Happy National Stripes Day!!! This blouse is an old style from Rebecca Minkoff (searched high and low!) but I rounded up some of my favorites for you! Hope everyone is having a lovely holiday weekend!!
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WHAT TO WEAR - SPRING HOLIDAYS
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I can't believe Easter is only two days away and its already April! Time is flying! Dressing for Spring holidays and events can be tough because the weather is so unpredictable in April and May. I always suggest investing in a pretty Spring coat in a neutral color that is versatile and can take you through till the warmer months. I've been using this trench a lot and I like that I can wear it during the day with my sneakers or throw it over a dress. And its on SALE! If you're looking for something a little dressier, this one is very pretty and here's a similar one also on sale and available in all sizes.
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GET THE LOOK
LOCAL LOVES
I'm so excited about this post! If you follow me on Instagram you know I love sharing and supporting my favorite local places. I feel so lucky to live where we do and I love discovering new shops and restaurants on my own and as a family. Right now we basically take our kids everywhere with us on the weekends. I'm sure that will change once things like sports, swimming, etc. start but I'm taking advantage of the time we have now to explore our community! If you're local or visiting Fairfield County I hope this guide is helpful and I would LOVE to hear your feedback.
PS I'm a HUGE tea fan (always unsweetened) - hot, iced, loose leaf, so I included my favs if you are too!
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Caffeine + SHOP
Kirby & Co - Luke and I love popping in for a macaron. Once you try one you'll never go anywhere else! Kirby owner Elaine has curated the ultimate assortment from hostess gifts to the perfect pair of date night earrings at every price. If you visit tell her I said hi!
Fred - I love this boutique! Their new location in Westport has a coffee bar and offers snacks for shoppers on the run. They carry some of my favorite brands: SEA, Mother, Rebecca Taylor, and Misa to name a few and their one-on-one experience is personable not pushy.
Eat + SHOP
Terrain - When I walk into terrain I immediately feel like I've escaped. With or without the kids its a calming place for me which might seem strange because it is ALWAYS busy. The garden cafe is one of my favorite places to meet girlfriends for lunch (I had Harrison's sprinkle there) and during the summer we love to take the kids there for dinner outside on the patio. Insider tip: Make a reservation! I actually love using open table. Favorite Tea: House Tea with a Splash of Lemonade!
The Drawing Room - We used to live around the corner from this gem and I can confirm (through countless visits) that it is baby/kid approved! Meet a friend for traditional tea, scones, and finger sandwiches, but remember to leave yourself enough time to shop the art gallery and home boutique. Insider tip: They're closed on Mondays! Favorite Tea: Hot Mama Iced and Ginger Citrus Peach Hot
The Perfect Provenance - Perfect is definitely the right name for this place! Nestled on a little side street off of Greenwich Avenue you'll feel like you're walking into a European townhouse filled with home decor, women's and men's apparel, and delicious food. The chicken salad is my favorite! Favorite Tea: Iced Solstice Sun
Browne & Co. - This was one of the first places I "discovered" in Darien. I'm a HUGE fan of eating and shopping (surprise, surprise) and the prepared salads and sandwiches here are always fresh. Pro tip: They make family dinners that are amazing! Our fav is the chicken and mushroom stew. I just add chick pea pasta at home and it feeds the four of us! Favorite Tea: Iced Green
WELLNESS
Organachs Farm to Skin - I discovered Organachs when Harrison was about three months old. Before it I had been ordering almost all my products online. I love being able to try, feel, smell before I buy and shop owner Siobhan is so knowledgeable. Everything in the shop is natural and organic! More details on my natural skincare routine here and here.
Inner Light Going into inner light for the first time I had no idea what to expect. I'm not a huge "traditional" gym sauna fan so I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. Now I'm officially addicted. The infrared sauna is great for inflammation and overall its a very relaxing experience. Leave yourself time to enjoy a cup of tea before or after your session!
To and From - I've only had two manicures here but all the products used are chemical-free and toxin-free and I loved the experience. Its a short walk from Kirby and Co if you want an afternoon treat!
weekending
Stone Barns + Blue Hill Market - Exhale! Thats how I feel the minute we pull onto the farm. I grew up about 15 minutes away from the property so it always feels like I'm going home. I could write a whole post about my love for this place. With kids or without its a great destination for a day getaway.
Grace Farm - We stumbled upon Grace Farm for the first time last month and loved it so much we went back the following Saturday! Their Saturday drop-in art classes are creative and relaxing and only $5! The grounds offer everything from a delicious cafeteria, state of the art basketball courts, a curated library, and a tea room. A must visit!
