Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Keep Dreaming

Fourth of July Party Menu

The countdown is on to Independence Day! As the long weekend approaches it's time to start thinking about the most important thing for a good Fourth of July party: The food!

Everyone likes to fire up the grille on July Fourth, so hot dogs and hamburgers are a given. Here are a bunch of other great recipes ideas that will keep your guests happy from start to finish.

Grilled Artichokes from Spoon Fork Bacon

Cajun Shrimp with Chipotle Mayonnaise from Scrumpdillyicious

The Week in Fashion

Photographed by Tim Walker, Vogue, April 2012

Shop the Sales Like a Vogue Editor - Vogue

Zac Posen has been named the new creative director at Brooks Brothers - Fashionista

Cara Delevingne Slept Through Her Vogue Interview, twice - New York Magazine

This Is What Photoshop Looks Like Around The World - Refinery 29

Ghesquiere's debut Louis Vuitton campaign unveiled - The Telegraph

10 Surprising Pieces of Career Advice from the Editors of 'Elle,' 'InStyle' and 'Teen Vogue' - Fashionista

Happy Saturday!!

Thursday Night Cocktail: Watermelon Moscato Slush from The Kitchen is My Playground

Image Credit

I hopped on to Country Living looking for some fun frozen cocktails and I came across this amazing picture of a watermelon slush cocktail. All I needed to see was the word slush and I was immediately sold! This is the perfect fun summer cocktail.

Head over to The Kitchen is My Playground to check out the recipe.

Just a note before you go. The recipe uses a boxed Moscato wine, but, as boxed wine isn't for everyone, you can always use your favorite bottle of sweet white wine.

Cheers!!

Backyard Pool Envy

All this gorgeous summer weather has me wishing I could end my day with a nice dip in a pool. As a kid, my siblings and I begged my parents to put a pool in our backyard so that we (and all of our neighborhood friends) could pass the summer days playing Marco Polo and practicing our diving techniques. We actually succeeded in getting my Mom on board but my Dad refused, making the argument that it wasn't worth all the backyard space for something only in use three months of the year.

Fifteen years later, I still haven't managed to get myself a pool, but a girl can dream, right? I've collected ideas for the epic backyard pool area that I hope to have some day and these are my favorites. 

Get the Look: Keri Russell

I saw this look from Keri Russell last week and I thought it was a perfect summer look for a fun night out. The nautical striped top is a nice compliment to the edge from the leather mini and black pumps. I couldn't resist including this bright pink lip color from Estee Lauder, as it looks so fabulous on Keri.

Top: Zimmermann // Skirt: Topshop // Pumps: Diane von Furstenberg

Bag: Urban Originals // Lipstick: Estee Lauder

Summer Essentials

Now that summer is officially here it's time to break out our favorite warm weather fashion and enjoy the sunshine. I've been invited by the lovely team at Raise.com to participate in their "Closet Swap" campaign, which highlights the favorite summer styles of fashion bloggers (so thrilled to have been included!).

My summer essentials include colorful maxi dresses, white jeans, light  tank tops and, of course, my Jack Rogers sandals. I also switch out my darker bags for lighter, neutral ones. On occasion, especially by the beach, the nights can be cooler so I always have a light blazer or sweater to throw on if I need it. 

What are your summer essentials?

Sandals: Jack Rogers // Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors // Sneakers: Sperry Top-Sider
Jeans: Burberry Brit // Top: Tibi // Bikini: CALYPSO St. Barth
Blazer: Petit Bateau // Dress: MICHAEL Michael Kors

If you're summer wardrobe is still missing some pieces the time to buy is now because stores have started to put summer items on sale to make room for new fall looks, which generally arrive in stores after the July 4th holiday. I'm a big end of season shopper, so I'll definitely be looking to scoop up some more summer items to wear through September.

Before heading to the shops, head to Raise.com to look for discounted gift cards to your favorite retailers. They have gift cards available from great stores like Bloomingdales, J. Crew and Tory Burch. The discount on the card will vary, depending on how popular the retailer is and how many cards are available to be bought. You can also sell your own unwanted gift cards, giving you some extra cash to spend at whatever store you like.

