Underneath the Lovely London Sky

When I first heard that Mary Poppins was getting a revival, my initial reaction was pure skepticism. But once I saw the trailers, I was intrigued. After I saw the film, I was hooked. I left the theater still humming the songs from the film, bought the soundtrack a few days later, and have listened to it on a loop in my car on several occasions.

Let’s rewind a little: Mary Poppins returns is not a “remake.” It’s an entirely different plot than that of it’s predecessor & takes place in the 30s, when the Banks children are all grown up. While there are similarities (& a few Easter eggs & nods to the original), its a completely standalone film that still embodies the spirit & whimsy of the original. 

Take Me To: Beach Club

It's been a hot minute since I've released the next post in my "Take Me To" resort series. So what better way to kick off getting back into the swing of things than by starting in January for the new year? I'll be keeping attempting to keep these more regular by adding a resort post once a month. Since it's January & most of us are covered in snow, ice, or just plain frigid cold weather (unless you're lucky enough to live somewhere that has summer year round - hello Florida friends!), it seems like the perfect month for a Beach Club post. 

While I'm over here covered in 2 sweaters, a coat, boots, and leggings under jeans, I'm swooning over the thought of being poolside right now, somewhere warm & sunny - like the Disney's Beach Club Resort. I asked my good friend Joanna to style a look around this resort & do a guest post. She has some great vintage style and eye for details, and pulled together an adorable look, perfectly set to her surroundings. The following is what she had to say about this beautiful resort.

Chattalocal: White (mochas) after Labor Day

If you know anything at all about me or have ever even glanced at my Instagram, you know I pretty much have a cup of coffee permanently glued to my hand at all times. No really. I’m like Mary Poppins & can pull a venti iced white mocha on command from the depths of my handbag. So naturally if there is a new spot in town for coffee, I am all about it. 

Recently I checked out the new Edwin hotel (read more here) & discovered the cutest new little coffee shop - Provisions. The name evokes (in my 90s-childhood brain) imagery of the Oregon Trail game, where players could purchase supplies & food for the long treacherous journey (there are 2 types of people in this world: those who ford the river & those who take the ferry across). I feel like Provisions is definitely the former because coffee is very much a “you can do this!” kind of drink (unlike tequila, which sometime says the same thing, but is FULL OF LIES).

Chattalocal: Breakfast Date at the Edwin

It’s no secret I’m a bit of a connoisseur of hotel lobbies. Fun fact: the trend dates back to my college days, when I would frequent the Read House (pre-renovation - this was years ago) with my best friend & we would sip Starbucks on the red velvet sofa & chat for hours. I just love visiting hotels to marvel at the unique decor & style, check out new eateries, & basically pretend I’m one of those super wealthy celebrities that lives on the top floor. It gives me a bit of a wanderlust feeling, being able to stroll through like a wannabe-guest, coffee in hand, & just take it all in.

So when my friend Sarah wanted to get together, I suggested breakfast at the new Edwin Hotel downtown, located at the south end of the Walnut Street Bridge. The Edwin derives it’s namesake from Edwin Thatcher, the architect of the iconic Walnut Street Bridge & the interior was designed specifically for Chattanooga. Everything in this hotel is unique - from the restaurant & Whiskey Thief rooftop bar, to the library & cozy chill spaces spread throughout the hotel. Crystal chandeliers? Fur ottomans? Blue crushed velvet dome chairs?! Someone please come decorate my house like this!