Date Night Style

I’ve found the secret to making Mondays great! Are you ready?! Book a little trip that departs on Monday morning! Not only are you not dreading the start of a new week, but you’re looking forward to it!

Granted, it can’t happen very often, but I’m telling you, it works! Mr. SP and I are heading out for a quick getaway to New Mexico today, and I’m so excited to finally be checking out a spot that’s been on my short list for years! I’ll share all the details here when we get back, but you can follow along, and see so much more, on my InstaStories.

The days are supposed to be warm, and the nights crisp, so I packed a few of my favorite cozy sweaters (this one and this one), along with my newly-obsessed jeans (only $29!!! but size down one), and this scarf. It’s a fairly casual trip, but I also tucked this sassy little lace dress in my bag…the little bell sleeve (and price tag!) won me over.


If you’ve ever watched my InstaStories, then you know my affinity for this man, and tacos, runs deep…so this spot was pretty much perfect for our latest Date Night Style post. When our kids saw the shots, they were like, ‘Did y’all graffiti that wall?!?!’ Guess my taco obsession is well-known. 
But I wouldn’t risk getting arrested for them, so no vandalism was involved in the making of this post.

These combos are a lot dressier than our usual Date Night vibes, but with holiday parties around the corner, we’ll have to step up our game. This dress is classic and chic, but the lace and bell sleeve make it memorable.
Fit Tip: The arms and body run a little small, so I sized up one (I’m wearing a small). It’s still a little fitted through the sleeves, but that gives it some shape.

Mr. SP is a jeans guy…he’s only pulling out slacks or a suit when absolutely necessary. Fortunately, a fitted sport coat makes jeans appropriate for most every setting. Or the settings we frequent anyway! His favorite is the Topman brand at Nordstrom…they offer a fitted, modern shape, without being too hipster tight.

Sugarplum Tip: Make any #littleblackdress party ready with fun shoes and a clutch. A big statement earring is even better!

What’s your Date Night style vibe? Do you up your game for holiday season? We’re headed to the Albuquerque area, so I’d love to hear your travel tips!

See more Date Night Styles here.

{What I Wore}
{What Mr. SP Wore}

{More Little Black Dresses Under $100}

Photos by the darling & talented Mary Summers.



*This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all clothing, ideas, and popped hernias are my own (or Mr. SP’s in this case). Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Hi Sugarplum going!*

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14 Comments

  1. Cassie! These pictures are just too cute for words!!

    Posted 10.10.16 Reply
  2. Christina wrote:

    Perfect picture spot! Have a fun trip!

    Posted 10.10.16 Reply
  3. Anonymous wrote:

    Love the dress!! Hoping they restock in my size soon!!!

    Posted 10.10.16 Reply
  4. You two are so cute! The dress is beautiful! Can't wait to hear about New Mexico, I've never been there.

    Posted 10.10.16 Reply
  5. I love the Tacos sign!!! ABQ in the fall is so pretty! We lived there for 3 years and really miss this time of year! Be prepared for Green Chile everything!!! We loved going to this little hidden steakhouse called Vernon
    's – you need a reservation and a password. Sadie's salsa is SOOO spicy but worth it, try to go to Sophia's Place – it is a TOTAL DIVE – like people bring their parrots and goats to lunch but the food is amazing! Basically be prepared to eat a lot! Also, drink lots of water – I worked in hotels there and a lot of people get sick because of the altitude (it's as high as Denver) so water and food help! Also, DO NOT eat at the restaurant at the top of the tram if you go, have a cocktail but the food is not worth it because there are sooo many more places to eat! Have fun, I am so excited to watch your InstaStories!

    Posted 10.10.16 Reply
    • Thanks so so much, Christi! I actually am fairly sensitive to altitude, so I really appreciate that head's up! And I know where we'll be stopping for lunch as soon as we arrive later today!! xoxoxo

      Posted 10.10.16 Reply
    • tcase wrote:

      I was going to send her to Sadie's too! Can't beat it but it is quite spicy so be prepared. Amazing food though! Have a great time!

      Posted 10.12.16 Reply
    • We grabbed chips & salsa to-go there this afternoon!!! That salsa is GOOD!!!

      Posted 10.13.16 Reply
  6. You two are too too cute! Tacos and all.

