BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN

I crossed another goal off my 101 in 1001 list last weekend: spending the afternoon at a botanical garden! Will and I took the subway out to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and couldn't believe how gorgeous it was. It was definitely a little hot so I'd recommend actually looking at the forecast before you put on jeans putting it on your to do list for next spring or early summer. That said, there were still plenty of blooms (the climbing roses were my favorite!) and it was so nice to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

This would be such a pretty color palette to recreate with a bunch of bodega blooms: white daisies, hot pink roses, and a touch of lavender.

Smiling and sweating profusely. #chic

Saving this to my dream home file... Here's hoping I'll inherit my parents' love of gardening as I get older. 

After a couple hours of strolling the different parts of the garden, we camped out under one of the cherry blossom trees in the middle of the park. It was such a peaceful little moment with birds chirping and kids playing tag that you almost wouldn't know we were just minutes outside Manhattan. (So that's why people move to Brooklyn...) This must have been even prettier during cherry blossom season in April. I'm making a mental note to head back next spring!

P.S. Happy Fourth, everyone! 

I crossed another goal off my 101 in 1001 list last weekend: spending the afternoon at a botanical garden! Will and I took the subway out to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and couldn't believe how gorgeous it was. It was definitely a little hot so I'd recommend actually looking at the forecast before you put on jeans putting it on your to do list for next spring or early summer. That said, there were still plenty of blooms (the climbing roses were my favorite!) and it was so nice to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

This would be such a pretty color palette to recreate with a bunch of bodega blooms: white daisies, hot pink roses, and a touch of lavender.

Smiling and sweating profusely. #chic

Saving this to my dream home file... Here's hoping I'll inherit my parents' love of gardening as I get older. 

After a couple hours of strolling the different parts of the garden, we camped out under one of the cherry blossom trees in the middle of the park. It was such a peaceful little moment with birds chirping and kids playing tag that you almost wouldn't know we were just minutes outside Manhattan. (So that's why people move to Brooklyn...) This must have been even prettier during cherry blossom season in April. I'm making a mental note to head back next spring!

P.S. Happy Fourth, everyone! 

OUTFIT {STRIPES ON STRIPES}

If you peep my closet at a glance, you'll see that the vast majority of it is navy, white, or navy and white stripes. (If it ain't broke, don't fix it.) I'm not usually one to mix prints but I thought it would be fun to try sporting two striped pieces at once. I think it's easiest to pull off when the stripes are the same color but of different widths. I'll let you be the judge...

Since stripes on stripes is a little outside my comfort zone, I paired the outfit with classic leather accessories. I've been living in these shoes (seen previously here and here) and I'm head over heels for this leather tote that the team at Henri Bendel sent to me. I know it's a timeless piece I'll have for years to come (and it just barely fits my laptop — always a plus!). I wore this outfit to shoot the next career feature (coming next week!) so walkable wedges and a big bag were a must.

I'm also wearing a couple pieces from BaubleBar, including a rope bracelet from my friend Grace's collection. If you're looking to add a couple nautical accessories to your summer look, do take a peek! 

ASOS striped shirt ($25)  //  Annie Griffin striped skirt c/o ($178 $142 with code NAVY20)

C. Wonder sunglasses (old, similar)  //  Jeweliq double pearl ring ($20)

BaubleBar initial bangles c/o ($38)  //  BaubleBar rope bracelet c/o ($22)

Henri Bendel bag c/o ($478)  //  J.Crew wedges ($168 $84 with code JULY)

*Rebecca Dale Photography

If you peep my closet at a glance, you'll see that the vast majority of it is navy, white, or navy and white stripes. (If it ain't broke, don't fix it.) I'm not usually one to mix prints but I thought it would be fun to try sporting two striped pieces at once. I think it's easiest to pull off when the stripes are the same color but of different widths. I'll let you be the judge...

Since stripes on stripes is a little outside my comfort zone, I paired the outfit with classic leather accessories. I've been living in these shoes (seen previously here and here) and I'm head over heels for this leather tote that the team at Henri Bendel sent to me. I know it's a timeless piece I'll have for years to come (and it just barely fits my laptop — always a plus!). I wore this outfit to shoot the next career feature (coming next week!) so walkable wedges and a big bag were a must.

I'm also wearing a couple pieces from BaubleBar, including a rope bracelet from my friend Grace's collection. If you're looking to add a couple nautical accessories to your summer look, do take a peek! 

