Johnnie-O Brings the Best of Both Coasts

The West Coast fashion label, johnnie-O, has been developing their product offering and expanding on the east coast since launching a few years ago, offering up an aesthetic that is the perfect mix between east and west coast styles.

I previously wrote about johnnie-O and the great brand they were establishing, but if they are not on your radar yet, I highly recommend checking them out. The band attracts me for two reasons, namely the product and the quality. For those that feel that sometimes the true "east coast" prep look can be a bit much while the traditional "west coast" vibe is too relaxed, the johnnie-O product is perfect for you as it harmoniously combines these to offer up what is dubs, "west coast prep."

Headed up by John O'Donnell, the brand's aesthetic is inspired by his days in LA where he traded his penny loafers for sandals. O'Donnell is a strong believer in having what you love, and this is exactly what inspired the west coast prep pieces. He loved the preppy essentials of his Chicago childhood, but also loved the casualness of his time spent in LA and mixed these two looks to create the Johnnie-O line.

I have experienced the the product first hand, and can notably say that you can feel the quality of the fabric and the attention to detail. The fabrics feel soft yet substantial as opposed to some of the common prep brands with ponies or crocs. Additionally, the pieces still contain the details that smaller brands offer, one of the reasons I personally love finding new brands. My personal favorite feature on johnnie-O shirts is the "tweener" button, O'Donnell's answer to the ever present conundrum of do I button the second button or not? The tweener is a hidden button on the placket that offers the perfect "in between first and second button."

Overall the line of apparel and accessories for men and boys is based on the premise of an active lifestyle while retaining elements of tradition. One of their great new pieces is the Johnson "prep-formance" button down, crafted from performance fabric. The moisture wicking fabric makes it the perfect travel companion as it is wrinkle resistant and washable. Not to mention, the classic styling takings it from golf course to dinner....who doesn't love that?

I styled the button down shirt with classic, cotton twill Catalina shorts. The look is quintessentially prep, yet the fit denotes an air of relaxation, especially with the d-ring belt. This look is a go-to for weekends or rounds of golf with the shirt being versatile enough to wear to the office as well. Pair with your favorite preppy accessory, in my case Ray-Ban aviators, for the ideal look.

Shirt & Shorts: C/O johnnie-O // Belt: Ralph Lauren // Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

J.McLaughlin Spring 2015 Collection

If you love classic styles with a modern, preppy appeal, then J.McLaughlin is most certainly already present in your wardrobe. The brand, started in 1977 by a pair of East Coast brothers, produces great sportswear with its unique and iconic use of color and print season after season. In J.McLaughlin's words, their brand is "rooted in the tradition of sport, work, and play with a signature element of surprise.

I really enjoyed browsing through the spring 2015 lookbook. All the great color and patter/print really have me in the mood for spring wardrobing...bring on the warmer weather! For spring 2015, the team shot the campaign in California and really captured the essence of the spirit of J.McLaughlin, namely sport, work, and play. 

The collection includes very signature, preppy pieces such as lace embroidered tunics and structured cigarette pants for her. For the guys, there is an array of versatile pieces such as gingham shirts, chinos, and on-trend, modern sweatpants for those more casual moments. Staying true to the whimsical side of the brand, each piece has an element of surprise, whether it be a grosgrain lining to spice up a tailored shirt or an unexpected thread to tie on a button. 

There is definitely a lot that caught my eye in this year's spring collection. One can never have to many spring colored oxfords! You can browse the full spring 2015 collection online. What are you most excited about for spring?

Images: J.McLaughlin Spring 2015 Lookbook

East Hampton Coastal Style

Our East Hampton house was decorated in the ideal east coast coastal aesthetic. The home was inviting with dark floors and white walls with nautical touches of navy and white stripes throughout the home. Interior design was never a huge interest of mine, however, creating a great interior space that pulls together a complete look has become much easier with places such as C.Wonder and One Kings Lane.

When I think of Hamptons style, I think of easy and livable yet sophisticated. This of course includes of touch of refinement and modernity. The coastal aspect can be represented through the color scheme (blues and whites with accents of red) or small decorative accents throughout the home. I like the idea of anchoring a room with a large, light brown rug that plays well against the whites and blues. The element of wood can also be a great touch and also symbolic of the surrounding as the Hamptons does have a lot of trees and forest such as the north woods in East Hampton.

