Dolce & Gabbana Releases Limited Edition Fragrance for Summer

As with clothing, bedding, and decor, I think it is important to switch out fragrance with the seasons as well. This can be done throughout the home with candles, etc, but do not forget your favorite fragrance that you spray before heading out the door!

This summer, Dolce & Gabbana has released a limited edition version of its super popular fragrance, light blue. The summer version is dubbed "beauty of Capri", rendering it the perfect scent for the summer season as it crafted to capture the aura of the flowers that grow throughout the Italian Isle. 

I have experienced the fragrance first-hand, it love it. It is very refreshing, and a great option to trade out those heavier, winter scents usually characterized by wood notes, with the uplifting light blue. The notes on Dolce & Gabbana light blue beauty of Capri include Cedrat (fruit found across the island), Bitter Orange, Sicilian Bergamot, Neroli, Marine accord, Sichuan Pepper, Cedar wood, Vetiver, Myrrh and Musky notes.

Add this limited edition fragrance to your list of summer essentials! Whether you will be traveling to Capri this summer, or simply grabbing a bottle of Wolffer Estates Rosé to enjoy in the sun, it will be the perfect compliment to your summer journeys.

Available at Macys

This post was made possible by Macys. All opinions are my own.

Make a Splash this Summer with Le Club Original

If there is an item that is a must-have for any summer wardrobe, it is printed swim trunks. The trend is certainly gaining ground with many brand showcasing bold prints in bright colors. I have always loved loud swim trunks in the summertime, but some of the best printed trunks cost upwards of $230. 

One of the best parts about staying on top of fashion trends is finding smaller, luxury brands that make great products and are waiting to launch into the next "it" brand. My new summer staple is coming from Miami-based luxury swimwear brand Le Club Original. The brand, established in 2012, is a mens and boys luxury swimwear line that draws inspiration from the colors of the vibrant Miami beaches and streets of Ocean Drive. 

The brand has been gaining traction, with department stores such as Bloomingdales housing the children's collection in all of its store. Additionally, the brand has expanded out of South Florida and into hotels in global destinations such as Aruba, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. 

For 2016, Le Club Original has introduced what it has dubbed the "Splash" collection. The concept behind the collection in quite interesting, centered around some pieces of the collection that are crafted in a new fabric that, when wet, changes from vibrant solids to rich textured patterns.

At first touch, I was quite impressed with the quality and durable feel of the fabric. I opted for the Mosaic Short, as the coral and blue color palette is perfect for the summer and pairing with a pastel colored top. Sizes run true to size with a small fitting a 30in waist. The prints of the trunks are fun and vibrant, and look great when paired with a polo to spend the day running around a beach town such as the Hamptons or Nantucket. The full 2016 Lookbook can be view online.

This would make a great Father's Day gift as a lot of the options come in a matching version for the little guy. That way, both Dad and son can look good while having fun in the sun together! So grab your Le Club trunks, some rosé, and get ready to make a SPLASH this summer!

This post was made possible by Le Club Original. All opinions are my own.

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?

Visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer

Located just around the bend from Nice, situated next to iconic towns such as Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, is the beautiful seaside town of Villefranch-Sur-Mer in the heart of the French Riviera. August is the high season for taking a "holiday" as the Europeans call it, and with my Instagram feed filled with pictures of bloggers and jet-setters alike frolicking around the South of France, I could not help but reminisce about my recent visit in May.

Villfranche is by far one of my favorite towns on the Riviera. If you are staying in a central area such as  Nice, Villefranche is only about a 3 minute train ride! It is one stop from Nice-Riquier train station. Crossing under the hill which takes approximately 2 minutes seems to transform you back in time as you enter a sleepy, seaside village.

The bay of Villefranche is filled with fishing boats and yachts alike, with the crowds enjoying the beach, an aperitif, or people watching. There is one beach in Villefranche and it is public. I recommend getting there early during the high season as the beach can fill up quickly so you will want to get there to stake out some prime real estate. The water is calmer than the neighboring Plage de Nice as it is tucked into a bay, and thus the waves are smaller. There is a snack stand that serves food and beverages (alcohol included) should you feel the need to indulge while catching some Mediterranean rays.

If the beach is not for you, the old town of Villefranche, while small, is simply beautiful. Strolling the streets and small shops is a great way to pass the afternoon. I also recommend making your way to the top of the citadel de Villefranche as the views are simply amazing as you hover over the beach and entire bay. It is a great way to enjoy the azur blue waters for which the South of France is known.

Looking for a great way to end a relaxing day on the beach? I recommend visiting Beluga, situated right along the water, for an enjoyable afternoon cocktail and snack. The venue features plush outdoor seating to continue to enjoy the picturesque views.

Heat Wave Essentials

If there is one thing this summer has not lacked it is definitely heat and humidity. While the sun has not been overly present, the mercury on the thermometer has seem to have risen to new hots. Currently, a heat advisory is in place with a heat wave occurring over the next few days.

The most recent of heat waves has me thinking about how to stay (or attempt to stay) cool while remaining stylish at the same time. When it gets extremely hot, I am the biggest fan of tank tops. I will be taking advantage of a linen Dolce & Gabbana tank top that features a classic roman print that makes it a great statement piece.

Great sunglasses are always a summer must. Ditch the socks and loafers for a pair of sandals to keep cool and mix things up. Tip: use your cocktail shaker during the day for shaken iced lattes...my nespresso has been used in full force recently!

How are you staying cool during the dog days of summer?

sunglasses: Tom Ford // Tank Top: Dolce & Gabbana // Sandals: Ralph Lauren // Fragrance: Tom Ford

4th of July Cocktail Ideas

Since we are heading into a great summer, holiday weekend, what better way to prepare than with some great cocktail ideas? Below are 2 rum based cocktails (whenever I think of rum I think of tropical and summer- what about you?) that are something to consider for your weekend party.


Perfect for Sharing:

Hemingway Daiquiri Punch
15 oz Caliche Rum
5 oz maraschino liqueur
8 oz fresh grapefruit juice
6 oz lime juice

build with ice in punch bowl and stir. Serves 5-7 people




Individual Sips:

Cali Daiquiri
2 oz Caliche Rum
1 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz cane syrup or simple syrup
1 fresh strawberry

combine all ingredients, lightly muddle the strawberry. In an ice shaker, shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass.

Happy Sipping!

Plage Beau Rivage Nice

The South of France is filled with miles and miles of beaches. From large stones to fine sand, these beaches are simply beautiful and the choices can some times seem overwhelming. I have experienced the beaches of Nice multiple times now, both public and private. 

The public beaches of Nice are great, but be prepared for the large stones as they can be quite uncomfortable after a few hours. On a recent trip to Nice, I decided to experience one of the many private beach options along the Promenade des Anglais. I had heard great things about Plage Beau Rivage and had read great reviews about the beach as well. 

Let me just say that one trip to Beau Rivage turned into 4! If you are looking for the experience a private beach has to offer, I highly recommend trying Beau Rivage. The iconic blue and white strip umbrella and chairs line this section of the beach. I opted for front row chairs which do come at a premium over the other rows, but I do recommend the unobstructed view, especially during high season. 

Visting a private beach for the day will definitely be an expense, but the comfort of the chair, the available menu, the service, and amenities all make for a very enjoyable afternoon. A chair, towel, and umbrella will run about 25 euros per person. Full details and reservation are available online.

I recommend the Greek salad for a nice afternoon meal paired with a large bottle of rosé to enjoy throughout the day. You really cannot go wrong!

Summer Business Casual

After a long weekend, work is always on everyone's mind. I feel this is especially true for the Memorial Day weekend as it is the unofficial start to summer and makes us reminiscent of the summer's of our youth, carefree.

Dressing work can be a challenge in the summer with wool suits and heavy cotton oxfords so having the right gear is essential to staying cool during the summer heat and humidity. It is extremely humid in the northeast this week feeling more like late July than May, so the call to action was earlier than anticipated.

Find a great wool trouser that is lightweight and works well for the season. I love these slim-fit trousers from POLO Ralph Lauren which are done in an elegant, lightweight wool. The pant is thus dressy yet comfortable. The grey hue is perfect for the summer season as it pairs well with seasonal shirts such as light pink and lavender as well as with brown shoes and belts.

Pair your pants with a brighter top to align with the season and bring some color to your warm weather work outfits. Here, I paired a light pink check oxford to contrast the grey and completed the look with chestnut shoes and belt to finish the lighter color palette for summer versus traditional black wingtips.

 Shoes: Ralph Lauren

What is your key for staying cool at the office during the summer months?

