Summer Sunsets

Summer is all about relaxing evenings on the terrace or deck, drink in hand. Summer, for me, is also all about the sunsets. It really is the best time of the year to enjoy them, whether on vacation at the beach or just in your city. There have been some great sunsets in New York this summer. 

I love when the sun is about to set after a quick summer thunderstorm (photo on top left). The best places in the city to view the sunsets are major crosstown streets such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, and 42nd. Additionally, the Highline offers great views of the Hudson river and sunsets in the evening. Have you seen some beautiful sunsets so far this summer?

Colorful Summer Linens

When one thinks of summer dressing, a few things come to mind: colors, seersucker, and linen. Linen is a perfect summer fabric as it is lightweight, breathable, and usually comes in an array of colors perfect for the season. 

These casual yet sophisticated linen button down from Ralph Lauren Purple Label come in beautiful colors. I opted for almost every color they had! The pastel hues will be perfect for summer night dinners, vacations, and of course my upcoming trip to the Mediterranean! Linen will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe as the summer continues, especially with the extremely hot weather we have been having.

Wear your linens tucked in with a belt for a more office appropriate look, or pair with white pants, untucked, and sandals for the ultimate Hamptons  casual look.

Styled:

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Shoes: Ralph Lauren
Chinos: Ralph Lauren

Above, I pair a bright pink with a dark navy bottom for contrast and a pair of simple loafers. The look is classic prep and perfect for any summer occasion. 

Summer Spot: The Yard at the SoHo Grand

Summer in New York is all about finding great spots outdoors-rooftops, terraces, decks. Ones with views are even better! A great summer spot to hangout and enjoy the hot weather while feeling like you are on a tropical island is this summer's pop-up at the Yard at the SoHo Grand Hotel: Gilligan's.

You can probably get a sense of what this summer hotspot is like from the name- beachy, relaxed, and tropical. Under vine covered arbors with white lights and tables under beach umbrellas, Gilligan's has amazing drinks and is a great place to meet friends. 

The people behind Gilligan's were the same people running Moby Dick, a very popular pop-up that was located in Montauk last summer. This transformative hangout features small dishes and drinks, of which the watermelon margarita is by far the most popular and very refreshing. It was my drink of choice upon visiting:

If you are looking for a relaxed, nautical vibe in the middle of Manhattan, Gilligan's at The Yard is definitely worth checking out!

5 Random Monday Thoughts

• It has been an incredibly hot July, and I want it to end! We have had 100+ degree weather here in the city for almost a week straight...it's quite miserable!
• Weekends go even more quickly than normal when you have a friend staying with you- as if they could not go any more quickly. I cannot believe its already Monday.
• There are SO many amazing sales going on in store and online right now...Hello 75% off at Bergdorfs
• Counting down the days until my departure for the French Riviera that I officially booked!!
• If you have been following my blog for some time, I'd like to know your thoughts on how it has developed as I feel it is in another stage of growth...exiting...but I want to make sure I stay on point.

I always like to end these Monday posts with a little quote. The following is perhaps on of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite authors who I have talked about previously, Oscar Wilde.

Fashion Friday: Fit For The Palace

The New York Palace, which we all know and love from Gossip Girl, recently underwent a $140 million renovation project and debuted their Royal Suite. You can read more about my preview of the Suite at Skimbaco Lifestyle.

When I got the invitation, I immediately started thinking about what I was going to wear to the Palace, especially being in the Royal Suite! The weather has been unbearably hot in New York for the past 2 weeks so I knew lightweight chinos and a button down would be perfect.

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Chinos: Ralph Lauren
Sandals: Ralph Lauren
Belt: Hermes

I love the contrast of something brightly colored against a preppy navy. In this instance, it really makes my shirt standout, and in addition my sandals contrast against the navy chinos as well. I am not usually a huge sandal person, but these have such a European flare to them that I thought they were a perfect fit with the outfit.

So if it was perfect for the Royal Suite at the Palace, I think this outfit would definitely work for dinners, the Hamptons, or perhaps on my upcoming trip to the South of France!

Social Fashion

The world of apps has vastly changed the way we are able to interact with others, and has made almost everything social. If you are like me, you are usually looking for the newest apps to put on your iPhone so you can be the friend saying "Oh! Have you seen this app?! You must download it".