Big thanks to Raise.com for asking me to participate in the "Closet Swap" campaign!

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Audrey Hepburn

The Week in Fashion

The best Ascot hats from Ladies Day - British Vogue

Coach has plans to attract a more fashion forward clientele - Fashionista

Christy Turlington Burns doesn't want to look young for her age - Elle

The importance of a newly crowned queen to the world of Spanish fashion - New York Times

Lupita Nyong'o gets her first Vogue cover - New York Magazine

Happy Saturday!!

Shopping for Designer Goods Online at T.J. Maxx

Earlier this week the UPS man came to my office bearing gifts for my co-worker Amanda in the form of two beautiful cocktail dresses from Sue Wong. She pulled them out of the box to show me and when I asked where she ordered them from, I was surprised to hear they came from T.J. Maxx. 

I am a huge fan of T.J. Maxx because of their great Runway section. If you're not in the loop, The Runway is a special section in select T.J. Maxx stores that features designer clothing, shoes and accessories. On any given day you'll find racks of designer jeans, skirts from Valentino and a classic woven leather handbag from Bottega Veneta. Not bad, right? 

Thursday Night Cocktail: Strawberry Mojito

Recipe & Image via Fine Cooking

The warm weather has finally arrived in New England and it's time to muddle up a fresh cocktail and enjoy the evening out on the patio (or the roof deck, porch, back yard ...OK, just head outside).

Makes four drinks

Ingredients

11 oz. strawberries, hulled (2-3/4 cups)

1/3 cup fresh lime juice

1/4 cup granulated sugar

10 large fresh mint leaves

1 cup white or amber rum

1 cup seltzer

Mint sprigs, lime wedges, or fresh strawberries, to garnish

Directions

In a medium pitcher, combine the strawberries, lime juice, sugar, and mint leaves and crush with a muddler or wooden spoon until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Add the rum and stir gently.

Fill 4 rocks glasses three-quarters full with ice, divide the mojito among them, and top each with about 1/4 cup seltzer. Garnish with mint sprigs, lime wedges, or strawberries.

Cheers!!

Get the Look: Chic Summer Whites

White is the unofficial fashion color of summer and this outfit is what I consider the perfect warm weather outfit for the quintessential chic girl. It's got a fresh summer feel with just enough edge to keep it cool instead of preppy.

Jeans: Seven for All Mankind // Top: Equipment // Shoes: Schutz 

Belt: Asos // Bag: Clare Vivier

My Favorite Fashion Documentaries

I love a good documentary film but I love them even more when they focus on my all time favorite subject, which of course is fashion. I remember when the September Issue first came out and I dragged my sister Meg to a random theatre two towns away from my house because they were the only place showing the film here in Boston. It was worth the drive! 

I've since discovered many other fantastic fashion documentaries, some of which I have seen several times. OK, I've probably seen The September Issue like 20 times, but what can I say, Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington are highly entertaining. 

These are my all time favorite fashion docs:

The September Issue

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Bill Cosby

The Week in Fashion

You can order custom Prada heels in a rainbow of colors - The Cut

73 questions for Olivia Munn - Vogue

Suzy Menkes talks going digital and her top fashion moments - The Business of Fashion

There are millionaire fashion bloggers out there? - Fashion Foie Gras

Spanx is launching a jeans line - Fashionista

Happy Saturday!!

Fitness with Maria Menounos at CambridgeSide Galleria

If your local to Boston, TV host and Boston native Maria Menounos will be at the CambridgeSide Galleria tomorrow to debut her new book, The EveryGirl's Guide to Diet and Fitness.

The event will feature a talk with Maria, fitness demonstrations and a book signing.

The event is free, just RSVP to Christie@Learypr.com.

June Wish List

I cannot believe how fast the spring has gone! It's nearly mid June and I haven't even scheduled my summer vacation yet. Luckily my best friend Jamie is on top of things and is working on a mini trip to Provincetown next month (I'll be sure document our escapades and report back with details). 