Men's Summer Essential: Statement Swimwear

Summer is finally right over the horizon, and I could not be more excited for the warm weather and sun-filled weekends. An upcoming trip to the French Riviera has me thinking of sunny beaches and turquoise waters...but what to wear? 

The summer season for me means bright colors and vibrant and lively prints. I have always had an extensive collection of printed capri trunks when Lilly used to make men's stuff, however, for my upcoming trip or any day you may be spending in a seaside town, statement swimwear makes for an easy, appropriate outfit.

I recently purchased Ralph Lauren Purple Label Swim Trunks (similar) that function perfectly as a short for strolls through beach towns and will be perfect for Nice and the Cote d'Azur. The vibrant floral print of the trunks makes a strong statement, and when paired with a simple white v-neck and great sandals, you can create an ideal look for an outdoor lunch or day party at a beach club. 

I completed the look with fun, novelty sandals by Ralph Lauren and a favorite pair of aviators from Randolph Engineering. 

Do you utilize great swimwear to make day outfits during hot summer days? What are some of your favorite statement swimwear pieces this season?

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?

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?

Celebrating July 4th in the Hamptons

This summer has turned out to be quite hectic with all the responsibilities of post-grad life. A recent vacation to the Hamptons was much appreciated and a much needed break from reality. Spending the week in East Hampton was the perfect way to to end June and celebrate the 4th of July.

The Hamptons for me represent a simplistic beauty, especially within such a close distant to the city and other surrounding areas. The tip of Long Island is absolutely stunning with sprawling beaches, vineyards, and beautiful sunsets. Enjoying the Hamptons is also about embracing the quintessential northeast coastal style, an aesthetic which was well represented in our East Hampton home.

Many have a highly glamourous image in their minds when they think about the Hamptons, however, there is also a casual vibe an aspect at the same time. I love being able to run around town in swim trunks straight from the beach, or grab coffee after a morning workout. It is not always about the all-white outfits and designer bags. What I enjoyed about my most recent trip out east was venturing into Amagansett and Montauk, two neighboring towns which I had not previously visited. I have to say, our dinner at Ruschmeyer's was probably my favorite!

It was a bummer to miss the annual fireworks in Southampton because of the hurricane, but mother nature made up with a beautiful day on Saturday. Simply the perfect beach day!

Custom Shirting Featuring John Byron

Custom made clothing seems to be the ultimate in menswear, whether it be a dress shirt, sport shirt, or suit. The custom segment, once viewed as unattainable, is making a come back in a strong way in the marketplace for menswear. I never experienced custom made clothing before meeting the John Byron brand, and now I can fully say I know why men love custom shirting!

If, like me, you find yourself looking like a "bubble" in an off the rack dress or sport shirt, custom shirting will fix all your problems of excess fabric and ill fit. It is important to state that the custom tailored, made in the USA options from John Byron are highly attainable with some styles of sport shirts starting as low as $133. Why pay upwards up $300 for a designer shirt off the rack that may not fit perfectly when you can get a custom tailored shirt for less?

I felt like a little kid on Christmas when I received my package of custom shirts after about a month wait (keep in mind, these shirts are cut to your specifics when you place an order so allow some extra time!). The presentation was beautiful, with sets of shirts in white boxes and tissue and a card specifying "Specifically tailored for" with my name hand written. I was highly impressed with the quality, as most of the shirts I selected are made from Italian fabrics that the John Byron brand tailors and makes here in the United States.

Perhaps what I had so much fun with was selecting my options for customization. The possibilities seem endless and truly do make the shirts very detailed. I, of course, love the options for monograms which are available in a myriad of colors, fonts, and placements, as well as the unique option to add quotes from famous individuals to the inside of the collar. Additionally, the brand offers up-to-date menswear trends for tailoring options such as Cut Away Collars and hidden button plackets. 

One of my favorite pieces that I ordered, a linen sport shirt, which I customized to have a 4-button placket and white collar and cuffs got me thinking about an upcoming trip to East Hampton. I am loving this new "pull over" style of sport shirt, and in the linen fabric I thought it would be the perfect piece for a casual summer look. 

The cut away collar makes it right on trend in terms of menswear details while the palazzi cuff adds interest as well. I envision the light blue color of the linen pairing well with a nantucket red pant or white pant as well. The perfect casual summer hamptons look would be completed with a colorful sandal for a pop of color.

Stay tuned for more looks with custom shirting by John Byron!