Labor Day Weekend Sales

Labor Day Weekend is finally here, but the hot and sunny late summer weather is not. My big plans for a beach day are on hold because of the rain and clouds here in Massachusetts. No need to get upset though when plan B is hitting up the great holiday weekend sales! These are the best sales I have seen so far.

J.Crew - In Stores & Online: An extra 30% off final sale items with the code HELLO30 plus free shipping on all orders over $100

J. Crew Factory - 40% to 50% off everything in store and online

Ralph Lauren - Take an extra 25% all sale items

Kate Spade Outlet - Take 40% off your entire purchase plus an extra 20% off all handbags

Brooks Brothers - Final Clearance Event with deals for the entire family

Brooks Brothers Factory - 70% off clearance and 25% off basics and new fall arrivals

Tory Burch - Save up to 30% off your purchase with the code LABORDAY

Bloomingdales - Save 20% to 65% at the Brown Bag Sale in store and online

Lord & Taylor - Take 20% off all regular and sale items and an extra 25% off all clearance items.

Piperlime - Save up to 70% sale items

Banana Republic - Take 40% off your purchase in store and online with the code BRWEEKEND

Banana Republic Factory - Take 50% off everything

Tory Burch Outlet - Save 20% when you spend $300

Happy Shopping!!!

*Blogger Note: The fab beach sketch at the top of the page is from the talented blogger behind Paper and Threads. Check it out!

Thursday Night Cocktail: Raspberry Ginger Bellini

Recipe via Driscoll's

Ingredients

2 tablespoons (1 ounce) Domaine de Canton (ginger liqueur)

1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) lemon juice

1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) simple syrup

4 Raspberries, plus one for garnish

Ice

6 tablespoons (3 ounces) Chandon Rosé or Sparkling Rosé

Candied ginger for garnish

Directions

Combine the Domaine de Canton, lemon juice, simple syrup and 4 raspberries in a cocktail shaker.

Top with ice and shake vigorously.

Add Chandon Rose or Sparkling Rose in a champagne coupe glass.

Strain shaken contents into glass with Rosé.

Garnish with a skewer of raspberry and piece of candied ginger.

Cheers to a fabulous holiday weekend!

Labor Day Style

As we get ready for the last weekend of summer I feel this strange need to pull out all the stops and wear all my favorite summer clothes while I can.

Here's an idea of what I plan on wearing while enjoying the long weekend.

Casual tanks in bright colors

Jean shorts 

A classic bathing suit

A long-sleeved top in case it's chilly by the water

Maxi dress for a summer night out

Cropped white jeans...

...With a striped tee

A hat to protect my pale skin from the sun

Bright, casual flip-flops for the beach

Jacks for when my feet leave the sand

Plus some classic accessories...

Michael Kors Watch

Gold Studs

Link Bracelet

So what are you planning on doing for the holiday weekend?

Pearls for Every Girl

I use to think that pearls were for older woman, but I have completely changed my mind over the last several years. Pearls are for everyone woman at every age, especially a beautiful pearl necklace. Why? Because you aren't restricted to wearing a single strand of white, princess length pearls. There are so many different styles, lengths and colors available (both real and faux) that every woman can find something to suit both her taste and budget. 

Street Chic: Gentleman's Edition

Every week I seek out a fashionable lady to feature on Street Chic and I think it's time I give the men some action. Almost all men look good dressed up in a well-tailored suit. The true style test is how they fair when left to their own fashion devices.

Cheers to all the gents out there who know the importance of a classic blazer and that sweatpants don't ever (ever!) belong on city streets. Keep up the good work!

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: What is So Wrong with Wanting it All?

Labor Day End of Summer Party

In just over a week, summer will be ending and, for most of us, that means back to our busy routines. If it's going to end, might as well go out with a bang, right? Right!

Labor Day weekend should be filled with family, friends, food and drink. You worry about the guest list. I've got all the recipes and decor ideas you'll need for a fun, festive end-of-summer party.

End of Summer Fare

Blue Cheese & Fig Crostini

Boots & Booties for Fall

Fall is getting closer and I must admit, although I love the warm weather, I cannot wait to get back into my boots. I don't know why, but I am always more comfortable in my boots than flats. Their like protective armor or something. Of course there is also the fact that when the cold weather arrives, boots are a much warmer option than flats or pumps. 

Being the boots lover I am, I have been looking for new options since July. These are my favorites so far. If only I had room in my closet for all of them!

