors section of the giant pandas section is crowd controlled and it takes some walking to get there. Being fully transparent that there weren’t a bit of staff there to guide us, which made all of us in the crowd initially a bit confused. However, once I realized that I had made it to where the pandas were, my utter confusion went away and getting to meet Bao Li and Qing Bao was SOOO worth it all!!

Tips:

  • The last admittance into the National Zoo is 3pm in the Winter season and to see the giant pandas will be a bit earlier. The gates of the National Zoo’s entryways WILL close at 3pm during the Winter hours. Plan to arrive by 1-2pm at the latest. Be sure to look up the National Zoo’s hours and plan accordingly as they do vary per season.
  • Arrive as early as possible, as the crowds do get bigger the closer you get to 3pm. I left the National Zoo around 2pm and there was a big crowd of people and a line at the entryway. At that time, the National Zoo had also reached their capacity for the day of allowing visitors to come in if they did not reserve a timed-entry pass upon arrival. Those guests were turned away.
  • It may be confusing when it comes to where the pandas are at the time that you visit. Sometimes, the pandas are outside and sometimes they are inside. It can get rather confusing, but be patient and follow the crowds no matter how overwhelming they may get.
  • Be sure to reserve that free entry pass in advance! Chances are if you arrive early enough, you may be able to still reserve that entry pass at the security checkpoint, however, you may not be able to. It is worth noting that free entry passes are available all throughout the day of the date that you select it for.
  • Be ready for crowds and simply follow them to get to see the giant pandas. Yes, *even* if it is crowded and confusing and agonizing, you’ll get there. Don’t worry and wait it out!
  • To avoid the crowds, it is suggested to go in the morning on a weekend when doors open or on a weekday especially in the off-season. It is worth noting that Peak travel season such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival and Summer will bring in more crowds.

And, last but not least, be sure to check out the ADORABLE … Panda Cam! The Panda Cam is live daily from 7am-7pm and a pre-recorded version will be shared the 12 hours in between. Check it out here!

Wrap-Up:

The giant pandas at Washington, DC’s National Zoo are the only place where visitors can see giant pandas for free. That all makes visiting the National Zoo’s giant pandas such a privilege! Truly, the giant pandas bring me and the world so much joy and have a beautiful meaning behind them: friendship despite our differences in this ever-evolving world.

XOXO – Katie <3

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Dublin, Ireland Travel Guide

It may be 10 months after my trip to Dublin, Ireland and I am *finally* getting around to writing my final post here about my first-ever and amazing 8 day solo trip to Ireland. Throughout my 8 days in Ireland, I spent it all in the country’s capital city of Dublin which I chose to make my home base. Dublin holds such a happy place in my heart and I am SOOO excited to share with y’all more about my time there!

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Dublin, Ireland Travel Guide

Getting There:

To get to Dublin from Washington, DC, there are luckily a few great direct flight options. The major airport in Dublin is Dublin Airport. To my knowledge, both United Airlines and Aer Lingus (an Irish-owned and run airlines!) offer frequent direct flight options out of Washington, DC’s Dulles International Airport (IAD). My dog Rosie’s dog walker is from Ireland and highly recommended Aer Lingus to me, given her experiences, and I was highly impressed! Personally, I loved being on a smaller plane for a Transatlantic flight via Aer Lingus and getting to enjoy Irish flair to/from Ireland. At the same time, the flights offered on Aer Lingus are reasonably priced and offer several flight connection options to/from Dublin, too. Currently, I am on Aer Lingus’s email list and am constantly getting updates on the Irish airline’s sales which I suggest anyone interested in traveling to Ireland signs up for to get the insider scoop on! Alongside Washington, DC, Aer Lingus offers several frequent direct flight options to/from many major United States cities, such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.

