When & Wear: August 2017

Can you believe it's the last day of August?? I can't believe how fast these past few months have flown by. This summer has definitely been one defined by constant weekend trips... From Montauk to Upstate New York (and Nantucket coming in just a couple weeks 😀) I feel like I've barely spent anytime in the city these last few months.

All these weekend trips have helped me create an easy checklist of what to pack, no matter the summer destination, so that I can go from afternoons by the water to out with friends at night. While I'm not headed anywhere new this labor day weekend, I hope my summer packing list can help you pack for wherever you're headed this weekend. Oh, and a major plus - all the pieces I'm linking to are currently on sale!

The Casual Wrap Dress

When I bought this dress earlier this summer I wasn't sure how much I would actually wear it. Flash forward three months and I've packed this dress for every trip and wear it out almost every weekend (oops).

Steve Madden Simple Sandals

I'm kind of a broken record when it comes to these Steve Madden sandals. They've traveled with me to as far away as Cuba this year and I consider them my 'throw on with anything and everything' sandals. I've worn them on the blog countless times, including here and here. The best part is you can always find amazing deals on these sandals, some of which I've linked below!

The Sleeveless Sweater

One of my first summer purchases was this sleeveless sweater and since then it's become a wardrobe workhorse. Summer in New England can be pretty unpredictable, and unfortunately sometimes chilly, so this is the perfect layering piece to bring with you for late summer trips.

The Olive Jacket

As mentioned above nights in New England can be chilly, and long freezing bus or train rides can be even worse, so I always make sure to pack a light jacket for weekend trips. Plus, a soft olive colored jacket will bring you straight from summer beach trips to autumn leaf chasing trips.

Clare Vivier Crossbody

If you follow me on Instagram you've seen this bag countless times, and that's because I use it constantly. While it isn't big enough for toting around my camera it's my go-to for days when I want to carry just my phone and wallet. PS - this is the only item that sadly isn't on sale, but it's definitely worth the splurge! It is one of those bags that just gets better with age.

Five Things to Pack for Labor Day Weekend

Can you believe it's the last day of August?? I can't believe how fast these past few months have flown by. This summer has de...

Thursday, August 31, 2017

It feels like this time of year fall is a dirty word, so instead everyone starts talking about 'transitioning' instead. Well, I'm just going to go out and say it - I am SO ready for fall. Not only does the start of September mean my birthday is just around the corner, but it means we can all start having some fun getting dressed again instead of just wearing the least amount of clothing possible while still being work appropriate (is that even possible when it's 90 degrees?).

Since I know I'm jumping the gun a bit and it won't get truly chilly for at least another month (ugh) in the Northeast and even longer in other parts of the country I wanted to share a few pieces I've worked into my rotation for this weird in between time. These pieces are the perfect buy now wear now, but also wear later pieces that you'll keep finding yourself coming back to.

1) The Sleeveless Sweater - Sweater season is my favorite season, so I hate to wait for the real fall weather to hit to be able to wear cozy sweaters. That's where the sleeveless sweater comes in. For now I'm layering it over dresses and lightweight camis, but it will look amazing over long sleeve blouses as the colder weather arrives. PS the one I'm wearing is under $20!

2) Mules - You've been living under a rock if you haven't seen the fashion world's obsession with mules this year. You know why I love them though? They make the end of sandal season just that much easier since they still don't really feel like real shoes 😂. I've already bought three pairs this (oops) including both simple ones like these and embellished ones like these.

3) The Silk Cami - Sleeveless blouses/camis are a layering powerhouse that you need in your wardrobe. Wear them on their own now and part of a layered look later. The cami under cardigan look becomes my lazy day (but still gotta look good) go-to come fall, so I like to stock up in plenty of colors.

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White Sleeveless Sweater // Silk Cami // Ripped Jeans // Tan Mules

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The Transitional Pieces You Need For Fall

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

I can't believe it's been two weeks since I was in Montauk with my family, these last few weeks of August are flying by. While I was out out east for the weekend I had two things on my must-do list. The first was trying out The Lobster Roll, which I talked about here last week, and the other was heading to Montauk Point Light. If you don't know - I kind of have a thing for lighthouses. One of my lifelong goals is to visit all the lighthouses in New England (there are almost 200) and have a running list on my phone of the ones I've visited.

So on my last day in Montauk, even with so-so weather I made my fam head out to the state park and trek across the rocks to get some of the best views of the lighthouse. Luckily, I was wearing my trusty espadrilles, perfect for ensuring I wouldn't slip on the rocks while still looking beach ready.

While Cape Cod and Nantucket will probably always be my favorite beach destinations in the Northeast, I would definitely go back to Montauk for another weekend. Besides the lighthouse, highlights included breakfast sandwiches from Montauk Bake Shoppe, cocktails and dinner at Inlet Seafood (definitely family friendly!), and of course spending the day at the beach with a Montauk Watermelon Beer in hand!

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OUTFIT 1: Zara tee (similar) // Forever 21 shorts (similar) // Steve Madden Sandals

OUTFIT 2: Urban Outfitters top (similar) // Gap shorts (similar) // Lauren Ralph Lauren espadrilles

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Montauk Point Light

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

I can't believe in just two weeks the summer will be over. Even though it stays warm until the end of September here in New York, there's something about those few last weeks of August that makes me want to spend every possible minute outside exploring the city.

Every summer we begin to take the long afternoons outside in Central Park, the sunset drinks by the water, and even just the ease of gorgeous walks from the subway to work every morning. Too soon we'll all be trudging through snow piles trying to navigate slush puddles. Instead of just concentrating on the looming winter (speaking of which, wasn't Game of Thrones CRAZY last night?!) I decided to try and make the most of these last few weeks and check off as many items from my last minute bucket list as possible.

1) One Last Beach Day - I've only spent two days at the beach this summer, so I'm trying to rally friends together to get one last beach day on the calendar. If you're stuck in the city heading out to the Rockaways or Long Beach is the perfect day trip.

2) Brooklyn Barge Afternoon - This weekend I headed out to Greenpoint with a friend, spent the night at Brooklyn Barge, and ended up having the best time! It's a huge outdoor bar with games (think corn hole and giant jenga) and a gorgeous view of the NYC skyline. Before it closes for the winter I definitely want to go back for a Saturday afternoon!

3) Lunch in Bryant Park - Bryant Park is the absolute best place for lunch during the work week. Throughout the summer they have events happening at lunch like 'Broadway in Bryant Park' on Thursday (which unfortunately ended earlier this summer), but everything ends with the start of September so I have to take advantage of it now!

4) Happy Hour at Grand Banks - Grand Banks is probably the most instagrammable spot in the city during the summer. It's a gorgeous old ship turned bougie oyster bar and it's the perfect spot for a picturesque happy hour with friends. I've still never been and am dying to go before the end of the summer!

5) Heading out to Governors Island - When you can't leave the city Governors Island is the perfect escape for a day! Last summer I took the 10 minute ferry over to the island multiple times, but haven't been on out once this summer! I'm dying to spend a day riding bikes around the park and having a delicious lunch from the food trucks.

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New York outfit

End of Summer Bucket List

Monday, August 21, 2017

Being from New England, summer is defined by vacations to the Cape, chilly nights in Maine, and most importantly lobster rolls. Now that I'm living in New York City full-time it's pretty hard to make the trek up to to Massachusetts for my favorite lobster roll spots, so when I headed out to Montauk with my family I knew we needed to try out The Lobster Roll in Amagansett. You may know the spot for it's insta-famous LUNCH sign, but I'm happy to report that the lobster rolls are definitely up to par with my New England favorites. Since we do have a few weeks left of summer Fridays I'll be heading up to Massachusetts and hopefully hitting up another one of my favorites soon 😊

Keep reading for a list of my four favorite Lobster Rolls spots!

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Sandals // Gingham Dress // Long Initial Necklace

FAVORITE LOBSTER ROLL SPOTS

(in no particular order)

Barnacle Billy's

Barnacle Billy's in Oqunquit is the longest running favorite on this list. Nestled at the end of the Marginal Way it's the perfect place to finish off your walk along the coast.

Woodman's of Essex

Woodman's is what you're picturing when you think classic New England lobster shack - gingham covered picnic tables, buttered buns, and an ice cream store next door to finish off your meal.

Luke's Lobster

Honestly, Luke's makes it on my list of favorites for it's multiple locations in Manhattan. The rolls are great, but the fact that those of us stuck in the city can get a bit of the beach is the real reason I love this spot. I generally head to the location at the Plaza Food Hall and bring my roll out to Central Park for a picnic, but there are multiple locations throughout the city.

The Lobster Roll Amagansett

I've already raved about The Lobster Roll earlier in this post so I'll spare you the long explanation. You might go for the aesthetic, but you'll stay for the extensive menu including both hot and cold lobster rolls, watermelon beer, and amazing desserts.

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Sandals // Gingham Dress // Long Initial Necklace

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My Favorite Lobster Rolls

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

TGIF! I'm so happy that after a few weeks of traveling, I'm finally spending the weekend in the city. I was so exhausted this week that I actually went to bed at 9PM on Wednesday night 😂. All that being said, I definitely wouldn't mind going back to last weekend's relaxing trip to Montauk with my family. While the weather didn't cooperate (it rained ~ 60% of the weekend) it actually made the weekend the perfect low key retreat.

Luckily, on Sunday afternoon we did get a bit of sun so my fam headed over to Inlet Seafood for dinner. While the restaurant isn't a dressy spot, I wanted to wear something that felt vacation appropriate - and that's where this adorable peplum top comes in. The combined striped and floral pattern is too cute on it's own, but the corset peplum shape really makes this top the right amount of sexy and fun. I'd love to pair it with a flirty skirt for a dressier evening, but for dinner I knew that my go-to jeans would do just the trick.

I kind of ditched the peplum trend after I found out my nickname freshman year was 'Peplum Girl' (don't you just love knowing what people thought of you before you met? aha), but after finding this top I might just have to bring the shape back into my wardrobe!

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Zara Blouse // Madewell Jeans // LOFT Sandals // Urban Outfitters Sunnies

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Zara Blouse // Madewell Jeans // LOFT Sandals // Urban Outfitters Sunnies

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Vacation Ruffles

Friday, August 11, 2017

Post vaca recovery is hard guys 😐 Not to mention as you're probably reading this I'm on a flight headed out of town on my first official 'work trip' (so adult right!?). I had less than a 36 hour turn around time between getting off the bus from Montauk to boarding the plane, so coffee has definitely been my best friend.

Before I jump into a few vaca recaps later this week and next, let's get back to the basics with another Coffee Break installment.

1) The Bold Type - If you've followed this series you know by know that I'm a little bit of a TV addict. I love myself an evening in with ice cream or wine (or both?) and a really addictive show. My most recent obsession is The Bold Type on Freeform (previously ABC Family) - and I know what you're already thinking, really Caroline that show is TV garbage - but hear me out. As a 20-something female attempting to kill it at my social life, career, and romantic future this show seriously connects with me. They cover important topics like breast health and gender equality in the workplace, while also making me laugh about the mistakes make along the way (many of which I've made myself). This show isn't Gossip Girl 2.0 it's more like real life with a bit of dramatic TV flare. I challenge you all to give it a try!

2) Walmart Home Decor - When I think Walmart I always think cheap snacks and tacky clothes my mom bought for my sister when I was a little kid, so boy was I surprised when I went to Walmart's website and found this amazing selection of affordable yet chic home decor. As I finish decorating my new room and plenty of people head back to college it's the perfect resource so that my bank account doesn't hate me.

3) A Few of My Favorite Blog Posts - I feel like there have been so many great blog posts on the internet lately, so I couldn't resist the urge to share a few of my favorite with y'all.

Fellow NYC Blogger Dana turned 25 recently and shared what she's learned in her early 20s. This is a must read for anyone navigating post grad life.

A fave new blog of mine is Waketon Road by Bryn and I absolutely loved her recent 'Why It's Important to Make Yourself a Priority' post. Also, her style is adorable!

Liz's beachy waves are my absolute favorite (she's also one of my style icons), so I was over the moon when she published a tutorial of just how she gets those perfect waves.

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LOFT Pajama Set & Sweater

All the pajama sets are currently 40% off!

Coffee Break

Coffee Break N.7: TV Addiction, Home Decor & More

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Happy Monday everyone! I say happy because I'm currently OOO with my family out on Montauk enjoying a few days of nature and summer weather. Definitely follow along on Instagram for a little behind the scenes look at our long weekend.

Unfortunately, beach days aren't usually my norm these days. I'm usually pretty busy between balancing my job and blogging. Most days this looks like heading home directly after work to put together posts, but some days it means working on my networking (aka my least favorite thing) and heading to events after work. On these days I usually don't go home before events, so figuring out an easy day to night look has been key.

These pants have been the miracle worker when it comes to perfecting the day to night look. I wear them constantly for meetings since they have a trendy feel while still being a little dressy and completely office appropriate. This day I paired them with a sleeveless summer sweater and flat sandals for the office, but then switched to a more fun silk cami and heeled sandals for the happy hour I was headed to. This swap is perfect because you can easily keep everything in your laptop bag without it feeling too bulky. If you don't want to bring a change of top to the office you could also easily throw a light blazer or sweater over your silk cami for the daytime.

Do you all have any great day to night tips?

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Polka Dot Blouse (similar) // Black Pants // Steve Madden Sandals (similar) // Black Bag (similar)