Happy Friday, friends and welcome to a new weekly column: found. My thinking behind this is quite simple, showcase one item I’ve recently fallen in-love with. Up first, let me introduce you to Millie. Isn’t she just the perfect sandal? We made acquaintances earlier this week and I’m thinking I need to add her sister to my closet too. I know I am going to wear these sandals all summer long… from a day look with my boyfriend jeans and a white v-neck to dinner out in my favorite sundress. If you are in the market for a new sandal, I highly recommend these.
Category Archives: Fashion
Inspired
As you know, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about what’s next for me. This discernment process has been fun. Am I a city girl? Am I an island girl? Do I miss a “desk” job? Can my passions really be my vocation? What motivates me to get up in the morning? You know, all those important life questions. While my path is slowly revealing itself to me, I have realized one very important thing. I want my work to impact the lives of others. Corporate Social Responsibility is something I am passionate about as I do believe you can do well (from a financial perspective) by doing good.
A company I’m constantly inspired by is TOMS. I received their Spring 2014 Vagabond Journal in the mail earlier this week and thought, now there’s a company I want to be a part of. After visiting a village in Argentina in 2006, Blake Mycoskie was struck by the fact that children around the world were without shoes. So, he created a simple but life changing business model: for every pair of shoes purchased, a pair would be donated to a child in need. One for One.® Realizing that his approach could serve other global needs, Blake launched TOMS Eyewear in 2011 to help restore sight to persons in need with every purchase of sunglasses and optical frames. And just this year, Blake launched TOMS Roasting Co. with the mission to provide clean water to developing communities with the purchase of premium coffee. Are you inspired yet? I am!
In addition, last year he launched an online marketplace accessible from his site to highlight global commerce. In his words “We believe commerce can be about more than just profits. But it takes more than a belief to make this a reality. So we’ve created a platform on our site to help other social entrepreneurs succeed and build momentum for this way of doing business. Welcome to The Marketplace. This is bigger than us.” Just look at some of the offerings: these earrings, this bracelet, and just look at this hammock. This may just be my new go-to site for all things gifts.
And let’s be honest. I am obsessed with my classic TOMS. I think I have gone through 3 pairs in the last 2 years alone. Jonathan Adler recently teamed up with TOMS to launch a terrific and eye-catching spring line. Check them out here.
Blake reminds me of a very important lesson “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Have a great weekend, sweet friends!
I Like It
I am always inspired by women who have a dream and follow it. Emerson Bethany Fry is one such inspiration. An artist by training, she left the hustle and bustle of New York City, purchased an old farm with her husband in New Hampshire (how cute – they have known each other since childhood) and set-out to build her lifestyle brand, Emerson Fry. Initially, her product line was simple. Beautiful flower pins and clutches (I still have mine that I purchased in 2010). Her business has grown gradually as she introduced beautiful silk tops and skirts in 2011 and today her line includes stunning leather goods, killer shoes and accessories and the kaftan, featured above, that I am lusting for. With a focus on simple lines, luxurious fabrics and the modern woman, there isn’t a single look that I wouldn’t want to add to my closet. Just take a look.
And if you need just a little more to love this woman for, take a look at her home. Her pantry is an inspiration!
Perfection
Anthropologie. What can I say. You just keep getting better and better. Every time I walk through your doors I feel like I’m home. Seriously, how do you do it? And I love that you are now offering not only a beautiful selection of intimates and workout wear but your beauty offerings are expanding as well. You are that friendship that just gets better with age.
Here are just a few of my picks from their February catalogue:
My dear friend is getting married the first weekend of May so a few new dresses are in-order for all the pre-wedding festivities. This Tracy Reese number is certainly calling my name.
The one New Years resolution that I have fallen a bit short on is my stretching, or sweating my butt off. Now that I have discovered Pure + Good, Anthropologie’s exclusive workout line, I might just kick myself into gear. These cropped leggings and jacket are currently my top contenders.
This beach cover-up is perfection, hence the title of this post and represents everything I am and love: boho, beach and ever so chic.
In the past, I have always had basic dinner plates in my cabinets and used colorful accent salad plates when setting the table. The thinking was simple. I wanted the food to take center stage. That was until I saw these dishes. Aren’t they amazing? And I love the message: Dream, Love, Eat. Words to live by.
Any for my beauty picks, I would gladly take this hand cream (and its lovely packaging), this all natural cover-up and this under and top coat collection.
Escape
Let’s be honest. I think we could all use a little escape right now. With more snow in our forecast for tomorrow, I have officially started the countdown to my escape to Southern California. Surf, sunshine and sand… yes, please.
When daydreaming of warmer weather, I also think, what will I wear. Here are a few pieces I may just need to pack in my California bag and have ready for an island summer.
– I tried this Calypso tunic on while in Atlanta a few weeks back and made the executive decision that it will be my go-to summer 2014 piece. Great with skinny jeans or as a beach cover-up.
