home again, home again

this is how peaceful i feel when i'm oceanside. it doesn't get better than salty water, sunshine, sand, and ocean air. (image via here)

well, i'm back! my little visit to the cape was a great, relaxing way to end a pretty awesome new england summer. below are some of my favorite moments that the iphone was able to capture ( i'd say it's about time to invest in a real camera, what do you think?!)

view on our walk to the beach//posing before dinner//a beautiful sunset//beach essentials: a good book, sunscreen, and a hat//view of sailboats in the harbor//sunning myself//quality time with my yiayia//sister looking bronzed//beautiful lighting right before sunset

tunes for tuesday: vampire weekend

 i love vampire weekend's hipster indie-rock sound, and this oldie but goodie, 'cape cod kwassa kwassa' has the perfect sound (and title!) for my drive down to the cape.

packing list: cape cod

this week, i'm headed down to the cape to see family and splash around in the ocean before completely bidding farewell to summer 2012. packing for seaside vacations tends to be a little overwhelming, so to simplify, i try to pack with a strong color scheme and things to layer or mix and match. for this cape trip, i decided to stick with nautical navy and white, and if i could pack my dream suitcase, these necessities would definitely be in it.

my favorite chambray is perfectly oversized and acts as a beach coverup or casual layering piece// acqua di gioia is a light, summery fragrance--great for the beach// at least two swimsuits (how cool is this one piece? i love the unique cutouts. and i've been coveting this Miu Miu bikini all summer long)// a straw fedora to help with sun protection// a comfy tank is easy to throw on after a day in the sun// monogrammed necklace is simple perfection for casual vacation jewelry// striped linen shorts// Jack Rogers sandals// the best diary: answer short, interesting questions to sum up your day// luggage to die for

of course, don't forget to pack sunscreen!! do you have any beach essentials you don't leave on vacation without?

sitting, waiting, wishing...for more runway fashion.

in my anticipation for the upcoming fashion week, i like going back through and re-watching runway shows from earlier months. i have to say, the resort 2013 collection by Oscar de la Renta is still one of my favorites from this year. something about the beautiful details, tulle, sophisticated gingham, layered prints, and refined sparkle, makes me want to keep this runway presentation on repeat. it is so attractive to me when runway pieces are not only works of art, but wearable clothing. 

how cute is that blue gingham dress! i can't get enough of this whimsical and girly collection... sigh. are you all as excited as i am for the upcoming new york fashion week?!

all images via Vogue

today was a day

image via here

i have to admit, i'm just having one of those days. it was neither good nor bad, just full of small annoyances (my alarm didn't go off this morning and i got pulled over driving to work (just a warning though!)) at this point, i kind of want to just curl up with a good book and a cozy sweater and be by myself.

chunky knit// supersoft scarf// cozy leggings// a book i'll never get sick of// beautiful suede booties

sometimes, a little bit of alone time is all i need to recharge... and guess what? the weekend is just around the corner!

hello//goodbye

this time of year will forever remind me of the back-to-school transition: a new year, new teachers, new classes, new clothes.  the crisp and cool nights, leaves starting to change color (yes, i saw it already!), and the appearance of fall sweaters makes me realize that i must say au revoir to a glorious summer and welcome in a fresh, new season. however, i'm also faced with the fact that it's still summer weather half the time and doing a 180 from sundresses to wool sweaters just doesn't work.

so behold! transitional pieces that will make the hello/goodbye fashion conundrum much easier to navigate:

J. Crew's silky blouse is the perfect summery sea color that keeps the look feminine and soft, while still being able to hold it's own later under a structured blazer or military jacket. these lovely blue floral pants keep with the summer trend of 2012, without all the bright pinky hues of summertime florals. a black leather bag, such as tano's, allows you to bring along extra layers as well as grounding the outfit in a dark way appropriate for the cooler season. black, high-heeled booties are a great indication that sandal season is over, while dark sunnies are a cool way to protect your eyes. musky, as opposed to floral scents, such as 'eau de noho' by Bond No. 9, make for great fall perfumes, and a taupe nail polish is a welcome change from summers brights. 

what pieces do you rely on for the start of fall transition?

tunes for tuesday: chiddy bang

my musical tastes vary a lot, and lately, what's been playing through my headphones the most has been music that i tend to run to in the morning. chiddy bang's music is a fresh, upbeat, hip-hop/alternative fusion that pumps me up enough to blast through a workout before 8am.  'talking to myself' is definitely my favorite track from their 2012 album 'breakfast.' try not to groove around to this song when you hear it!