By Liz Bey.

When you picture a romantic getaway I bet you picture somewhere with green palm trees, white sandy beaches and lots of quiet places for you and your partner to hide away in. And normally you probably don’t picture that happening in the United States. I don’t blame you, if I had a secret stash of cash I’d want to fly out of the States for a short getaway myself. But why not find a cozy, romantic place in the States to save some money but still get that experience?

I believe romance is in the eye of the beholder (much like beauty), everyone has their own ideas of romance outside of the stereotypical. I picked four different place I found to be romantic to visit in the land of the free.

#1 – Monterey, California 

Monterey Bay, California

Any place that has a picture like that has me visiting. Crystal blue waters and picturesque views – yup I’m hooked. And how about you can pick from 7 Secret Beaches for all that white sand you’ve been looking for? Don’t forget all the spas, wine tasting rooms and romantic walks you can get.

Expedia has flight +hotel + car packages for the Monterey area that cost just under $2,000 for 2 people for FOUR days (coming from the Pittsburgh area). Pretty nice steal!

#2 – Kauai, Hawaii 

Kauai Island, Hawaii

Hawaii is the States own personal getaway for sure but I’ve only really heard of the major islands like Honolulu … never about Kauai. But apparently it’s the perfect island to getaway from it all with your romantic partner. Take your pick from horseback riding, surf lessons or even a romantic helocopter tour.

Expedia has flight + hotel + car packages for Kauai Island that cost about $2,500 for 2 people for FOUR days (coming from the Pittsburgh area). This would be perfect for those vacation hours you’ve been saving.

#3 – San Francisco, California 

San Francisco, California

I’ve been in love with San Francisco since “Full House” was filmed there … then there was “Charmed” and let’s not forget “The Princess Diaries.” San Fran has had it’s fair share of popularity in films and television. With it’s picturesque views of the bay area and the rolling hills with iconic street cars (that STILL work) what wouldn’t you like?

Expeida has flight + hotel + car packages for San Francisco that cost right around $1,500 for 2 people for FOUR days (coming from the Pittsburgh area). Get some history in with your romantic trip here!

#4 – Savannah, Georgia 

Savannah, Georgia

We’ve all heard of “Southern beauty,” well now I know why … with beautiful fields, plantations and bed & breakfasts I could lose myself in the romance. Calculate in all the romantic stories and movies that have come from the South, would you like to star in your own Southern romance novel? There is so much to do in Savannah as well: ghost tours, trolley tours, and cruises!

Expedia has flight + hotel + car packages for Savannah that cost $1,300 or less for 2 people for FOUR days (coming form the Pittsburgh area). Talk about a Southern revival!

By Liz Bey.

Fall fashion and outfits have started to pop up already, even with it only being the middle of July. That’s the fashion industry for you – one season ahead of us! But I love all the fuzzy, warm items starting to come out. I love summer becasue of all the short, breezy, bright colors we can wear — but fall has all the layers and deep, rich colors I love as well. (Just don’t tell the weather to turn back anytime soon – I want to keep this heat!)

A favorite Chloe Chic piece of mine I’ve had my eye on since I first discovered them was the versitility that the clothing can be. What I’m talking about is how they use a big warm scarf as a shawl as well! Mind blown – great idea! So I used a neutral colored one to spark  your imagination for the upcoming fall months.

Are you starting your fall wardrobes yet?

Chilly Chick Scarf in Taupe.

I’ve always said that if you have a great base you can dress it up however you like – a few summers ago I learned this myself. I followed a blog that gave the challenge to wear just a simple blue jeans & white tank outfit and to dress it up with my own style. I’ve taken that concept to heart and picked a pair of dark navy flair jeans and long sleeve white shirt for this outfit.

Pairing it with the taupe colored Chilly Chick Scarf from Chloe Chic would be a perfect layering piece and keep you warm once the weather turns. Then bring in some color with these jewled booties for some pop.

By Liz Bey.

