Whitney Rife

A Magical Christmas In NYC

New York City is a magical place to visit during the Christmas season, and there are plenty of activities for couples to enjoy together. Some must-see attractions include the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skating at the rink below the Rockefeller Center, the holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue, and Bryant Park.  Couples can also take a romantic stroll or take a carriage ride through Central Park, which is beautiful during the winter months, and enjoy some of the city’s famous food. Whether you’re looking for holiday cheer or a cozy night in, New York City has something for every couple to enjoy.

 

 

We stayed at the Hotel Baccarat and I have to say, it was my favorite place we’ve ever stayed in the city.  The hotel is absolutely stunning and is in the best location to walk around the city.  We loved the food at the hotel, but my favorite part was tea time, which you do need a reservation for, and the bar in the hotel lobby.  The decor of the entire hotel was just STUNNING.

GET THE LOOK

 

Below is an itinerary of what we did in NYC, where we ate, etc. We have been quite a few times so we always try and go back to our favorites and add in a few more places.  We tried to stay around our hotel so we could walk most places just because getting a cab/uber was really hard this trip – also many of the roads were shut off for tourists.

GET THE LOOK

 

GET THIS LOOK

SHOP MY OUTFIT

SHOP MY LOOK

OUTFIT LINKED HERE

GET THE FIT

When planning a winter trip to New York City, it’s important to pack warm clothes because the city can experience freezing temperatures and snow during the winter months, so it’s essential to be prepared. Some essential items to pack include a heavy coat, hat, gloves, and warm socks. Layering is also key, so be sure to pack plenty of long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and warm pants. Don’t forget to bring a scarf and a pair of comfortable boots to keep your feet warm and dry. By packing the right clothes, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip to New York City without worrying about the cold.

This Burberry cape is hands down one of my favorite purchases all year and I am SO happy I packed it for this trip because I ended up wearing it almost everyday – it is so warm!

I also packed this wool coat that I bought at Express. It goes with almost any outfit and is extremely warm!

Click HERE to shop my entire packing list!

Not only is New York City magical on its own but it is extra special to us because Shawn actually proposed to me at this same spot, 7 years ago!  Shawn proposed to me at Bow Bridge in Central Park and it was the easiest YES of my life (and I had NO idea it was happening). The bridge, which spans across the park’s Lake, offers stunning views of the surrounding greenery and city skyline. It’s a picturesque location, so even if you aren’t planning on getting engaged or proposing to your loved one, you should definitely make the trip and take some pictures to have forever! If you’re planning on getting engaged at this iconic spot, be sure to bring a warm coat and gloves to stay comfortable in the chilly winter weather.  A day I will never forget!

I asked many of you who have visited NYC often or live there your favorites so I did want to share them with you – you can easily save these to your phone for when you’re visiting during the holiday season to hopefully make your trip as magical as ever!

Share:

September Recap!

September is one of my favorite months – the calm before the storm (aka holiday season). From last minute sunny vacations to hurricanes and football games this month was a whirlwind of outfits, and I am here to share them all with you! First, here are the top 10 selling items from September:

 

 

PRINTED COVER-UP MAXI DRESS


CASUAL FALL OUTFIT


SWEATER DRESS + FLANNEL OUTFIT


FLORAL PRINT LEATHER JACKET

UNDER $50 BOHO DRESS

FLORAL TUNIC DRESS


FLORAL CUT-OUT MINI DRESS


BUDDY LOVE DRESS


FLORAL TWO PIECE SET


HOUNDSTOOTH ROMPER


COPPER MAXI DRESS


WALMART OUTFIT IDEA


GRAPHIC TEE OUTFIT 


LONG SLEEVE WALMART TOP


LILLY PULITZER 


WALMART FALL OUTFIT


LONG SLEEVE PRINTED DRESS


FAUX FUR VEST + PRINTED TOP


BELTED ROBE DRESS


PINK LILY OUTFIT


GAMEDAY OUTFIT


YELLOW PLAID MINI DRESS


BUDDY LOVE FLORAL DRESS

BOAT STYLE VACATION OUTFIT

AMAZON LEOPARD SWIMSUIT

Share:

Summer days in the Keys

In late August early September we celebrated another fantastic birthday at the private, all inclusive tropical getaway at The Retreat in Marathon, Florida for Shawn’s 40th (sorry babe, couldn’t resist, hehe).