One of the unique aspects of the travel experience in and out of Ireland is that Ireland is one of a few if not the only European country that offers the United States customs in all of their airports in Ireland. Upon arrival at all Irish airports upon departure to the United States, all passengers go through airport security and wait in the duty-free shopping section upon being called via a timed entry given flight times to go through United States customs. All passengers flying to the United States will go through airport security and then United States customs and will be given their gate number once they go through United States customs and can then go to their gate and board their flight across the Atlantic. Indeed, doing United States customs before boarding my flight back to the United States was SO nice and such a stress relief! At the same time, this process gave me more time to relax on the flight home and enjoy time being reunited with those that I love.

Where I Stayed:

While in Ireland, I was initially going to stay in Dublin and Galway, but once I landed in Ireland, I made the executive decision to make Dublin my home base for the entire trip. Hence, I spent 8 days in Dublin, Ireland! That all being said, logistically speaking, I switched hotels a couple of nights into my trip as it made the most sense financially for me to do so. 

In addition to the hotels I stayed at, there are several lodging options within Dublin!


 

Castle Hotel – My first two nights, I stayed at the elegant Castle Hotel. It’s conveniently located just off of one of Dublin’s main streets: O’Connell Street. The Castle Hotel is essentially a grand millennial’s paradise! The hotel’s Georgian-inspired flair offers an interiors filled with antiques galore alongside an onsite The Castle Vaults Bar & Restaurant (more on that below!) as well as a high tea in the afternoons which guests must reserve in advance. Complimentary breakfast (both buffet style and traditional Irish breakfast) is offered to guests each morning. If I were to come back to Dublin, I would recommend you make the Castle Hotel your home the entirety of your trip, given its plethora of offerings and sheer grand millennial elegance!

Hotel St. George by Nina – My second hotel where I stayed for the remainder of my trip was Hotel St. George by Nina. The hotel’s lobby has a truly elegant appeal with an onsite breakfast bar at an additional cost to guests. I had a room with a huge window facing O’Connell Street, which made it a great location to be. Compared to The Castle Hotel, while a nice location and a cheaper price, the amenities weren’t as great and due to its major street location it got pretty loud at night making it tough to fall asleep. That all being said, there are benefits and costs to any hotel!

What I Did (in Dublin):

St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Founded in 1191 as a Roman Catholic Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a magnificent cathedral, serves as the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The interiors and exterior alongside the surrounding gardens of this almost-1,000 years’ old cathedral are seriously worth visiting! Visitors can attend a show, worship via a Sermon, or book a ticket to experience and tour the cathedral’s interiors.

Trinity College – With notable alumna such as Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, and Willam Rowan Hamilton, Trinity College is a research university founded in Dublin on March 3, 1592. To this very day, Trinity College is an active college and research institution where students still live and learn and study at. The campus grounds are free to walk and attract tourists from all across the world (alongside its student body and staff and faculty!). One of the most notable attractions visitors can pay to see is the Book of Kells Experience (I write about it more in-depth here). It is worth noting that visitors must reserve their prepaid ticket to the Book of Kells Experience in advance as they do not accept walk-in’s.

Stroll Georgian Row – An activity I was REALLY looking forward to while in Dublin was strolling Georgian Row to see *none other than* the iconic colorful doors of Dublin (!!!!). Georgian houses have the Georgian architecture that is prominent all across Dublin. Georgian Row is the longest stretch of Georgian houses that runs from the corner of Merrion Square all the way to Leeson Street Bridge. Let’s just say that Georgian Row is GREAT for photos and for highlighting the many beautiful and unique doors of Dublin!

Christ Church Cathedral – Christ Church Cathedral was founded circa 1030 in Dublin, Ireland and was formally known as The Cathedral of The Holy Trinity. Almost 1,000 years later, Christ Church Cathedral serves as a magnificent part of Ireland’s heritage and offers visitors the opportunity to tour its grounds, worship via a Sermon, or host their own event. Although I didn’t get a chance to tour this time around, I would definitely add Christ Church Cathedral to the top of my list for my next trip to Dublin!

