My Favorite Things for May & June

The weather is finally getting warmer and outdoor markets are popping up around Boston faster than the flowers! I'm still running around (now on purpose) and trying to soak in as much of the spring as possible.

1. Neewer // Running Waist Bag 

I typically don't run with a phone. I like being able to run without my technological ball and chain. That being said, I recently decided to get back into running. To take my mind off how out of shape I felt I started listening to podcasts on my iPhone. I am a finicky runner so much so that having anything in my hand or on my arm throws me off balance. I LOVE this belt from Neewer. I can barely tell its on, it holds my phone and my keys and its water resistant. I actually have no idea what I look with it on, but the who goal of exercise is to make yourself look like a fool in the most exhausting way possible, right?

2. My "La Vie en Rose" Station on Pandora

I first heard La Vie en Rose when I was watching Sabrina staring Audrey Hepburn. The song has been one of my favorite songs ever since. The playlist based on this song is one of my favorites to listen to when I am lounging on the porch or cooking a fun dinner.  In addition to the Louis Armstrong version of La Vie En Rose, there are songs by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Darin and a bunch of non-lyrical french songs that I love.

3. Birkenstock // Gizeh 

Until about a month ago I thought of Birkenstocks as sandals for hippies and people with foot problems. I was right! But I finally tried them on and they are rarely off my feet. These are actually kind of cute and stylish. Do your feet a favor and ditch your normal pavement slappers for these cork cruisers. If anyone pokes fun, just tell them I made you do it. 

4. Cusinart // CPB-300PK Compact Blender

I am not a very healthy eater. I'm not a huge fan of vegetables, and while I'll eat fruit if it's cut up and prepared, I'd rather snack on carbs in almost any form. Enter this blender. I have been drinking a banana a serving of fruit and kale/spinach every day for the last month or so. These individual cups with lids (lids set them apart) are the perfect vehicles for sneaking the greens into my smoothie is perfect. Sometimes I even throw them into milkshakes. I've also started adding ground up flax seeds which are not only a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, but also provide another way in which I'm turning into my mother. 

5. Baggu // Standard in Hot Pink

I have been carrying reusable bags to the grocery store since I was in college. They carry more than the average grocery bag and are environmentally friendly as well. I like this fold up bag from Baggu because it doesn't take up a lot of space in my work tote, but it's always there in case I need to grab some groceries on the way home.

Desperately seeking Seersucker

It's finally here! If you live in the South, seersucker season has arrived. Those who live north of Dixie can break out those lovely stripes, but I prefer to keep my seersucker in storage until Memorial day. If you wear your stripes too early you risk getting it spattered with mud, muck and whatever winter wetness is still lingering around.

1. Cotton Snaps // Seersucker Sunglasses Straps

I have a few pairs of sunglasses straps (croakies) from my time in the south. I normally wear my sunglasses on my head, but some sunglasses have a nose piece that gets caught in my hair. These straps are perfect solution for those glasses and any pair you don't want to lose overboard. 

2. J. Crew // Seersucker Demi Underwire Top & Seersucker Bikini Bottom

This is such a cute bikini. It's part of an entire seersucker swim collection from J. Crew that includes one-piece, tankini and bikini options. 

3. Modcloth // Give Me Amour Dress in Cloud

White on white seersucker is one of my absolute favorites. This dress (I think it's by Jessica Simpson) would be flattering on many body types. The sweetheart neckline is created by a faux-wrap front that ties in a bow on the back of the dress. 

4. J. Crew // Colorblock Seersucker Short

These shorts offer a variation on the traditional seersucker by colorblocking lilac and dark purple seersucker fabrics. 

5. Lilly Pulitzer // January Scallop Hem Skort

Lilly Pulitzer is the queen of classic preppy style with a twist. This skort would be a winner with a straight hem, but the scalloped hem adds the crown. And it has pockets!

6. Sperry // Seersucker Bahama 2-Eye

Sperrys have been a summertime staple for generations. This tan seersucker pairs well with jeans and will only help your tan when you wear them with shorts!

7. Greg Norman // Women's Seersucker Crestin Cap

This would make a great summer hat! The bright color and the lightweight seersucker fabric will keep you cool at the beach or just running errands. 

My Favorite Things for April

My April has been a whirlwind so far! New opportunities are popping up like daises, and I have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. On top of that I'm transitioning my closet from winter to summer. Here are my favorite things, both old and new for April.

1. J. Crew // Anya Ballet Flat

These flats are so comfortable! They actually have a sole, unlike many other flats I own, so they offer more support. I bought my first pair at J. Crew Factory last spring and they are so affordable I can't wait to add another pair to my collection.

2. J. Crew // Two Pocket Chambray Shirt

At the same time I purchased my Anya flats I also bought this chambray shirt. At first I wan't sure what to wear it with, but I found that I ended up with colored denim, chino shorts, skirts, leggings etc. If you don't own a chambray or denim shirt I highly recommend picking one up this spring! There are cuts and washes for everyone.