I don’t know about you, but recently I’ve been getting into the concert scene again. I’ve also been bombarded with clothing store emails telling me “concert bras & bralettes” and “concert t’s” or “summer music festival outfits.” Some I’ve liked, others I’ve not. So I wanted to try my own hand at it – Chloe Chic style.

With it being summer and the temperatures at all time highs having something to keep you cool is key, that is why I thought a fun, flirty dress in a great fresh color like the Sugar Baby Dress would be a great focal point. It’s swingy and summery and has a bit of sex appeal.

Since I imagine most concerts going into the cooler night hours, or even being in doors I thought an awesome black leather jacket would be perfect. The jacket gives a little rock, a little roll and just enough hard edge to pump up your outfit. Finally I just love some funky heels for summer like the ones I found for my outfit. I finished the outfit off with a simple, multi-chain necklace for a tad bit more edge.

My favorite part of this outfit is the versatility. You could take this outfit out to the bar for a couple drinks after the concert or even to dinner beforehand.

By Liz Bey.

One of my favorite summer fashion styles is rocking the Bohemian look. I find that the Bohemian look works great in summer because of the free flowing, romantic pieces. This whole style also screams relaxed romantic to me due to the long, flowy skirts and floral patterns.

I hunted through the Chloe Chic closet to find this wonderful little number: the Victorian Vixen skirt. You can dress this piece up and down – I decided to show it with a casual romantic vibe that you could wear on a summer date at a coffee shop or a picnic. Or take this number shopping with the girls!

By Liz Bey.

It is no secret that I am a romantic at heart — and that I’m a huge foodie. I love food, and when you can spin it into a romantic, delicious dish for yourself and someone special it takes on a whole new level in the relationship (we all know guys are suckers for women who can cook – and the same for men who can cook for women!). Now almost any food can be romantic especially if you know your partner’s likes and dislikes. Something simple as KitKats can be a romantic food if their your partner’s favorites.

In my ideal romantic dinner I picture something classic and robust paired with a good glass of wine. I found this pairing from Better Homes and Gardens and totally agree.

Picture courtesy Better Homes and Gardens.

Steak au Poivre paired with a rich, full-bodied red wine. Better Homes and Gardens suggest Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet 2006 ($27.00) or Glen Carlou Syrah 2006 ($21.99).

So plan a special evening with your partner; cook something romantic like this yummy steak au pooivre and turn the lights down low. Is romance in the air?

By Liz Bey.

Manicures are one of the best things about being a woman – almost every girl loves seeing some color on her nails! And I am no different, and lately I’ve been becoming more obsessed with different colors. If you are up on your nail news then you know about OPI’s new gel polish. It is like the hight of nail couture at the moment because it lasts longer, goes on shinier and smoother and dries in just 30 seconds!

This also means that gel manicures cost more – but I’m looking into trying it out. And with that I just had to share some of the awesome OPI gel nail colors available, they would totally put a little pep in your step on date night.

Personally, I’m way more into darker shades on my nails since I have such fair skin so these are my personal favorites:

And these are some softer, romantic shades that I had to share with you :

By Liz Bey.

Summer is a time to be laying out on beaches, cruising down main street and showing off your fabulous fashion sense. The best way to accent your summer style is with a breezy scarf – they aren’t just for winter you know.

Scarves make a great statement piece to any outfit. They can be that pop of color or your funky statement piece. Fun, bright colors and patterns in scarves are popular this season – but wrapping one around your neck or letting it hang down is so boring. So why not learn to tie one in 37 ways?

I got into scarf tying my senior year when I started playing around with scarves as statement pieces. I won’t say I’m the best, haha – but I found an awesome website, Scarves.net, that shows you how to do it yourself!

Try my three favorite styles with Chloe Chic’s Julia Scarf.

My 3 Favorite Styles: 

The Knot Row

The Half Bow

The Chain Knot Wrap

By Liz Bey.

