{Fashion Friday} Dallas Blooms

Why is the week following a break always so haaaaaaaard?! We had a rocky re-entry to real life after Spring Break, but hallelujah, we made it to Friday! We’ve got a busy weekend of kid’s sports and birthday parties, and I’m hosting our first real dinner party in the new house. Hopefully no one will notice the hole in the floor from our Watergate episode. Never mind that it’s by the front door.

We’ve got rain in the forecast, but last week was beautifully sunny, so the kids and I headed out for a little field trip to the Dallas Arboretum. I often receive emails from readers planning a visit to Big D, so I thought I’d share one of our favorite outdoor spots in the city.

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum
Blouse | Jeans | Booties (similar) | Fringe Bag | Watch | Aviators

The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden is 66-acres of peaceful gardens, ponds, fountains, and exhibits, overlooking White Rock Lake and the downtown Dallas skyline. ‘Dallas Blooms’ is the Spring exhibit featuring over 500,000 blooming bulbs, 3,000 azaleas, and 1000s of flowering annuals and perennials. It’s the largest floral festival in the Southwest…basically an allergy-sufferer’s nightmare. 
We’ve had a few weeks of snow and ice, so the flowers were just starting to bloom when we were there, but it felt so great to just be outside again.

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

In addition to a hands-on Children’s Adventure Garden, there are learning opportunities at every corner. These two usually bicker like cats and dogs, so I completely melt when I see moments like this. I think the sunshine changed their attitudes, too!

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

Of course I jumped at the opportunity to pull out some cute Spring clothes, and the gardens make a gorgeous backdrop for pictures. We saw two bridal and three quinceanera portrait sessions during our visit…it makes my heart clench to think of this one in a wedding dress one day. And can we talk about that hair?! It obviously skipped a generation because my mom has it, too.

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

My little Miss…always opting for sneakers like her brother. I have managed to convert her over to the jean jacket camp though.

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

I love the color and pattern of this blouse…it’s comfy, but still looks pulled together. As for sizing, I think it runs a bit large…I’m wearing an XS, but still had to layer a cami to keep the girls hidden. #aintnobodywantstoseethegirls Perhaps if I had larger girls the shirt wouldn’t hang so low? #theresathought You can find other color options here, and this sleeveless version is only $20!

Total sidenote: I know we’re thinking Spring, but who has this tunic? The big markdown has me thinking I need it for next year. Doesn’t it just make you want to curl up and nap?!?

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum
Blouse | Jeans | Booties (similar) | Fringe Bag | Watch | Aviators
Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

There are a few cafes and sidewalk vendors, and picnic baskets are welcome, as well. It’s just charming and relaxing everywhere you look.

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

One more inch and he’ll be as tall as me. Talk about heart-clenching!!

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

The Arboretum is the kind of place where you don’t need an agenda or schedules…there’s no way to see it all in one visit, so you just stroll and enjoy the experience. I can’t wait to take these cuties back this Summer for a Concert in the Park.

Hi Sugarplum | Dallas Arboretum

If you’re visiting Dallas on a beautiful day (which is most of the time), I highly recommend an afternoon at the Dallas Arboretum. And if you have kids of any age, the Perot Museum of Nature & Science is a must! Have you been to Dallas? What’d you love to do while here? Happy weekend, lovebugs!


Little brag: Did you know Dallas has the largest Arts District in the nation?! #yesmaam 

{Shop My Outfit}

{Shop the Kids}

{Shop good Field Trip Shoes for Kids}

*I was thrilled to collaborate with Nordstrom for this post, but all outfits, opinions, and city-pimping are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*

Leave a Comment

14 Comments

  1. Beautiful blouse, I love blue and white for the warm weather. Those flowers are breathtaking by the way!

    Posted 3.20.15 Reply
  2. I'm so jealous of the sunny days and blooming flowers (snowing here as I type!) I would love to visit Dallas one day. Good luck with your dinner party. It will be great!

    Posted 3.20.15 Reply
  3. The Arboretum is one of my favorite spots in Dallas, as well. My kids love running wild, and I die over the gorgeous flowers. We also love the Perot, and I'm dying to see the re-vamped Farmers Market!

    Posted 3.20.15 Reply
  4. Patricia wrote:

    Love fashion Friday! Loved that tunic… you're giving me some ideas.

    Posted 3.20.15 Reply
  5. Sarah wrote:

    But really, that hair of hers! My goodness its pretty!

    We are headed to Dallas in May, we will have to add this to our agenda!

    Posted 3.20.15 Reply
  6. kristin wrote:

    Cuties! My sister lives in Dallas and we will definitely be going here!

    Posted 3.20.15 Reply
  7. So sad the blouse is sold out in smaller sizes! Looks great on you!

    Posted 3.20.15 Reply
  8. love the arboretum. my neighbor's daughter is getting married there in a month. what a beautiful backdrop she'll have. your kids are growin'!! happy weekend.

    Posted 3.20.15 Reply
  9. The Suz wrote:

    My husband and I love catching a Rangers' game whenever we're in town. He has been a loyal fan since he lived in Dallas growing up.

    Posted 3.20.15 Reply
  10. Looks like the perfect day. The kids are getting so big. It threw me to see the highchairs at that cute outdoor spot. . .doesn't it seem like a lifetime ago that the kids need those. 🙁 So fun watching them grow but so crazy to think how fast it goes.

    Posted 3.20.15 Reply
  11. My daughter is really into art – I think a girls weekend to Dallas will be on our radar! Thanks for the great spots – I had no idea Dallas had the largest arts district in the nation!

    Posted 3.21.15 Reply
    • Yes ma'am!!! And it's all clustered together…the opera house, museums, theatre, etc!!

      Posted 3.22.15 Reply
  12. kristine wrote:

    What a fun day! I own 2 of the Lush tops…love them! And love that print on you!

    Posted 3.22.15 Reply
  13. Thanks so much, Kristine!! The tops are fun…I'm tempted to snag another color! xo

    Posted 3.22.15 Reply