    Posted 10.11.16 Reply
  7. I'm totally sending this to Jon that he knows the secrets for a great week and books a trip for us asap! Enjoy your time in New Mexico! I've always wanted to go!

    Posted 10.11.16 Reply
  8. amy wrote:

    Cassia – if you don't eat another meal in A town, you MUST try enchiladas as El Patio. Corner of Silver Ave SE and Harvard Drive SE. You'll get asked the NM State Question: "Red, or Green?" That's the chili on top – both will be excellent there, but you gotta give the green a chance. Also, your trip won't be complete without a cinnamon roll at the Frontier on Central. To.Die.For. No joke. Can't wait to hear all about the trip. Somehow I know you'll have a great time! XOXO

    Posted 10.11.16 Reply
    • Thank you thank you for the great tips!!! I wish we had more time here…so stunning! And I'm a green chile girl…all the way!! xo

      Posted 10.13.16 Reply
  9. y'all are just the cutest!

    Posted 10.12.16 Reply
  10. Adorable!! Love the leopard clutch with the dress. I probably wouldn't have thought to do that. xo

    Posted 10.12.16 Reply

Date Night Style

Thanks for the love on Little Miss’s closet post yesterday….it sounds like many of us are doing some Spring cleaning and organizing! But after a day of purging and projects, I love getting cleaned-up and heading out for a Date Night. Lucky we now have a built-in babysitter! #teenagerperks

With the weather finally warming up, Mr. SP and I headed to one of our favorite spots with a patio…and I didn’t waste any time pulling a Spring dress out!

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

I seem to gravitate to this swingy style for dinner dates (see another favorite here)…the exposed shoulders make it flattering, but the flowy fit allows room for dinner and dessert! It’s also easy to dress up or down a bit, and appropriate for most evening parties. I was really surprised by the quality and extra touches, given the price tag! It comes in a lovely black and white floral, but I thought the navy and coral was a fun combo for Spring.

Fit Tip: The dress runs a tad big, but mostly true-to-size…I’m wearing an XS and it hits just above the knee. Since it’s a little big for me up-top #noboobs, I wore this strapless bra so it wouldn’t show in the armholes.

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style
Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Don’t let Mr. SP’s sweetness fool you…he tells the dirtiest jokes! 

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

But he also has the power to make my entire body relax, just by holding my hand.

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style
Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Mr. SP almost-always opts for jeans and gingham shirt…in fact, his gingham collection rivals mine! One of the great things about Dallas, is pretty much anything goes at most places.

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style
{Where We Ate}
// Ziziki’s //
This cozy neighborhood bistro is our go-to date night spot when we want to stay close to home, 
and eat a consistently-good dinner. The ambiance is perfect for dates, but also
inviting for families.
{What’s Good}
I’d like to tell you everything on the menu is great, but truthfully we order the exact
same thing every time we go. Literally, every single time. We split a greek salad
with the most-amazing feta, followed by the chicken souvlaki plate. Make sure you ask for
a side of the basil-mint sauce…and leave room for baklava ice cream cake!! #hencetheflowydress

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style
Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

I’m so excited Spring is finally here to stay, and can’t wait for more patio dates! To see more of our {Date Night Style}, click here. And check out my Big D link for more of our favorite spots & eats. I get so many emails about the area, so I hope to continue adding great local spots as another source for those of you visiting! Who else is busting out Spring dresses for a night out?

{More Darling Spring Date Night Styles}


{Men’s Spring Shirts}

Thank you for the lovely photos, Stephanie Drenka!

*This post is created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all clothing, ideas, and shoulder-shimmying are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors.*

Leave a Comment

18 Comments

  1. Well, aren't y'all just the cutest! That dress is darling and your hair looks great (as it ALWAYS does)! And I'm going to need to hear one of J's jokes. 😉

    Posted 4.19.16 Reply
    • haha — he's got quite the collection!! 😉

      Posted 4.20.16 Reply
  2. Christina wrote:

    Cute couple! Love the colors/print in that dress. And it's only 6:30 am but now I'm craving feta! Have a nice day.

    Posted 4.19.16 Reply
    • I know, right…I love feta!!! Thanks so much, Christina!! xo

      Posted 4.20.16 Reply
  3. These pics are just too cute!!!

