How To Break 4 Fashion Rules The Right Way

There is much talk these days about breaking fashion rules. Sometimes it's hard to know when to follow those "old school" rules, and when to just let it go and do whatever the heck you want. Ultimately, fashion is about self expression and the number one goal is that you feel confident in your skin. If you are happy and confident, others will see that and somehow even if the look is weird, it will work. Here are a few ways I'm breaking all the rules these days. 

1.Wearing Blue and Black Together

Red is the new black... or is that orange... or maybe brown? These days a new color pops up as the "it" color of the season. Then there are accent colors. Yellow is a favorite of mine, red always pops, and even blue can catch the eye. However, sometimes, black can be an accent color as seen here. Even though my Katherine Way dress is purple on a navy background, these black pumps work as a simple accent, and pair well with the graphics on my metallic clutch. I think they work anyway. How about you? 

2. Confusing Work with Play

This is a fun one. As a mom I cringe at getting dressed up around the kiddos. It's just a time bomb waiting to go off. Who wants to be that mom squealing every time a kid comes at you with dirty hands? Because of this we moms tend to keep to the basics during the day, opting for stain resistant (or already stained) clothes that are safe to bum around with the kids. Or how about travel? Most of my travel clothes are wrinkle resistant and basic. I recently found designer Katherine Way and her work is colorful and fun, with great classic silhouettes. Even better, her American made clothing line is made with wrinkle, and moisture resistant fabric that is great for traveling, or hanging around the kiddos. The designs are inspired by the golf course, but easily transition to the board room, or the playground. I've worn this dress on TV and on date nights and every where I go compliments follow. I'm in love with the bright coral print. 

3. Mixing Patterns 

Here we are mixing patterns too. I took this playful coral motif and brought in a mostly neutral metallic clutch. The blue is a nice complimentary color and works with the necklace as well.

4. Mixing Metals

Mixing metals has been a big trend over the past few years. Sometimes I still find it hard to put them together. Something engrained in me from my childhood perhaps? This day it felt right to pair a silver metallic clutch with mostly gold jewelry and low and behold... it worked. 

The Dress - The Necklace - The Clutch - Lion Bracelet - The Shoes (Similar) - Earrings (Similar) 

I grabbed this gorgeous necklace and bracelet from a recent sale at Bauble Bar. The metallic clutch was a find through Le Tote (which is a great way to discover new treasures). Here is $25 off your first month! 

Are you a rule breaker? How many of these have you practiced yet? Give me a shout in the comments below. I love hearing from you.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo - Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 


Special thanks to Tara Clemons for the beautiful photos
and
Rio Hair Studio for rocking my hair

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Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

6 More New Restaurants in Jax You Must Try

Lately it seems a new restaurant is popping up almost every week here in the River City. It's one of the perks of my job to keep up with these new additions. Currently new restaurants are opening at such a rapid rate, I can barely give them all a taste before reporting on them. I consider that a great problem to have. Here are my latest finds to add to your must try list. 

1. The Bearded Pig BBQ
San Marco

The Bearded Pig has opened in Jacksonville's historic San Marco neighborhood to much fanfare. Recently named one of Jacksonville's most family friendly restaurants, this BBQ joint features a fresh modern interior and open backyard for families to relax in. Food is served a la carte in the Texan way. Order your meat by the pound and stock up on fresh sides, Southern desserts, and local brews. 

Photo provided by Coast

2. Coast
Amelia Island

Coast is the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island's most recent update to it's award winning list of restaurants. Serving up Modern American Coastal cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Coast gives the resort guests a casual atmosphere to dine on fresh local seafood, and Southern staples. Mayport Shrimp, Chicken and Waffles, and Cherry Plank Salmon stand out on a menu full of locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy the newly updated dining area, or sit outside on the Terrace and take in the beauty of Amelia Island's pristine coastline. 

Picture sourced from This Chick's Kitchen 

3. This Chick's Kitchen
Jacksonville Beach

Chef Rosaria Anderson brings her fresh concept to Jacksonville Beach in the form of This Chick's Kitchen. Modeled after the European concept of in home pop up restaurants, This Chick's Kitchen boast's an intimate setting to enjoy elevated cuisine fresh from the farm. Touted as one of Jacksonville's "Best Kept Secrets", you'll enjoy the daily made from scratch menu as Chef Anderson serves up highly technical dishes created with a whole lot of heart. 

Photo by Amy West

4. American Gator Club 
Ponte Vedra Beach
Check out my full review here

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa introduces their newest addition in the form of patio restaurant American Gator Club. Handhelds and small plates dominate the menu along with colorful cocktails that refresh the palate on a hot day. Fresh Southern inspired dishes tease the tastebuds with a selection that emphasize local ingredients. Gator Tail Tacos, reinvented Cuban Sandwiches, and hearty salads provide ample selection for all types of foodies. 

