Life’s a Beach

Life doesn’t get much sweeter than this!

Wore Out’s Look of the Week

Today marks our first full day of vacation! D and I took off for a weekend of fun in the sun to recharge  and just spend some quality time together without interruptions from either of our jobs.

Before heading out for vacation I frolicked in a field, rediscovered my love for these booties, took a cue from one of my favorite movies and gave you a peak inside my beach bag.

Speaking of playful, Wore Out’s Look of the Week is…

Erin from calivintage!Ok, now that I’ve picked my chin up off the floor can we please talk about how fabulously flawless Erin’s look is!

All the components of this look come together perfectly to create a silhouette that is not only flattering but utterly timeless.

If you follow calivintage than you know Erin has a seriously enviably collection of hats and toppers and this hat does not disappoint. I love how Erin accentuated the pin up girl vibe from the dress works with her red heels and cat eyed sunnies.

Can’t get enough of Erin’s style? When she’s not posting on calivintage you can find her over at bikes + babes her newest blogging venture that chronicles most stylish cyclists.

What do you think of Erin’s pinup style? What are you doing this weekend?

A Day at the Beach

Tomorrow D and I are heading off on a long weekend away at the beach! To celebrate our mini vacation I put together a list of items that I never hit the beach without.

1. WearEver Hi-Back Deluxe Steel Backpack Chair
2. The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
3. ECO All Natural Sunscreen
4. Ralph Lauren Sea Horse Beach Towel
5. Blue Pattern Floppy Hat
6. Ray Ban Aviators
7. Colorful Navajo Scarf
8. Jessica Simpson Jacqui Sandals
9. The Original Little Sprout – Children’s Miracle Detangler
10. Swiss Dot Ruffle Shirtdress
11. LL Bean Sunwashed Canvas Tote

What do you stock your beach bag with? What mini vacations have you taken or plan on taking this summer?

 

 

 

 

Singing in the Sun

Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Trench: Forever 21, Necklace: Dubs’ Duds, Button Up: The Children’s Place, Skirt: Forever 21, Belt: Forever 21, Pumps: T.J Maxx

I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen Singing in the Rain. My younger sister and I must have run around the living room recreating the dance sequences at least a hundred times when we were kids. So when given the opportunity to ham it up with an umbrella I don’t mess around.

Yesterday it alternated between sunny, sprinkling and pouring so I went the practical route and layered a lightweight trench over a button up that I bought almost 10 years ago at the Children’s Place. The children’s size fits everywhere but the sleeve length, so I cuffed the sleeves for a 3/4 length look and problem solved!

My friend Alicia graciously snapped these pictures at Perkins Pier on the waterfront. It’s crazy to think that just a couple of weeks ago this was all under water. While there is still a lot of clean up and repair to be done it hasn’t stop anyone from enjoying the lake or rivers this summer.

 

What creative solutions have you come up with to make pieces work for you? What movies did you love as a kid?

Booties and a Lightweight Chill

Sweater: LOFT (via Clothes Exchange), Tee: H&M, Belt: Downtown Threads,

Bracelet: Gifted, Ring: GILT, Skirt: Clothes Line,

Booties: Guess (via T.J Maxx)

We’re finally getting a break from the heat and boy has it been nice. I was so excited  it was chilly enough to wear a lightweight sweater on my walk to work  this morning. Granted temperatures are still in the mid to high 70s but it feels much cooler than that after so many days with temperatures in the 90s.

These Guess lace-up booties from T.J Maxx have quickly become one of my favorite pairs of shoes. Every time I put them on I always think to myself, “why don’t I wear these more?” They are so comfortable and I love all the detailing from the laces to the  scalloped edges and they were less than $30!

 

What pieces do you love wearing over and over again? What’s your favorite under $30 piece in your closet?

 

Rural Landscape

Sunnies: Downtown Threads, Dress & Vintage Slip: Downtown Threads, Wedges: Vintage (via my Mom)“…seemingly endless emerald green fields lead to forests crowned by magnificent mountains…” VT

I’ve lived in Vermont for almost 5 years and I’m still in awe of the beautiful landscape. This weekend D and I visited his parents and I insisted that we stop and take pictures in their neighbor’s field. The bales of hay still had the sweet smell of freshly cut grasses and I couldn’t resist the temptation to clamor all over them, carefully of course! D, content to blame my coastal Maine upbringing for my fascination with all things farm life, snapped these pictures for me.

