[outfit_details]On Me: Sequin Dress, Sparkly Heels, Tartan Clutch, MAC Red Lipstick
On Ashley: Velvet Lace Dress, Silver Heels, Sparkly Earrings
On Chimee: Velvet Bow Shoulder Dress, Bow Fringe Earrings[/outfit_details]

Draper James is a brand I’ve worn for years. Their pieces are the epitome of Southern Charm and something you can wear every day. Plus, I think it’s fabulous how it’s founded by Reese Witherspoon and everything is just so pretty. I got the opportunity to travel to Charleston, South Carolina to take part in their Holiday Collection photoshoot. I was joined by fellow bloggers, Ashley and Chimee. It was such a gorgeous trip, especially because of how charming Charleston is! We were treated like royalty by the Draper James team and our accommodations. I can’t wait to take you along our trip and to share the Holiday Collection with you. Plus, right now everything you see is 25 percent off since Draper James started their Black Friday sale early!

Before I get started on this blog post, I want to say THANK YOU to the entire crew making this possible. Everyone was such a team player and truly made this trip memorable. Plus, it makes everything so effortless when everyone is willing to go above and beyond to get to the finish line.

DAY 1

Location: Wentworth Mansion

Right after landing in Charleston, Draper James had a private driver named Fraiser pick me up in style. He was such a gentleman and we had such a great conversation about just life. For the first leg of my trip, I would be staying at the Wentworth Mansion, the grandest spot in The Holy City. My room had Italian crystal chandeliers, hand-carved marble fireplaces and luxurious amenities. Not to mention, it was huge! It was almost like my room was much too important for me. The King bed had a towering, almost ceiling high headboard. There was an entire sitting area in my room! One aspect I really love about the Wentworth Mansion is how it’s rooted in history. It’s beautifully restored and renovated but has that classic historic touch. It’s like being transported into the past.

For our first meal in Charleston, we went to The Darling Oyster Bar, a spot I’ve been to before on a previous trip with my sister.

I can’t speak enough to how accommodating their staff is. About four out of six of us have some type of food allergy and our waiter truly took the time to make sure we were ordering something delicious and wouldn’t cause any issues. I got the lobster and the smores dessert and it was phenomenal! I could not recommend this classic Charleston spot more!

DAY 2

Location: Wentworth Mansion

Rise and shine the next morning for a full complimentary breakfast at the Wentworth Mansion. Circa 1886 is their in-house restaurant and they open for breakfast for guests exclusively. Ashley and I had a lovely time and our typical breakfast spread of oatmeal, eggs, coffee and fresh fruit were great. Right after, I changed into my robe and headed for hair and makeup to get ready for our half-day of shooting!

On this particular trip, we would be shooting a mix of the Holiday collection and a few spring pieces, which aren’t released yet! However, I’m so excited to share these holiday pieces with you! All of them are 25 percent off right now as part of Draper James’ Black Friday Sale with code GRATEFUL.

Sleeveless Bow Waist Love Circle Dress

This is my favorite dress I got to shoot in for the Holiday Collection! It’s a gorgeous holiday plaid in pine green and the bow is the perfect finishing touch! The full skirt is so flattering and the plaid feels just right. You can get a few looks out of this dress. Wear it as is or layer over a long sleeve or a turtleneck when it’s cold. I plan on layering it over one of my favorite cashmere tops when the weather gets chilly and I still want to don this beauty. I’m wearing size 0 and the fit is great. The skirt hits right at my knee and I’m 5’3 for reference.

We got to shoot this look in a gorgeous room at the Wentworth Mansion and the light was just right.

Ruffle Neck Leather Jacket

How fun and fresh is this leather jacket? I love how it’s in a classic Draper James navy blue versus typical black. Plus, the ruffle details and gold buttons soften up the leather and silhouette of this jacket. The stitching on this jacket is also gorgeous! Perfect for throwing over jeans and a t-shirt like it’s styled here or over any of the Draper James Holiday Collection dresses. This jacket is definitely an investment piece but something you can wear for years to come. I can see this over a sharp work dress for business casual or over a pretty sundress for spring.

We went to King Street to do some “shopping” and shoot this jacket. I love how it’s a dark color but still stands out and doesn’t blend in too much with my dark hair. I definitely see myself wearing this a ton!

CANDLE MAKING AT CANDLEFISH

The Draper James team arranged for all of us to do a candle making class at Candlefish, a business that started in Charleston. These classes start at $55 and are also BYOB. We had a blast learning about how exact the candle making business is and all of the care and love going into Candlefish. If you are heading to Charleston, I highly recommend adding this to your list! The hardest part of the whole class was choosing the scent to make my candle. There are about a hundred to choose from! I had no problem sniffing almost the whole library to narrow it down. My first choice wasn’t available, but I’m so happy with my final choice, No. 91.

DAY 3

LOCATION: JOHN RUTLEDGE INN

For the final two nights of this trip, we checked into another historic inn in Charleston, the John Rutledge Inn. You’ve probably seen the exterior of this gorgeous inn before. The classic black and white tile flooring outside and exquisite ironwork staircase are such a statement! My room at this Inn was above and beyond. I stayed in what’s named theGeorge Washington suite because President George Washington and First Lady Martha Washington previously stayed in the exact same room! How crazy is that? There were not one, but two fireplaces in my room, along with an entire living room. The bed was so tall, I needed a step stool to get on and off. I felt pretty darn important staying there, that’s for sure!

FESTIVE HOLIDAY STYLES

The first look we shot of the day was a sparkly holiday look. How fun are these textures? My sequin shift dress has pockets, which is a huge plus! Both Ashley and Chimee are wearing velvet, a holiday favorite! The John Rutledge Inn has these gorgeous historic rooms with grand windows, stunning wallpaper and of course, marble fireplaces.

I think this sequin dress is so fun for holiday photos, parties and even New Year’s Eve! It’s so comfortable to wear and the pockets are a huge plus! Y’all know how much I love velvet so I could not pass up getting the same dress Chimee is wearing. You may recall me wearing it at a friend’s wedding recently with Johnny in a matching midnight navy velvet tux!

COZY HOLIDAY PJS

Who doesn’t like a pair of cozy PJs? Plus, these are in a festive plaid or red and white polka dots. I’m a bit of a PJ hoarder, so I love getting a new pair, or two or three, every year! The plaid pajamas have a fun ruffle cuff, which adds a fun and feminine detail. I’m wearing size XS and love the fit! Grab a pair for you and get a matching set for your friends and have them over for hot cocoa and board games.