Grab and GO
ROOST/Ada's - If you follow my Insta stories you know I'm a regular! Roost recently opened and is the sister restaurant to Ada's. Their selection is perfect for the family on the go looking for both healthy and kid friendly options. Favorite Tea: Iced Tropical White
By The Way (Gluten Free) - If you're looking for a gluten free cake this is the place! We've used them for a couple of celebrations now and they do not disappoint. Your non-gluten free guests will never know the difference:)
Organic Pharmer - My favorite spot for vegan and gluten free options on the go. They're smoothies are creative, tasty, and healthy. My whole family loves their soups and hummus and their made-to-order avocado toast is a must!
CASUAL LACE
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You can never have enough ivory lace blouses (I say to myself every time I open my closet or go shopping) hehe! I was rounding up some of my favorites for an Easter separates post and decided to switch gears. Wearing this blouse for a special occasion is simple: tuck it into pants like these or into these. I also love this silk pair! BUT I also wanted to show it in a more casual way because these days versatility is everything. I love the ivory and olive combination in these pics but this top would also be pretty with a denim jacket or with colored blazer. Happy Monday!
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lace blouses
SPRING JACKETS
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Spring? Are you there? Sitting in my hotel room in New York City and hoping this is the last nor-easter of 2018! I love Spring and I love good old fashioned East coast Spring weather when its in the high 60's low 70's and a little jacket is the perfect compliment to your silk maxi dress or jeans. I've had this one for about 6 years now and I couldn't find the exact version but this one is almost identical (blue threading instead of black). Its been on so many trips with me, twice to the West coast and the ideal transitional piece for your wardrobe.
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spring jackets
its the little things
treat yourself to something small and celebrate spring
UNDER 100 - GETTING BACK TO THE GYM
what I'm wearing
Three years and two babies later I'm finally ready to head back into the gym. When I was pregnant with Luke I pictured myself 8 weeks post-partum - jogging around the park pushing a Bob stroller with one hand and an iced tea in the other. A girl can dream!! Well that never happened and now I'm a little embarrassed to admit how long its been since I really exercised. Hence the inspiration for this under $100 roundup. Slight disclaimer today: these sneaks and this pair of wireless headphones are under $150 but I wanted to include them because they were a recent purchase (gifting myself for Mother's Day) and I LOVE them both! Is my gym journey something you would like me to share? PS tagged my favorite 100% natural deodorant above!
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5 MINUTE MAKEUP
Hi friends! If you told me last year that I would be posting about makeup I would have laughed! Up until a few months ago my routine consisted of a motley collection of samples I received at the Saks beauty counter, in event gift bags, CVS mascara, and a Laura Mercier foundation stick that I swear by. Even for photoshoots I would throw on a little extra blush and bronzer and be on my way! I don't have a ton of time in the morning (who really does?) so I always kept it really simple. It wasn't until I met Siobhan from Organachs that I starting thinking about refining my products and more importantly switching to natural and organic products. After she introduced me to the Kjaer Weiss line it seemed so obvious. "I would never use a product containing any of these chemicals on Luke or Harrison, so why would I use them on myself?...EVERYDAY!". After a super simple makeup application I was hooked! I'm definetly a makeup rookie but here are a couple tips that I've learned so far:
- Be cautious when trying new products. I made the mistake of trying multiple things at once and after I developed a rash it was hard to figure out which product it was from
- Beauty Hack: Apply face oil before applying foundation especially if you use foundation all over (which I wouldn't recommend) It will prevent your skin from looking cake-like or dry and will give you an overall dewy glow!
5 minute makeup
step 1: apply face oil
step 2: foundation
step 3: apply cream blush
step 4: apply bronzer
step 5: fill in brow
step 6: mascara
favorite makeup pouch
THE WEDDING GUEST
Wedding season is just around the corner and with my sister's nuptials fast approaching in the early Fall, I've been on the hunt! Wedding guest dresses are probably my biggest request when it comes to special event styling. People often love themselves in white or black dresses so when they need to purchase something different, it can be overwhelming. My favorite is the blush trend for wedding parties and guests. If a bride is ok with everyone in colors similar to hers, it makes for a beautiful photo! My bridesmaids all wore black which paired well with the backdrop of New York City, but a neutral monochromatic story would be my top choice today. Here are some other wedding guest dress tips:
- I always say you don't have to rule black out but make sure your dress has some style to it. For example, find one that has is a one-shoulder, has a asymmetrical hem, or is textured. I love black satin for a city wedding
- This style would make the perfect bridesmaid dress for a garden wedding
- Black tie doesn't mean gown anymore. A midi dress or very dressy cocktail length is completely appropriate. If youre still unsure but are not close enough to the bride and groom to ask (AKA your husband's boss is getting married) you can always reach out to the venue. White tie = full length gown!
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SHOP THE POST
FLORAL
SLEEK
PATTERN & TEXTURE
BLACK
PAPER BAG PANT
I know what you're probably thinking..."I love these pants but they wouldn't look good on me!" (ok maybe you're not thinking that but if you are) you're wrong! This high-wasted style works on all shapes and sizes and is best styled to a blouse or t-shirt tucked in. I also linked short styles for summer and am especially loving this pair! And these for under $50 (size down).
PS I took these pictures outside my absolute favorite hair salon. If you're local Maison d' Alexandre is the absolute best. Alexandre cuts my hair and Beth does my highlights!
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SHOP THE LOOK
PANTS
SHORTS
TAILORED BLOUSE re/done
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Closet staple alert! Whenever I look at white crisp collared blouse I always think about Carolyn Bessette. One of my style icons for sure and known for her classic elegance, she infamously paired a button down with a black maxi ruffle hem skirt to create the ultimate black tie look. I love her!! You can't go wrong with investing in this style and the addition of the sleeve detail only makes it that more chic. I rounded up some of favorites below and any can be paired with jeans or dressed up with a skirt or dress pant.
- I love the sleeves on this under $100 style. I also like this one for the same price!
- This is not a button-down but the pleat on this sleeve makes it perfect for day or night
- HERE is the link to the slides I'm wearing...they're on clearance right now and under $50!
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GET THE LOOK
SPRING FEVER
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SNOW DAY and I'm sitting here imagining myself walking down a warm Charleston street in this pretty dress, straw bag in hand filled with flowers! LOL one can dream! This dress almost made it into this week's lust list but it just didn't fit! A great price point though for this style and quality. I also found this style for under $100 IF you can go without a bra (I wish!). AND these white sneaks are so cute for spring/summer and also under $100. Love the jute sole!
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also loving...
A CHIC SPRING TRENCH
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So I am such a planner! I wish I could say I was one of those spur of the moment people who can drop everything, book a flight to the islands, and be sitting on a beach with a cocktail in hand 10 hours later. I'm sure my husband wishes that sometimes too! One of my best friends is like that and I always envy her spontaneity. I have been trying to be more "un-planned" lately. This weekend we decided to go to our favorite farm and I thought to myself..."Maybe I should call to make sure they're open?" but then decided no, I'm just going to go with it. So we all got in the car super hungry and when we arrived it was CLOSED (insert crying emoji)! We had to act fast with a disappointed 3 year old in the back seat asking where the ba-ba's and cows were and ended up in a cute little town close to where I grew up. After the loveliest lunch we walked to a bakery for dessert and I thought to myself I couldn't have planned a better afternoon. Moral of the story: I need to try the go with the flow attitude a little more often...and I'm working on it!
So this trench is everything! I love it styled with ivory jeans and flats but it also makes the perfect topper for work or an evening out. I have a similar on from about 10 years ago which I have ended up bringing to almost every wedding we've attended in the Spring/Summer/early Fall. My pumps are old Zara but I found this similar pair in this closet-staple color!
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OFF-DUTY STRIPES
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Happy weekend everyone! We had a serious storm in CT yesterday. It was a mix of snowy rain that lasted long into the evening and the wind was CRAZY! The skylight in our kitchen is leaking and we had to cover it with a tarp while we wait for the replacement to arrive/be installed. I was so scared it was going to blow away and the leak would get worse! Driving around today we're so lucky we didn't lose power.
You might remember this sweater from a look I posted a couple of weeks ago. As a stylist, I always want to make sure that the pieces I'm suggesting to my clients are versatile and can be worn back to many different outfits. I love a pretty striped sweater for this reason...pair it with your favorite blue jeans or dress it up tucked into a navy silk midi skirt like this one. Also if you're looking for a new field jacket like the one in this post I found this one for under $59....a STEAL!!!
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get the look
stripes
field jacket
SHOPBOP SALE
TOPS
DRESSES
denim
Rounded up all my favorites left in stock from the shopbop sale! I learned my lesson during their Thanksgiving sale to make a favorites section this way when the next sale happened I knew exactly what I wanted! There sales sell out so quickly!
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