Mermaid in Madras

Organization Inspiration

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am shamelessly obsessed with organization. Maybe its because of the warmer weather we have had recently, but lately I feel a new enthusiasm to get some "spring" cleaning done. Between Princeton, NYC, and Nantucket - there are a lot of projects to tackle.

For more organizing tips, visit The Nest and start taking notes!

Images: Domino Magazine, Deliciously Organized

Mission: Packaging & Graphic Design

2012-01-25T12:21:00.001-08:00

Because of a new project (stay tuned!) - I have been spending most of my day scouring the web for graphic design and packaging inspiration.

The Dieline - for those of you who are unfamiliar with it, is the #1 package design website, and it is definitely worthy of that title. So many fabulous ideas in one place! Even if your not in the process of creating new packaging (like I currently am), the site is a great source to see genius creativity and out-of-the-box thinking at work.

Here are some of my favorites:

A La Lulu (Powers)

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am a little bit obsessed with Lulu Powers. I first heard about her a few summers ago when she was having a book signing at Erica Wilson on Nantucket. Caterer and entertaining stylist to "the stars" - Lulu is a hit - and a Nantucketer, which I love.

Her book - Lulu Powers Food to Flowers is a must-have.

For more Lulu entertaining inspiration, check out her blog by clicking here. Now I need an excuse to throw a big party...

Lulu's Californian Home:

Images: Herman Miller, domicileid.blogspot.com, lonny mag

Guest Post: Mermaid Colors by Design Shuffle

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Joanna, a writer for Design Shuffle, an online portfolio site for interior designers to show their work and design enthusiasts to enjoy. I spend my time searching the web for some of the loveliest rooms around and bringing them to share on blogs such as Mermaid in Madras. What little girl hasn't dreamed of being a mermaid? Well, now that we're big girls, we can keep the dream alive by decorating our spaces in the colors of the sea and shore. Besides adding color to a space, you can also create a coastal dÈcor with touches of shells and coral. Take a look at some of the interior designs we found that remind us of mermaid colors. Thanks for letting me share with you today.

This room, dressed in aqua and yellow, reminds us of a sunny day on the beach or maybe the colors of a mermaid's tail.

This room is full of dining room design ideas. The glint of a mermaid's scales might include turquoise and pink like the rooms shown here.

Aqua and a sandy beige are the order of the day in this plush bedroom. Doesn't it make you question - where does a mermaid sleep?

Another aqua and driftwood hued space carries mermaid colors throughout its interior design for a totally lovely space.

A lovely canopy bed draped in yards of aqua silk offers the perfect place to dream of swimming with the mermaids. This bedroom design is whimsical and dreamy.

Are those bubbles on the rug and at the windows? A seaside scene plays out on the far wall of the room behind an oversize floor lamp.

Not all mermaids are bright aqua, some we've seen are softly hued like the blue room above. A seashell collection adorns a built in on the far wall.

There is no mistaking this is a mermaid's bath with its fun tile mosaic and coral and seaweed accents. Will these bathroom ideas become a part of your mermaid dÈcor? Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Mermaid colors and jewel tones can really create a vibrant interior! Be sure to check out Design Shuffle to see our interior design guide and find great inspiration from San Francisco interior designers and more!

Winterfication

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Attending St. Lawrence University taught me a thing or too about cold weather.

One of which: a love for and appreciation of Technica boots. Definitely a winter staple. One place to find them? Gorsuch. (P.S. - Read this month's Quest magazine for an article about this awesome company - co-written by me and Camilla Bradley).

The newest addition to my collection of winter ware? Sorels. The warmest (and driest) way to navigate slushy NY streets. Looks like Aerin, Elle, and Amanda are also big fans.

My other favorite winter accessory is my super comfy Russian hat. Kind of amazing.

More hat inspiration:

Images: Vogue, Shopping is my Cardio, SLL

Style Icon: Rita Hayworth in Gilda

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love refreshing my list of style icons, and thanks to my friend HF - I have a new one! Rita Hayworth in the 1946 film Gilda = amazing. See for yourself!