ASOS striped shirt ($25)  //  Annie Griffin striped skirt c/o ($178 $142 with code NAVY20)

C. Wonder sunglasses (old, similar)  //  Jeweliq double pearl ring ($20)

BaubleBar initial bangles c/o ($38)  //  BaubleBar rope bracelet c/o ($22)

Henri Bendel bag c/o ($478)  //  J.Crew wedges ($168 $84 with code JULY)

*Rebecca Dale Photography

NEW YORK CITY GUIDE: GIGINO

What: Late lunch at Gigino

Wearing: An Old Navy dress (on sale for $12... I mean) and a yellow crossbody bag c/o Henri Bendel (I'm in love!)

Where: 20 Battery Place, Wagner Park

Why: Classic Italian fare, but the view is the real draw! Open air seating with views of the Statue of Liberty (and a nearby ferry in case you have time to visit!). We'll be back for sure.

More NYC guide posts here.

What: Late lunch at Gigino

Wearing: An Old Navy dress (on sale for $12... I mean) and a yellow crossbody bag c/o Henri Bendel (I'm in love!)

Where: 20 Battery Place, Wagner Park

Why: Classic Italian fare, but the view is the real draw! Open air seating with views of the Statue of Liberty (and a nearby ferry in case you have time to visit!). We'll be back for sure.

More NYC guide posts here.

OUTFIT INSPIRATION: BRIGHT WHITE

Need a little outfit inspiration to get yourself out of a wardrobe rut? Whenever I'm feeling uninspired by my closet, I do two things: 1) I clean out my closet and 2) I turn to Pinterest. Clearing out the clutter to create more space for the pieces I actually wear (and the items I want to add to my closet) makes it so much easier to mix and match. And I can usually find some pretty obvious trends on my style board. This time around, I'm clearly having a moment with bright whites and summery neutrals. Here are a few of the looks inspiring my closet clean-out...

*images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

There's a way to do preppy summer neutrals without looking like you wore your tennis whites out to happy hour. Here are a few of the essentials I'm moving to the front of my closet or putting on my list to purchase by summer's end (with a few options to cover every price point!).

Lace top

Tory Burch, $250  //  Joie, $178  //  Dolce Vita, $99  //  J.Crew, $49  //  J.Crew Factory, $39  //  Old Navy, $19

Modern pearls

Chloé, $505  //  Tory Burch, $192  //  Lele Sadoughi, $154  //  Kate Spade, $48  //  BaubleBar, $38  //  Jeweliq, $20

Eyelet dress

Tibi, $325  //  Madewell, $168  //  Nordstrom, $84  //  Topshop, $70  //  Gap, $35  //  Old Navy, $18

Fisherman sweater (tip: buy from the boys' section for a more fitted look!)

Ralph Lauren, $250  // LL Bean, $99  //  Topshop, $56  //  Gap, $40  //  ASOS, $16  //  H&M, $7

Breezy (maxi or midi) skirt

Rachel Pally, $198  //  Wildfox, $108  //  Topshop, $90  //  d.ra, $79  //  Chelsea28, $78  //  ASOS, $38

The perfect white button-down

Equipment, $208  //  Ralph Lauren, $90  //  J.Crew, $72  //  Gap, $50  //  Old Navy, $25

Here's hoping head-to-toe white will be just as chic with a few iced coffee spills. Murphy's law ;) In spite of its impracticality, all white is all right by me. Would you give it a go this summer?

Need a little outfit inspiration to get yourself out of a wardrobe rut? Whenever I'm feeling uninspired by my closet, I do two things: 1) I clean out my closet and 2) I turn to Pinterest. Clearing out the clutter to create more space for the pieces I actually wear (and the items I want to add to my closet) makes it so much easier to mix and match. And I can usually find some pretty obvious trends on my style board. This time around, I'm clearly having a moment with bright whites and summery neutrals. Here are a few of the looks inspiring my closet clean-out...

*images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

There's a way to do preppy summer neutrals without looking like you wore your tennis whites out to happy hour. Here are a few of the essentials I'm moving to the front of my closet or putting on my list to purchase by summer's end (with a few options to cover every price point!).

Lace top

Tory Burch, $250  //  Joie, $178  //  Dolce Vita, $99  //  J.Crew, $49  //  J.Crew Factory, $39  //  Old Navy, $19

Modern pearls

Chloé, $505  //  Tory Burch, $192  //  Lele Sadoughi, $154  //  Kate Spade, $48  //  BaubleBar, $38  //  Jeweliq, $20

Eyelet dress

Tibi, $325  //  Madewell, $168  //  Nordstrom, $84  //  Topshop, $70  //  Gap, $35  //  Old Navy, $18

Fisherman sweater (tip: buy from the boys' section for a more fitted look!)