Dublin Castle – Located on Dublin’s Dame Street, Dublin Castle is an Irish government complex, conference center, and nowadays tourist attraction. Dublin Castle opened its doors in 1204 and still stands today in its original glory. The interiors of Dublin Castle’s exhibits offer a tribute to Ireland’s history, including highlighting its female leadership and remains a grand millennial’s paradise through showcasing gorgeous pristine antiques from centuries’ past. Guests can reserve timed entry tickets in advance.

Stroll St. Stephen’s Green – One of Ireland’s most well-known public parks, St. Stephen’s Green has served as the setting for numerous turbulent times within Ireland’s history. Most notably, St. Stephen’s Green is where the 1916 Easter Monday Rising took place when the Irish Citizen Army attempted to overthrow the then-governing powers of Great Britain. Today, St. Stephen’s Green is a gorgeous park to stroll through to admire local flora and fauna and be reminded of how far the nation of Ireland has come over the centuries.

What I Did (Beyond Dublin):

Throughout my time in Dublin, I used Dublin as a home basis to explore other parts of Ireland. Ireland is actually the size of the state of South Carolina in the United States. Hence, traveling from one end of Ireland and back is pretty doable to do within a day trip’s reach. I am so grateful that my 8 days in Dublin, Ireland offered me the opportunity to visit other parts of the Emerald Isle. Moreover, feel free to check out where else I visited beyond Dublin more in-depth below:

I’ve also compiled a list of car-free day trips to take around Ireland from Dublin.

Where I Dined:

The Winding Stair (40 Ormond Quay Lower) – Located above its *very own* downstairs bookshop (more on that below!), The Winding Stair overlooks Dublin’s River Liffey and serves delicious eats. The Winding Stair’s menu and bar is small but curated to perfection and was one of my favorite meals during my time in Dublin. Whether or not you choose to dine here and climb up its windy stairs to do so, I highly suggest checking out The Winding Stair Bookshop. I will also note that The Winding Stair is a bit of a splurge even for lunch when I went, however, my meal was SO GOOD I would make sure I dined there on my next trip to Dublin!

Murray’s Bar (33-34 O’Connell Street Upper) – Probably my FAVORITE pub in all of Dublin! Murray’s was coincidentally located just a block away from each hotel I stayed at making it the perfect hangout spot for a delicious Irish meal. Each time, I would *always* order a Guinness and usually some fish n’ chips aka my favorite traditionally Irish (and English!) meal! Typically, I’d pop up a chair right at the gorgeous bar and listen to some live music and talk with fellow visitors and locals, alike. The interiors of Murray’s are stunning and filled with gorgeously stained glass windows. The best part besides LOVING Murray’s and making it my go-to spot?!?! My Uncle James also unknowingly that I did the same thing made his go-to spot Murray’s when he went to Dublin a few months later!

Temple Bar Pub (47-48 Temple Bar) – Known for its live music and rich history as one of the most popular pubs in Dublin, Temple Bar Pub is one of the most famous pubs in all of the Irish capital. Temple Bar Pub is coincidentally located in Dublin’s Temple Bar neighborhood and is truly the heart and soul of it. Here, I had a good time hanging at the bar, enjoying a Guinness, and taking in the fun historic pub known for a good time.

Flanagans Restaurant (61 O’Connell Street Upper) – Given that Flanagan is a family name, I knew I *had* to dine at Flanagans Restaurant when I passed by it on my first night in Ireland. While definitely popular with tourists, I found this restaurant to be highly organized and efficient, however, I would suggest dining elsewhere for better meal quality and lower cost.

Starbucks – College Green (1 College Green) – As a MAJOR Starbucks lover and at least once a week goer, I had to try out a Starbucks while in the Emerald Isle! I fueled up at the Starbucks on College Green, as I was severely combatting jet lag during my first morning in Dublin via stumbling upon it while strolling. I was IN AWE at the huge variety of options to choose from when it came to baked goods, coffee, sandwiches, and more. Not to mention the fact that the ingredients are all well-made and fresher due to Europe’s stricter food chemical regulations. I highly recommend visiting a Starbucks abroad, as it’s truly a taste of home in case you feel home sick and *of course* for the experience! See all Starbucks locations in Dublin here.