For those of us who love fashion, a new fashion app launched in the app store a few days ago called CREAM. CREAM is an iOS Fashion/Shopping app that keeps the updates on industry trends, tastemakers, and the pulse right in your palm.

The founding team is based in New York and Seoul, Korea- 2 very technologically advanced cities. Carefully curated daily looks from in-house stylists are delivered to your hand which allow you to discover new trends, create a virtual closet of pieces you love, and of course, shop!

Images: Cream Style Company

Versatile Céline

Céline bags have become extraordinarily popular within the past 2-3 years. It started with the luggage tote, which I thought may be the new Birkin, and now has expanded to include a myriad of iconic styles. 

The luggage tote is still by far the most popular Céline style, coming in a wide range of sizes, colors, and fabrics. I see this bag being toted around by everyone in Manhattan. The bag is actually quite versatile. Below, I've shown how to use a large sized luggage tote 3 different ways:

Beach Bag: The large size luggage tote is perfect for a day at the beach, pool, or trip to Central Park.  It fits a large towel, flip flops, bottle of water, and of course sunglasses. 

School Bag: I have seen this bag all over campus and in many of my classes. It fits everything one needs for a day of classes: iPad, Notebooks, agenda, and even a MacBook Air. The bag itself does get a little heavy when loaded, since the bag itself is heavy, similar to a Birkin.

Everyday: The luggage tote is perfect for those who just toss anything and everything into their bag as it does not have many interior pockets. My large size fits a bottle of seltzer, umbrella, sunglasses, and moleskine. All things that have become essential during a summer day in the city!

It is important that a bag be versatile, especially when living in a city where some days it seems like you are packing up your entire apartment into your bag for the day! The Céline luggage tote is a perfect option.

Elegant Timepieces from Raymond Weil

I love timepieces and have quite a little collection. For me, a watch is a great way to add interest to an outfit and make a statement. RAYMOND WEIL, a Swiss family owned company, was founded in Geneva in 1976. Precision inspirations the watchmakers at RAYMOND WEIL, and they are always looking to music and the arts for inspiration for their collections. This season, the company has 3 key styles: The Maestro, the Freelancer, and the Nabucco.

1. Maestro: The Maestro collection symbolizes the attachment of the founding family and owner of RAYMOND WEIL to its roots, but also to its permanent source of inspiration, music. This year, the collection is enhanced with new prestige. The Maestro collection comes in an array of colors, dials, and choices as it embodies the mastery of the Swiss watchmaker. Shown: mechanical chronograph with automatic winding power reserve with rose gold coating. $2,895.

2. Freelancer: WIth the Freelancer, RAYMOND WEIL is giving new life to its chronograph, now a best seller in the Freelancer collection which has been successful since its launch. With its steel case, black galvanic dial, and hints of red, the new Freelancer is what RAYMOND WEIL calls "Simply Class." Freelancer is a name that recalls that RAYMOND WEIL is one of the last independent watchmakers. This model features a mechanical chronograph with automatic winding. Available in leather or stainless steel bracelet. $2,995.

3. Nabucco: This is my personal favorite for the season. To me, this watch has a great, subtle edginess to it. It is a great mix of power, design, and elegance. The Nabucco collection is inspired by the famous opera by Giuseppe Verdi. The entire Nabucco collection is racy and elegant, appealing to connoisseurs around the world. Titanium and stainless steel case featuring a mechanical chronograph with automatic winding. $5,450.

Images Courtesy of Kinney + Kinsella PR

Fashion Friday: Give Back With The Limited

Ladies, The Limited is making is easier than ever to give back and celebrate your success while supporting a great cause. Founded in 1963, The Limited brought runway styled fashions to women across the country and expanded the growth of malls. Now, the company is celebrating 50 years with a special campaign supporting Dress for Success.

Dress for Success is an international non-profit that offers interview apparel as well as career development for women entering and re-entering the workforce. They are currently located in over 125 cities throughout the United States and the world. 

The best part? Giving back is so easy. Simply share a story of your success/life lessons on the Limited's website here, and for every story that is submitted, $1 will be donated to Dress for Success, up to $50,000. If you are in the mood to shop, The Limited has designed a special clutch and bracelet that will debut this fall, with 30% of proceeds from these products going to Dress for Success. 

Share you stories and make a difference. 

Images Courtesy of ZPR

Condé Nast Launches Digital Channel

The Condé Nast Entertainment division has announced the launch of the Vanity Fair digital channel with new series taking inspiration from the iconic magazine. The lineup features Hollywood insiders and infamous NYC residences, and the launch of the channel is being sponsored by American Express and Salvatore Ferragamo.

