Happy Friday, friends, and cheers to the weekend! Mr. Sugarplum and I are two very happy parents… today kicks off Family Weekend at the University of Oklahoma! We’re headed north to Norman, and can both hardly wait to see our girl!
From the sound of her voice (and gnarly cough!), we might both come back sick, but it’s worth it to be able to hug her. But really, what is it about the first months of college that everyone ends up sick?! Wait, don’t answer that, ha!
Earlier this week I was treated to the dreamiest few days in Stowe, Vermont by my darling friends at Avara! They are one of my favorite small shops, and it was such a joy to spend time with them… and to experience Vermont for the first time!
They invited me and some of the absolute nicest gals online to explore this charming town, and help launch their new Fall Collection. I know we barely scratched the surface on this storybook town, but we sure packed in a lot of fun twirling around town in their darling new styles!
They launched earlier this week and are already selling out quickly, so I wanted to be sure my blog friends saw them, too! Here’s a few snaps of our days, along with some of their cute new styles, all perfect for your fall and winter fun!
Exclusive Discount Code just for Hi Sugarplum friends! CASSIE15 will save you 15% off site-wide!
Pleated Midi Dress (XS) | Moto Jacket (XS) | Booties | Handbag | Scarf | Hoop Earrings | Gold Ring
Complete Fall Collection HERE
The weather was absolute perfection… warm sun during the day, and crispy air at night (it ranged from low 50s to mid 60s). We were told sunny days are fairly rare in Stowe, but we got lucky with lots of sunshine.
There were a few trees starting to show signs of fall, but it’s still a few more weeks before the entire mountainside is aglow with color. The town was still colorful, thanks to all the summer flowers still thriving!
Sugarplum Travel Tip: We may have missed the peak leaf season, but the upside is avoiding the crowds! We practically had the town (population: 5100!) to ourselves, with no wait times or reservations needed. Apparently the opposite is true late-September to early-November.
Stowe Village is like stepping inside a Hallmark movie, literally oozing with eclectic, Americana charm. The main strip is dotted with cafes, shops, and general stores, chock-full of Vermont-made crafts and all things maple!
Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress (XS) | Mary Jane Ballet Flats | Crossbody Bag | Sunglasses | Pendant Necklace | Hoop Earrings
We were there for the clothes, and the Avara Fall Collection has so many darling styles for the season! I layered this gorgeous faux-leather jacket with most everything (truly the perfect neutral hue!), and this striped top was the most fun to wear!
I wore these raspberry Mary Janes so often last fall, I grabbed them in leopard for this year. They are beyond comfy and light, and so darling with everything from dresses to skirts to denim.
Fit Tip: I find them true-to-size.
Mary Jane Ballet Flats | Booties
Puff Sleeve Button Blouse (Small) | White Wide Leg Jeans (26) | Booties | Belt | Handbag | Scarf | Pendant Necklace | Hoop Earrings | Gold Ring | Cuff Bracelet
Puff Sleeve Button Blouse (Small) | White Wide Leg Jeans (26) | Belt | Handbag | Scarf | Pendant Necklace | Hoop Earrings | Gold Ring | Cuff Bracelet
Complete Fall Collection HERE
Pleated Midi Dress (XS) | Booties | Handbag | Scarf | Hoop Earrings | Gold Ring
Stowe has plenty of adventurous, challenging hikes on nearby Mount Mansfield, but we stuck with the easy Stowe Recreation Path that spans over five miles from Stowe Village to Top Notch Resort at the top of Mountain Road.
In winter, Stowe becomes a snow-lovers paradise, with skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at nearby Stowe Mountain Resort. But bundle up, because we were told the temps are in the 0s much of winter!
Corduroy Ruffle Dress (XS) | Mary Jane Ballet Flats | Handbag | Scarf
Corduroy Ruffle Dress (XS) | Mary Jane Ballet Flats | Handbag | Scarf
Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress (XS) | Moto Jacket (XS) | Mary Jane Ballet Flats | Crossbody Bag | Sunglasses | Pendant Necklace | Hoop Earrings
Complete Fall Collection HERE
Peasant Blouse (XS) | Wide Leg Jeans (25) | Booties | Handbag | Sunglasses | Pendant Necklace | Hoop Earrings | Gold Ring
Peasant Blouse (XS) | Wide Leg Jeans (25) | Handbag | Sunglasses | Pendant Necklace | Hoop Earrings
What We Did in Stowe, Vermont //
Besides galavanting around in Avara’s new Fall Collection, we walked the Stowe Recreation Trail, wandered the shops in Stowe Village, explored the back roads and countryside, visited the Cider Mill, and drank copious amounts of maple lattes! Oh yeah, and ate. A lot!
Where We Ate in Stowe, Vermont //
There is no shortage of cafes, taverns, breweries, and charming farm-to-table restaurants… with most everything locally sourced whenever possible! We truly didn’t have a bad meal or dining experience!
Some of our faves we loved for dinner, lunch, and drinks were Idyletyme, Apres Only, Matterhorn, Black Cap Coffee Bar, Cafe on Main, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, The Butchery, and AWOL Stowe.
Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress (XS) | Moto Jacket (XS) | Mary Jane Ballet Flats | Quilted Crossbody Bag | Sunglasses | Pendant Necklace
Where We Stayed in Stowe, Vermont //
We stayed at the newly renovated Awol Stowe Hotel, a small boutique property on the main road, but still tucked away for a peaceful stay. It’s a short walk to Stowe Village, and the Stowe Recreation Trail is across the street.
The rooms are charming, and a beautiful breakfast of homemade breads, jams, and more is served each morning. There’s also excellent coffee, best enjoyed in one of their many Adirondack chairs scattered about the property.
AWOL Stowe is one of four Lark Hotel properties in Stowe, each with their own charm and personality, and all beautifully managed.
For a larger resort experience, Top Notch Resort is about 3 miles outside of town in a beautiful setting, with large pool, spa, and more.
Pleated Midi Dress (XS) | Moto Jacket (XS) | Booties | Handbag | Scarf | Hoop Earrings | Gold Ring
Quilted Jacket | Tee | AirEssentials Wide Leg Pants (code CASSIEXSPANX) | NB Sneakers (Also HERE) | Crossbody Bag | Sunglasses | Duffle Bag (Also HERE) | Rolling Suitcase | All Travel Items HERE
Have you been to Vermont?! A few days wasn’t nearly long enough, but it was enough to make me realize we need to go back! Be sure to shop these fun styles because they’re sure to sell out quickly… and don’t forget, code CASSIE15 saves you 15% on everything!
Yes! We have been to Vermont, and LOVED it! We stayed just up the mountain from Stowe, and the town is gorgeous. We have wanted to go back ever since we left, and your photos are making me want to go NOW! I’m glad you loved it.
The photos are so beautiful, and as you know, don’t even do it justice!! xoxo C
I went to Green Mountain College back in the 70s love Vermont, now I live on cape cod which is pretty good also
Both of those living situations sound absolutely dreamy!! xoxo, C