My Favorite Movies After a Long Week

Whenever I've had a really long and exhausting week I like to curl up in bed and put on one of these movies. They are not mentally taxing and they all feature strong female leads juggling the different aspects of their lives. Even though they are movies and real life isn't a movie blah, blah, blah, they give me a little hope that I can keep everything together.

Jane Fonda and a extremely preppy Robert Redford take on marriage and the New York Housing Market

Great actors and well written lines that actually hold some truth. Also Ryan Gossling's abs if you're into that sort of thing.

New places, new loves. Directed by Nancy Meyers and Scored by Hans Zimmer, who both do an amazing job.

I love Meryl. She is a goddess. Also written  and directed by Nancy Meyers with music by Hans Zimmer. Nancy Meyers  can do a rom-com like no other.

Marylin Monroe, Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall on the hunt for billionaires. I like that part of this movie is set in Maine, because who doesn't love Maine? On Netflix!

Audrey Hepburn as a princess experiencing "normal" life in Rome with Gregory Peck. I wish that was my "normal" life. On Netflix!

 Reese Witherspoon doing that whole southern thang. Having lived in Alabama during college, this movie makes me a tad bit homesick. 

*All images from IMDB.com

My Rainboot Picks for This Spring

Don't let the rain get you down! Here are four styles of rain boots to keep you dry this spring.

CITY

Hunter // Sandhurst Savoy Riding Boot

These boots are more polished than the original Hunter Boots, but a little more delicate than the original. None the less, the glossy finish and faux-quilting make these perfect for wearing around the city.



COUNTRY

Bogs // Classic Glosh Rainboot

If you will be mucking it up at all this spring I definitely recommend Bogs. They are easy to put on and actually have treads which will offer some traction on slippery surfaces. 



CASUAL

Joules // Evedon Women's Bow Welly

I kept seeing these boots all over Pinterest and I'm so glad I finally found them! They have an adorable grosgrain bow on the back and a nice shape. On top of that they have a one year warranty.



CLASSIC

L.L.Bean //  8" Bean Boot

In my mind these are the classic rain boot. In fact they are the classic every boot. I find that Bean boots are easy to throw on and not as hot as traditional rainboot styles. 

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.

My Essentials for Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Boston

This year will mark the first St. Patrick's day I will celebrate in Boston. Even though I'm only Irish on March 17, I still plan to take part in the all-day festivities. Around here St. Patty's is a marathon not a sprint. Here are a few things that will help me cross the finish line.

1. Target - Merona Cross Body Bag

Whenever I'm going to a festival or a concert I like to use a cross body bag. I can keep my things close and use both of my hands. I like this bag from Target because it is cute, yet inexpensive enough that if it gets damaged it's not the end of the world.

2. Patagonia Re-Tool Snap-T Fleece in Aloe Green

This fleece is soft, warm and green. I can't remember a St. Patrick's day when I didn't need a jacket. This fleece is the perfect weight for mid-March and you can't beat that color.

3. Vineyard Vines - Everyday Should Feel This Good Koozie

St. Patty's Day means there will be drinking. My southern education and experience have taught me that I would rather not hold a cold wet can. Koozies are essential.

4. Dunkin Donuts - Bacon, Egg and Cheese Bagel

Many people skip breakfast, but if you are planning to celebrate St. Patrick all day you can't afford to skip. Breakfast sandwiches are a perfect way to avoid doing Irish Yoga in the middle of the day.

5. Lilly Pulitzer - iPhone 5 Mobile Charger in Spa Blue Lobster Roll

Mobile chargers are a must have when you are running around during an event-filled day. Finding friends, getting cell service and taking pictures all take a toll on your phone's battery life. A backup battery will allow you to recharge your phone without being tied to an outlet.

6. L.L. Bean - Rubber Moc in Green Tea

Crowds are dirty and gross on their own. Add some slush and mud and you're walking through some nasty stuff. These mocs will keep your feet dry and the green color gets you into the St. Patty's day spirit.

7. Incipio - Stashback in Pink and Blue

This is my favorite phone case. I can keep my ID a credit card and my Charlie Card in it so I don't need my wallet. Sometimes the card readers can read your Charlie Card through the case which is really convenient. This case also works with a mobile charger.

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.

On the Hunt: Wide-Calf Equestrian Boots

Being an atypical shape sucks. This is especially true when it comes to footwear. I used to be a woman who would shove her size-10 foot into a shoe and hope for the best. I'm not talking heels, just regular shoes. My friend has a similar issue with boots. She was unable to find a wide calf boot that wasn't slouchy or cheap looking. All of these boots are less than $200 and most are leather which is great.

On the Hunt: Fur Vest

Fur is fabulous. In an attempt to embrace my future as a spinster who embraces her senility by wearing a floor length fur coat all the time I'm on the hunt for a fur vest (tee hee a pun). Here's what I've found thus far and some fab faux jewelry for good measure: