The Regatta Stripe

Navy and white is always a summer essential in my wardrobe, but combine the two into a stripe and you have what seems to be the perfect summer shirt. I am talking about the regatta stripe. I made a summer look that has nautical touches and details- the perfect outfit whether you are strolling the Riviera or lunching at the country club.

I love the hue of this blue, a bright navy/cobalt, paired with a stark white pant. Additionally, the pant connects back to the white cuffs and collar I had put on my shirt. The regatta stripe shirt is by John Byron. Men- if you have not tried them, you must! The custom shirting is awesome. 

For me, this look is quintessentially preppy, and as with any outfit, details are everything. I played up the nautical style with a rope belt by Ralph Lauren. Details can also be found in my custom made cuffs with a cutout and my inspirational quote that I selected to placed on the inside collar of the shirt.

Overall, this outfit is easy but looks very sophisticated. Stripes are always a great option as opposed to a solid, however, make sure you always opt for vertical stripes as opposed to horizontal! Are you embracing the navy/white combination this summer?

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.

Colorful Sandals Perfect for Summer

I recently discussed a great summer shoe option, the slip-on, and have another style that I live in during the summer months- the sandal. The sandal has evolved into a style that can be either dressed up or dressed down with prices ranging from $50 to upwards of $400 for a designer leather sandal. 

I love the bright colors available in a sandal such as this one that match well with all the chinos and shorts in any preppy summer wardrobe. I found a pair of orange leather sandals by Ralph Lauren that are infused with a European aesthetic which makes them not only interesting but more sophisticated and "dressy" in my opinion.

A bright color, such as orange, pairs well with printed shorts. Orange is always a compliment to a nautical color theme. Here, I paired it with anchor printed shorts by Lilly Pulitzer and added a navy and white Kiel James Patrick bracelet to contrast the bright orange of the sandal. The ultimate weekend preppy "uniform" in the summer whether in East Hampton or down the shore.

Touch of Nautical

At this point all I can do is think about and hope for spring and warmer weather. Nautical stripes and nautical touches are one of my favorite touches on a piece of clothing, not to mention that it is a great preppy touch as well. I had a sweater hiding in my closet that is a great navy and light blue stripe with a buttoned neckline finished with anchor buttons. 

I loved the nautical touches on the sweater, and while it would be perfect paired with a light colored chino or white denim in late spring or early summer, I created a wear-now outfit by pairing it with tan denim. This makes the piece a little less "spring" feeling and perfect for the slush filled New York streets as there is still a chill in the air and bean boots are still an everyday essential. I finished the look with a gold metal bracelet and bold, orange leather wrap bracelet to compliment the dark navy of the sweater. 

How are you thinking of spring and incorporating it in wear now looks?

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Denim: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Bracelets: Miansai & Ralph Lauren

Seaside with Lacoste

Lacoste has been an iconic brand for many, many years. Founded with tennis roots, it has been a go-to for us preppy type. However, over the past few years I feel that Lacoste has changed their brand from its original feel to incorporate a more "edgy", modern preppy feel. 

I do not love the collections nearly as much as I used to, but they still produce pieces that are perfect for the classic preppy style we love. Lacoste just released their "Spin on Seaside Style" collection. Nautical inspired style has always been one of my favorites- navy, white, stripes, boat shoes. You cannot go wrong!

There are pieces mixed throughout the collection that seems to be dominated with graphic tees that would be perfect for cool nights in Nantucket or strolling Worth Avenue during the day. Here's my top picks from the newest Lacoste Collection. You can check out all the new arrivals here

All images via Lacoste.com