The Castle Vaults Bar & Restaurant (1-4 Gardiner Row) – Located on the lower level of the Castle Hotel, the Castle Vaults Bar & Restaurant is amazing! The restaurant offers live music during dinner hours alongside a delicious menu. I came here for dinner on my second and final night at the Castle Hotel and would totally dine here every night if I ever come back to Dublin and stay at the Castle Hotel (which would be my first hotel choice!). I was able to chat with several fellow travelers from all across the United States, including somebody also from the Washington, DC area! Truly, that meal was a memorable night alongside the amazing salmon I had!!

Yamamori (38 Ormond Quay Lower) – I stumbled upon Yamamori after a long bus ride from Galway after my day trip to Connemara. Personally, I am a HUGE Asian cuisine fan and was missing Asian cuisine while in Europe, so I was excited to have some abroad! Yamamori truly did not disappoint and seriously brought me so much joy to enjoy after a long day away from Dublin!

Dunne and Crescenzi (14-16 Frederick Street South) – Like many of the restaurants previously mentioned, I *again* stumbled across Dunne and Crescenzi after I was strolling through Dublin’s Georgian Row and got a bit … hangry. Let’s just say that this delicious Italian meal with wine was light and truly hit the spot. The staff here were extremely friendly and the restaurant’s interiors were small yet elegant and transported you to a restaurant in what felt like an urban Italian wine shop.

Restaurant Six (6 Cavendish Row, O’Connell Street Upper) – I knew I wanted to dine at Restaurant Six when I saw its lovely menu outside of the nearby hotel to both of mine: Cassidys Hotel. I ordered a gnocchi and it was AMAZING! The vibes were sheer elegance as well as the meal. Truly a delight and one of my favorites on this trip!

The Church Cafe, Late Bar & Restaurant (Jervis Street, North City) – Located in a former church converted to a restaurant, The Church Cafe is known for its delicious eats, drinks, and live music. I ended up coming here for an espresso martini at the bar, since it was super crowded and tough to get a table and let me tell y’all that it was SO WORTH IT! To be able to dine in a former church like I did in Louisville, Kentucky (here) is such a neat experience while at the same time enjoying live traditional Irish music. What a wonderful experience and place to enjoy a martini!!

Where I Shopped:

Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street) – Dating back to 1723 as a co-operative weaving mill on the banks of Ireland’s Avoca River, Avoca has since become an Irish-based and Irish-made shop selling clothing, home goods, and several weaved items. I came across Avoca while strolling the shops alongside Dublin’s well-known shopping street – Grafton Street – and fell *in love* with the grand millennial merchandise is all of the windows. I *of course* popped into the storefront and fell in love with ALL that I saw. After internally debating, I ultimately came home with a new pair of Irish-made pajamas that I adore!

The Winding Stair (40 Ormond Quay Lower) – The Winding Stair bookstore lives on the lower level of the winding stairs below the restaurant that I dined at and wrote about above while in Dublin. It is one of the oldest surviving independent bookstores in the city and focuses on being a creative outlet for its readers and visitors, alike. The Winding Stair bookstore focuses on Irish writers and literature, which is SO neat to see and learn more about as a visitor.

Wrap-Up:

I still almost feel like crying when I remember the plane landing in Dublin as this city remains the place where I had my first-ever solo trip! Truly, Dublin and all of Ireland is and will always be a special place. The people of Dublin and beyond are some of the kindest, most welcoming people that I have ever met. Ireland is an incredible country and Dublin truly is at the heart of it all boasting much of the nation’s history, culture, and heritage.