Ralph Lauren, $250  // LL Bean, $99  //  Topshop, $56  //  Gap, $40  //  ASOS, $16  //  H&M, $7

Breezy (maxi or midi) skirt

Rachel Pally, $198  //  Wildfox, $108  //  Topshop, $90  //  d.ra, $79  //  Chelsea28, $78  //  ASOS, $38

The perfect white button-down

Equipment, $208  //  Ralph Lauren, $90  //  J.Crew, $72  //  Gap, $50  //  Old Navy, $25

Here's hoping head-to-toe white will be just as chic with a few iced coffee spills. Murphy's law ;) In spite of its impracticality, all white is all right by me. Would you give it a go this summer?

MY APARTMENT TO DO LIST

My default thought process goes something like this: when in doubt, make a list. (Shocking, right?) Getting my apartment from where it is now to being ready to be shared on the blog feels a little daunting right now so I thought I'd break it down and share what I'm working on. 

*image

1. Buy/plant a cactus and a lemon tree

For whatever reason, I have been obsessed with cacti lately. And having a lemon tree in my apartment is part of my 101 in 1001 list!

*image

2. Plant something for my window

My grandmother suggested a little herb garden. Any recommendations?

3. Chair and headboard from Katie Kime

I am so excited about these that I can hardly contain myself. It has been a dream of mine (no, seriously) to own one of Katie's designs and I became even more obsessed after touring her workspace on our trip to Austin. I'm so excited to invest in such high quality workmanship and I know these pieces will get a lot of love over the coming years. But it wouldn't be my apartment without a mix of high and low, which brings me to the next to do item...

4. Finishing touches from Target 

I'm excited to be working with Target for some of the remaining decorating. You've already seen my green X benches but I'll give you a sneak peek of the striped duvet that's on its way... LOVE.

5. Order frames and mattes for Design Darling art prints

We're really ramping up the art selection in the boutique to make it a one-stop-shop for pretty prints for every room in your home.

*image

5. Hang everything up!

Brace yourselves for a seriously epic gallery wall. I cannot wait!

What's on your to do list for your home? I'd love to compare notes!

My default thought process goes something like this: when in doubt, make a list. (Shocking, right?) Getting my apartment from where it is now to being ready to be shared on the blog feels a little daunting right now so I thought I'd break it down and share what I'm working on. 

*image

1. Buy/plant a cactus and a lemon tree

For whatever reason, I have been obsessed with cacti lately. And having a lemon tree in my apartment is part of my 101 in 1001 list!

*image

2. Plant something for my window

My grandmother suggested a little herb garden. Any recommendations?

3. Chair and headboard from Katie Kime

I am so excited about these that I can hardly contain myself. It has been a dream of mine (no, seriously) to own one of Katie's designs and I became even more obsessed after touring her workspace on our trip to Austin. I'm so excited to invest in such high quality workmanship and I know these pieces will get a lot of love over the coming years. But it wouldn't be my apartment without a mix of high and low, which brings me to the next to do item...

4. Finishing touches from Target 

I'm excited to be working with Target for some of the remaining decorating. You've already seen my green X benches but I'll give you a sneak peek of the striped duvet that's on its way... LOVE.

5. Order frames and mattes for Design Darling art prints

We're really ramping up the art selection in the boutique to make it a one-stop-shop for pretty prints for every room in your home.

*image

5. Hang everything up!

Brace yourselves for a seriously epic gallery wall. I cannot wait!

What's on your to do list for your home? I'd love to compare notes!

WEEKEND READING

*image

1. A flash mob for a great cause. I'll be at our friends' wedding that weekend but if you're in New York, you should sign up here! I'm sure it will be a remarkable experience.

2. From the archives: ten dream bedrooms.

3. I bought this olive tank to wear with white jeans. Can't wait!

4. My friend Grace released her first collection for BaubleBar! I love the rope bracelets.

5. Nautical new arrivals for summer.

6. Real estate envy.

7. Such a pretty party look on Julia.

8. Target does it again! Striped espadrilles for only $20. (They look a lot like this J.Crew pair!)

9. There are just four pieces left in the Kerry Steele pop-up shop! Don't miss out on a chance to own one of her originals.

10. This makes me want to plan a day trip to Montauk.

*image

1. A flash mob for a great cause. I'll be at our friends' wedding that weekend but if you're in New York, you should sign up here! I'm sure it will be a remarkable experience.