If only I could get my hair in those waves... Head to Lauren Conrad's site The Beauty Departmen t for inspiration and a how-to tutorial. (TBD never disappoints!)

Images: helloooooo.com, loveisspeed.blogspot.com, the beauty department

Miansai

2012-01-22T08:30:00.000-08:00

Lately (thanks in part to one of my fav blogs Atlantic to Pacific), I have been really into bracelet stacking. After rediscovering Miansai whilst searching for cufflinks for my boyfriend DWC on Park & Bond - Miansai bracelets are officially on my lust list. The "rugged wrist" in my opinion - not just for men.

I can't wait to wear this black leather fishhook bracelet with just a bathing suit and big hat at the beach...

Not surprisingly - DWC wants one too. They are after all, men's bracelets. I think I will get him the below fishing hook as a Valentine's Day pressie. A little reminder that I caught him!

Some more of my favs:

Images: Trendland.net, Park & Bond, Miansai, Refinery 29

Blog Love: Design Darling

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

After carousing one of my new favorite websites, Design Darling (another great Glitter Guide find- I realized how awesome inspiration boards are. I need to get one up in my apartment asap! And one in Nantucket as well for that matter... All the more inspiration.

Here are some of her favorites - mixed in with some finds of my own.

Some say Pinterest is the new inspiration board. What do you think? I must admit, I am more fond of the cut out and tack up variety... Though it would be fun to create something you can share with everyone!

Images: Design Darling, Sid Mashburn, Habitually Chic, Absolutely Beautiful Things (Canadian House & Home)

Need to Know: Sally King Benedict

2012-01-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

Reading about the beautiful Sally King Benedict on The Glitter Guide really made me want to head straight to Nantucket, set up a studio, and make huge abstract paintings inspired by the ocean. She is such a talented artist - with an inspiring lifestyle to boot.

Why am I not surprised that Matchbook Magazine did a feature on her? I knew I loved them.

For more about S.K.B., click here

Images: Sally Benedict King, Gun & Garden, Glitter Guide, Elle Decor

Loving Lulu

2012-01-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

After a recent jaunt to J.Crew with my bestie SLL, I was reintroduced to the stellar design of Lulu Frost.

Though always adorned throughout the summer, my wrists are looking a little bare these days. However, after my recent Lulu Frost tumblr experience - I am definitely going to start stacking up.

The stacking by the way? Classic Blair Eadie. If you are not reading her blog, Atlantic - Pacific.... get on it!

A little more about Lulu:

Lulu Frost is a jewelry brand founded in New York City in 2004 by designer Lisa Salzer. The Frost family, led by Lisa's maternal grandmother Elizabeth Rock Frost, has been involved in the estate jewelry business for generations. Lisa's work blends antique, vintage and modern elements to reinvent timeless classics.

Click here to check her online store and here to visit her amazing Tumblr site

Blog Love: note to self

2012-01-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

note to self

This blogger has gotten a LOT of amazing press lately - and for good reason. One of my daily reads and always a source of inspiration and great ideas. Not surprisingly - she is also a writer for Matchbook Magazine!

Here are some of my favorite note to self round-ups:

images: note to self

The Monogram

2012-01-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

I knew I was really impressed with Town & Country's new look when I saw their 2 page spread in the October 2011 issue dedicated solely to the monogram. Is there such thing as over-monogramming? I don't think so - as long as you monogram the right things (i.e. flip flops - no, L.L. Bean tote - yes).

Some of my favs:

Leontine Linens

Sarah & Chloe

Moon & Lola

Oh Isabel

2012-01-09T20:00:00.001-08:00

Images: Vogue Australia

Wild Waves

2012-01-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

The things that I would do for my hair to look like this...

Images: Fashion Gone Rogue

Space to Work

2012-01-06T09:00:00.000-08:00

Never underestimate the value of your work space. It should inspire - motivate - but most of all, make you feel happy to be there.