Summertime signifies simple outfits and this outfit is no exception. I love how easy it is to look pulled together in just a dress and wedges. Summer is also synonymous with swimming which means my hair is left to air dry most nights causing an explosion of curls. For a fun no fuss approach to beach/lake hair gather and braid a 1-2 inch section of hair halfway up the left side of the head (right in front of the ear works best). Once braided lay the braid across the top of your head and secure it behind your right ear with bobby pins, creating a braid headband of sorts.  Repeat this on the right side of your head and pin it behind you’re left ear for a more glam, double braid  look.

How does your style change during the summer? Are you a city girl or does the countryside speak to you?

The Stylish Palette: Lets Talk Investment Pieces

Tracking down a bottle of wine that you read about in a “best wine under $25” article is no different than driving to every Target’s in a 175 mile radius when Alexander McQueen’s McQ line launched. Similarly a bottle quickly picked up at the convenience store on your way to a party is just like the white v-neck tees you buy in bulk; classic, cheap and totally disposable.

Searching and saving aside certain bottles of wine like certain pieces in your wardrobe deserve require an investment.

Kistler, 2007 Chardonnay, $62.50

Abby from Dedalus Wine Shop in Burlington, Vermont called Kistler’s 2007 Chardonnay from California’s Sonoma Valley, “the Princess Diana of Chardonnays.” With hints of spice and vanilla Abby described this chardonnay as “perfectly juicy.” With a $62 price tag this bottle is meant to be savored and celebrated in the company of good friends and great food.

Pair this investment bottle with an investment piece from your closet. Investment pieces should be timeless, their value should increase overtime and with each time you wear them. When considering which piece to invest in (and how much to invest) consider how often you’ll be able to wear this piece and the craftsmanship that went into creating it.

When I think of investment pieces the first thing that comes to mind is Louis Vuitton. Louis Vuitton has been a leader in the fashion world since opening their doors in 1854. The longevity of Louis Vuitton’s brand is proof that investing in a piece from one of their collections is one that will pay out over time. A bag with a classic silhouette from a time tested designer/design house will stand up to decades of use and always be in style. Louis Vuitton, Wilshire MM

 

What would you consider a great investment piece? What have pieces have you invested in?

Simple Saturday Pleasures

An empty sink & a dish rack full of clean dishes. Good friends make great guests.

Wore Out’s Look of the Week

Happy Heatwave Friday! I can’t believe how hot it’s been these last few days, Burlington has been a big muggy mess. I started the week off with the outfit I wore to Brewfest, I wore my favorite pair of booties, shared a simple but sweet summer cocktail and gave an old top a second chance.

Proving that beating the heat can be chic is Wore Out’s Look of the Week…

Elaine from Clothed MuchI just discovered Elaine’s blog and was immediately hooked. I love how with each outfit post she has a shopping section with pieces similar to what she’s wearing. With pieces from all different price points it makes copying her chic style easy, no matter what your budget.

The thing that really struck me about this look was how Elaine mixed different textures and patterns to create a totally cohesive and complimentary look. I also love how bold her statement necklace is against the black of her top.

By keeping her accessories, hair and makeup simple but bold each component is able to shine separately while bringing the whole look together. If you’re digging Elaine’s nails check out this post she did about one of the seasons hottest nail polish trends.

What element of Elaine’s outfit are you most drawn too? What blogs have you discovered lately?

Chocolate Covered Donuts

Sunnies: ?, Top: Coin, Belt: The Possibility Shop, Skirt: Downtown Threads, Heels: Naughty Monkey

I rediscovered this top in my closet earlier this week and have been looking forward to wearing it ever since. One of the reasons I put this top in the back of my closet is because I’ve had a hard time styling it in the past. There is a  wide band of ruched elastic around the bottom of the top that creates an unflattering silhouette (poofing in the midsection area is never good).

To work around the top’s problem area I tucked it into a vintage high waisted skirt and was surprised by how much it changed the top’s shape. I wanted the 70’s inspired circular pattern to really pop so I paired it with a skinny red belt. I had originally planned to wear a neutral pair of heels but I liked how the red accents looked and I wanted to tie everything together so I opted the red and white checked pumps.

However what really sold me on this look was when D told me, “I like your outfit today babe. Your top looks like it has chocolate covered donuts on it!”

 

What do you think about this top? Did I style it well or should I have left it buried in the back of my closet?