One Pieces

Swim season is upon us - well sorta...we had a hint of it then Mother Nature had a total tantrum and sent us back to the arctic. Regardless of her mood swings, I am sure the warmer temps will be gracing us with their presence once again and we will be on the hunt for a bathing suit that doesn't make us feel like we are a beached whale. Now I know one pieces aren't for everyone, but after this post earlier this week I had a few inquiries on some one pieces that are stylish, comfortable and flattering. No matter how great of shape you are in, putting on a swimsuit for the first time of the season can be quite daunting. Staring at your winter skin, memories of the pasta and wine we indulged in all winter long quickly comes back to you and slaps you in the face. The answer {besides the obvious diet & gym time} for me is to be prepared for bathing suit shopping. Go in the morning when you are your lightest, do your hair and makeup and if you can treat yourself to a spray tan {because a sun kissed bod always feels slimmer}. Little tricks like the above may take some planning but will always help you feel better when trying on your bathing suits!


one - A classic black swimsuit is always in style and this one is especially chic with it's thin halter straps for extra support and embossed fabric to give some texture to the suit.

two - One of my favorite one piece purchases this year, so much so that I bought a few colors. I love the ruching around the mid section which flatters your curves and the straight across neckline keeps a bigger chest disguised. Also comes with removable straps and in D cup & longer torso sizes.

three - My other favorite one piece of the season but for different reasons. This lovely is available in patterns or solids but the underwire cup makes it a bit sexier and more revealing for those days you want to be a little more va va voom.

four - Pretty petals is youthful and fun and the little peek a boo reveals a little skin without being raunchy.

five - A sexy yet sport one piece for beach activities.

six - One pieces can glamorous with gold embellishments & straps.

seven - Plus size swimwear need not be boring. I love the hidden supportive bra and pattern on this one piece. The drawstring on the hip also allows you to control how much thigh you want to show.

eight - Another plus size piece that hugs your curves in all the right places. 

Hatchery

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It seems these days you can pretty much find a subscription service to pretty much everything. There are treats for your furry friend, beauty products for yourself or your guy, stylish clothing oh and pretty paper for those who aren't into the old fashioned paper and pen. Never mind the plethora of full meal services ensuring you never have to cook another day in your life. I personally love the idea of a monthly surprise package arriving at your door, perfectly curated with treats you may not have normally picked out for yourself but may be pleasantly surprised with. Enter Hatchery, a monthly tasting box delivered to you with products all sourced from small batch companies doing their thing. For $20/month you will be sent 5-6 samples of artisanal products for enjoying...think salsas, caramels, flavored salts etc. The best part, you get details on the producers and the site has their own marketplace for purchasing your favorites. Makes a great gift for your foodie friend or family member or yourself!

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deets on the makers of the products

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Just Beachy

I don't know about you all but I am looking forward to spending as much time at the beach as possible this Summer. Growing up on Long Island near some of New York's best beaches meant we visited the ocean year round. However it's pretty safe to say when the temps rise and the sun is out, there is no better time to visit the beach then in the summer. While I don't get to visit our childhood destination of Fire Island anymore, I am happy as a clam wherever there is sand, water & my beach essentials like the little round up below. Is there anything better then reading some favorite magazines or a great novel with your toes in the sand? I think not.



beach sign // aviators // swimsuit // beach radio // coverup // hat // sunscreen // water bottle // beach pouch // straw tote // beach chair {also love this fan} // flip flops // beach towel 

Fringe Benefits

Hope you all had a fabulous long weekend! John & I were home on Shelter Island visiting my family. I was seriously surprised how lucky we were with the weather. The entire weekend consisted of scooter rides, beach days and good old fashioned family time. Total perfection. While brunching at one of our favorite seasonal restaurants, I stopped in their petite boutique to check out some of their fashionable finds. One trend I was loving was the brightly colored fringe necklaces they had on display. A trend I have been noticing quite a bit from jewelry to clothing to bags.

one // two // three // four // five // six 

Etsy Love

Quick post today as we head out the door a wee bit early for theMemorial Day weekend. While I will be taking a few days off from the blogosphere, I will be back next Tuesday with some new content! Before we are out the door I wanted to leave y'all with a few new Etsy favorites of mine. I hope you all have a fabulous long weekend!!!

