inspired by Who What Wear: preppy pieces...

This is old hat by now on le blog, but summer on the East Coast (still) causes me to crave some seriously preppy elements for my wardrobe. I was recently on the phone with my mother (who is all the way in Seattle, mind you) having her tear through my closet full of not-quite-good-enough-for-New-York clothes, to find a particular white, cable knit Ralph Lauren sweater. I probably hadn't worn the sweater in years, but all the sudden I was possessed. I had visions of myself on a windswept beach, wearing my summer sweater and some crisp little shorts; hair everywhere. I had her mail it to me immediately.

Though they're based in Los Angeles, it seems the Who What Wear team shares my current affinity for a some ivy-inspired pieces.

I love their selections, especially the stripes and pops of bright, cheery color. The J. Crew striped sweater speaks to my heart, as does the cool vintage-inspired Casio watch. And what a bonus that their choices are all under $100. After seeing their lovely layout, I felt inspired to create my own. Here's an inspirational (and slightly aspirational) collection of my favorites, many, many of which are over $100. Ugh. Still, a West Coast girl can dream...

coastal prep

When taking in my spread, bare in mind that this is a fashion girl's take on prep. It can be intimidating to try and emulate an aesthetic steeped in so much rigid tradition, but it's also quite fun to add your own imaginative bit of whimsy and personal style to a culture you admire. I happen to find so many elements of that nautical, tailored, tucked-in and turned-out look extremely appealing. I certainly wouldn't trade in my leather jacket for Lily Pulitzer, but I don't think I'll ever be able to say no to some navy and white stripes.

newly inherited shades...

I just wanted to introduce you guys to these Persols that have been passed down to me from a very dear family friend.

I'm completely, totally obsessed and in love with them.

You like?

TGIRG...

Ryan Gosling all the time always.

This image is brought to you via one of my favorite Tumblrs, Peace. Love. Sarcasm. She's also a real gem on the Twitter. Follow her: @MissJennaB.

i know it's only july, but...

... Editorials like this one from Numero make me excited for late summer/early fall layering.

(image via Who What Wear blog)

{outfit post} white hot...

You know how everyone always says that New Yorkers are really busy? Or, you know people who live here who just seem to have a never ending parade of plans? It's all dinner dates and re-scheduling coffee, and friends visiting from wherever and brunch with so-and-so followed by a quick trip to East Hampton and then there's this fashion party in Soho and a roof party after that...

I've become one of those people. At least, that's what it feels like lately! Over the past few weeks I've had lots of really fun and fabulous plans, and I've gotta say, I like it. As much as I love my downtime, it's summer, and I didn't move to The Big City to stay home every night watching The Bachelorette. 

Anyway, as you can tell from my outfit post patterns, Meghan is my mover-and-shaker / gal-about-town who kindly and often brings me to really great events as her plus one. One such event was last Thursday evening, at the Nanette Lapore store on Broome Street. Miss Lapore herself was in attendance for the party, Revlon was there doing make up, and the champagne was flowing. Never-mind that it was approximately 5000 degrees out, we still donned summer dresses and mingled among the bloggers, photographers and handsome cater-waiters.

Zara dress; Ray Ban sunglasses; American Apparel carry all; thrifted necklace; Star Ling shoes; Michael Kors watch.

This dress from Zara is one of my absolute favorite things that I own. I don't wear it often, and it could definitely use a little more time out on the town. The fit is just right, and it's rather uncharacteristically girly for me, don't you think? Tully remarked when I wore it on the Fourth of July, "You look - so - feminine!" I guess she's right, for whatever reason, I don't own nearly as many dresses as I do separates, especially ones with cascading ruffles. 

There's that bird necklace again... I get so many compliments on this crazy thing, it just goes to show you what quirky and inexpensive treats you can find at NYC thrift stores.

quick snap: blogger brunch @ Locanda Verde

I just wanted to share with you this darling snap that Eliot (@CoachBlkrWomen) took outside Locanda Verde in TriBeCa on Sunday.

Eliot spearheaded a get together with myself, Helena of Brooklyn Blonde, Lauren of Everyday to Runway,  Christine of Court & Hudson, and oh, there in the middle you may recognize my blogging bff Meghan! We spent a good two hours getting to know each other, plotting for NYFW and getting absolutely stuffed on pancakes, frittata, poached eggs and iced coffees.