2. From the archives: ten dream bedrooms.

3. I bought this olive tank to wear with white jeans. Can't wait!

4. My friend Grace released her first collection for BaubleBar! I love the rope bracelets.

5. Nautical new arrivals for summer.

6. Real estate envy.

7. Such a pretty party look on Julia.

8. Target does it again! Striped espadrilles for only $20. (They look a lot like this J.Crew pair!)

9. There are just four pieces left in the Kerry Steele pop-up shop! Don't miss out on a chance to own one of her originals.

10. This makes me want to plan a day trip to Montauk.

OUTFIT {FOURTH OF JULY}

This outfit is so common it's practically a cliché (at least on my college campus and in line at my corner Starbucks every weekend). Let's call it the I'm-wearing-workout-wear-because-it's-comfy-not-because-I-have-any-intention-of-actually-working-out look. Are you familiar? I'm pretty sure we've all been there: comfy t-shirt, running shorts, and a dash of mascara if you remember it before you race out the door. It's the easiest combination to throw on for running errands in the city, chasing around the family dog, or heading to the beach on a windy day. Trendsetting? No. But practical? Very.

Any old t-shirt will do but I've got a secret weapon when it comes to cute running shorts. Enter Krass & Co., a collection of preppy shorts for men and women. Want something nautical? Here you go. Quirky? Voilà. Patriotic? You bet.

I also have a gingham pair in the works with Krass & Co. so stay tuned for an announcement when those are available! I just wanted to share this festive pair in case you wanted to order in time for the Fourth of July (just place your order by Sunday!).

Ralph Lauren t-shirt (old, also love this and this)  //  Krass & Co. shorts c/o

Design Darling Turkish towel  //  Jack Rogers (on sale!)

I'm so happy it's the weekend. This week was super productive (art pop-up and new arrivals!) but I definitely need a couple days to hit the reset button. Are your weekend plans adventurous or relaxing? Whatever you're up to, make it a good one! xx

This outfit is so common it's practically a cliché (at least on my college campus and in line at my corner Starbucks every weekend). Let's call it the I'm-wearing-workout-wear-because-it's-comfy-not-because-I-have-any-intention-of-actually-working-out look. Are you familiar? I'm pretty sure we've all been there: comfy t-shirt, running shorts, and a dash of mascara if you remember it before you race out the door. It's the easiest combination to throw on for running errands in the city, chasing around the family dog, or heading to the beach on a windy day. Trendsetting? No. But practical? Very.

Any old t-shirt will do but I've got a secret weapon when it comes to cute running shorts. Enter Krass & Co., a collection of preppy shorts for men and women. Want something nautical? Here you go. Quirky? Voilà. Patriotic? You bet.

I also have a gingham pair in the works with Krass & Co. so stay tuned for an announcement when those are available! I just wanted to share this festive pair in case you wanted to order in time for the Fourth of July (just place your order by Sunday!).

Ralph Lauren t-shirt (old, also love this and this)  //  Krass & Co. shorts c/o

Design Darling Turkish towel  //  Jack Rogers (on sale!)

I'm so happy it's the weekend. This week was super productive (art pop-up and new arrivals!) but I definitely need a couple days to hit the reset button. Are your weekend plans adventurous or relaxing? Whatever you're up to, make it a good one! xx

NANTUCKET IN JUNE

It's impossible for me to go to Nantucket without embracing my love of nautical style. This monogrammed bikini is basically my new favorite thing in the entire world. Can you even?! Other summer musts: an anchor infinity scarf, mint cat eye sunglasses, and a cross-body bag that doubles as a clutch.

The Naushop clubhouse... So many memories of Marco Polo and shuffleboard with my siblings.

Amy and I are always on the lookout for colorful doors and cute door-knockers. Don't you love this starfish? I wish I could add an anchor or a lobster to my apartment door but somehow I don't think my landlord would be keen on the idea. :(

Spotted my dream car in the neighborhood. I learned to drive in a Land Rover Discovery so I'll always a soft spot for them! The Defender is the ultimate island car in my book.

No trip to Nantucket is complete without a stop at Sankaty. My parents took their wedding pictures here 28 years ago! 

My mom grew up spending summers in a house on Baxter Road... Safe to say that's the address of my ultimate dream home.

Fell in love with this little ship on the outside of one of the cottages. Would love to find a similar vintage piece for my parents' place!

The Chanticleer, where my parents had their rehearsal dinner. No matter how many times I stroll the streets of 'Sconset, I'll never tire of its quaint charm.