This Indian lace painted wooden plate is so beautiful, imagine the possibilities of setting a beautiful table with pretty patterns like this little lovely below. 

These fun printed matches stand alone as a decor. Would love a bowl of them on a fireplace mantle. 

Planting just got a whole lot more organized and stylish with these markers to help decipher your greens from one another. 

Hip Hip Hooray for this adorns cake topper - perfect for any soiree you are planning! So reminiscent of the stylish Lanvin necklaces that graced so many declotages this past Fall during fashion week. 

Would love a wall of these alphabet & number frames for a child's room. 

Watercolor doesn't always have to be soft colored pastels, I love the pops of black in this floral invitation suite that keeps the overall style a bit moody yet feminine. 

Remember when I featured these modern geometric drink stirrers? Well I revisited this favorite shop of mine and was totally smitten with her garland designs. How sweet is this pastel bow decor for a baby or bridal shower!

Other favorite Etsy features can be found here {one, two, three, four, five, six} 

Neutral Territory

Come warmer weather it's always fun to wear more color. Yet as I type this in the midst of switching seasons of my closet I notice my closet is filled with tons of neutral colored clothes. Some may find this a wee bit boring but for me, I never tire of classic beiges paired with white or black. It always feel crisp & clean to me. 

cardigan // sunglasses // tech case // top // soap dish // tote // shoes // ring // necklace // dress 

Take Me Away - To The South

Every year we celebrate my husbands birthday by heading up North. In the past we have visited Maine a few times and most recently Quebec City. After the hellish winter we just survived this year I am thinking of switching things up and heading down South to the warmth come September. I embarrassingly have to admit I was first intrigued by Charleston, South Carolina from the television series "Southern Charm", that show was so dang good! I have since been a bit obsessed with everything "southern" and thanks to the lovely company of my friend Amelia, I have fully adopted the word "y'all" into my everyday vernacular. While researching the details of the trip I came across the charming hotel Zero George. After browsing their site, I knew that had a winner for my special guys birthday celebrations. While I can't splurge on all the details I have planned for my love, this boutique hotel is too good to not share. It truly embodies traditional Southern architecture we find so appealing by combining five historic residential buildings into luxe accomodations...just take a look at all the beautiful details for yourself!

Oh did I mention they also have a cooking school?! You can sip delicious wine and flex your culinary muscles in their very chic carriage house kitchen. 

Or you can just pony up to their adorably petite bar for a pre-dinner cocktail. 

 

Would love to hear your recommendations for all must see & do while in Charleston! 

Monogram Me

It's no secret I love a good monogram. Whether it be a single letter or the traditional three letter initials, these little personalized goodies always make a gift feel extra special. For me finding stylish and quality monogrammed gifts is easy one stop shopping with Mark & Graham. Their selection of gift ideas with a little custom touch are truly endless. So whether you are gifting a newly wed couple, new homeowners, friends & family {pups included} or just yourself. I feel pretty confident you will find something you love. A few of my favorites are below. 

trays // robe // hats // napkins // bermuda bag // bar set //  clutch // leather goods // jewelry case // striped shirts // bridal collection // wallet & money clip // copper mugs // wood tray // dishes // cocktail napkins // wine bags

Steal The Style

I don't know about you but pretty much everything Olivia Palermo wears is perfection. I constantly find myself grasping inspiration from her fashionable looks past and present. One that stands out is a snap from a few years ago where she was wearing an amazing Striped Tibi jacket and some very cute Mulberry bow pumps. The rest of the outfit was just a simple silk blouse, tote and dark denim - all wardrobe essentials we likely have in our closets. I thought I would create a little round up to grab her look for less. Have a great weekend everyone!

tote // denim // jacket // blouse // pumps

Boston Events - Lemon & Lavender

Last night I attended a fabulous event hosted by Lauren of Lauren Wells Events and Krissy of Boston Pollen. My friend Amelia and I are quick to sign up for local workshops where we get to mingle with other Bostonians and get our "craft" on. This event was especially fun because the craft was to create a delicious smelling body scrub and make pretty floral bracelets all while sipping yummy drinks and snacking on tasty treats all staying within the lemon and lavender theme. The fragrance alone that consumed the bright studio was reason enough to attend. While this one was quickly sold out, these two talented gals are always hosting a plethora events throughout the year - I highly recommend attending with some friends for a fun night in the city with your ladies!

