shell chic'd

On Warm Winters & Weekends Away

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Pink Wall Boston
I’ve reached the age. or maybe just stage, in which full-family holidays are just not a thing anymore. Between cross-coastal parents and in-laws and in-laws’ in-laws, it’s next to impossible to celebrate a holiday with the whole clan in attendance. So this past weekend, the Fanning fam packed their bags and headed west to Williamstown, MA for a little pre-Christmas getaway. Two years ago, we did something similar, and MJF and I vowed that we’d always try to make a mini December escape happen… to take a break from events and shopping and stressing and everything else that hampers with the joy of this season and just be together and celebrate it instead.

Between peppermint mochas and games of trivia and wandering the trails around Williams College, I didn’t pick up my camera once, so instead all I’ve got to show for this weekend are some funny photos of me in front of a pink wall I spotted from about two miles away [I’ve got great wall-dar]. Because it was SIXTY DEGREES [so different from the last trip we took as a family!], I was bare-leggin’ it and needed nothing more than this super soft Berkshires Coat, which couldn’t have been more appropriately named for our whereabouts. It seems like we always go from burning hot to freezing cold in New England, so this was a refreshing break to wear nothing more than a light winter coat.

Now everyone KNOWS I am miserable in anything but 55+ degrees, but I have to admit, I was looking for just a light dusting of snow…does anyone else keep forgetting that we’re a mere week from Christmas because of this crazy warm front?!

Christmas Tree Earrings
Black Light Winter Coat
J.Jill Berkshires Light Winter Coat
Christmas Costume Jewelry
Madewell et Sezene Striped Dress
J.Jill Berkshires Coat c/o | Madewell et Sezene Striped Dress [similar 1; 2] | Vintage Christmas Tree Earrings [similar 1; 2] | Des Petit Hauts Black Crossbody [similar 1; 2 for purchase in US] | Rockport Riding Boots c/o [sold out–similar colors]

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The Day Trip Diaries: Portland, ME via Amtrak Downeaster

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Boston to Portland train
Last fall, MJF and I headed to Portland, Maine for the [very fabulous, might I add] wedding of his two cousins. We made a stop for Portland Head Light [shocking], but beyond that didn’t have much in the way of time to explore the little city. So when Amtrak Downeaster offered to send me up there for the day, I cleared our schedule and booked those tickets faster than you can say lobstah with buttah.

It is stupid easy to get to Portland from Boston– just a two-hour ride from North Station on the Amtrak Downeaster train. And to quckly interject, those collective 4 or so ours spent on a train in one day? Most relaxing 4 hours I’ve had in the last two months. Considering booking another trip up there STAT for the ride alone. This is also probably a sign that I’m having stress and workaholic issues but we’ll just give the credit to the train’s comfy seating arrangements instead.

One of my best galfriends from college is a Maineiac and played tour guide for the day, so I’m giving you only the most local-approved suggestions.

portland train to boston
#likeaboss
Navy Tartan Plaid ScarfPortland Lobster Company
Portland Locks of Love
steel bridge portland locks
Portland Christmas Events
Portland Doors
portland train station mainePortland Trading Co
portland maine local music
portland blue atm
portland maine shopping
portland christmas lights
portland me hotels
portland maine restaurants

Maine fashion bloggers
We were crazy spoiled with good weather this day, not even a need for an overcoat. But, being the season, it was a perfect day to put this new J.Jill forest green buttoned back pullover to use. In hindsight, I’m rocking a bordering extremely unflattering farm boy look with these boyfriend jeans, but at least I’ve got that cozy chic top business working for me.
Amtrak Downeaster
green button pullover sweater
portland maine day trip
[ destination:: portland, maine ]

who:: Husband continues to put up with my gimmicks, but this time with the addition of Tasha!
what:: Enjoy the views + foliage aboard the Amtrak Downeaster. Shop, eat, & stroll in this small but full-of-character city. And if you’re willing to take a quick walk Uber ride, visit the lighthouse.
when:: I’m pretty sure there isn’t a bad time of year to visit Portland, but if you take the train just a stop further to Freeport, you’ll be in Christmas shopping heaven, so there’s an argument for visiting in November or December!
where:: Brunch at The Corner Room [brunch meets Italian food = God’s gift to me] | Gluten-free salted chocolate doughnuts at The Holy Donut | Shop at The Merchant Co, Folly 101, and The Paper Patch | Dinner at Duckfat | Wine/cappuccino at Portland Patisserie | Apertifs at Vena’s Fizz House [thank you K-Tab via Kristin for the rec]
wear:: J.Jill Buttoned Back Pullover Sweater [25% off today!] | Old Navy Quilted Vest | Onecklace Gold Monogram Necklace c/o | Primark Tartan Plaid Scarf [similar] | DL1961 Boyfriend Jeans |  Madewell Glasgow Satchel [on sale + 20% off today!] | Steve Madden Leopard Loafers [similar]

[ G I V E A W A Y ]
I’m giving away two tickets for an Amtrak Downeaster ride over on Twitter! Follow me @emilygeaman + RT the pinned tweet by Monday 12/14 for your chance to win! xx

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Full Disclosure: This trip was sponsored by Amtrak Downeaster; all opinions expressed are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support shell chic’d!