Images from Lonny Magazine and Anna Spiro (Absolutely Beautiful Things)

Matchbook Much?

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite new online magazine finds is Matchbook Magazine. Sure to inspire.

Some of my favorite Matchbook Moments:

About Matchbook: "Launched in January 2011, Matchbook is an online lifestyle publication celebrating classics - shaken and stirred. Our monthly issues cover past and present fashion, decor, the arts, travel and culture. Brimming with intriguing interviews, stately homes, captivating memoirs and swoon-worthy fashion spreads, Matchbook seeks to inspire women around the globe to design a life they adore. From lipstick to letterpress, gelato to grosgrain, and Paris to Peru, consider us your field guide to a charmed life."

If you care to go for a tumbl... or a daily spark...

Scarface Style

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

A Nod to the Nautical

2012-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Images: Habitually Chic and Lonny Magazine

Acapulco Nostalgia

2012-01-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

Acapulco as interpreted by Slim Aarons

My grandmother in Acapulco

Gloria Guinness on vacation in Acapulco. Apparently she always wore men's black and navy shirts... Note to self...

2012 Interior Inspiration

2012-01-02T09:01:00.001-08:00

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,

The flying cloud, the frosty light;

The year is dying in the night;

Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,

Ring, happy bells, across the snow:

The year is going, let him go;

Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,

For those that here we see no more,

Ring out the feud of rich and poor,

Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,

And ancient forms of party strife;

Ring in the nobler modes of life,

With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,

The faithless coldness of the times;

Ring out, ring out thy mournful rhymes,

But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,

The civic slander and the spite;

Ring in the love of truth and right,

Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease,

Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;

Ring out the thousand wars of old,

Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,

The larger heart the kindlier hand;

Ring out the darkness of the land,

Ring in the Christ that is to be.

- Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

Style Icon: Estella

2011-12-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

From untouchable Floridian princess to chic (and equally icy) Manhattanite. Gwnyeth's character Estella has such great style. Simplistic, but always completely spot on.

Christmas Ideas

2011-12-17T09:23:00.001-08:00

Sid Mashburn African Beads

C. Wonder Foo Dogs

Vintage Shell Napkin Rings

DVF Coasters

Minx.

2011-10-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Vogue Paris, October 2011 - Isabeli Fontana by Mario Sorrenti

Bonne Fete!

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

I can't stop thinking about tablescapes...

I think the only solution is - more parties!

One of my favorite event stylists? Lulu Powers...

You NEED to know her!

Lilly BRIGHT

2011-10-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

Nothing like L.P. to perk up a rainy day...

Perfectly Set

2011-10-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon interior designer and tablescape expert Eddie Ross' blog the other day... he is so talented and super inspiring. I have lots of ideas for my next dinner party, now I just have to get my cooking skills up to par! Maybe some help from private chef Gavin McLaughlin?

In case you need to brush up:

Design Crush: Elizabeth Bauer

2011-10-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Her use of color - amazing. And she is a Nantucketer!!

Elizabeth Bauer Design.com

Apartment Wish

2011-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Maybe if I find the perfect wallpaper - the perfect apartment will follow soon? hah!

Black Swanning

2011-01-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

Everyone said I would loveee Black Swan and I did.

Ballerina as style icon? I am taking notes.

Love Knot

2010-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

Maybe I will be lucky in love in 2011... But even if I'm not - I very much want one of these. I think they are so delicate, pretty and simply sweet...

The Finn Jewelry line has a few pieces that I have my eye on... (shark tooth!)

Barney's!

Ivy & Piper

2010-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Lonny, Rue and now Ivy & Piper.

I am not into kindles or nooks... I like the feeling of holding a book or magazine in my hand, and tearing things out to research or tack in my inspiration book. But lately I have been kind of into online magazines. Especially if you are on the hunt for something in particular, online magazines are great because they usually include the link to whatever it is.