Picture by Amy West 

5. Brixx Pizza 
Brooklyn - Unity Plaza

Wood fired pizza, fresh salads, signature cocktails, and tasty small plates make Brixx Pizza a must taste destination. This family friendly restaurant is the newest restaurant to call Jacksonville's trendy Brooklyn neighborhood home. Taking up residence in Unity Plaza, Brixx Pizza is a casual destination with a creative menu. 

Picture provided by Wicked Barley

6. Wicked Barley
Baymeadows

Wicked Barley recently opened their stunning brewery in Baymeadows right on the water. Boasting a large selection of their own ales, Wicked joins a growing craft brewery scene on the River City. The menu is small yet full of variety with Garlic and Ginger Fries, Onion Rings that will have you day dreaming about them for weeks to come, and a delightful selection of Brats. Pulled pork, pizza, and burgers can also be found on the menu creating a great selection you'll want to pair a stout glass of craft brew with.  

Picture provided by Wicked Barley

Any new favorites I'm missing? I always welcome your comments and new finds! Give me a shout and your favorite may be featured next. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West


www.amywesttravel.com 

Get the App! Take my tour with you when you visit with GPS My City
Take the Tour Here

Looking for more? Here are more new restaurants to try. 

Watch me discuss these new restaurants on The Chat



Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Boho Beach Days | Featuring Anthropologie

Summer is creeping to an end, but if you're a Floridian like me, you may be looking forward to several more months of sunshine and sand. I have a closet full of go to cover ups and sundresses, but when I saw these flowy beach pants I knew they had my name written all over them for my next outfit post. 

Most folks flock to the beach on the weekend, but when you live at the beach, it's all about those week day nights. With half the usual tourists lining the shore, there is plenty of room to spread out and run free. Our kids love playing in the tide pools and bringing out the hoola hoop to practice new tricks. 

These beach pants from Anthropologie live up to their name. Extremely light weight and cool, they also dry very quickly after getting wet. I love the tiny pom pom fringe, so on trend this season. The t-shirt is from Anthropologie as well and is amazingly comfortable. I love the detailing along the neckline and the pin tucking in the back. 

 

The scarf was a great accessory, and a handy cover up for the little on after we shed those sandy clothes. Sometimes you plan to go swimming, other times you plan to go for a walk. Who are we kidding though? Children will always end up wet and sandy at the beach. 

Beach Pants - Red T-Shirt - Sunglasses - Boho Necklace - Scarf/Sarong - Girls Swim Suit (Similar) - Earrings (Similar)  - Bracelet (Similar) - Lip Color 

What's your go to beach ensemble? Love hearing your style tips in the comments below.

Until then...

Enjoy the journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Special thanks to Tara Clemons for taking the photos
and
Rio Hair Studio for keeping my locks on point

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Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

GPSMyCity | A Travel Guide In Your Pocket

When I was a young traveler setting off on a new adventure, my journey would always start in the local bookstore. Researching the latest travel guide on my destination of choice was half the fun of going. These days travel inspiration is instantly at our fingertips as the internet grants us access on demand to whatever our imagination can contrive. As technology advances, so do our options and today our options are extensive. In the information age, not only can you find your destination of choice in a recent blog, you can down download it as an app to guide you from attraction to attraction with GPSMyCity.

With a growing library of more than 500 city guides, GPSMyCity gives you all the benefits of touring with a local or your favorite travel expert at a fraction of the cost. In fact, you can download the articles for free, then to guide you on your journey, download the article you choose as it's own app for a small fee and let your GPS guide you from spot to spot. 

How It Works

1. Download the App on Your IOS Device

Head on over to the itunes store and download the GPSMyCity App to browse all their destination stories.

2. Find Your Destination 

GPSMyCity has hundreds of articles from around the world that you can download as a guide. Search your destination of choice and read up on your favorite locations such as my "Houston Top 10" blog or my "9 Must Taste Upscale Southern Dishes in Jax" story. 

3. Download Your Adventure

Once you have found your destination of choice, download the app for the article into a GPS guide right on your mobile device. 

4. Enjoy the Journey

Discover the destinations for yourself as you enjoy the journey on your own GPS guided adventure planned by your favorite travel guide. 

To celebrate the launch of several of my articles, GPSMyCity is giving away

"Houston Top 10 Family Travel" and "9 Must Taste Upscale Southern Dishes in Jax" free for a limited time. 

Download these guides now before it's too late, and discover these destinations for yourself. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

The Ultimate T-Shirt Dress

Always searching for the most effortless fashion, I recently discovered this comfy look at Anthropologie. The T-shirt dress has been more popular this year than ever before as loungewear, and activewear continue to surge at the register. 

If you follow me on snapchat (under AmyWestTravel) you might remember this look from a recent day trip I took to Fernandina. Perfect for a day on the water, this outfit is easy breezy. 

I've been wearing these Mia Gladiators all summer. They needed a little bit of breaking in because the elastic straps were a little tight, but now they are like second skin. There isn't a lot of tread on them though, so be careful not to slip. 

I love this necklace I also found at Anthropologie. I've been surprised to find it goes with almost anything, a perfect neutral piece that can really change up an outfit and make it pop.  

As for sizing on this Threads striped T-shirt dress, I went for the Small. Sometimes I wear a medium, but this had plenty of room in a Small. I love the classic stripes since they will never go out of style. Bonus! This dress has pockets! 

Dress - Hat - Ring - Bracelet (old but here is one similar) - Shoes - Necklace- Sunglasses

With fall right around the corner, I look forward to getting creative and seeing what I can do with layers to create more of a transitional look. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Special thanks to:

Tara Clemons for Photography

RIO Hair Studio for Hair cut and color

Shop The Look Here

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

24 Hours in Northern Kentucky | Family Travel

This summer, the girls and I returned to my home turf in Northern Kentucky for a little R&R. My childhood memories are chock full of moments at the farm, shaping my early years. I remember always being surrounded by family, always having places to roam, and never being plugged into a device. It wasn't until I was a tween that we even got central heat and air at my family's old farm house. These days, technology has caught up with the times, and the old farm house has gone to ruins. That sweet summer sunset still glows amber over the field of hay on the family farm though, and as long as it's possible, my girls will have the chance to taste the country summer. 

Northern Kentucky slides right up against Ohio, and Indiana creating a convenient tri-state area. Within a few hours drive there is plenty to get into. Here are a few adventures we sought out within 24 Hours in Kentucky.

Newport Aquarium
Newport, Kentucky

Where the Ohio and Licking rivers meet, sits Newport on the Levee, a development of restaurants and attractions. Transforming what was once a stoic industrial town into a hot spot for dining and entertainment, Newport on the Levee is home to the Newport Aquarium. During our visit we were treated to a behind the scenes tour of the Aquarium, learning everything there is to know about how they breed, feed, and introduce new species into the tanks. The icing on the cake was getting up close and personal with several of their penguins. During our penguin encounter we learned about their natural habitat, and the threats they face in the world today. We were entertained by their sassy personalities as their handlers showed us how to gently pet them with a non threatening two finger approach. After our encounter we explored the rest of the aquarium, observing sharks, seahorses, and (my favorite) jellyfish. The Newport Aquarium is the perfect day trip escape. You could spend all day enjoying the galleries, or walk around the Levee trying the multiple dining options, seeing a movie or gazing at the Cincinnati skyline. However you choose to spend your time, make sure to visit the Aquarium, it's a "must see".

The Newport Aquarium is a "Must See" attraction in Northern Kentucky

Enjoy a behind the scenes encounter with a few of the Aquariums famous penguins. 

Behind the scenses at the Newport Aquarium

Tom + Chee
Newport, Kentucky
(at Newport on the Levee)

Tom + Chee has attained local celebrity status. As seen on ABC's Shark Tank, it's easy to see why it's become such a phenomenon. Top quality ingredients come together to create one of childhood's most coveted comfort foods. Grilled cheese and tomato soup have never tasted so good. Try one of their multiple varieties of grilled cheese. You can even order half sandwiches and try one of each! I ordered several that piqued my interest but none compared to the Grilled Cheese Donut. It will literally change your life. 

The Grilled Cheese Donut will change your life

Tom + Chee a location right at Newport on the Levee just across from the Aquarium, but you will find them all throughout the region as well. 

Brianza Gardens and Winery 
Crittenden, Kentucky

Most of us have heard of Kentucky's famous Bourbon Trail, but did you know that now you can also follow the Kentucky Wine Trail? That's right, vineyards have been popping up in the tri state area for the last decade and the fruit has never tasted sweeter. We stopped at Brianza Gardens and Winery during our trip and enjoyed a tasty array of sweet and dry vintages. The Gardens are a stunning location for weddings and other events, and the site is also home to a Bed & Breakfast. Make sure to mark Brianza Gardens and Winery on your map and taste the Kentucky harvest. 

Photo by Crystal Pomer

Photo by Crystal Pomer

Kentucky is full of treasures for those on the hunt for new discoveries. Explore places untouched by time, little college towns full of hipsters, rural wonderlands, and urban cityscapes. One visit will have you rethinking everything you've ever heard about the blue grass state. I can't wait for you to experience for yourself my home state. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@amywesttravel.com .
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.