At the time of launch, the channel's lineup includes 4 series:

Vanity Code: Vanity Fair's take on "How-To" series with animated solutions to life situations such as "How to...Feign Interest in Your Boss's Children." This will be sure to be a survival guide to any life situation.

VF Hollywood with Krista Smith: This series will show the latest starts stopping by Vanity Fair's LA office to talk with senior west coast editor Krista Smith about current and upcoming projects they are involved with. It will offer an inside look at what is coming up next in Hollywood.

The Snob's Dictionary: This web series is a look into the world of the cultural snob, to whom knowledge of subjects is more important than the actual enjoyment of them. Season one topics include film, food, music, and television.

Eminent Domains (NYC): This series will show viewers show of the most historic, iconic, and interesting addresses in New York City. This one sounds like it will be my personal favorite! The series will show co-ops to modern towers and anything in between. Future seasons will travel to other cities around the world. 

The content will be available on the Vanity Fair video website and YouTube Channel.

Colorful Cashmere

It may seem crazy writing about cashmere when it is 90+ degrees in many places on the East coast. However, I have been wearing cashmere a lot this summer. It really is the best fabric and so comfortable. Pictured above is an array of cable cashmere by Ralph Lauren. How am I wearing cashmere in the humidity of the East coast? Over my shoulders of course!

Sitting in an air conditioned office all day can become quite cold, so I throw a brightly colored cashmere sweater in my bag each morning. Bright oranges, greens, or navy go great with many other summer colors, especially white! I throw it over my shoulders when I get to the office and as the day goes on, and I get colder, I can just throw it on over an oxford or polo. Its very easy, classic, and of course, preppy.

Classically East Hampton

The Eastern end of Long Island is filled with some of the best natural spaces, especially during the summer month. The Hamptons are the perfect weekend getaway from the sweltering heat of the city during summer months. 

This past weekend I spent in East Hampton. It is one of my favorite towns to spend weekends in. The weather was perfect for the beach- no clouds and a slight, persistent breeze. I spent the day on the beach and then lunched and shopped in town. A perfect way to pass a summer day if I say so myself. 

East Hampton has a very specific aesthetic that is easily recognizable, as pictured above. A lot of the homes are constructed from light grey wooden shingles as they line the beach. It is home to Main Beach as well, one of the top rated beaches in the country. It is very scenic and perfect for taking walks. Additionally, as you drive or walk through down, you will instantly notice all of the hydrangeas. It seems like almost every picket fence has a row of the colorful flower in a shade of white, blue, or purple in front of them. A shingled house with a white fence and hydrangeas, now that;s classically East Hampton. 

Alex Maine: Made In America

As we get ready to celebrate the 4th of July, it is great to recognize those smaller brands that are made right here in America. Alex Maine is celebrating as well with the announcement of its acquisition by Tru-Line LLC, a sign of Alex Maine's American success thus far. 

President Bron Heussenstamm grew up around clothes in his parents' boutique, and today, is proud that his own label is made in America and sold in America- 100% American. Bron is a native of Los Angeles, and received a degree in Business Entrepreneurship from USC. Alex Maine hopes to expand their unique store experience across the country. The free standing store on Sunset Boulevard has been rated a top shopping experience in Los Angeles. 

The Alex Maine collection which can be shopped at alexmaine.us, consists of great neutral basics such as tees and sweatshirts in fabrics such as bamboo and heather. The pants come in an array of colors that are perfect for spring and summer. The pieces make for great staples to any wardrobe. 

Photo: BWR PR, Los Angeles

5 Random Monday Thoughts

The summer is definitely flying by. I cannot believe its already July!

• With a demanding internship all my 4th of July plans fell through. What is everyone else up to?
• New York can get to be SO stressful sometimes, especially in the heat of the summer. Im looking to make a mini weekend escape sometime soon!
• We all know my love for Kiel James Patrick. I really love this nautical bracelet for summer. I think its a must have.
• Looking for good summer drink recipes- any recommendations for a go-to summer cocktail?
• Have time for summer reading? This book sounds like an interesting summer read for those interested in fashion

The heat and humidity of summer makes it challenging sometimes, and so do Monday mornings, but:

Source: dressupjohnnyk.tumblr.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest