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?

Italian Heritage with Suitsupply Fall '14

It is already time to start thinking about Fall clothing...where has the summer gone?! For me, fall clothing has become one of my favorite seasons for dressing with tweeds, wools, and rich color palettes  of browns, charcoals, and greys. You may remember that I took a visit to one of my favorite menswear brands, Suitsupply, in the spring.

When I started to see photos of their Fall/Winter '14 collection pop up online, I really enjoyed what I was seeing. For this season, designer Murray Coetzee looked to archives of some of Italy's finest fabric producers for inspiration, and then took this inspiration and focused on it through a modern lens. The collection includes patterns ranging from subtle checks to bold windowpanes and classic houndstooth down in suits, coats, shirts, ties, and socks.

For me, texture is always a reoccurring "trend" when it comes to fall pieces. Suitsupply's collection includes a mix of cashmere blends and hardy tweeds which are done in a palette of burnt orange, ochre, and forest green with accents of neapolitan blues and deep navies. 

The Suitsupply concept is all about using the best fabrics while making their pieces accessible. CEO Fokke de Jong says in regards to the new fall collection, "It's about seeing the past through a modern lens- which is our signature approach to fashion." Designer Coetzee says, "We designed clothes for the contemporary guy who's serious about style, but like to have fun with it, too." Whether you are looking for a few classic pieces to fill in your wardrobe or a whole new look, I think the F/W '14 collection from Suitsupply will have a lot of options. 

The new collection is slated to be in stores and online by mid to late August. It truly does include some stand out pieces from a double-breasted overcoat to eveningwear done in corduroy. Which looks are you loving for the fall?

Images: Suitsupply

Snapshots of Nice

The social media world seems to be filled with gorgeous pictures of travel and vacation, and I must admit, it has me a bit jealous. This summer was a bit up in the air so I did not have the opportunity to plan any big travel which was a bummer, however, all the great pictures I have been seeing made me reminisce about one of my favorite trips and favorite places: Nice, France.

Below are a few snapshots of this picturesque town on the Cote d'Azur. If you have not been, I highly recommend a visit, it truly is the gateway to the Cote d'Azur with easy access to popular neighboring cities such as Cannes, Monaco, Cap Ferrat, and the coast of Italy. Nice has a great mixture of old a new with Vieille Nice and its narrow streets and beautiful buildings and the newer construction along the Quais d'Anglais. From shopping to dinning and nightlife, Nice really does have it all. Of course my favorite part was the beautiful, deep blue waters.

Have you taken any trips this summer or have an exciting one in the works? I am always looking for new destinations and recommendations!

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.

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!