A few months back I started doing a monthly "wish list" post to share the clothing and accessory pieces that are on my radar, but I've been a bad blogger and have missed a couple of months (I have got to start mapping out a blog calendar). Anyway, I'm back with what's on my radar for the month of June and I've decided to branch out to include wish list items outside the fashion realm. This month's non-fashion item is a novel called The Stories We Tell by Patti Callahan Henry. It takes place in the South, a region I'm quite enamored with at the moment, and it tells the story of a "picture perfect" Savannah power couple whose real lives are far from what they seem. Sounds like a beach read to me!

Romper: Topshop // Sneakers: Converse // Sunglasses: Wonderland

Book: The Stories We Tell // Necklace: lizzie fortunato jewels Shirt Dress: Joie

Get the Look: Classic Summer Shirt Dress

When I cam across this outfit on Pinterest it was love at first sight. It's a great weekend outfit for summer because it's comfy and casual without looking sloppy. I could see myself wearing this for a nice Sunday brunch with my girlfriends or to an afternoon party or BBQ. 

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: The Art of Being Happy

Resort 2015: Ralph Lauren

If anyone can design clothes that are both fresh and classic at the same time it's Ralph Lauren. Every piece from this collection can be bought now and worn for the next several years without looking stale or dated. In a time where everything seems to be in and then out in a span of five minutes, I've come to really appreciate a collection that can stand the test of time. 

I am also in love with the neutral color palette of this collection because it's so flattering on all women. I like bright colors just as much as the next girl, but navy, black and white are building block colors for any wardrobe because they can be mixed and match in so many ways. I'm also crazy about the great gold accessories because, again, those are items that go with everything and can be worn over and over.

Did You Hear...

Olivia Palermo has teamed up with Westward Leaning - InStyle

The annual Ford Model search has upped the ante this year - V Magazine

An inside look at the CFDA Awards - New York Times

A stylish way to wear overalls? Yes! - The Telegraph

The story behind Rihanna's CFDA Awards dress - Elle

Happy Saturday!!

Thursday Night Cocktail: Riesling Sangria with Lychees

Image & Recipe via Food & Wine

This dreary Boston weather has been anything but spring-like but I'm hoping this colorful drink will cheer me up and get me in the mood for a fun weekend.

Ingredients

1 orange
1 cup raspberries, halved
1 Asian pear—peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1/2 cup dry sake
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup triple sec
2 tablespoons sugar
One 20-ounce can lychees in syrup—lychees halved, syrup reserved
Two 750-milliliter bottles slightly off-dry Riesling, chilled
Ice 

 

CFDA Fashion Awards Red Carpet

The CFDA Awards were earlier this week and, just like at the Met Gala, all of fashion's finest came out to honor the best in the industry. These are my favorite looks from the evening.

Rihanna in Adam Selman

I'm putting Miss Rihanna up front because I loved and hated this dress all at the same time. The shape and sparkle are amazing but I just can't get on board with the completely see through dress thing. It's vulgar no matter who's wearing it. It's so disappointing because if this dress had a nude liner it would probably be my favorite. I will give her points for the stole though because (1) I think it's fabulous and (2) it does a great job of covering up what the dress doesn't.

Blake Lively in Michael Kors

Resort 2015: Donna Karan, Wes Gordon and Pamella Roland

The 2015 Resort collections are rolling in and I decided to feature some of my favorites in groups in order to avoid bombarding you with too many posts all at once. 

I always look forward to Donna Karan because she designs for the busy, modern women. This collection doesn't feature the mix and match office-appropriate styles that we usually see from her, but there are lots of beautiful, wearable dresses in a flattering color palette that every woman can appreciate.  These are my favorite looks from the collection.

Donna Karan

Marilyn Monroe

I know I'm a day late but Marilyn Monroe's birthday was yesterday and I wanted to share this fantastic infographic from the team at OutletShoppers.com. Marilyn's style and beauty was legendary and this tribute is a fun look back at her iconic look.

Enjoy!

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Chase Your Dreams