That is going to be very helpful when I am searching for things to fill my new - but currently undetermined - apartment!!!

All that Glitters II

2010-12-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

The new blog I am obsessed with - Definitely Golden, is such a gem (thank you SAB!).... Beautiful black & white pictures get me every time... That reminds me of my New Year's resolution (one of them!) - to take more pictures!! Maybe I just have to carry my camera around with me all the time...

Its a Wonderful Life

2010-12-26T10:09:00.000-08:00

I just might be in the mood to watch this tonight...

Still celebrating! xo AEB

City of Lights

2010-12-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

For Alanna! xx

APRES by C.K. Bradley

2010-12-04T17:24:00.001-08:00

Can't wait for this adventure! Currently APRES jackets and ski bibs are available for pre-order. How many friends are you going to make skiing in a getup like one of these?? I love it.

http://www.ckbradley.com/ Keep updated on her whereabouts! Camilla will be making her ski town trek this winter, so if you find yourself somewhere snowy - watch out!

Here is hoping she makes some vests soon...

Ski Boogie - cheeky Warren Miller inspiration, featuring onesies from the CKB vintage collection. I am going to start practicing my mogul technique so I can be in Ski Boogie 2.

Ski Boogie from ck bradley on Vimeo.

Sassy!

2010-11-30T14:02:00.000-08:00

Can't wait for this!!!! I am always in need of fun party dresses... and CKB SKI?! Fab.

Oh My!

2010-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

I was recently carousing one of my favorite blogs The Sugar Buzz - when I found this GEM of a photo. It gets better... there is a clothing line behind it!

Veuve, blazers, mermaids and pearls! They must know me.

Thom Browne here I come.

Get In the Water!

2010-11-27T20:28:00.000-08:00

About this time last year, I was gearing up to head to the caribbean for scuba diving and general adventures.

This year, my adventures are set to take place in NYC and I am SO excited to be back with all of my friends - but whenever I come across pictures like these I think about taking my dive master certification and using it somewhere FABULOUS!

Too bad there is not a close-up of her dive watch...

I Love Black & Spiro

2010-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Absolutely Beautiful Things - A Daily Inspiration Journal, is perhaps one of my favorite blogs. Anna Spiro is a genius, whose unique mastery in the realm of interior design has gotten her noticed by Vogue Living among other notable publications.

I love everything she does, even if I would need a little encouragement to be as bold as she is! This is what she has been up to lately in her Australian home design store, Black & Spiro.

Keep tabs on her latest musings and designs, she is always up to something fun and pointing you readers in new inspiring directions.

Snuggle Up!

2010-11-21T16:44:00.000-08:00

I never thought much about what I was wearing to sleep. My standard uniform of various collegiate sweatpants and tshirts collected from here and there, usually sufficed. But nowwww after spying these cute matching sets by J.Crew, I want to strive for the chicness of daywear, with the level of comfort perfect for nights spent with your nose in a book or your arms around a cute boy.

Let Them Eat Cake

2010-11-20T10:22:00.000-08:00

This might sound strange, but I LOVE to watch Food Network while I am at the gym - my favorite show being Barefoot Contessa. Ina Garten is... AMAZING. I love everything from the way that she chooses ingredients to her calm execution, and beautiful presentation.

The newest installment in her collection of cookbooks - How Easy is That? is high on my list of potential gifts to give, to others and maybe myself!

This recipe stood out as very YUM - and with an ingredient like Tate's Bake Shop chocolate chip cookies... I cant wait to wow a lucky birthday friend!

Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake

(serves 8)

Ingredients:

2 cups cold heavy cream

12 ounces Italian mascarpone cheese

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup Kahlua liqueur

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti

1 tsp. instant espresso powder

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

3 (8-ounce) packages Tate's Bake Shop chocolate chip cookies

Shaved semisweet chocolate, for garnish

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the heavy cream, mascarpone, sugar, Kahlua, coca powder, espresso powder and vanilla. Mix on low speed to combine and then slowly raise the speed, until it forms stiff peaks.