3. Yurbuds // Boston Special Edition

Yurbuds are great headphones for running or just everyday. In support of the survivors of the events at the 2013 Boston Marathon, they are donating 10% of the proceeds from their Boston Special edition headphones to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, a non-profit organization that has been helping those injured in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings "through events, run clinics, grants for adaptive equipment." 

4. Mission // Blister Armour

New shoes sometimes mean new blisters. I have terrible feet, probably from years of sport. I find that Mission Blister Armour prevents them especially on my heels. If I do get a blister, putting a little of this on top of the bandaid keeps the shoe from catching on it.

5. Essie // Butler Please

I love to wear this color in the summer when I'm tan. Its a bright, warm royal blue that can be edgy or preppy. It is on my toes right now! I can't wait to try it out with a matte top coat.

Things I Can't Wait to Wear this Spring

Last weekend in Boston we had a mini heatwave. Temps above freezing had my hopes up. Then the mercury dropped and I had to dig my coat out of my closet. I can't wait until the 70 degree days start in Boston. I already know what I'm going to wear.

Spring Scarves

1. Lilly Pulitzer- Murfree Scarf

I can't wait to swap out my heavy wool scarf for my Murfree. I bought mine last summer and I can't wait to wear it this spring. The silk/cashmere blend and the classic Lilly patterns are perfect for spring in New England. 

Sunglasses

2. Spy Optic- Beachwood

It's been overcast in Boston for far too long. I like Spy Optic sunglasses as opposed to a high fashion brand because they are designed for a rugged lifestyle. I am not a very delicate person so these can hold up for me.

Shorts

3. J. Crew- 3" Chino Shorts

Pants are overrated. Shorts are where it's at. I cannot wait until I can wear mine. J.Crew 3" chino shorts are the best. The fit is great and they come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. I have 10 or so pairs and I can't wait to add more!

Sandals

4. Jack Rogers- Navajo

I love my Jacks. They are the longest lasting flip flop I've ever owned. The first pair I bought 5 years ago is still going strong. Like the J. Crew shorts these also come in a rainbow of colors and you can even customize your own.

Turquoise Jewelry

5. Target- Turquoise Inlay Earrings

I subscribe to certain personal guidelines when it comes to fashion. One of those guidelines is that turquoise should only be worn in the summer. My mom brought me back a bunch of turquoise jewelry from a trip she took to New Mexico in January that I have been itching to wear.

New Neutral Nail Polish

6. Essie- Cocktails and Coconuts & 7. Essie- Resort Fling

I'm over the drab and boring winter nail polish colors. I'm ready to try out these two colors from Essie's resort '14 collection. It's hard to see but Cocktails and Coconuts has a subtle shimmer to it, which should look great under the summer sun.

Bobbi Brown Beach

8. Bobbi Brown- Beach Perfume

This is my absolute favorite smell, although its not quite right for the colder months. Its equal parts beach sand, sunblock and coconut. Its the exact smell I grew up with on the beaches of New England. It's hard to capture the exact smell of an environment but Bobbi Brown did and I love her for that. This perfume just makes me happy.

Favorite Things: February

Here are some of my favorite things for February:

Clockwise from top left:

• A Cut Above from Essie & Theodora You from OPI - I like to layer the pink glitter polish from Essie over the pale pink polish from OPI. The glitter adds a nice sparkle without being gaudy. Great for Valentine's day!
• Rabbit Fur Pom Beanie from City Hunter - Although this hat isn't especially warm it's cute and can be worn folded up and slouchy. I wore it on a walk around the city last week and received quite a few compliments.
• Wicked Good Clog from L.L.Bean - BEST SLIPPERS EVER! Their shearling liner makes them fluffy and warm. They have a cork and rubber outer sole so you don't need to change shoes to take out the dog or to make a quick trip to the store. I've had mine for more than 3 years and they are still holding up great!
• Daron Terry Cardigan from Jack by BB Dakota - This is a great sweatshirt for tall girls with long arms. The back of the sweatshirt is longer in the back (covers my bum) so I can wear it with leggings. 
• Sweet Pea & Pomegranate Candle from DW Home - I love the way this candle smells. It's sweet, but not over bearing. I have the neon pink version of this candle from T.J.Maxx and the combination of the bright color and warm weather smell is a nice pick me up on overcast winter days.
• Cocoa Butter Hand and Body Lotion from Queen Helene - This is my skin saver in the winter. It doesn't feel heavy or greasy. It's incredibly inexpensive (usually around $5 for 32 oz.) and can be bought from the drugstore. It also smells like summertime.

On the Hunt: Comfy, but not Frumpy Sweatshirts

Through my time in college I had never gone out of my way to purchase sweatshirts, or any athletic clothing for that matter. Years of playing on multiple soccer teams, swimming and running track (as well as attempts at lacrosse, tennis, basketball and diving) had left me with a closet full of hoodies, warm-up pants and enough t-shirts to fill a goodwill.

Now that I am done with college, wearing those reminders of my once illustrious athletic career, feels awkward. I've slowly started to replace some of the oversized athletic garb haunting my closet, with grown-up and more fashionable sweatshirts that actually fit!