Last Summer Stripes

Its officially the unofficial end of summer. Labor Day has come and past, and the calendar is raining on your white parade. While many argue you can wear white year round, I stick to white shirts only and save the white pants and shorts for the summer seasons to come. (How many more days?)

This weekend, I donned the last of my summer stripes, in a traditional way. If there is one combination that I think is easy, yet classic and sophisticated, it is navy paired with white. The navy and white combination has a feeling of nautical ease. I paired a traditional and iconic Saint James knit with navy chinos for an effortless Labor Day picnic look. If you are not familiar with Saint James already, I highly recommend checking them out. The brand has its roots in France and is renowned for its striped knits, with a sailing heritage.

Simple accessories completed the look. I paired a red bracelet to complete the Labor Day feel of American colors. Sophisticated Hermes sandals mixed with modern Dior sunglasses finished off the outfit. I figured sandals were appropriate as this was probably the last weekend for running around the yard barefoot.

Shirt: Saint James // Pants: Ralph Lauren // Bracelets: Miansai // Sandals: Hermes // Sunglasses: Dior

While it is sad to see summer leaving us, fall is, perhaps, one of my favorite seasons for dressing...bring on the sweater weather!

Summer Goodbye with Flutes and Floats

Unless you are an absolute ski bunny, you probably do not enjoy saying goodbye to summer, or it does not top your list of "favorite things to do." Saying goodbye to warm weather, long days, and relaxation is always hard each time the calendar begins to approach Labor Day.

I celebrated the end of summer and the last warm days with a fun party that is easy to replicate, fun, and the perfect way to say au revoir to #endlesssummer. A "Flutes and Floats" party fits the bill with pool fun and glasses of bubbly.

Pool floats have become all the rage the past few summers with the fun designs filling my Instagram feed. We got a variety of floats from Fun Boy, the brand that really started the "float life" revolution with that infamous white swam. The floats became the central idea for a party and what pairs better with sun, pool, and float than a little champagne? Hence the theme "Flutes and Floats" was born.

Preparation was beyond easy requiring the cleansing of some champagne flutes and filling up a few ice buckets to keep everything chilled. The rest was pure fun! We hosted as an early evening affair, so we paired light bites and cheese plates with the champagne and rosé cocktails.

Flutes and Floats made saying goodbye to summer a little bit easier, and I think it will become an annual tradition! How are you celebrating the end of the summer season?

The Last of Summer

I was introduced to the menswear accessory brand, Rail + River, recently. They do great ties and pocket squares in whimsical prints, great fabrics, and classic styles, all handmade right in New York City. Jon of Rail + River was nice enough to send me some great ties and a pocket square to experience the brand hands on.

While their website has the new fall collection available, my one tie had me reminiscing about the summer with its white stripes and light blue fabric. I had a revelation that our days of wearing white pants are numbered with Labor Day right around the corner. Thus, I made an outfit that is a final tribute to the summer and summer whites. It is anchored with preppy pastels and classics such as an oxford and lightweight chinos. 

This look is perfect for that last minute summer wedding or dinner party. I left the tie loose for a more casual look and to make the blazer less formal. I love the light pink and blue combination. What are you donning for your last summer hoorah? 

Checkout the Rail + River Blog for great menswear inspiration and more!

Fall Essential for Summer Nights

With Labor Day weekend impending, summer nights (and maybe some days) are becoming slightly cooler. I noticed this the other evening while enjoying a bonfire with friends. Out are the sticky July nights, and in are light knits perfect for these cool nights.

The rugby is a preppy staple that is iconic in the fall, however, a lightweight cotton option is perfect for transitional days and nights. To stay in the moment and not acknowledge the approaching end of summer, I selected an option with a nautical navy & white stripe that is slightly reminiscent of summer days passed. Pair with a sleek jean and accessorize with simple pieces like a classic belt and bracelet for an easy look that is perfect for a late summer's night bonfire or stroll on the boardwalk.

Rugby: Ralph Lauren Purple Label // Denim: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Bracelet: Miansai // Belt: Ralph Lauren

If a rugby is not your style, there are a lot of great options out that as we transition into the fall with cool nights. I also love the atlantic terry sweatshirts from Ralph Lauren- they are perfect after a long day on the beach and super comfortable. If you are going for something casual, the jersey hoodies from Lacoste are a great alternative.

Enjoying the Last of Summer

Summer always tends to go by more quickly than anticipated, however, this summer has seemed to go by exceptionally fast. It was just a bit ago that we were planning out white outfits, nautical looks, and beach trips for a fun filled summer, and now the calendar already reads August 7th. 

With free time at a premium because of work schedules, I am making the most of the last days of summer before we find ourselves bundling up in cable knit cashmere sweaters. With the perfect weather, I could not pass up an afternoon by the pool. I donned my Lilly swim trunks, grabbed a good towel, and an even better bottle of champagne. 

How are you soaking up the last rays of summer?

End of Summer in the Hamptons

The Hamptons is the perfect place to celebrate the last rays of summer and is the go-to spot to do so for many Mahattanites. I went to East Hampton for one last summer moment over Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately the weather wasn't ideal- cloudy yet very humid. However, that made for even more reasons to shop the stores of East Hampton such as Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, and Blue & Cream. 

Now, its back to reality and the bustle of the city as we embark on fall. How did you celebrate Labor Day?

P.S.-You can read more about my European excursion to destinations like Croatia and Milan at Skimbaco Lifestyle.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Well its here: the unofficial (official) end to summer. I feel like I just started vacation 2 weeks ago. My staycation has come to an end and along with that comes the end to my summer vacation. 

So here's a cheers to the last few nights of summer before I am completely in over my head with school work and an internship. 

My favorite things this summer included the beach, tanning, dinners out, and new friends. However, my absolute favorite thing that I will miss is late summer evenings on the terrace with good company and wine.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

5 Random Monday Thoughts

Here we are- the last Monday in August, and for many the last Monday of summer. All good things must come to an end!

• I've been on a mini "staycation" enjoying the last bit of time off I have before a crazy semester begins momentarily. 
• I'm so in love with summer nights in the city
• A friend of mine over at Sweet Tea and Pinky RIngs is hosting a giveaway. I would love for you to go check it out...ends today!
• I hope fall brings a breath of fresh air along with it
• If there is one thing I've come to love and will miss as summer ends, its wine and cheese on the terrace in the evening