Until next time, Dublin!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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What I Wore to Work – January 2025

Starting off with a snow storm and ending with a whirlwind of meetings and changes, January 2025 definitely started off with a bang. Being honest over here, I definitely felt a bit stir crazy as a result of the month-long snow storm and freezing temperatures here in the Washington, DC area. In-person plans were definitely put on hold for a lot of the month of January alongside a long weekend trip to Raleigh, North Carolina cut short due to the weather conditions. I *also* learned that these extra cold temperatures which we experienced this past month caused me to feel a bit under the weather, too. At the same time, the month-long of January was pretty busy work-wise with tons of meetings and tasks to kick off the year. The biggest lesson I learned during January 2025 was the need to adapt, grow, and evolve when it is necessary and to do so with grace.

January 2025’s work outfits were definitely cozy and bright, despite the busy and freezing season that it was. I am a full supporter of dressing bright and bubbly during ALL seasons of the year, not just in the warmer months. I still haven’t forgotten that meme from 2022 about getting out my bright Fall clothes and putting away my bright Summer clothes – LOLLL – and think it reigns true during this January 2025 workwear month! Surprisingly though despite being ready for the warmer weather months and Washington, DC’s Cherry Blossom Festival, I am NOT ready to put away the Winter clothes and am enjoying styling some Winter workwear and outfits while I still can.

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Lounge Set: Sea & Salt; Cardigan: Talbots; Earrings: Kate Spade; Slippers: Splendid
Lounge Set: Amazon; Wrap: Walmart; Earrings: Kate Spade; Necklace: Kendra Scott
Blouse: Vintage; Scarf: Adore Alma; Sunglasses: Tuckernuck; Crossbody: Mark & Graham; Pants: Chaps; Bracelets: Amazon; Flats: Burberry
Sweater: Lilly Pulitzer; Skirt: Vineyard Vines; Jacket: Fabletics; Earrings: J Crew Factory; Bow: TJ Maxx; Leggings: Shapermint; Boots: Hunter; Necklace: Kendra Scott; Handbag: Louis Vuitton
Pullover: Vineyard Vines; Sweatpants: Crown & Ivy at Belk; Headband: Lilly Pulitzer; Slippers: Splendid; Bracelets: The Inspiration Co, The Little Words Project, & All She Wrote Notes
Top: J. McLaughlin; Pants: Chaps; Vest: TJ Maxx; Necklace: Talbots; Boots: LL Bean; Bracelets: Amazon
Sweater: Amazon; Vest: J Crew Factory; Leggings: Spanx; Headband: Lele Sadoughi; Slippers: J Crew Factory
Sweater & Headband: Lilly Pulitzer; Leggings: Shapermint; Earrings: All She Wrote Notes; Bracelets: Amazon
Jacket: Talbots; Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg; Scarf & Flats: Burberry; Leggings: Shapermint; Earrings: Lilly Pulitzer; Bracelets: Amazon & J Crew Factory; Necklace: Amazon; Bag: Louis Vuitton
Cardigan: Vintage; Pants: Issac Mizrahi; Earrings: J Crew Factory; Bracelets: Amazon; Flats: Kate Spade
Sweatshirt: Amazon; Sweats: Juicy Couture; Earrings: Kate Spade
Sweatshirt: Lilly Pulitzer; Scarf: From Ireland; Leggings: Shapermint; Earrings & Necklace: Kendra Scott; Slippers: Splendid
Dress: Ralph Lauren; Blazer: LOFT; Necklace: J Crew Factory; Bracelets: Amazon; Leggings: Shapermint; Boots: Lucky Brand
Sweater & Necklace: J Crew; Earrings: Kate Spade; Pants: Vintage; Flats: Vivaia; Bracelets: J Crew Factory & Amazon
Jacket: J Crew; Sweater: Calvin Klein; Pants: Smith & Quinn; Earrings: All She Wrote Notes; Headband: Lele Sadoughi x Lilly Pulitzer; Bag: Louis Vuitton; Flats: New Bella
Jacket: Amazon; Blouse: Karl Lagerfeld; Leggings: Shapermint; Earrings: Lilly Pulitzer
Blouse & Headband: Lilly Pulitzer; Pants: Isaac Mizrahi; Flats: Kate Spade
Sweatshirt: Amazon; Sweatpants: Crown & Ivy at Belk; Necklace: Kendra Scott; Headband: Simply Southern; Tote: LL Bean; Shoes: Sketchers; Earrings: Kate Spade
Cardigan & Scarf: J Crew Factory; Pants: Thrifted; Tote: LL Bean; Flats: Puma; Earrings: Kate Spade
Dress: Target; Scarf: Lilly Pulitzer; Earrings: All She Wrote Notes

