Date night. It’s become such a clichéd term, I almost hesitate to use it. It always sounds cheesy coming out of my mouth. But for lack of better phrase, there it is. Kevin and I are fortunate enough to have two sets of parents who are usually very willing to watch our kids so we can catch our breath, take a break from parenting and have a conversation that’s longer than three minutes.
The only problem with having time for a date out in Portland? Decision paralysis. I’m not joking. I can’t even tell you how often I’ve changed my mind or agonized over where to go in effort to not squander my time. There are so many amazing restaurants, breweries and bars, the pressure is real.
When it comes to my closet though, I am doing all I can to stave off decision paralysis. I am weeding it down (constantly) and working hard to remain critical about what I let in. This makes getting dressed for a casual date night a no-brainer.
Statement dress. Check.
Sleek bag. Check.
Flats. Yep.
Smile in anticipation of what’s to come? Heck yeah.
[ Emerson Caftan, c/o Emerson Fry | Bag, Cuyana | Sandals, Everlane (sold out, similar option) ]
I tend to shy away from heels in the summer — it often feels too hot to constrict my feet — and while most people might be thinking ‘bodycon’ for a date, I love to make a statement by wearing something a little more unexpected.
On this hot, summer night, my husband and I just said no to wringing our hands over where to go, and headed out for some place comfortable, and familiar, with food we were craving. It’s not the coolest place in town, but it’s so easy. I don’t even have to look at the menu before ordering.
Good beer. Check.
Gorgonzola cheese fries. Check.
Surprise live music with a band playing covers of Dave Matthews Band, cha ching!
Worthy date night. Worth the cheesy title. Worth the money spent.
A GIVEAWAY WITH EMERSON FRY
And now for some extra fun! Emerson Fry is giving away one of these beautiful (one size) caftans to one lucky Seasons + Salt reader! The dress is hand block printed with low impact dye on organic cotton. It has a deep v-neck (as seen on the model on their site), which can be worn closed with hook-eye-closures (as seen on me). It measures 48.5″ inches in length (in the back) and is super fun to wear! All you have to do to enter, is fill in your email down below. [Edited to add: Entering the contest signs you up for Emerson Fry’s mailing list. If you would like to opt out, they can easily remove you down the road.]
You look gorgeous! LOVE those sandals! Wish they had them still.
Hope you are having a great week :)
Thank you so much Jodie! I felt a little insecure in this dress at first, because it’s so covered up, so I really appreciate your compliment! And I wish Everlane still made these too!
That is gorgeous! Thanks for the opportunity to enter!
Portland is on my list, and you’re really making me want to visit even more! It’s just a looooong flight from Florida; too far to make into a long weekend!
If you come, do it in the summer! It’s hands down the best time of year here! Sooo pretty and not too hot!
Beautiful date night look – perfect for summer time! What is the name of this brewery? I will add it to my list of places to eat when I travel to Portland soon!
Hi Steph! It’s Henry’s. It’s in a cool part of town with lots of old buildings that have been revitalized. It’s kinda cheesy inside, like the bar is really loud and has a million TV’s, but the back patio is gold!
Thanks! We will totally try to check it out, those fries look amazing! The area looks really cool too, I love those old buildings!
You look amazing Andrea! Beautiful!
Thank you Dawn, your words are so encouraging! I appreciate the feedback. :)
That dress is amazing! My husband and I like to go to our usual spots for date night too.
It’s kind of nice, isn’t it? Then you have more time to focus on each other!
You look great in that Caftan dress. Perfect way to be covered up in summer , yet stylish.
Thank you Lucy! This dress is really thin too, so it is great for airflow!
Oooh! This is such a great look! Is that Henry’s? I swear these backgrounds look so close to where I work!
It totally is! My husband works in that area too.
Andrea, I really enjoy your blog. So much to think about and so relatable. I also love the caftan! Perfect for the summer heat, plus it would be great for teaching kindergarten in August since I could sit on the floor with it. (Not that I want to thing about back to school quite yet!)
Hi Deb, thank you so much for the nice comment! I hope you’re getting the most out of your summer, don’t think too hard about school yet! The summers never went so fast until my kids started school. :(
You look so chic, Andrea! I’m going to Thailand next month and this caftan would be PERFECT.
P.S. You looked so awesome in the red Lou jumpsuit from the last giveaway — fun and bright and vivacious!
Hi Erin! I love it when you comment. :) The caftan is really fun, I am excited to get some good use out of it. Jealous of your traveling! The red jumpsuit was super fun, but that one went back to Reifhaus after the shoot, trying really hard to keep my closet limited! Post pictures from your trip when you get back!
Yay for date nights! We’re lucky too in the grandparent department. : ) I just had my print maxi dress crap out on me, so this is pretty perfect timing : ) Thanks for the opportunity!
Yay!! It would be so fun if you won Laura!
Such a great dress/date/plate of cheese fries! Thanks for offering this giveaway!
Thanks Sarah!! Wishing I was eating those cheese fries right now…
Ok, I’m officially obsessed with this whole thing….from the gorgeous dress to the Gorgonzola cheese fries! :) Beautiful, my friend!
Thank you love!!!! Come visit me and I’ll take you out for Gorgonzola cheese fries! :)
Love, love, love that dress! I may have to order it instead of waiting to see if I won it! Is that bad?
No! I hope you love it!! Is super soft and flowy!! :)
I just love this dress! It would be such a treat to wear it during the warm summer months!
It is super airy, so it’s crazy comfy even in the heat! Hope you entered to win it! :)
Ha, I pinned your outfit to my curated closet inspiration board before I even realized there was a giveaway. Great outfit! Thanks for the giveaway.
Gosh, that’s super flattering! I’m honored! Good luck! :)
Yes! To date nights.
Yes! To cringing at the term “date night.”
Yes! To loose and flowy being sexier than body con.
Woot! I love it when someone is picking up what I’m putting down. ;)
I loooove this dress. So flowy and such a statement. You look fantastic in it!
Thank you Mel!! I really appreciate that! It takes courage to ‘feel sexy’ when so covered up, so your statement means a lot!
So, so pretty!
For some reason, Daniel and I have never really defined any of our one on one time as date nights. I think because we started dating in college, we just sort of found ourselves eating together without any particular intention. But I like the idea of getting dressed up and being more intentional about it.
I think the difference here is three kids, HAHA. Kids take over evert aspect of life unless you politely scoot them to the side for an intentional date night.
It looks so nice and breezy for summer! Great outfit.
Also, shopping update: I went to a summer sidewalk sale and got a pair of Birks (my first) for 50% off! I wore them out of the store because they were instantly comfortable as soon as I put them on. My feet feel like they’re getting a hug.
YES! They will spoil your feet in the best way possible. I wear Birks 80% of the time in the summer!!!
Oh man I really want to win this haha! I’ve been eyeing the Emerson frye caftans for probably years now, but just have not had the money to go for it when it would not be one of my staple pieces.
Fingers crossed Tawny!!
Hi Andrea, I just entered and then I got an e-mail from Emerson Fry a few minutes later “confirming” my “recent subscription.” If giving our e-mail addresses here automatically signs us up for their mailing list, the post really should mention that. Thanks!
Hi Devon, thanks for letting me know! I updated the post to include that information.
You look incredible! I wish there were more places to eat outside in upstate NY.
Thank you Kayleigh! I am surprised there are not. Too chilly?
I’ve loved that caftan forever!!! And caftans are really having their moment!
Right?! I am seeing them a lot!