Just Beachy

I always feel fortunate that when we visit Shelter Island that my parents have saved me, my brother and sister all our own private space within their home. Seeing this wasn't the house I grew up in, it's a  real treat to feel right at home in a house that can still feel new to us. When they built the house we were all given the opportunity to decorate the rooms as we wished. I unofrutnately was a bit all over the place and picked a few random things to get it done. Now that I am older and more set on my personal style...I feel our little corner of the home could use a bit of a refresh. Luckily things like the bed and furniture are all still items I love so I am hoping to switch things up with some accessories and have the only big splurge to be some new bedding. Below is a little peak of the color scheme and direction I am thinking. I hope to share some before and after's when it's all complete!

flowers // bedding // frame // pillow // candle {obviously the Shelter Island scent} // wall sculpture // pouf // throw // baskets // art 

Black Window

The other night I had dinner with some college friends and got to catch up on some good old fashioned girl talk along with the happenings in our lives. While I was talking to my interior design friend Kate about her home renovations {you can see the process here} one item she mentioned liking was the black framed window. Something I truly love in a home design. I first fell in love with this style when I spotted a federal style home on Shelter Island {above} that in my eyes is the epitome of the perfect country home. I simply adore how the black window frame really makes a white house stand out, oh and if you pair that with a bold colored door then you have a triple trifecta of perfection. Some favorite examples of this look are below. 

all images can be found here

Engaged

Morning lovelies...I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and soaked up some of that warm weather that finally graced us here in the Northeast. We are still in NY spending some time with our families. It has been a wonderful weekend celebrating forty five years of marriage for my parents as well as Mother's Day for my amazing mother. Then even more good news was spread amongst the family when my cousin Chris {you may remember them from this post} proposed to his lady. So as they start their new engagement journey I thought I would put together a fun little gift guide of ideas to gift the happy couple. Congratulations Chris & Lauryn - enjoy every second of this blissful time! 


one & two - The Newlywed's Cookbook is filled with modern recipes that will give you lots of inspiration for date nights in. It's perfectly paired with a chic Mr. & Mrs. cutting board.

three & four - Flowers are the standard protocol for gifting during this blissful time. How about you give some pretty stems in a stylish vase instead of the usual online floral arrangements.

five - A wedding planner is essential for the busy bride to be and everything Sugar Paper does is perfection so it's guaranteed to be useful & loved.

six - Every gift needs a pretty congratulatory note.

seven - A bottle of vino for every anniversary in a personalized wine crate is the gift that keeps on giving.

eight - After the wedding the happy couple will be off on their honeymoon. Send them off in style with "happily ever after" passport covers.

nine - Mr. & Mrs. glasses are fun for the couple who love the cheeky home decor.

ten & eleven - It's a time of celebrating and bubbly is always in order! A limited edition animal print bottle and a chic ice bucket make the perfect pair.

twelve - What bride wouldn't love subscriptions to some wedding magazines??? Martha Stewart Weddings is definitely a favorite along with Real Simple Weddings.

thirteen - A pretty place to store your sparkle.

fourteen - A gold rimmed tray in a modern shape is great for the couple that loves to entertain.

fifteen - Whether you live in the city or the burbs the romantic element of a picnic is always appreciated. This basket is fully loaded so you don't forget a single thing.

sixteen - I couldn't resist something that could be monogrammed with the couples new initials. This trio of silver cups are great for holding a variety of items like flowers, desk items or your toiletries in the bathroom.

Heart Print