MY STAY AT THE JEFFERSON HOTEL IN RICHMOND, VA

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MY TRIP TO ANNAPOLIS

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GIRLS DAY OUT WITH GRANA

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RALPH'S

Finally made it to Ralph's when I was in NYC.  Not exactly what I was expecting, but it was very cute and the cappuccino was delish.

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TRAVEL WITH AWAY

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MY TRIP TO SAN FRAN & NAPA

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FRIDAY FAVE || TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

I've been traveling a lot more than usual and from that I've learned a few things.  Besides drinking tons and tons of water,  I've made sure to follow a few other travel rituals.

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AFTERNOON TEA AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL

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FRIDAY FAVES || SWIMSUITS & STUFF

pic via

Today I've rounded up my favorite swimsuits, coverups, and beach accessories..because it's time.  Summer is here if you haven't already noticed by your hair frizz.

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HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

photo by Rosa

Today marks the beginning of my (more than) two week vacation.  I'll be back home in Nashville and I don't think I could be any more excited.  Okay, maybe if it was like Paris or something..but even then..  It also marks the beginning of my two week "break" from the blog.  Besides a couple outfit posts and unless I get crazy inspired or really bored, I'll see y'all in 2016.

2015 has been a crazy one.  It definitely has had its ups and its downs.  I made probably one of the biggest decisions of my life, so far.  I quit my job in Nashville and moved to D.C. to begin a Masters program.  Sometimes I feel like it isn't real life.  Like I'm on some sort of extended vacation in D.C., but I have to work.  When reality hits, I feel really proud of myself for taking the plunge and actually moving away from home.  However, leaving my friends and family has been the hardest thing; harder than I thought.  Even after 7 months, I still feel guilty for leaving my Nana and still feel guilty for moving my dog.  But at the same time, I wouldn't change my decision.  A huge upside is that I've made some great friends in D.C., like life-long friends and that is so important to me.  Also, school has been awesome (weird, right?).  I feel like I'm part of a motivated, young, professional community again and I really missed that comradery from the last place I worked.   Speaking of work, the one major downside of 2015 has been my current job.  It's been really tough working somewhere where I don't have any friends.  I'm used to being surrounded by a lot of people, everyone working together, collaborating on projects; ya know..the whole teamwork thing..and this is the complete opposite.  There are a whole lot of other things that go into it, but that's a different post for a different day..a novel, really.

All around, this year has been a great year for The Black Blazer.  I've kept it up despite the move and school and work..whew.  I did have to cut back a little on the posting; I can only do so much ;)  Despite cutting back, I've met an amazing group of girls through my blog and have been able to collaborate with some great brands and work with some amazing photographers.  I also think my style has evolved a little.  I've come to realize that neutrals are my friends; prints and bold colors don't really do it for me anymore.  I've also come to realize that I'm a sucker for the classics.  I'll splurge on a good cashmere sweater and skimp on a trendy boot.  Maybe that's a product of becoming older, but I'm excited to see what posts I come up with in 2016 and will try my hardest to start posting more outfits.

I haven't really set any hard and fast resolutions or goals for 2016, except for to be happy about my job..whatever that means.  Other than that, I want to continue doing well in school, continue cultivating the friendships I've made, and continue working on and improving my blog.  Oh and lose 3 lbs ;)

Here's to 2016..see you soon!

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NYC

picture via pinterest

As you're reading this, there's a big chance I'm sitting on a bus that's taking me to NYC.  Five hours on a public bus.  Lordy.  Whose idea was this?  Oh..it was less than half the price of the train..that's right.

For the bus, I am picking up & Pizza to snack on throughout the whole ride.  A few slices here, a few slices there.  Hopefully it will distract me from where I am.  If not, I already have some studying to do, so I'm hoping the time flies by.

I made sure to pack super-duper light.  A small weekender and my purse.  That was it.  I'll be meeting my cousin for a few beverages right when I get into the city and didn't want to look like that-girl.  Because believe me, for a long weekend in NYC, I could have easily brought 3 suitcases.  I made absolutely sure to pack this, this, and these must-haves.

The main point of this trip is to see some of my bestest friends and just be with them for a few days.  Plain and simple.  Isn't it crazy how all your friends sometimes become so far apart (geographically), but you're still besties.  Love it.  Friendships are the third most important thing in the world to me (1. Faith, 2. Family (includes Mollie)), but I could go on-and-on about this subject.  Another post for another day.

We're pretty much making this trip a food tour of the city.  Locanda Verde (referenced in one of my fave reads here), Chalk Point Kitchen, Sarabeth's, Ladurée (the most cliché place ever, but also the best), Elysian Cafe, Aldo Sohm.  My tummy is officially rumbling.  We're also going to try out the Met rooftop bar, the Birchbox store, and have some drinks on a boat (fave thing ever).

Sounds like the perfect Labor Day weekend to me.

See y'all Tuesday!  Oh and make sure to follow me on Insta (laura.lehman) and Snapchat (lehmala), as I'll be documenting/looking like a complete tourist throughout the trip.

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