Kayden Bootie from Tory Burch

Perfect for tucking your skinny jeans into and the square heel gives us short girls some manageable height.

Thursday Night Cocktail: Tequila Honeysuckle

Recipe from The Ranstead Room via Town and Country

Ingredients

2 oz Milagro Blanco Tequila

.75 oz Honey Syrup

.75 oz Lime Juice

Directions

Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake with ice. 

Strain into a coupe and garnish with a lime wedge.

There's just a couple of weeks left of summer...let's enjoy it while we can!

Cheers!

Iconic Hairstyles

You know what they say about hair, everyone girl wants what she can't have. Everyone wants something different: short, long, straight, curly, but these styles stand out for their enduring popularity. 

Icon: The Anna Wintour Bob

I know this look was technically made famous by film star Louise Brooks but I think fab Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour is the woman that made this look famous. I once read that she has it professionally blown out each morning before heading to her office. If that's true, it just makes me like her even more!

Too Early to Start Planning the Holiday Party?

In my mind, it's never too soon to start planning your next party. My good friends Jamie and Sharon throw a themed holiday party every December and since they have already chosen the official theme, (Northern Lights!) I figured I should get going on the decor ideas. It's not technically my party, or my apartment for that matter, but since I have a background in event planning, I always help out with the planning process. 

It just so happens that Fine Stationery just began their End of Summer sale so I figured I would check it and see if anything cute caught my eye. I must admit I am a bit of a sucker for cute note cards or a fun stamp, so I love scooping up stationery all kinds of stationery goods.

Look what cute cocktail napkins I found!

Silver Jewel Cocktail Napkin

Street Chic: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie's style reminds me a lot of Kate Moss and i'm loving it! She always looks polished and pulled together but never as if she is trying to hard. She also does a great job of mixing basics like jeans and blazers with fun accessories to give a simple look more impact.

I am a big fan of her fall staples like skinny jeans, great booties, and leather jackets and I definitely plan on rocking the Rosie look come September and October.

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Confidence

Thursday Night Cocktail: Pink Lemonade Margarita

Recipe via DrinkedIn

Ingredients

1 (12 ounce) can of frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed

3 (12 ounce) cans of cold water – (just use the empty pink lemonade can)

1 (12 ounces) can of your faviorite tequila

1/2 (6 ounces) can of Grand Marnie

Ice cubes – or crushed ice

Salt to rim the glasses

1 lime, wedged

Directions

Pour the (thawed) frozen lemonade concentrate into a pitcher, and fill the can with cold water.

Pour into the pitcher and repeat twice for a total of 3 cans of water.

Fill the can with tequila, and pour that into the pitcher.

Fill about half of the can with Grand Marnier, and pour it into the pitcher.

Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Or blend mixture with ice to make a frozen version.

Serve over ice in salt-rimmed glasses with a lime wedge

Cheers!

Fruit Desserts for the Last Days of Summer

Despite being in full-on Fall fashion mode, I'm still hanging on to the great summer foods and recipes I love, particularly the fresh fruit. Since many of the best summer fruits like peaches, plums, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, etc. are still available at my local grocery store and farmers market, I figured I should enjoy them while they last. And what better way to enjoy them then to use them for a yummy dessert, right? 

Street Chic: Elle MacPherson

I know some people say that women like Elle MacPherson set the Yummy Mummy bar too high for "normal Mom's", but I completely disagree. I think she helps inspire busy Mom's to take 10 minutes for themselves to pick out a nice outfit that will make them feel good about themselves. I know I feel better when I have a cute outfit on. 

If you scroll through this post, you notice that MacPherson looks very stylish and put together, but she doesn't look like she just left the runway. Her clothes are very wearable and in many cases include very classic, basic wardrobe pieces like nice jeans, t-shirts and sweaters. It's how she puts the outfits together and accessorizes them that make her look stand out. That being said, I hope I look that good on the daily school run when i'm a Mom!

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Follow Your Heart, But...

Flats for Fall

As a short gal (just a touch over 5' 1") I love my heels, but five inch skyscrapers all the time just isn't practical for me. When I am out running errands or heading to and from work I like to get where I need to go fast, so flats are a stylish essential for me. 

As Summer winds down I have been on the lookout for some new, fall-friendly flats to replace my beloved Jack Rogers sandals as my go-to comfy footwear. These are my top picks so far:

Kaitlin Ballet Flat from Tory Burch

Room of the Week: A Reclaimed Wood Kitchen

Design and Photograph from Reclaimed Design Works via Rue Daily

I stumbled across this kitchen when I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Rue Daily. They had featured Reclaimed Design Works in a post on using reclaimed wood for construction and remodels, which is great because it is environmentally-friendly and takes away that "new house" look that so many of us try to avoid.