It was so wonderful to get to know these charming women with impeccable style and seriously follow-worthy blogs. If you don't know them already, I highly suggest you browse their archives for some major outfit inspiration.

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Heat index of 115 in New York City today.

This picture says a lot about both how I feel and where I want to be.

If you're sweatin' it out in one of these heat advisory states this weekend, I hope you find a body of water, or at least a cold shower.

(image via Etc...)

what about this picture isn't perfect?

Ryan Gosling.

His dog, George, with a canine mohawk.

Jimmy Fallon.

You're welcome, on this most sweltering, feels like 110 degrees Thursday.

SUILTSOY's mid-summer playlist...

Wow, it seems like I've been promising a new playlist for some time now. I haven't compiled one since around April, aka Spring Break 2011. Sheesh! Since then I've been introduced by friends, blogs, Hype Machine and Twitter to all sorts of sizzlingly summer-perfect tunes, and it's high time I shared them with you. Some songs you may recognize from past MWMM posts, but Hooray! here they all are in once place.

This time around it's mostly new-ish music, but I couldn't resist throwing in a few tried-and-true classics as well.  So without further ado, pull up your iTunes account, your Spotify, Grooveshark, your Napster-esque illegal downloading software (if that's your thing), or maybe just YouTube, and get this playlist in your life.

Body Language - Social Studies (Plastic Plates Remix)

Jay-Z - 30 Something

Bag Raiders - Shooting Stars

Foster The People - Call It What You Want

Niki & The Dove - Gentle Roar (Mylo Remix)

Calvin Harris - The Rain

YACHT - Dystopia (The Earth Is On Fire)

The Generationals - Ten-Twenty-Ten

Of Monsters And Men - Little Talks

Florence + The Machine - Between Two Lungs

Hot Chip - The Warning

Eliza Doolittle - Skinny Genes

Yeasayer - Crazy (Seal Cover)

MSTRKRFT ft. John Legend - Heartbreaker

Hall & Oates - You Make My Dreams

Theophilus London - Why Even Try (RAC Remix)

Thao With The Get Down Stay Down - When We Swam

Paul Simon - Call Me Al

Fancy - Drake, Swizz Beats, T.I.

Adele - Rumor Has It

 Fitz & The Tantrums - Rich Girls

Rooney - When Did Your Heart Go Missing

Al Green - Love & Happiness

The Flavour - Sex on Fire (Kings of Leon Cover)

Beirut - East Harlem

Breakbot - Baby I'm Yours

Milky - Be My World

Robyn - Call Your Girlfriend

The Cool Kids - Swimsuit (Ft. Mayer Hawthorne)

Big Sean ft. Lupe Fiasco - Don't Wait For Me

Beyonce ft. Andre 3000 - Party

Mylo - In My Arms

Marvin Gaye - Got To Give It Up

Click here to play it on Grooveshark
(My apologies if that link doesn't work, I thought I'd try at least!)

Hope you like it.

Happy listening and happy summer!

*There are so many shout outs to give in thanks for all this great music, so if you see a song on there and you're like, "Hey, I'm pretty sure I shared that song with her," then you probably did. So, thank you!

Via Thought Catalog: Screw New York!

This post from Thought Catalog just made me laugh out loud multiple times in a very populated Starbucks. It's so true it hurts a little.

Screw New York!

I could add a couple things:

Screw New York for getting me to a place where I feel pretty indifferent about the mouse that lives under my stove.

Screw New York for rendering me most likely incapable of ever wanting to do my own laundry, let alone anyone else's, ever again.

Screw New York for having so many incredibly ambitious and talented people living on one island that I'm simultaneously impressed and annoyed with almost everyone I meet.

Screw New York for convincing me that Central Park might be all the nature I really need in my life to survive here for many years without going insane.

Any of you readers out there have any great love/hate New York emotions?

Vent! It feels good, I promise.

{reader request} summer visit to Seattle...

Let me tell you, this reader request was a real gut-wrencher. Seattle in the summer months can be the loveliest place on Earth. I swear you've never seen anything more wonderful than the sun glittering on Lake Washington with a snow-capped Mount Rainier perfectly visible off in the distance. I often wish I could de-camp this sizzling city and head back to the Northwest until September. It's that gorgeous. Isn't it amazing how July and August have a way of making you forget that months like November and February even exist?

Before I get all misty-eyed thinking of my hometown in all it's summery glory, I need to focus on the task at hand, which is helping one Miss Laura Aljets pack for her upcoming visit to Seattle from Chicago. She wrote to me recently because she will be visiting our mutual friend Ingrid (of Working Women Wednesday fame). Laura is a first-timer to the Emerald City, so I'm more than happy to give her a little guidance.  Step 1? Leave the flannel behind. That would be a little cliche, and it's summer after all!

summer in seattle

Now obviously, Seattle style is a subject that's very close to my heart. There are some realities about our sartorial tendancies that I am more than willing to acknowledge, and some that I believe are really just unfair, broadly generalizing stereotypes. The tech nerds, the crunchy granola types, the hipsters, that's all true. However, Nordstrom was founded by a Seattle family, and their headquarters are still located downtown above the flagship store. We also have Blackbird, which is recognized all over the country as one of the coolest apparel boutiques ever, and Mario's, one of the best menswear shops there is. Amanda Brotman, the fabulous designer behind Amanda Pearl, is also a born-and-bread Seattle girl. Additionally, because Seattlites are really into their outdoor activities all year long, we look better than most of the country in our skinny jeans.

So, how to pack for The Great Northwest? Honestly, you can wear whatever you darn-well please in Seattle, without facing too much scrutiny. Most Seattlites are wildly unconcerned with how other people dress, unless they're wearing a superior Patagonia jacket. A general rule would be to keep it casual. Heels are a rarity around town, even at nicer clubs and bars. You can wear denim shorts anywhere, and same goes for flip flops (though I always frown upon that). Bring a cool military-inspired jacket to wear over everything from your breezy maxi dress to shorts and a blouse. Avoid anything that might be described as "flashy;" but quirky, cool, vintage or handmade? Absolutely. For dancing the night away at the Capitol Hill Block Party, bust out your favorite skinnies and a bag that will let you throw your hands in the air.

Have a wonderful time in Seattle, Laura! Swim in Lake Washington, don't go to the original Starbucks, take a walk in the Sculpture Park, have a $2.50 tall boy of Rainier Beer at Kings and have at least one meal at Le Pichet.

mid-week music moment: Bag Raiders

So I'm in the middle of creating my mid-summer playlist to share with you guys, but I couldn't resist posting this song for the MWMM. It's a great mid-week (and mid-day) pick up, for one of those days that feels so oppressively hot and sticky, you think it might never end.

Bag Raiders, "Shooting Stars"

Let's all just admit that this video is super weird and a little scary, but the song is pretty amazing.

{vintage summer} my grandparents in the 1940s...

Joyce & Charlie Davies in Birch Bay, 1946.

(Please excuse the type across the bottom left corner of the photo, I screen-grabbed the image from a photobook my uncle created online for my grandparents 65th wedding anniversary.)

Dear Ashley Olsen, you're perfect. again.

I see pictures like this and start to believe that I could wear giant circular Prada sunglasses and look normal.

I probably can't.

I also realize that I could probably never own enough button down shirts.

I definitely can't.

Oh, and I become convinced I should be wearing mid-calf length skirts.

Wait, I already do!

(image via Olsens Anonymous)

{inspired by} Marge Sherwood in the Talented Mr. Ripley...

I will just come out and say it right now: if it weren't for that crazy world called Tumblr, I would have totally forgotten about The Talented Mr. Ripley. It's one of the most stylish film ever, both in location and wardrobe, and rather perfectly suited for a summer movie night. After being reminded of it's merits by HTTTGAP and That Kind of Woman (among many, many others) I revisited it on a weeknight recently.

Then, last week while waiting for the Jitney in East Hampton, I was idly browsing Hamptons magazine (yes, that's a real thing) and sipping an Arnold Palmer. Amongst the crazy expensive monogrammed towels and Lilly Pulitzer advertisements, I spied these adorable Cynthia Rowley bikinis that immediately reminded me of Gweneth Paltrow's character in the film. Behold:

Try to overt your eyes from the wildly tanned and handsome Dickie Greenleaf (a very young Jude Law), and look at Gwen's high-waisted, printed suit.