    Posted 4.19.16 Reply
  4. That dress is amazing on you! And you win the Cutest Couple Award 🙂

    Posted 4.19.16 Reply
  5. Deborah wrote:

    What a lovely post and a terrific reminder to make time for "date night". I am overdue for a date night with my hubs but am suddenly feeling inspired, thank you! Wishing you a wonderful week ahead full of sunsets in shades of pink 🙂

    Posted 4.19.16 Reply
    • What a lovely comment, Deborah…thank you so much!! Same to you! xo

      Posted 4.20.16 Reply
  6. Love the dress & great pictures! Out of curiosity, if you are on a date, who is taking all those pictures?

    Posted 4.19.16 Reply
    • We had our friend, Stephanie, meet us out to snap a few pics…then went on our date! 🙂

      Posted 4.20.16 Reply
  7. Kristen wrote:

    That dress is so cute on you! I love that you have someone take a few pics when you're on date night too! I know I'd love to have some sweet candid pics of me & my hubby. 🙂

    Posted 4.19.16 Reply
    • It's become a favorite thing for us! I so appreciate that Mr. SP supports what I'm doing by being a good sport, but now we have great pics to keep forever!!

      Posted 4.20.16 Reply
  8. diana wrote:

    I'm so glad you featured this dress because it's one I was considering for my nieces wedding. It looks short on the models but not on you…I'mnot much taller so I think I'd be ok??

    Posted 4.20.16 Reply
    • I'm just shy of 5'4" and it hits just above the knee! ox

      Posted 4.20.16 Reply
  9. Dana Ivy wrote:

    You two are the cutest! And I want this dress you're wearing! Such a fun date you had!!

    Xox Dana Ivy // http://www.iadorewhatilove.com

    Posted 4.20.16 Reply
  10. Pam Clark wrote:

    Thank you for sharing the link to "How I curl my hair". I had been wanting to try this style for a while. I went out and got the curling wand and hairspray. I was really excited with how it turned out! I've gotten several positive comments. Thanks so much! Love your blog and read it regularly.

    Posted 4.20.16 Reply
    • Thanks so much, Pam! I'm thrilled the post was helpful, and I have no doubt you look darling!! xo

      Posted 4.20.16 Reply

Date Night Style

Last week I shared how Mr. SP and I carve out date nights at home…or ‘couch dates’ as we call them. But about once a month, I put on a dress and high-heels, and we leave the couch behind, for a date night out. Usually it’s just dinner, and sometimes a movie. And even though he loves me just as much in yoga pants, I think it’s important to show him I still care enough to put effort into my appearance…just for him, and even if it’s for just one night.

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

We aren’t fancy people, and our clothes aren’t fancy either…in fact, Mr. Sugarplum is almost always in Levi’s, and I’m in inexpensive dresses. Nordstrom carries a great selection of his favorite jeans, in hard-to-find sizes, and I found this adorable shift dress for under $50!

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

After almost 20 years together, it’s only natural my obsession with color has rubbed off on him. I love it when he rolls his shirt-sleeves too…I have a thing for forearms, I guess.

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

I have this dress in both pink and black, and love how it dresses up with colorful heels and accessories, but also looks great with flip-flops and a jean jacket. The shape gives me
plenty of room for dinner, but the racerback adds extra style and a
flattering silhouette.

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style
Shirt (similar) | Jeans | Shoes (similar)

He’s always a good sport, but I usually only get a few minutes before he starts acting goofy. But that’s one of the reasons I married him…he makes me laugh like no one else.

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style
Hi Sugarplum | Date Night Style

Do you have regular date nights….either at home or out? Do you get dolled-up for them?

{Shop the Post}

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom, but opinions on how cute Mr. SP looks for date night are all mine. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!

Leave a Comment

33 Comments

  1. awww you two are SO cute! love these photos. and that dress 🙂 xo jillian – cornflake dreams

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  2. Currently, my husband and I are kidless-petless-renters. But the one thing we learned from marriage prep was to always have time together. So, for now, we make sure we go out to eat or spend extra QT together once or twice a week so it's habit before babies start making an appearance. I love that dress (and I also have a huge crush on Nordstroms)!

    xo

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  3. Simply LKJ wrote:

    So sweet. You look adorable. Now that the girls are gone most of the time, almost every night is date night for us. We both love to cook, so meal prep is a lot of fun!