Here’s to another month of Winter workwear!

XOXO – Katie <3

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What I Wore Out Of Office – January 2025

New year, new monthly outfit series here on the blog! Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee) Stories, I share my outfits of the day (OOTDs) pretty much daily. Over the years, so many of y’all have found joy in seeing what I’m wearing and perhaps finding your own joy and style inspiration from them (I hope so!!!). A few weeks ago, I had a friend reach out to me and ask to see where she could shop all of my outfits, whether for work or play. That all being said, I am introducing today a second monthly outfit series: What I Wore Out Of Office!!! *Cues the confetti*

What I Wore Out Of Office will consist of ALL of my outfits that I do not wear during my 9-5 working days. These outfits exclude outfits worn on a working day outside of a work-specific event. Rather, these outfits are focused on out of office looks, whether for dinner and drinks with friends or family, happy hour, exploring my own backyard, church, or *even* travel. I am excited to share some of my outfits for the fun moments in life, not that work can’t be fun at times too. Needless to say, I’m psyched to share it all here with YOU!

My January 2025 was definitely more of a lowkey and cozy month, despite it feeling like the LOOONGEST month of the year (if you know, you know!). Snow hit the Washington, DC area pretty early on in January 2025 and remained on the ground until the end of the month. We had freezing temperatures which caused me to feel a bit under the weather hence there were not as many exciting more fun outfits and outings around town. But, despite the time spent at home, I truly felt I was able to reset and recharge going into 2025!

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Popover: Lilly Pulitzer; Sweatpants: Crown & Ivy at Belk; Earrings: All She Wrote Notes; Flats: New Bella; Bag: Louis Vuitton
Dress: Ritera; Jacket: Marks & Spencer; Earrings: Etsy; Tights: Shapermint; Headband: Lele Sadoughi; Bag: Louis Vuitton; Flats: Vivaia
Loungeset: Amazon; Vest, Earrings, & Slippers: J Crew Factory
Jacket: Liz Claiborne; Scarf: Blarney Woolen Mills; Sweater & Skirt & Necklace: J Crew Factory; Flats: New Bella; Earrings: Kate Spade; Tote: LL Bean; Leggings: Shapermint
Dress: J Crew Factory; Scarf: Thrifted; Tights: Shapermint; Boots: Hunter Boots; Bag: Louis Vuitton; Earrings: Walmart; Necklace: Thrifted
Jacket: Japna; Sweater: Lilly Pulitzer; Leggings: Shapermint; Bag: Louis Vuitton; Shoes: Sketchers; Earrings: J Crew Factory
Dress: J McLaughlin; Jacket: J Crew Factory; Earrings: Cora’s Den; Leggings: Shapermint; Boots: Hunter
Scarf: Old Lucketts Store; Jacket: J Crew Factory; Turtleneck: Brooks Brothers; Pants: Issac Mizrahi; Tote: LL Bean; Necklace: Amazon; Flats: New Bella

Moving into February 2025, I will be spending most of the month in … Europe! Yes, I will be traveling through Spain, Portugal, and France for 2.5 weeks and am SO excited to share my outfits and journey and travels with YOU!

XOXO – Katie <3

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