The nautical and coastal style theme has become a popular choice for decorative accents and is a go-to style for any beach home. Finding great pieces at good prices is fun and easy with the array of online home decor sites. Here are a few of my selections to incorporate a nautical touch into your home.

Pieces to Add Hints of Coastal Style in Your Home:

1. Sea Horse Table Lamp by Jonathan Adler: A lamp is a great way to bring a theme to a room. I love the subtleness of this lamp with its all white color scheme. 

2. Nautical Flag Coasters by C.Wonder: Any bar and end table is not complete without a set of great coasters. This set by C.Wonder is extremely affordable and who doesn't love a great sailor's flag motif?

3. Vintage Pond Boat: Bringing a bit of old into any interior design, especially when mixed with modern pieces, is a great look. This vintage boat would make the perfect accent on an foyer table and focal point in a sitting room.

4. Anchor Guest Towels by Mark & Graham: Do not forget to keep the theme running throughout the entire home...including the guests! These towels are an easy way to spruce up the bathroom.

5. Butler Tray Table by Jonathan Adler: This piece is stylish and sophisticated as well as versatile. Use it in the living room as an end table or near the bar or outdoors as a serving table for drinks. The bamboo-esque legs are reminiscent of a lush beach.

Summer Street Style with Bonobos

I was excited when Bonobos reached out to me about teaming up to discuss my favorite summer style and street style. The online menswear company is known for their quality clothing and preppy, classic style so it is right up my alley. The recently released a new collection of garment dyed chinos that will be great for spring and summer weekends. These new chinos are casual with rich color and have a broken-in feel that makes them easy to wear. Whether you are going downtown, uptown, or "out east" for the weekend, these pants will be an easy go to.

So what is my favorite summer style? It is what these chinos embody- effortless, casual, yet still sophisticated. I recently wrote about iconic east coast style, and, for me, that is the perfect summer look. A good nantucket red pant paired with navy is a fail proof summer outfit. Additionally, chinos would pair well with the ultimate summer fabric, bright linens, and a pair of loafers for a super easy outdoor dinner party look or a casual afternoon lunch.

The team at Bonobos put together some great street style looks together with nantucket red if you are in the city. Both are the looks below are essential for summer in my books. The nantucket red pant can be worn slightly more sophisticated with a navy blazer or more casually with a white linen shirt. In both instances, a cuffed leg adds a bit of modernity and ease.

Sometimes the weather get quite unbearable here on the east coast during the summer. I have experienced quite a few heat waves in my life! Moreover, the heat gets to be excruciating in the city during this time. That being said, sometimes a super casual outfit is necessary for comfort- I am talking a tank top. Incredibly easy, cool, and perfect for the beach or the hot city sidewalks.

Going away for Memorial Day-perhaps the Hamptons? Any of these looks would work well for Memorial Day festivities, however you may be celebrating the unofficial kick-off of summer. Transition from a warm day in a tank top into a waterside dinner outfit with the nantucket reds and navy blazer. 

What is your favorite summer style?

Photos: Bonobos

Iconic East Coast

With summer on the horizon, I cannot help but begin to think about the beach and all the perfect things associated with summer. We are fortunate on the east coast to have a myriad of quintessential beach towns and escapes. When I think of iconic east coast, I think of places such as the Hamptons- with its beautiful homes, beaches, hydrangea lined gardens, and effortless, sophisticated style.

via

Other inherently east coast places that come to mind for me are Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, Newport and Cape Cod. All of these locations embody the same nautical, preppy style. I have not been to any of the 3 previously mentioned locations, but would love to make a visit. I have only heard amazing things. I already have my eye on the "41 North" hotel in Newport, RI. It looks absolutely stunning with the marina as a backdrop.

via

All of this thinking about summer on the east coast reminded me of my favorite coastal styles, namely navy and nantucket red. I inspired a look that would be a perfect choice for any of the destinations above. Chinos, a polo, and a light cardigan for chilly mornings or evenings- nothing can get more simple! I love the detailing of the monogrammed logo on the pocket of the polo as compared to a traditional pony. Aviators and navy drivers to match the polo tie the look together for the perfect east coast prep outfit.

Polo: Ralph Lauren // Chinos: Ralph Lauren // Cardigan: Ralph Lauren // Aviators: Ralph Lauren // Drivers: Ralph Lauren