Rooftop Happy Hour at the Fairmont

Summer nights, no matter the occasion, call for flirty styles and more often than not a delicious cocktail in hand. Lucky for us, this recently also included an incredible cityscape view of downtown Austin… You may or may not remember seeing it on social media, but we had the amazing opportunity to visit the Fairmont Hotel to join them for a private tasting at their restaurant Rules & Regs. I was able to visit with former Fashion Cookbook intern Nadeya Martin and together, joined by her two best friends Tessie and Bella, got to experience Austin Texas’s hottest rooftop bar.

The view alone is worth the trip to the Fairmont. Located on the 7th floor and overlooking Austin’s cityscape, Rules & Regs is the best place in the city to break the rules in style. Thursday through Sunday you can enjoy delicious bar bites and yummy beverages that are packed with fresh Latin flavors with a taste of the tropics.

When it comes to summer fashion, less is more. Not only do the high temps call for hemlines to be shorter and fabrics more breathable, but altogether the outfits tend to be made up of less pieces. Even though my trip was only for two days, packing for Texas especially, I knew to bring clothing that would stand up to dry heat such as this ruched silk mini dress. Not only was it a fun flirty option for going out, but I didn’t have to worry about it wrinkling in my suitcase during travel. Speaking of going out on the town, all these outfits us girls are wearing are great choices for happy hour looks, especially for more of a city vibe.

Personally, having been in social isolation for a good year and a half I opted for an extra sassy cocktail dress to meet up with the ladies. Paired with a chunky necklace and square toe heels, I wanted to incorporate a party-forward look fused with modern chic elements. Remember, jewelry added to any ensemble, like a statement necklace can take your outfit to the next level.

Nadeya, who used to help me with the Fashion Cookbook’s social media, is the queen of effortless style. Wearing a classic mini skirt and feminine top combo, she reminds us of the capsule pieces everyone needs for their summer wardrobe. Fun fact, a strappy heel like the pair she is wearing is great for elongating your legs when wearing a short hemline. As we like to say “legs for days!”

Nothing says hot girl summer like a neon color. The fitted bright blue mini dress Tessie is wearing is perfect for a night out in the city. Not only is something this sure to turn heads, but you can wear it with a variety of shoe choices. Of course, strappy heels or sandals are a given, but you can also dress it down with a pair of fashionable sneakers.

A tailored monochrome outfit always looks sharp, but this outfit Bella is wearing is especially ideal for going to happy hour straight from getting out of work. Which, let’s face it, happens more often than not on any given Friday night during the summer work week.

I don’t know about you, but what I love most about meeting friends out is not only the opportunity to dress up and feel confident but that you’re able to try more than one item on the menu by sharing plates as a group. As a dedicated foodie, I was beyond impressed at the dishes I was able to share with the girls while dining at Rules & Regs. Made with fresh and vibrant ingredients, each dish was not only tantalizing and delicious, but you felt transported to south of the Texas border with every bite. Between the lively music and such a stunning view of the cityscape as well as the rooftop pool, I honestly felt as though I was on vacation, even though I was merely experiencing just the hotel’s happy hour. Without a doubt, 10/10 I would recommend the Fairmont as the best place to stay if you plan to visit Austin, Texas. If you’re unable to make a reservation, be sure to at the very least join them for an unforgettable happy hour.

Below are our favorite dishes we tried that evening and ones we suggest ordering during happy hour when you visit the Fairmont …