Watching the sun set over Old South Wharf in town. I've been living in this Swiss dot tuxedo top.

Always nice to pop into One Orange Shop and see what's new. Will picked up this belt that matches the one my grandmother needlepointed for me!

Jacks and Krewe... What else is new? ;) Itching to get back for July 4th next week!

It's impossible for me to go to Nantucket without embracing my love of nautical style. This monogrammed bikini is basically my new favorite thing in the entire world. Can you even?! Other summer musts: an anchor infinity scarf, mint cat eye sunglasses, and a cross-body bag that doubles as a clutch.

The Naushop clubhouse... So many memories of Marco Polo and shuffleboard with my siblings.

Amy and I are always on the lookout for colorful doors and cute door-knockers. Don't you love this starfish? I wish I could add an anchor or a lobster to my apartment door but somehow I don't think my landlord would be keen on the idea. :(

Spotted my dream car in the neighborhood. I learned to drive in a Land Rover Discovery so I'll always a soft spot for them! The Defender is the ultimate island car in my book.

No trip to Nantucket is complete without a stop at Sankaty. My parents took their wedding pictures here 28 years ago! 

My mom grew up spending summers in a house on Baxter Road... Safe to say that's the address of my ultimate dream home.

Fell in love with this little ship on the outside of one of the cottages. Would love to find a similar vintage piece for my parents' place!

The Chanticleer, where my parents had their rehearsal dinner. No matter how many times I stroll the streets of 'Sconset, I'll never tire of its quaint charm.

Watching the sun set over Old South Wharf in town. I've been living in this Swiss dot tuxedo top.

Always nice to pop into One Orange Shop and see what's new. Will picked up this belt that matches the one my grandmother needlepointed for me!

Jacks and Krewe... What else is new? ;) Itching to get back for July 4th next week!

ART CRUSH: JENNY PRINN

I took a bunch of art history classes in college but I'm definitely still figuring out what artists and styles I'm drawn to. My newest life goal? To own a piece by Jenny Prinn. I love the bold layered strokes, her embrace of bright color, and the fact that she lives right here in New England. Can you imagine one of her larger abstracts over a console table in your foyer or a smaller piece in a gallery wall above your sofa? Bright white walls + vibrant abstract art = my dream room. Her studio must be a very happy place!

P.S. Where to buy affordable art.

I took a bunch of art history classes in college but I'm definitely still figuring out what artists and styles I'm drawn to. My newest life goal? To own a piece by Jenny Prinn. I love the bold layered strokes, her embrace of bright color, and the fact that she lives right here in New England. Can you imagine one of her larger abstracts over a console table in your foyer or a smaller piece in a gallery wall above your sofa? Bright white walls + vibrant abstract art = my dream room. Her studio must be a very happy place!

P.S. Where to buy affordable art.

NEW YORK CITY GUIDE: TIPSY PARSON

I don't know how I haven't gotten around to posting about Tipsy Parson before today because it is without a doubt one of my top five favorite restaurants in New York. If you're visiting the city (or you live here and somehow haven't already been), run, don't walk. You will not be disappointed!

What: Dinner at Tipsy Parson

Wearing: Striped t-shirt dress and my favorite J.Crew wedges

Where: 156 9th Avenue, Chelsea

Why: Get. The. Brussels. Sprouts. A little sweet, a little spicy, and generally perfect. I like the chicory salad but I've been known to indulge in the mac and cheese if it's freezing out and I need to warm up. The Tipsy Palmer cocktail is so good you'll want more than one. Oh and I'd like to cover my life in their Brunschwig & Fils Bibliotheque wallpaper.

Need more recommendations? You're in luck. Check out more of my NYC favorites here!

I don't know how I haven't gotten around to posting about Tipsy Parson before today because it is without a doubt one of my top five favorite restaurants in New York. If you're visiting the city (or you live here and somehow haven't already been), run, don't walk. You will not be disappointed!

What: Dinner at Tipsy Parson

Wearing: Striped t-shirt dress and my favorite J.Crew wedges

Where: 156 9th Avenue, Chelsea

Why: Get. The. Brussels. Sprouts. A little sweet, a little spicy, and generally perfect. I like the chicory salad but I've been known to indulge in the mac and cheese if it's freezing out and I need to warm up. The Tipsy Palmer cocktail is so good you'll want more than one. Oh and I'd like to cover my life in their Brunschwig & Fils Bibliotheque wallpaper.

Need more recommendations? You're in luck. Check out more of my NYC favorites here!