In case you didn’t get the memo-culottes are everywhere. They are the not-so-secret comfy piece in every girl's wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down, come in myriad fabrics, and feel like you are wearing PJs (S-C-O-R-E). I have a few pairs that are all soft with a lot of movement. Silk-like this pair-is great for travel, and suede, leather, or denim add an interesting textural element that brings an outfit together. Plus, they're perfect for transitioning outfits through seasons. Dress them up for work with a pair of heels or mules, a structured blouse, and add some attention grabbing accessories. To style them for the weekend pair with a casual tee, jean jacket, and your favorite pair or sneakers.  

Do you like the culotte trend?

Bittersweet is this classicly wonderful cocktail, dessert and coffee lounge with an all-natural, local, seasonal menu. They are unique to Raleigh, North Carolina and I have yet to see an equivalent throughout my travels. They're the charming place where you have your cake and eat it too...with champagne (or any other adult beverage your heart desires...even Irish Coffee!). 

They regularly host drink and dessert pairings along with special "Gin Club" or themed events. They often having movie screenings that pair with the desserts + drinks (I personally love this bit). Plus, their full coffee bar, daily in-house baked goods, and fun staff make them basically the best thing in Raleigh. 

As their menu changes seasonally, they honor what is best suited for that time of year as well as serving classics year round. Thankfully, I was visiting when they were celebrating Negroni Week! So I had to try several of their 20+ varied Negroni drink recipes...it was for charity! (Spoiler Alert: they were all incredible). 

A Negroni is an iconic Italian cocktail, traditionally made with gin, vermouth rosso, and Campari, garnished with orange peel. It is considered an apéritif. For one week every June, bar and restaurants mix classic Negronis and Negroni variations for great causes. Negroni Week carefully selects official charities that those bars and restaurants can immediately donate to with the proceeds from the Negronis that week, or thereafter. It's a fun way to give back. 

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The grouped pink and blue flowers are hydrangeas. They change colors depending on the pH levels of the soil. My personal favorite color is the blue, but the deep pink is such a rich hue that I have to appreciate them (plus, I couldn't pass up the coordinating dress pictures!). 

I bought this floral maxi dress years ago from Anthropologie-wearing it to many events, weddings, and even the occasional Easter Sunday. However, I never had the chance to shoot it and share it here on The Abstract Life. This spring I've been wearing it for more casual outings and love getting to enjoy it more. It's light enough to wear in the warmer weather and I can always throw a sweater or jean jacket over it when the nights grow chillier and I want to make it more "every day." 

I'm ready for spring truly take effect but feel it hasn't had the courage to fully blossom yet. Despite the weather outside, stores are bursting with spring attire. If you're doing your seasonal shopping now this leaves you with shiny new pieces hanging in your closet just staring at you...just waiting to be worn. Never fear! Here's how to pull off transitioning your wardrobe items into spring.