A Weekend in Rochester for Galentine's Day + Win Free Dresses for a Year from Lulu*s!

Today, Jen of JenLoves Kev and I are partnering with Lulu*s for a very special and very exciting giveaway. Read on to find out how you and a friend could win free dresses for a year!

When Jen and I met six years ago, it was kinda meant to be. I mean, I was an admissions counselor working at an art college, and she was a high school art teacher molding the minds of future art students. We were both living in Massachusetts. We also both happened to be fledgling personal style bloggers (she far more established than I). The stars, they were aligned.

 

I can't exactly remember how I initially discovered her blog, but I instantly connected with her style and personal way of writing. We got to talking (commenting), and eventually met up while I was traveling for work in upstate New York. While it seems so normal now to make fast friends with people on Instagram or through blogging, in 2009 it felt so strange to already know so much about someone I'd never actually met in person. But, that feeling faded quickly and we immediately launched into talking about everything, all while thrift shopping, obviously.

Six years later, I jump at any opportunity to see Jen (and Kev, and the girls). So, when Lulu*s asked us to participate in Galentine's, we got to planning. Turns out, Rochester, NY is smack dab in the middle of Albany and Pittsburgh, about four hours in each direction. (Long distance tip: meet in the middle)

We each chose a dress from Lulu*s for the occasion, and celebrated Galentine's a little early with Chris, Kev, the girls, and Jen's sister Amy at Java's, the most amazing cafe, possibly ever. This is the kind of place I would happily live inside: walls covered in art, almond milk as an option (the fastest way to my heart these days), and late-night hours, which we also took advantage of. We went to Java's no less than three times over the course of our stay.

I'll be sharing more pics of our weekend in Rochester on Monday, but for now, you're probably wondering about winning those free dresses, right? I thought so...

 Lulu's Great Galentine's Giveaway!

Valentine’s day may be coming up quick but at LuLu*s, Galentine’s day reigns supreme!! Forget the flowers and treat yourself to a year of fresh frocks! LuLu*s is giving away one free dress a month to one lucky gal (and her best pal) for all of 2014! Follow the link below to enter and be sure to refer your best gal pal with your custom generated link for a chance to WIN: http://bit.ly/dressesforayear Good Luck!

What I'm wearing: dress, sweater, boots, & midi ring c/o Lulu's // Hat, scarf, purple necklace, & bracelet: vintage // Teardrop ring c/o Dixi // 'Wife' ring: Shop Bueno // Tights: AA Super Opaque

Love Jen's look? Check out her half of the story over on her blog.