Whenever I get an email from the vineyard vines team, I try to respond in a timely manner. The brand has been in my life for more than a decade. Professionally, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with them on Kentucky Derby viewing parties, new store openings, collection launches, and everything between. I’ve spent time with Ian and Shep, and even media trained the dynamic brothers for Chicago TV segment.
This year, I’ve also had the pleasure of working with them twice – first to attend the Kentucky Derby, followed by an invitation to photograph for vineyard vines Holiday 2019 collection and catalog. When I received the invite, it was an immediate “yes!” Beyond the thought of getting the chance to spend time with their talented team, I also found out that I’d get to bring my good friend, Allie, along with the participants (and friends) – Caila, Liz, Jess, John, and Kelvin.
Soon, I’d also come to learn from the vineyard vines team that the Holiday 2019 photo shoot would take place Ocean House Rhode Island. My jaw hit the ground! Ocean House has been on my must-see list for what feels like forever! Talk about a dream come true!
vineyard vines Ocean House Rhode Island
It’s rare for me to come across a hotel that impresses me, much less knocks my socks off. As one of only 14 in the world to be classified as triple five-star hotel, Ocean House Rhode Island should immediately be added to your vacation list. Seriously! I can’t think of another domestic hotel property that’s impressed me more than this destination.
From the moment I checked in until we left, the service was unparalleled. Upon check-in, they asked if I wanted a glass of sparkling wine or juice. Seeing as it was 12 noon on a weekday, I opted for juice, of course. I joked, “trust me – the sparkling wine sounds awesome but it’s a little early. Maybe later.” I laughed.
Low and behold – later that afternoon, they brought not just a glass but a BOTTLE of sparkling wine to my room unprompted. Talk about great service (and a great memory)!
The housekeeping was also impeccable! From glass cleaner cloths to personalized monogramed pillows, no detail is overlooked. Normally, I don’t get housekeeping at a hotel since I keep things pretty tidy and nice. However, after our first of getting it, I looked forward to seeing what they were going to do!
Ocean Bluff Suite
One of the best aspects of a stay at Ocean House Rhode Island are the actual accommodations themselves. Additionally, I truly don’t believe there’s a bad room in the entire place. Thankfully, Allie and I were fortune enough to stay in the Ocean Bluff Suite: a two-bedroom space that took my breath away. No joke!
The Ocean Bluff Suite was everything and then some. Beyond the full kitchen complete with fully stocked mini bar, snacks, and refrigerator, there was a small space for kids to play and a washer/dryer. Allie and I had separate bedrooms, bathrooms, and the most gorgeous living room and outdoor deck that overlooked the ocean. Heavenly!
As an avid traveler (both for my full-time job and the blog), I’ve been fortunate enough to have stayed in numerous luxury hotels and resorts around the world. As such, it’s VERY rare for me to be impressed. Ocean House sets the standard of luxury in the U.S.
A very vineyard vines Holiday
Due to my full-time job, I missed a full day of photo shoots with the rest of the group. To this day, I still feel guilty about needing to forgo it while the rest of the group wandered around Ocean House and Rhode Island capturing photos. But alas – work has its restrictions, and as I’ve mentioned before, I have to be very careful about my PTO days.
Upon my arrival at Ocean House, I was immediately thrown into fittings since I had lost 24 hours. One of the highlights of the experience was getting to know the vv stylists and makeup/hair stylist at the photo shoot – especially Leo and Kat! They made me feel incredibly comfortable in a somewhat uncomfortable situation. Keep in mind – there’s a lot of pressure! You’re shooting for a big brand’s holiday campaign, and I really didn’t want to let anyone down. The three of them really made a huge difference in my confidence level.
Thankfully, most of my outfits needed little to no tailoring, which was a dream! From plush plaids to soft velvets, comfy sweaters to a chic little black jumpsuit, I really enjoyed trying on so many looks from the Holiday collection.
The Photo Shoots Begin….
Following the fittings, I jumped right into photo shoots with the rest of the group. We had a blast taking photos on the beach, and there were so many cute kids running around everywhere! Liz, Dave, and Kelvin did such a phenomenal job, and made parenting look easy throughout the photo shoot. Seriously!
Allie was also such a wonderful cheerleader throughout the experience. We’ve travelled a lot together over the past year (and more to come)! I’ve come to learn we make a great time, and I love how we 100% travel well together!
After all of the photo shoots, we went to dinner at a local restaurant in town. It was the perfect time to reflect on the day, and to catch up with so many of the attendees. In fact, I had the chance to sit next to Caila (who I hadn’t met previously). She was beyond wonderful! We have a lot in common, and it was a blast to talk about blogging, boys, and business!
vineyard vines Holiday Collection
My favorite outfit was the plaid dress! It has my name written all over it. I love anything with color, and it felt very flatting for my body type. vineyard vines also does a superb statement earrings! Holiday is full of fabulous options, including this red plaid scarf.
vineyard vines has a saying – “Every Day Should Feel This Good” (i.e. #EDSFTG). I can attest the brand lives and breathes this mantra, and I’m incredibly grateful for them giving me three perfect days in paradise!
A very heartfelt thanks to my vineyard vines family for their tireless work on the photo shoot, catalog, and trip. Additionally, my sincere thanks to Ocean House. Bob and I will be returning soon.
To see more of vineyard vines Holiday 2019 collection, including the catalog from Ocean House, please visit the website and their social media channels.
Photography courtesy of Allie Provost and vineyard vines.
The post was created in collaboration with vineyard vines. All opinions are my own. Partnerships like these make Style Charade possible.