I mean, right? These darling suits (available here, on the Cynthia Rowley site) are $225 each, and perfectly capture that holiday on the Italian Riviera circa 1958 vibe.

{outfit post} barefoot in the park...

As you have probably noticed by now, I love brunch. It's my new favorite meal, and it's one that this city holds sacred. It's even been described as a sport by some New Yorkers I know.

I brunch on the regular with my roommates and friends, but I especially love brunching with my blogger babe peers. These get-togethers allow for open and honest, judgement-free conversation about just how much time we spend surfing the internets and reading other blogs, and always provide a mutually beneficial opportunity for outfit photos.

On Saturday morning, one of my most favorite bloggers (and just all around fabulous friends), Meghan of Wit & Whimsy and I combined our blogger brunch tradition with one of my other favorite summer activities: a picnic! We met at the 72nd Street entrance to Central Park, and with mimosa makings and pastries in hand, we searched for the perfect spot to lay out our spread. We settled on top of a hill overlooking the pond where everyone rows those boats, with a view of that fairytale white bridge. (What these things are actually called, I am still not sure.)

We popped the champagne, snapped photos and got right down to business, catching up on everything from jobs to boys to traveling and our latest style obsessions. (And yes, Meghan brought real, glass champagne flutes to the park.)

Unknown blouse purchased in Tucson, AZ; Forever 21 shorts; vintage belt; Ray Ban sunglasses; Michael Michael Kors watch (similar version here); Kenneth Jay Lane, Tiffany, F21, homemade and vintage bracelets; J. Crew neon watch band; Tiffany and vintage rings.

 I am totally obsessed with these little Forever 21 shorts (pretty similar to these), and I think I bought them about a month ago. Believe it or not, this was the first time I'd worn them! This blouse is one of the most random things in my closet, an emergency purchase made during a trip to Tucson for an Arizona homecoming weekend. It was something like $10, it's a little too big, and I could do without the ruffles on the sleeve. However, I find myself wearing again and again because it tucks in so well, and adds an ultra-girly element my outfits often lack.

So here we go again with the usual bangles. My right wrist is weighed down with the omni-present MK watch and mix of vintage, fancy and inexpensive baubles. Additionally, I'm working on starting a trend, where I wear a watch band with no watch face attached, just because I like the color.

My left wrist is being built up with friendship bracelets I made myself (and one from H&M), a summer tradition for me that dates back to the '90s. I'm going to have wicked tan lines by the time I cut them off (not until after Labor Day if I can help it), but it's totally worth it.

There's that bangs french braid again! It's so easy to do you guys, and I highly recommend it for these humid dog days of summer. Also, those are my beat-to-death Steve Madden t-strap sandals, which I desperately need to replace. I took them off immediately upon setting up our feast, hence the title of this post. If you ask me, it's crucial to be barefoot as often as possible in the summer.

(All photos by Meghan!)

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"Let's go swimming and have martinis on the beach," she said. "Let's have a fabulous morning."

From Goodbye, My Brother, the first piece from a volume I'm slowly but surely attempting to make my way through, called The Stories of John Cheever.

Here's to a wonderful summer weekend.

vogue & SJP ...

Oscar de la Renta dress.

Shot for the American Vogue August 2011 issue.

overnight jaunt to East Hampton...

East Hampton Overnight

One small perk of being a part-time nanny?

I get to escape the city in the middle of the week and spend a night in East Hampton.

I'm taking off today and returning tomorrow, so my Longchamp shopper should be all I need.

And since I'll mostly just be playing with a rowdy toddler, I'm packing preppy, run-around basics and just a little mascara. 

See you back here on Friday!

mid-summer must: j. crew hot pink shorts

J. Crew 3" chino short - $42.50

I've seen at least three or four girls sporting these electric little shorts around New York City since returning from South Carolina. My instinct tells me they would be much more appropriate down south, but seeing these stylish city-dwellers jaunting around in them - paired with everything from a plain white tee to a chambray button down - has me totally jonesing for a touch of summer neon. Additionally, they're currently on sale in a slue of other hues, my favorite (and potential immediate purchase) is the GTH red:

For me, three inches is a pretty substantial inseam, so I'll be cuffing them up once for a more youthful and less conservative length. It's summer after all - and my legs are tan. I will not apologize for letting them get out on the town and say hello. You shouldn't either!