– My girls know that I’m a tried and true Nanette Lepore fan so when I saw this beautiful blue two piece, I just knew it had to be mine.
– Every summer, I have one mission… to find that perfect white dress. A special thank you to Shopbop for helping me find this one. Love how this will transition into evening with a simple belt and a leather jacket. Beautiful and so mine.
– Being that I’m a bit on the tall side, I love me a maxi dress and I am so grateful that this trend is sticking around for another season. Loving this one from Piperlime. Again, a perfect day to night option. I guess I’m secretly hoping for lots of evenings out this summer. Maybe just maybe!
– Last summer I had to sadly retire my favorite J.Crew sandals. I think these ones will make a fine replacement. Note to self… if you find a sandal you love, purchase 2 pairs and hide 1 away.
Yes, Please
Friends… once again it’s snowing on Nantucket. And I must admit, I am getting just a wee bit tired of fashioning my Sorel Joan of Arctic boots. Instead, I am dreaming of these killer J.Crew heels that were just released. Amazing, right?
Fashion Find
Let’s be honest. I’m all for cozy sweaters and tall boots and hot cocoa by the fire but with the second blizzard of the season upon us, I am dreaming of those endless summer days at the beach with a good book, a grey lady and salt-kissed hair. Since the howling winds made it near impossible to fall asleep last night, I found solace in one of my tried and true night-time activities… on-line shopping. A heartfelt thanks to Winter Storm Janus for leading me to my new fashion find… Sea New York. An equal mix of bohemian chic and city sophistication, this line is spot-on for an island summer.
My picks include this open floral knit pencil skirt in cream that could easily take you from day to night. I see it paired with either a black tank top or a chambray shirt. And my search for the perfect little black dress may be over with Sea’s lace and silk combo tank dress. Love at first sight for this girl.
Fingers crossed a nice tax return is on its way to me so I might be able to splurge on these. And to all my friends in the cold today, stay warm!
Fall Fashion
Happy second day of fall! Is this your favorite time of year too? With each change of season, I have a good/bad little habit… I clean my closet. And this weekend I realized that I need to add a few new items to my fall mix and thus I created a little wish list.
– As I have confessed before, I just have a thing for a beautiful white top and this one is sheer perfection.
– Sadly, my fall clothing budget will not allow me to purchase a pair of black leather pants so am hoping these will do the trick!
– I love, love, LOVE cozy sweaters! This one and this one need to be mine.
– My army green pants have seen better days so I think it’s time to invest in a new pair.
– Every closet needs a Chanel inspired jacket.
– Hands down, the best tall boot on the market. I have them in brown and think the black need to make their way into my closet!
– And because really, who doesn’t need a new purse? This one will be lovely with my new “leather” pants.
What are you lusting after this fall? Do share.
Sweet Dreams
I just love summer nights… the air, the sounds, the stars. My nightly routine is quite simple… wash my face, brush my teeth and slip into a little something sweet just for me. My collection of nightgowns is quite impressive. Some may say I have a slight problem but I swear, they help me sleep! Here are just a few of my favorites for these summer nights:
– Anthropologie’s loungewear collection is one of my favorite. They hit a home run with this lace romper. Sweet, sexy and chic all in one.
– If I could, I would totally wear this little short set to run errands. The tank matches my boho girl aesthetic!
– There is just something about falling asleep in your boyfriend’s button-down, right ladies?! Thankfully the Gap’s body collection has the perfect shirt for us single ladies!
– In my opinion, this is the perfect t-shirt/short combo for those summer nights that turn into lounging summer days on the porch.
– I can’t get enough of Ebejey’s chemises. Think I have four hanging in my closet at the moment. The best cotton ever!
Bookmark This
Ladies (and gents)… I have some very exciting news. My dear friends over at Milly & Grace launched their on-line store today. Emily Ott Hollister, owner and just about the sweetest girl I’ve met, opened her delightful shop four years ago in a charming, ivy covered building just off Main Street. Emily was well-versed in the retail scene on Nantucket, having worked in a few retail landmarks, so she knew exactly what this little island was missing and what we island girls needed. Her shop is filled with feminine and vintage inspired pieces for your closet and home.
Here are just a few of my picks from their new site:
– No surprise here I am sure (I’m a boho girl through and through), I’m in-love with this Joie top. Great piece for summer that will transition nicely into fall with jeans and tall camel boots.
– LBD… I say LBR. It is my personal belief that a black ruana should be a staple in every woman’s closet.
– My go-to summer cocktail (I will share my recipe soon, I promise) will be even more refreshing in these glasses.
– This is by far one of my favorite gifts to give. A cloth bag that can be used for groceries, as a beach bag, or for an overnight trip.
Well done Milly & Grace team… so excited to see what happens next for you!
A Day with May 