Portland Maine Travel and Hotel Review

Maine the way life should be.  Or at least that's what they tell you.  Personally I love it in Maine, I don't think anywhere is as comforting, relaxing, and well rounded as Portland. 

This is a city we visit at least twice a year, you might remember when we were there in the spring 
http://findingloveinasize8shoe.blogspot.com/2012/03/portland-maine.html

In that post I mentioned both of my favorite portland hotels, the Portland Regency and the Portland Harbor Hotel.  On this trip we stayed at our old stand by the Regency.

The Regency really is a great boutique hotel right in the middle of Old Port.  It is a comfortable hotel full of incredibly friendly staff who are really excellent at what they do.  Everyone from the Valets to the Front Desk are always available for anything you need, and no request seems to rattle them.  The rooms are all very well appointed with some of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept on. 

Additionally, one of my favorite things about the hotel is every room you stay in is very different, different furnishings, different layout, different space.  The building itself is actually an old armory and a historic landmark. 

Finally - the bar downstairs is AMAZING.  Like really amazing.  I have had everything from dinners to afternoon appetizers and lots and lots of drinks here and I am NEVER disappointed.  If you ever go you have to try the Washington Apple Martini - the best RED martini I have ever had hands down.  This time we also shared an antipasto plate and it was perfection.

So to recap Service + awesome beds + great drinks and food + location + uniqueness of the space = one really special place to stay while visiting Portland. 

Dining:

We like to eat, that is no surprise to anyone.  And when we say eat it's usually some great new ultra modern super fancy place that is locally owned and makes designs out of the sides on your plate. 

Well this was no exception.  We went to a place called "555", or more technically "five-fifty-five" literally located at 555 Congress St. in Old Port.

Freakin delicious.  That's pretty much all I have to say.  We shared an absolutely amazing heirloom tomato plate with fresh mozzerella chesse and and awesome basil pesto.  Even the bread basket here was incredible, not so much for the bread, but for the out of this world butter they served with it.  Give me a thyme infused butter (?!) anyday. 

Entrees were so good they were devoured within minutes of their arrival.  Husband had a very yummy Halibut dish and I dined on some ridiculously good Truffle Lobster Mac and Cheese. so so SO good. 

Bottom line - go to Portland, eat at 555, live blissfully ever after. 

How I wore it - color and pattern mixing

I'm an trying to expand my comfort zone, I always see these great outfits all mashed together on pinterest with people looking fabulous and end up looking like a mess when I attempt a similar look.

One thing I have noticed is that I love mixing up patterns and colors and layers to create something fun!

Here is my attempt at fall color and pattern mixing fun!

JCrew Majesty Peacoat

It isn't often you find a coat that has you wishing for cooler weather.  This may be the only coat I have ever actually put on and LOVED.  Like really loved. 

The JCrew Majesty Peacoat

Now I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this coat, but the second I put it on I knew it was going to be a keeper and last forever.  It is a "stadium cloth" wool coat, meaning it's a tightly woven wool and it is VERY heavy.  I am pretty sure that this will do a better job with warmth than say my old Calvin Klein peacoat, and not be as warm as my North Face puffer coat. 

I ended up ordering this in a size 2, generally in Jcrew I wear a 0 or 00 or a 2 depending on the items.  Even in a 2 this has enough room for a sweater underneath while still maintaining a very nice fitted and flattering shape.

The details are what really make this a standout piece for me. 

I am weird about the sleeve length of all tops, jackets included.  This is the perfect length, it hits just below the wrist when your arm is extended. 

The collar of this jacket is another thing that has me completely hooked, it is oversized while being in perfect proportion to the coat and at the same time not overwhelming. 

Overall I am very excited about this jacket, it has a great fit, great details, and is currently 25% off.  What else could you want in a coat?!