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
    • That sounds so fun!! the kids are headed to my aunt's this week, and we'll be alone every night…can't wait!!

      Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  4. You are the sweetest couple and it shows in your photos how much you love each other:)

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  5. lzhouston wrote:

    Yall are precious!!!

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  6. Well, aren't you two just the cutest couple ever?! My husband could take a lesson or two from Mr. SP 🙂

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
    • Oh girl, would you believe Mr. SP wasn't in the best of moods when we started this little shoot!!?? 😉 It didn't take him long to lighten up though…I think it was my dress that did it! 😉

      Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  7. Aw, I love this! Cutest couple ever award winners!

    Runt
    runtspickins@yahoo.com
    http://www.runtspickins.wordpress.com
    (If responding, please email or comment a blog post of mine.)

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  8. You two make such a cute couple and inspire me!! I hope Ryan and I are just as happy in 20 years!! 🙂

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  9. I love this dress and y'all are too cute! Do you think this dress could be dressed up for a lowkey rehearsal dinner? I adore all of your outfits and love even more the low price points, thank you!!

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
    • I would absolutely wear this dress…in fact, this entire outfit…to a rehearsal dinner!

      Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  10. Sarah wrote:

    Well you guys are just the cutest and that dress is spot on amazing. Racerback, pink and well priced?! Done and done.

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  11. The third to last picture makes me smile! And that dress is perfection.

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  12. Y'all are adorable! We have regular date nights on the couch with takeout and a movie after the kids go to bed. We don't have a set schedule for date nights out, but we still get them in anytime my MIL offers to keep the kids. We also like to do lunch dates on the weekends when the grandparents ask to have the kids over.

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
    • Lunch dates…and grandparents…are the BEST!!!

      Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  13. You two are so adorable together! I love it when my husband rolls his sleeves too, I guess I also have a thing for forearms 😉

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  14. You two are the sweetest couple ever. Really, I love that y'all still make each other laugh and have date nights! You look fabulous in that pink! It's your color for sure.

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  15. Rea T wrote:

    what a lovely couple!!♥ i love the color of our dress cassie, i can totally see myself wearing that especially if it is not body-hugging type…and i love how you matched it with turquoise pump, love love..
    i just really love your style♥

    ps: how cool that Mr. Sugarplum is having fun in front of the camera.. 🙂

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  16. Y'all are the cutest.

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  17. Love the dress, it looks great on you. Is it sheer, or are you wearing something under it? I'm considering this for my upcoming Mexico trip!!

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
    • Thanks Brandi! I have both the black and pink, and it's not sheer at all…nor am I wearing a slip or anything under it. It runs a tad big…I'm 5'4" and I'm wearing an XS. HOpe this helps!

      Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  18. This is so sweet. You both look great and I love your color combination!!!

    xo, Taylor

    Posted 6.11.14 Reply
  19. Allison wrote:

    You two are an amazing cute couple! The love you share for one another radiates from both of you. So fun to see and speaking of fun…you both look like you like to have fun and that you appreciate each and every day. Great color on you Cassie and adorable dress!

    Posted 6.12.14 Reply
  20. Cutest couple award! Love me a date night!

    Posted 6.12.14 Reply
  21. I like to dress up too for date night… But I don't think I ever look as cute as this! Love those shoes!

    Posted 6.12.14 Reply
    • I'm calling BS….I've seen you dressed up, and dressed down…and you always look cute!!

      Posted 6.13.14 Reply
  22. You two are tooo freakin cute! your killing me : )

    Posted 6.12.14 Reply
  23. Unknown wrote:

    Because of this post, I just bought this dress in all 3 colors. : )

    Posted 6.13.14 Reply
    • Ha!! Well, I hope you love it!! I've got them in 2 colors…telling myself I don't need the blue. I don't need the blue. I don't need the blue. 😉

      Posted 6.13.14 Reply
  24. Good grief you two are so insanely adorable, and clearly so very in love 🙂 Gotta go check out that dress now!

    Posted 6.14.14 Reply