The Retreat (their Instagram is linked here) or as Bo calls it “The Big House” (check out our last stay here, or see a full video of the property on my Instagram) is truly one of the most amazing properties we have stayed in!  This boutique resort property has ALL of the amenities to pamper you with 5 star luxury.  With over 10,000 square feet of living space between the main house and the Bali guest house, there are 6 beautifully decorated bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 2 fabulous pools, hot tub, gourmet kitchen complete with everything you need to prepare any meal, game room with a billiards table, board games and bar, conference room with seating up to 14, completely stocked commercial bar with 4 draft taps housing locals beer, tiki bar with a commercial grill, bicycles to ride if you ever decide to leave the property, gym equipment, kids toys, paddle boards, kayaks, fishing gear, snorkeling gear….I mean the list goes on and on!!! 

Ruth the property manager, schedules meals (she makes a delicious Hog Fish), massage therapists, personal trainers, literally anything you could need or want.  She does an amazing job and is so responsive to your needs. 

We also rented the property’s 32 foot Center Console Sailfish boat for the week.  We spent every day on the water cruising the Gulf of Mexico to catch lobsters to grill by the pool, offshore fishing catching Mahi Ahi (as Bo calls it), snorkeling at a sandbar in Islamorada and  enjoying the beautiful turquoise waters of the Florida Keys.

 

On Friday before we were leaving Marathon, Ruth and her assistant Kathy arranged the most amazing surfboard filled with flowers and greenery from around the property while Chef prepared an incredible meal of Sushi and                  served  to us in the pool!

After 7 days of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, we headed further south to Florida’s Southernmost City, “Mile 0” Key West.  Yall!  If you haven’t been there…what are you waiting for?  With the most stunning water views, historic sights, boutiques, retail stores and the most breathtaking sunset views!  Of course I can’t forget to mention the chickens everywhere.

Duval Street, known as the Epi Center of Key West with laid back bars, outdoor cafes, art galleries, restaurants, live music venues like Sloppy Joes, Hog’s Breath and Smoking Tuna Saloon are a few of our favorites.  I have to mention last year at Hog’s Breath we listened to an amazing artist, Cliff Cody.  This year we found him at Smoking Tuna.  He sings anything from Prince and Bob Segar to Travis Tritt and Morgan Wallen.  When you are in Key West, look him up!

Memories to last a lifetime were made this year with our trip to The Retreat and Key West with our family and dear friends.  We have already started planning our next trip!

I also wanted to pass along the Florida Keys Fishing Schedule as well in case you were interested in booking The Retreat when the fishing is GOOD. 🙂 I do have to say, we LOVED going during lobster season!

Share:

The Perfect Charleston Travel Guide For Your Next Getaway!

When Shawn and I need a quick weekend getaway or are just looking for a change of scenery on date night, Charleston is our favorite destination. It’s less than two hours from us but has so much to offer with stunning scenery, top-notch dining, great shopping, and it’s rich history. If you’re trying to plan a visit, I’d recommend visiting in the Spring when all of the landscapes are in full boom, the weather isn’t too hot yet, and the cheerful colors of Rainbow Row match the vibes of season! Just like the rest of the SC coast, it does get quite warm from May-August, so it’s surrounding beaches also make for a perfect summer vacation spot.

SHOP THIS LOOK

You really can’t go wrong at most places in Charleston, but to make your planning easier, I’ve included all of our favorites and some of my downtown outfit inspiration mixed in 🙂

Places to Stay

Hotel Bennett is my top pick, as it’s located in the heart of downtown on King Street and is always a best-in-class experience. The architecture and design is stunning, with that southern charm feel mixed with a historical elegance. They have an exquisite spa and multiple dining experiences to try. My personal favorite would be the all pink Champagne Lounge, Camellias. It is darling! They have an afternoon tea along with a dinner selection of caviar, charcuterie and local seafood.

SHOP THIS LOOK

Market Pavilion Hotel, also located in central downtown with a delicious steakhouse and nice bar located inside of the hotel, is one of our go-to stays as well. If you are looking a for an unforgettable experience, Bolt Farm Treehouse must be reserved far in advance, but I can’t recommend it more for a romantic getaway!

