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!

DIY Refreshing Peppermint Foot Scrub

Summer is a time for sandals and flip-flops and running around barefoot at parties and picnics. Along with all that foot exposure can come some not so pretty feet. If, like me, your feet take a beating, especially in the summer, this peppermint foot scrub is a great way to treat your feet while feeling refreshed at the same time.

This scrub is very easy to make- I made my batch in under 5 minutes! The recipe utilizes peppermint essential oil which has an energizing, refreshing scent that I love.

Peppermint Foot Scrub:

1 cup Salt- It is up to you whether you want to use a coarse sea salt or a more gentle table salt depending on the intensity of the scrub you prefer.

1/4 Cup Coconut Oil

5-8 drops Peppermint Essential Oil *

Bring the coconut oil to a melted consistency, add in salt, essential oil, and mix well. Store your scrub in a glass jar in a cool place. 

*Note: I recommend using only the highest quality Youngliving Essential Oils. Learn more about essential oils, how to purchase, and how you can save 24% on all your future essential oil needs!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is quickly approaching...have you remembered a gift for the man of the house? It can be challenging finding the perfect gifts for dad. When asking for suggestions, it seems like the classic response is always, "I don't need anything." If you are still looking for a Father's Day gift for this upcoming sunday, I have curated a simple list with some ideas if you are struggling. From simple fragrances that are refreshing and masculine, to items for the traveling dad, my simple list incorporates a variety of interests.

Think outside the box when it comes to gift giving- perhaps dad does not really need another tie as he had told you. Perhaps new skincare products, or a Youngliving membership will not only surprise him but will make gifts that he can use daily. Scroll over the image to shop my gift selections below: