Tag Archives: L.L. Bean

poolside essentials

Memorial Day is the official start to summer, which means watermelon, ice cream, lemonade (with booze) and other refreshing treats to beat the heat. DC’s humidity is akin to living in a swamp and  you will find yourself longing for a cabana, to find an oasis in the middle of the city.

My apartment building does not have a pool so I honestly would settle for a kiddie pool. But that doesn’t mean one cannot look cute while cooling down in a kiddie pool.

Memorial Day Poolside

Flip Flops | Chino Shorts | Koozie | Aviators | Bikini | Tote 

Flip Flops: Save the Jacks for brunch and dates. When you are just lounging around the (kiddie) pool, stick with the inexpensive flip flips. Target has a wonderful shoe department and you are sure to find an adorable pair to perfectly match your swim suit.

Swim Suit: Speaking of swim suits and Target, I have only purchased Target swim suits in about 10 years. Let’s face it, between the constant application of sunscreen and the pool’s chlorine, your swim suit can really only last one, maaaaybe two summers. Your bikini takes a lot of wear and tear. To me, splurging on a swim suit makes zero sense. I love Target’s Mossimo swim line, I stick with my tried-and-true coral bandeau top with matching bottoms.

Shorts: J.Crew shorts are a solid summer investment. They last you for years and breathe in the summer (remember how I virtually live in a swamp?). In a variety of colors, you can find the best shade to mix and match your summer wardrobe.

Aviators: This isn’t the last you’ll hear from me on aviators. While I am a Wayfarers gal the rest of the year, summer belongs to the aviators. Expect a future style post : )

Koozie: Self explanatory.

Tote: My L.L. Bean tote is virtually indestructible. Drag it to the beach, accidentally drop it in the pool, this tote will survive. Toss in your sunnies, sunscreen, water bottle/Diet Coke/beverage of your choice, and towel. It will fit everything, I promise. Bonus: you can monogram it!

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{Boyfriend Jeans & Pearls}

When people see me, there is no doubt I am a “girly girl.” My love of pink knows no bounds. As I write this post, I have nearby/am wearing at least 11 items of pink. If I was writing this in my studio, the number would be much higher.

However, I also love football (my former roommate was trained only to speak during commercials when the game was on), baseball and hockey.

With these masculine and feminine traits in my personality, I am toying with showcasing them in my style. I always loved the idea of the yin and yang and the idea of the two parts coming together to complete an outfit is an exciting challenge for this girly girl.

Masculine Feminine Style

Jacket / Top / Jeans / Shoes / Necklace

The boyfriend jeans and flannel give the outfit a cozy feel (perfect for this freezing week in DC!) and the pearls give it just the right touch of femininity. I have been on the fence about Clarks for awhile now. After chatting with several girls rocking these shoes, I am Team Clarks. They look much cuter on than online and each girl claims they are the most comfortable shoe she’s ever owned. Sounds like a wish list addition to me :)

How do you incorporate masculine and feminine pieces in your outfits?

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{Winter Textures & Layers}

Although I am most definitely a spring/summer girl, I do delight in winter layers and bundling up. Even the word cozy instantly makes you feel warm and content.

While I was at home over Christmas, I certainly had to bundle up in layers and I spent most of my time wrapped up in a blanket!

The best part of layers is the mixing & matching. You can play around not just with different patterns but also with textures! Because let’s be honest, we all need a fun outfit to give us the motivation to get out of our warm, snuggly beds on a cold winter morning.

Puffy Vest School Pic

You might remember this photo from {Instagram} a couple of weeks ago when we had an impromptu “Take Your Daughter To Work Day” and I went back to high school with my mother.

This is easily one of my favorite winter ensembles. I love my puffer vest (I snagged it for $30 with monogramming!) because of its deep pockets and insulation. Paired with a Ralph Lauren cable knit, this outfit makes me feel like I haven’t left my warm blankets and pajamas. Cable knit is my absolute favorite in the winter and I wear it constantly. The fun texture give the sweater extra resistance against the cold and keeps you toasty…and cute!

The skirt is a camel plaid pattern from H&M circa 2004.

Oh my goodness. That skirt is from 2004. Wow. Fun fact: I purchased the skirt on my very first trip to DC the summer before I began high school.

Cable Knit Sweater / Plaid Skirt (similar) / Puffer Vest 

Quilted Jacket Outside Photo

This photo is courtesy of the ever lovely {@KatValdes}, who sportingly agreed to snap my picture.

A simple, casual work outfit for a Friday, I had a party of textures in this ensemble. I began with a simple black crewneck tee and my favorite wool skirt…and then went to town. I paired the skirt with my very favorite textured stockings. This stockings are like therapy, I’m serious. I always just feel so much better when I put them on and they add a whimsical touch to my day. I could probably write an entire post about how much I love these stockings…but I digress.

At first, I had been hesitant to pair these stockings with my tortoise shell ballet flats. My inner “matchy-matchy” voice, who sounds remarkably like my mother, said no. However, I threw my matchy-matchy inclinations to the wind and put them together. And I fell in love.

To tie the tortoise shell together, I added my tortoise shell belt into the mix. I was very happy with the result and it soothed my matchy-matchy inner voice.

Finally, my quilted riding jacket. I scooped up this piece last year at a consignment shop for a mere seven dollars!!! I am still excited about this find and alternate between this jacket and my navy peacoat for those chilly, windy DC winter mornings.

The plaid scarf is from Target and I just threw it on because it was chilly, you can see how I styled this scarf {here}.

Shirt / Skirt / Belt (similar, sort of) / Ballet Flats / Jacket (similar)

How do you bundle up in the winter? Which textures and layers can you not live without?

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{Plaid}

It’s incredible from where the inspiration for a blog post comes. One minute, you are enjoying watching a movie and then the next, you are scrambling for a blank sheet of paper or frantically spilling your thoughts into your iPhone. Seriously, I do not know what I would do with my Notes app.

I was not even entertaining any thought about my blog when I watched The Princess Diaries with my mother on my last day at home. I absolutely adore the movies, especially Julie Andrews. I read most of the series by Meg Cabot but grew out of it (read: fell in love with Jane Austen) before completing them. Maybe I should go back and pick up where I left off?

Anyway…do you remember the scene of Mia’s first big dinner as a princess? As she sits with the prime minister of Genovia and his wife, we overhear a snippet of their conversation.

“There was a feminist group in Scotland called ‘Tarts for Tartan’.”

“They were a wild bunch.”

“Very exciting!”

BAM! Just like a lightning bolt, I began to brainstorm the post you are currently reading.

At my elementary school, which I attended from K through 8th, we wore plaid uniforms. I have to say, I still miss my uniform and plaid has a special place in my heart.

Plaid is wonderfully versatile and can be sported at the office, out at night and running around town. Plaid serves as a base for an outfit and you simply have to build around it based on the occasion.

Party Plaid Title

Party Plaid

Top / Skirt / Ballet Flats 

Work Plaid Title

Work Plaid

Top / Skirt / Pumps

Casual Plaid Title

Casual Plaid

Top (similar) / Dress / Shoes

Sleepytimes Plaid Title

Sleepytime Plaid

Top / Bottoms / Slippers

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{L.L. Bean Tote}

My progression of school satchels has changed over the years but the one constant: L.L. Bean. I had the L.L. Bean backpack with my name stitched on it, the height of sophistication at my elementary/middle school. But eventually, I realized I was more of a tote girl than a backpack girl. I started carrying an L.L. Bean tote to school and have not looked back since.

 My tote has served me faithfully since high school so just over 8 years and it still is solid and durable. However, years of wear have left it with stains (cough Diet Coke cough). Eventually, I decided it was time for a new tote…but I am not throwing out my old tote. There are still years left for that old girl!

Hello, gorgeous!

Each evening when I pack my tote, I play a game of Tetris to coordinate my items perfectly.

 Lilly Agenda | Vera Bradley Wallet | Vera Bradley Wristlet | Ray Bans | Business Card Holder | Currently Reading: Blink | Post Its | Lunch | iPhone Charger

P.S. It seems my tote is recognizable from {Instagram}: {@KateElmes} spotted me walking to work by my tote & monogram!

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{Barn Coat}

When I was about 9 or 10, I had an {L.L. Bean barn jacket} and I absolutely adored this coat. I wore it constantly because it was perfect for fall in New York. Deep pockets, Thinsulate lined and corduroy details.  It’s the dream of fall outerwear.

How are you staying warm & dry in this storm? If you are in Sandy’s path, be safe! 

Don’t forget to enter my “Bow Ties Bowtique” giveaway {here}!!

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{Duck Calls}

Slowly but surely, I am accepting summer is coming to an end and all so soon, autumn will be here. As much as I do love summer and its warm weather, a part of me is really looking forward to the cooler (but not cold) temperatures of fall. The return of pumpkin spice, the foliage, and layering outfits has me pretty excited for September! Although let’s be honest, DC won’t get actual fall weather until October. But it’s never too early to stock up your fall wardrobe!

When I was little, I remember seeing my mother’s L.L. Bean duck boots and thinking, in true 7 year old girl fashion, that they weren’t very pretty (Sorry, Mom!). Granted, when I was 7 years old, I deemed anything that wasn’t pink and/or sparkly as “not pretty.” Since then, however, the L.L. Bean duck boots have grown on me and I believe they are a staple item for your preppy shoe rack, particularly if you live in a very rainy city like DC.

While there is the tried & true {duck boot},  I really love the {moc version}. It’s more feminine, sleek and comes in a variety of colors! Perfect for a “rainy day chic” outfit if you are looking to branch out beyond Wellies.

Which duck boot would you pick?

Have a lovely weekend!

{Prepcessories on a Budget}

Happy Friday, everyone!! Usually, I write a {Food Truck Friday} post but this week I’m not in D.C. so I couldn’t visit a food truck. I wasn’t sure what to write about so I tweeted & asked for suggestions. MadrasAndPearls requested a post on prepcessories on a budget. I have a bit of a shopping addiction (it’s inherited from my mother) but as a college student transitioning into “The Real World,” I have to be on a budget!

Luckily, you can still put that prep in your outfit without spending a paycheck.

Fornash Large Watch: $19 (Marked down from $32)

Fornash Bamboo Bangle Metal: $18

Payless Purple Pointed Toe Flat: $26.99 (Love the bow!)

Ellis G. Designs Skinny Lilly Pulitzer Headband: $12

Southern Proper Croakies: $10

Target’s Mossimo Anorak: $34.99 (Saw this on Hoda & Kathie Lee and fell in love!)

L.L. Bean Small Open-Top Tote: $19.95

Vineyard Vines Baseball Hat: $20

What are your favorite prepcessories? Please share!