Other options we love include: The Francis Marion, Hotel Indigo, Charleston Harbor Resort, The Restoration, 20 South Battery, and Belmond Charleston Place. Additionally, there are so many great AirBnB options for beach houses, cozy cottages, and more! Be sure to book far in advance!

Book Charleston Stays Here!

SHOP THIS LOOK

Restaurant Recommendations

  • For Breakfast + Brunch… Caviar + Bananas, Félix, Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, Millers All Day, Toast All Day, Hustle Smoothie Bar
  • For Lunch… Page’s Okra Grill, Hometeam BBQ, Leon’s Oyster Shop, 167 Raw, Rodney Scott’s BBQ, Juanita Greenberg’s, Brown Dog Deli
  • For Happy Hour… Proof, The Cocktail Club, The Belmont, Uncork Charleston
  • For Dinner… Husk, Halls Chophouse, Circa 1886, Tavern and Table, Obstinate Daughter, FIG, Poe’s Tavern
  • For A Night Out…Uptown Social, Henry’s, Mynt, Republic, Saltwater Cowboys, Prohibition, Reds

Things To Do

  • Where to Shop…
    • King Street for all of the boutiques, designers, and eclectic shops
    • Towne Center for department stores mixed with luxury retailers and local favorites.
    • Historical Charleston City Market for a unique shopping experience of local artisans and special finds.
  • Sites to See…
    • Rainbow Row
    • Waterfront Park (Pineapple Fountain)
    • The Battery (Perfect for picnic, photo)
  • Other Fun…
    • Carriage Ride through historical downtown
    • Pedicabs are a fun and easy way to get around in the bustling downtown streets.
    • College of Charleston and The Citadel are also located downtown if you’re looking at schools or want to check them out!

LOVESHACK FANCY FAVORITES:

SHOP THIS LOOK

SHOP THIS LOOK

SHOP THIS PIC

On the Outskirts

One of the best things about Charleston is there are things to see and do everywhere! The surrounding islands and areas are just a few minutes from the heart of the city and have just as much fun, good eats, and shopping!

Shem Creek is a must if you are an Outerbanks fan. Many scenes of the show were filmed along the water here, and the views don’t disappoint! For a delicious dinner with a view or casual night out, try Saltwater Cowboys or Tavern and Table here!

Boone Hall, Magnolia Plantation, and Angel Oak are all beautiful locations to visit if you are looking to stroll through breath taking landscapes.

Sullivan’s Island is perfect for those who love a peaceful and less crowded beach or love learning about history, as Fort Moultrie is located here.

SHOP THIS LOOK

Now it’s time for a trip! I hope you love Charleston as much as we do…Let me know what you try and all of the fun you have!

Share:

Bring On the Sunshine: Palm Beach Outfit Look-Book

Last year, I shared our trip to Palm Beach and how much we adored it’s beautiful scenery, amazing stays, and all of the fun to be had. If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss my travel guide and Palm Beach Presets. That being said, I couldn’t wait to go back and explore new places and escape the cool weather this past week! Since it was Mom and I this time, we had a week of fabulous fashion, good eats, and great memories. After all of the fun florals, bright colors, and swim looks, I’m SO looking forward to Spring and Summer 2022. I’m sharing the first outfit inspiration of 2022 below with resort wear, fun dresses, and new swim to help your start building your warmer weather and vacation wardrobe! Shop the looks below and find all of the fun on my LikeToKnow.It and Instagram.

All Dressed Up…Fabulous Outfits You Need!

GET THE LOOK

GET THE LOOK

GET THE LOOK

GET THE LOOK

GET THE LOOK

 

Hello Sunshine…Beach + Pool Looks that Wow!

GET THE LOOK

GET THE LOOK

SHOP THIS LOOK

GET THIS LOOK

 

Chilling Out…Cute and Casual Outfits!

GET THE LOOK

SHOP “THE RIFE JACKET” HERE!

GET THE LOOK

What I Packed for Palm Beach…

SHOP MY PALM BEACH FAVORITES HERE

 

I can’t wait for our next trip and warmer weather so I can jump into all of the beautiful spring colors and and patterns! For now, I’m living through these fabulous Palm Beach looks.

Share:
"