Photography by Michele Equitz

Anine Bing dress via The RealReal | ASOS boots (similar) | Lulus handbag

When you hear The RealReal, most people’s minds go to the big names: Fendi, Dior, Gucci, and whatever other designer brands whose vintage items are currently trending. However, what I love most about this site are the more moderately priced, modern and everyday items from brands like L’Agence, Anine Bing, Veronica Beard and more. I love to shop sustainably, but I honestly didn’t know it could be so chic until I found The RealReal. It’s probably why it’s become such an obsession for me…! I have about 6 pages of favorited items (most of them are already sold, but I keep them saved for inspiration), and literally check it every single day to see if the items I’m watching go on extra sale. I’ve snagged a couple pairs of Jimmy Choo boots for under $200 each, Diane von Furstenberg pieces for under $100…the discounts and treasures are endless.

While I am a part of their affiliate program (meaning I make a small percentage of income from links I post featuring their items), I’ve purchased everything on my own which is how you know I’m truly bargain hunting. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to go find some more dealdeals.

I've been around boats my whole life. Looking at them, sailing on them, paddling them, jumping off them...you name it. A few years back, it occurred to me that a boat might actually make a great home for a nomadic and independent individual like myself, and since then, I've been eager to test out the liveaboard life. Thanks to Airbnb, I found the perfect little slip on Lake Union housing the Little Betty, an adorable houseboat just a couple miles between downtown Seattle and my house.

Walking the docks instead of residential, asphalt streets made for the most romantic neighborhood. Although I only stayed for one night and met only one of my "neighbors," the liveaboard community is quite friendly due to the unique camaraderie they share. I've done some reading on what it's like to live in a boat community, and you kind of have to be friends with your neighbors. There are a lot of technical elements to living on a boat, and whether you're a seasoned expert or in your first year on the water, you're bound to need help with something. 

But as a guest? Let's just say I spent my time focusing on reading during my wine & cheese hour.

 

Photography by Michele Equitz

During my stay I posted a ton on Instagram and got so many questions about the place, so I'm excited to be able to share pictures and details today. For the record, houseboats are much cheaper in the off season than in the summer, but you want to be able to soak up all of that outdoor time, so it's really worth the extra cost. I ran into a rainstorm late morning after I'd walked down the street for my morning coffee, but I'd brought a book to read so it made posting up in the large and comfy loft bed that much cozier. 

Staying on a boat is such a unique experience in Seattle & other coastal cities. Although I'm partial to the Pacific Northwest, now that I've stayed on a boat I imagine it'd be a really cool way to experience other cities on both the east and west coasts. There's really something to be said for bobbing away on your rooftop patio, hot coffee in hand, watching the world go by on the water. It turns even your average Monday into nothing less than a dream.

This post is sponsored by Delta and American Express.

Friday night, I got to send truelane’s photographer Michele to a dazzling and delicious event with Delta and American Express at Tavolàta Capitol Hill. The dinner was in celebration of the new Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card. Delta is one of my favorite airlines, so I was happy to partner on this post to share the news with you all.

Chef Ethan Stowell’s phenomenal restaurant, Tavolàta Capitol Hill, set the stage for a Taste of Travel through Italy. Chef Ethan is a family man who garnered an interest in cooking thanks to his father, and is a big fan of casual and family-style dining, as you can see here. The night kicked off with the event’s signature Blue Aviation Cocktail: a luxurious mix of Aviation American Gin, Luxardo Maraschino, lemon juice and Creme de Violette that created a gorgeous, deep blue tone—you don’t see tones like that too often in the cocktail world.

The menu ranged from bruschetta to burrata and roasted halibut to roast beef, but the crowd favorite at Tavolàta is always their famous rigatoni—two of the chefs even have it tattooed on their arms! Finally, you can’t go wrong with panna cotta for dessert…the perfect palette cleanser on the coast of Italy or the coast of Washington State.

With standout meals like this one, I’m excited to share that the new Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card gets you 2 miles per $1 spent at US Restaurants. This means you always have an excuse for a special occasion dinner at your favorite local spots, while getting you on your next adventure that much sooner. Although, sitting at the Tavolàta bar with a bowl of their classic spaghetti paired with a glass of velvety red, you might already feel like you’re in the middle of Roma itself. Learn more about the new Blue Delta SkyMiles Credit Card here. Buon appetito!

Photos: Michele Equitz