Whether you are in a long-term relationship or single (like me), coming up with date ideas can be very tedious and take all the fun and romance out of a relationship. Not good. I’m normally the one trying to plan something interesting and different than just ‘dinner and a movie’ or ‘coffee’ (and these have added pressure of being first dates – yuck!) But I’ve recently thought up and discovered fun ideas and a fun way to plan a date.

Featuring the Timepiece Chic Necklace from Chloechic.com.

I wanted to show you an idea of what I think would be perfect for a date – day or night. The Timepiece Necklace from ChloeChic was my inspiration, it is so different and I love the vintage feel. Pairing it with a simple cream dress and a pair of color popping shoes really made me fall in love.

Now, the list of my newest five date ideas that you should wear this outfit to, haha:

1. A Wine & Cheese Picnic – think the French countryside, a vintage bottle of red wine and a plate of different cheeses.

2. The Batting Cages – you probably think I’m crazy, but you have to give one up to your man sometimes! Your date will think you are so cute hitting some balls in this cute dress – all I suggest is bringing a pair of tennis to change into!

3. A Carriage Ride – whether this is the main focus of your date or just the perfect surprise after dinner, who doesn’t love a carriage ride??? I’m a huge horse lover so I’d probably be hugging the horse longer than I’m riding in the carriage.

4. The Theatre – splurge a bit and go check out the newest show that’s visiting your city, or check out the local high school’s drama department’s production of “Romeo & Juliet.”

5. Go Vintage Shopping – check out some antique stores, yard sales and flee markets. Maybe you’ll end up scoring a piece for your apartment – or maybe you’ll help him find that really old baseball card he’s wanted since childhood!

Photo courtesy Life In The Green House.com.

Now, onto a really cool idea I discovered on how to plan a date! I found this on “Life In The Green House” blog and thought it was so cool I wanted to create it even though I’m single. This blogger created a jar of color coded date ideas that range from: expensive, at home, and least expensive.

By Liz Bey.

With Spring coming and Mother’s Day fast approaching I was trying to think of how the perfect date starts. And I think I finally did: flowers!

Flowers can symbolize many feelings and are given out for many occassions: Valentine’s Day, Birthdays, Weddings, Christmas and Mother’s Day! So I thought I’d show you my top 5 favorite flowers and what they stood for (maybe you can pick some up for your mother then!)

1. Roses

Obviously this is the number 1 most people think about when they think “most romantic flower.” And it’s the most given out on say … Valentine’s Day and first dates.

Red roses describe deep emotions: love, longing or desire.

2. Lilies

My mother’s favorite flower was a day lilly and I have one tattooed to my shoulder in honor of her. Lillies are so gorgeous and classy.

Lilies stand for friendship and devotion.

3. Sunflowers

These big guys are fun, bright and remind everyone of the sun (duh!) You don’t hear of many people giving out sunflower bouquets but I think they should start!

Sunflowers mean adoration, loyalty and longevity.

4. Orchid

This flower is very dainty and beautiful – I picture these in most bridal bouquets as they walk down the isle.

Orchid's stand for love, beauty, luxury and strength.

5. Foxgloves

Now this one might be the curveball in the mix – but I’ve always had a fascination for foxgloves. They are like a deadly beauty in the flower world because they contain a poison that can cause death if ingested. So consider them the “bad boy” of the flower world – everyone wants them, but handled wrong they can be dangerous.

Foxgloves mean beauty.

By Liz Bey.

Every woman knows that a fashion staple for their closet is the little black dress a.k.a. LBD. That perfect black dress that hugs your hips, shows off your figure and makes you feel AMAZING. And with this LBD you can dress it up, down, casual, fancy or even professional. Well – why not make it go vintage as well?

And since I have the wonderful closet of clothes over at ChloeChic.com for my personal blogging use – I found the cutest vintage inspired cardigan to vintage-ify my LBD!

The Dainty Lady Cardigan is a perfect accessory to an LBD because it will give you the coverage without sacrificing style. The one button closure will keep the cardigan closed but still show off that sexy little number you have on underneath. Pair the outfit with a matching teal pump and you have yourself a night on the town outfit.