To be honest, I didn't even realize that the kitchen was made up of reclaimed wood until I went back to the article to use the photo for this post. I had pinned it and saved it to my Kitchen's Board because I thought the layout was fantastic. The fact that it's also environmentally friendly is a lovely added bonus. 

I love that there is a big open space within the room for a large breakfast table or maybe even a small sitting area. Elements like that are what make a kitchen the heart of the home where everyone gathers. Growing up, we had a breakfast table in my kitchen and my siblings and I would be gathered around it waiting for the next batch of pancakes my Mom was cooking up at the stove. This kitchen has a similar feel to it, but with even more storage and counter space than my Mom's. 

Has anyone used reclaimed wood for building or remodeling their home? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. 

Thursday Night Cocktail: Dirty Arnold Palmer

I was super excited to share this recipe because my sister Emma introduced it to me and the rest of my family last weekend and we loved it.  If you like Arnold Palmers (Half & Half's), this is the perfect "adult" version. 

Recipe via Just a Pinch

Makes One Pitcher 

Ingredients

One  bottle (fifth) of Chilled Sweet Tea Vodka

64 oz of Chilled Lemonad

Ice Cubes

Lemon Slices for Garnish

Directions

In a large pitcher, combine the chilled sweet tea vodka and lemonade; stir until well blended. Pour into ice filled glasses, garnish with a lemon slice. 

Cheers! I hope everyone is enjoying the last few weeks of summer.

The Beauty of Gracie Wallpaper

Question! When did white and beige paint suddenly become the "best" option for houses and apartments? More and more I find myself walking into people's homes and getting hit with a big wall of boring, literally! There is not a color or a pattern to be found anywhere. Even the old homes are getting boring. 

Street Chic: Lauren Santo Domingo

The Vogue contributing editor and founder of the e-commerce fashion site Moda Operandi has been a key fixture on the global fashion scene and is well known for her classic, but current style. While some women known for their "street style" actually rely on professionals to choose their clothing, Santo Domingo pulls her stylish looks together by herself and does a lovely job of mixing great basics like a blazer or strappy sandals with of-the-moment items for a fashionable, but less trendy look. 

White Jeans for Now & Later

Remember the old fashion rule of no white before Easter or after Labor Day? Well, that rule still stands for white shoes (non-wedding ones at least), but in regards to our favorite white summer jeans, the times are changing. When you pair your white skinnies or boot cut's with cozy sweaters, knits and booties you can take your classic summer staple and wear it straight through the winter.

You know what the best part about the white jeans look for fall/winter is? As the summer winds and all the white denim get's marked down, you don't have to feel bad about scooping up the three pairs that you found on sale!

Warm Weather

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Emily Dickinson

Shark Week Viewing Snacks

Growing up, Shark Week was a big deal in my house and my siblings and I, who could never agree on what TV shows to watch, all piled into the family room for a night of shark attacks and research adventures.

As many of you all know, Shark Week 2013 kicks off tomorrow night on the Discovery Channel! I am super excited about it, how about you?

Room of the Week: Entertaining Space by Kathryn Ireland

Image from Kathryn Ireland's book Timeless Interiors

What caught my eye is that this room is a combined living room and dining room space, which I don't usually go for, but love with this room. The open layout is perfect for entertaining because there is plenty of space to mingle before and after dinner and no one has to be herded from room to room.

The fact that the dining table is elevated up just a few steps separates the room into two different areas without breaking up the open floor plan. As a side note, I also want to call out the fabulous exposed beams. Again, I'm not always a fan of them, but I think they are a great detail in this space.

Thursday Night Cocktail: Watermelon Margaritas

Recipe via Martha Stewart

 Makes Four Drinks

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

3 wide strips orange zest

12 ounces watermelon cubes (about 2 cups)

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

3/4 cup white or silver tequila

Lime wedges

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring sugar, water, and orange zest to a boil over high. Reduce to a simmer and cook until sugar dissolves, 3 minutes. Let syrup cool in a bowl. In a blender, puree watermelon cubes until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids, into a pitcher (you should have about 1 cup juice). Stir in syrup, lime juice, and tequila. Fill salt-rimmed glasses with ice, then pour margarita mixture over top. Garnish with lime wedges.

Cheers Peeps! Tomorrow is Friday!