I'm already having a great time in my mental closet, pairing these shorts with any of my button downs, some dainty sandals, shades and a giant iced tea. The iced tea isn't in my closet, but you get the idea.

{outfit post} the nylite project...

About a month ago, I was invited to participate in a collaborative project with Swedish brand Tretorn. Myself and 34 other style bloggers were asked to take a pair of their classic Nylite sneakers and style them up our way.

I've always been a fan of a clean white tennis shoe, from the Rod Lavers I wore in middle school to the Converse All Stars I replaced year after year in high school and college. I had never worn Nylites before, and since moving to New York I've all but abandoned the casual ease of sneakers. When I started dreaming up ideas for how to style these sneaks with an intensely preppy heritage, I wanted to find a way to mix their traditional and sporty look with an outfit that fits into the life of a busy city girl.

The look I ended up with was highly influenced by a recent purchase (and a total steal) from Gap. After seeing Sonia on her blog in this phenomenal floor-length white skirt, I was a woman possessed. I bee-lined for the Gap on 5th Avenue the next day, and to my delight found the object of my affections - at an additional 40% off! I love the weight of the fabric and it's simple cut. Need I mention that it has pockets?

{Banana Republic tee; Gap skirt; Tretorn sneakers; Ray Ban aviators; vintage necklace.}

The black and white striped shirt is one you've seen before (here) and the necklace is a vintage chain of coins and pearls that's very special to me. I think the canvas sneakers take away some of the stiffness of such a dramatic skirt, while maintaining some playful elegance. This is something I'd wear for an afternoon beer at The Standard or a barbecue with friends in Brooklyn (yes, I sometimes dress borough-specific). (It also came in handy for the ultra-southern-prep oyster bake I attended in Kiawah.)

 

Until I put this whole ensemble together, I never would have dreamed of pairing a maxi skirt with tennies. However, I think the heaviness of this particular skirt grounds the look enough so I don't look off balance. Truthfully it's probably more practical to pair them with shorts and mini dresses in the future, but it was fun to play with proportions and imagination for this project.

 (all photos thanks to Gina)

it's hot. so are they.

Blake & Ed look gorgeous and dapper, respectively, in LA at an event involving royals.

Actually, I don't know what is going on with Mr. Westwick's neck-wear, but as long as he's Chuck Bass, he's alright with me.

mid-week music moment: Hot Chip

Thanks to a borrowed ipod from Joseph, Tully discovered this really great Hot Chip song, Alley Cats. It's just a fun, sort of chilled out song for a ridiculously sweltering July week in New York City.

Here's hoping you're keeping cool, wherever you are.

let's get caught up, shall we?

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind over here, which has caused my posting to reach a seriously sporadic pace! There's been travel, work, play and visits from friends, not to mention that summer siren call of Central Park, beckoning me away from the computer and into the grass.

Anyway, let's get down to business with a little round up of things that have been tickling my fancy over the past week or two. Starting with a couple of couples that really please me:

Those darn royals, they make even 10-gallon hats look chic.

These two, along with Diane Kruger and Josh Jackson are in the running for best dressed couple in recent history. This is Olivia P. and Johannes H. at Paris Haute Couture week, and you can see more great street style from the shows at STREETFSN. 

I'm currently obsessed with these Charles Philip slipper / loafers. They're dainty and preppy and a great late summer to early fall transitional shoe. You can find them at Bloomingdale's for around $100. Oh, and they come in leopard print. 

I'm having a serious moment for summer sweaters, even though it's mostly much too hot to wear them. This one with a golden lobster (found via Matchbookmag.com) is particularly wonderful.

Just, this. Definitely need to revisit this movie as soon as possible.

(via Sart Inc / HTTTGAP, who's abroad right now and having a serious Italian moment.)

Speaking of Tumblr blogs I love, That Kind of Woman posted this song recently, and I just adore it. I'm that kind of obsessed, actually.

 Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Michael Kors. So hot right now.

 And finally, the darling Inslee, who illustrates the way we all wish we lived (see above, le sigh), has moved up to NYC! Too bad for you, D.C., we take all the good ones for ourselves.