To assemble the cake, arrange chocolate chip cookies flat in an 8-inch springform pan, covering the bottom as much as possible. (I break some cookies to fill in the spaces). Spread a fifth of the mocha whipped cream evenly over the cookies. Place another layer of cookies on top, laying flat and touching, followed by another fifth of the cream. Continue layering cookies and cream until there are 5 layers of each ending with a layer of cream. Smooth on top, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

Run a small sharp knife around the outside of the cake and remove the sides of the pan. Sprinkle the top with the chocolate, cut in wedges, and serve cold.

Strange and Beautiful

2010-10-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Black and white photos are my favorite... generally as a rule. It always takes me back to college photography courses where I would spend hours in the dark room watching images emerge. While I am not trying to be a professional photographer by any means, I do think that a digital portfolio of my work would be an interesting accompaniment to my resume. I am hoping to a get a few fresh photo shoots under my belt to update what I have done previously.... glad to be in Princeton with my favorite model friend EMF!

Oh Hello Again

2010-10-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

So, I took a little break. Spent the summer (well, until last Friday!) in Nantucket, finished up all my lingering college credits... now just figuring out what NYC has in store for me! But I thought I would go back sharing beautiful, fun, and interesting things that I find via my blog!

Mission: Scavenger Hunt

2010-05-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

I love games, challenges, and pretty much anything out of the ordinary that involves competition and a sense of fun and adventure.

Having learned from the best as a CKB intern, (Camilla wrote the book on scavenger hunts.... ever heard of Bandit Ball??? You should ask her for the pics) - I adopted a love for scavenger hunts as well. My hunts are more daring than the ones you might be acquainted with....

For my best friend Samantha's birthday a few years ago, we tried to get the campus involved/ clad in neon. After dividing into 3 teams, we tackled a list that involved the following feats out and about on St. Lawrence's campus:

1. naked kayak in the Grass River

2. do a performance in the SLU student center

3. make out aggressively in inappropriate places

4. try to get a stranger to dance with you (grinding extra points)

5. get a boy to shave his legs

6. ask a stranger for their underwear (off their body)

7. eat a "fat-bag" ... (you have to ask a SLU grad about this one)

8. sing a song in the local Chinese restaurant then jump in their fountain

9. streak through the freshman dorms

10. shotgun a beer in the ODY/library

That was just a sampling... Needless to say, it was definitely a memorable birthday for my friend Samantha! And everyone on campus eventually found it was her birthday as well, thanks to our neon workout wear announcements... did I mention - scavenger hunts are best when they are themed???

I am plotting a scavenger hunt this summer on Nantucket, and yes it will be themed, and certainly photo-documented!

Style Icon: Ali MacGraw

2010-05-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

The 1970's film Love Story usually evokes comments from fashionistas about Ali MacGraw's fabulous camel coat (Vogue's Lauren Santo Domingo tried to re-create it last winter), or her jeans (J.Brand took note - naming one style after the movie).

But what I love most about Ali MacGraw in the film is her summer clothes. Simple, fresh, and chic - her character's style makes me wish I had dark, straight hair (like my mother in the 70's) ... and the perfect white pants and black T ensemble.

I came across this Chanel ad campaign featuring MacGraw. She has the Brook Shields all-American, classic look that I love/hate.

"You stupid preppy!"

Slim Aarons

2010-05-04T15:04:00.001-07:00

As if you need a reason to look forward to summer!

I love everything about the aesthetic of Slim Aaarons.

Read an interview between Slim Aaaron's daughter Mary Aarons and Habitually Chic blogger Heather Clawson here.

Gadabout

2010-05-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

I became obsessed with this line of stationery last summer - and now I am a little jealous of my iPhone toting friends who can download the Gadabout Application!

I am in the midst of ordering stationery from the designer Hanna Brooks Nation, and here are some of my potential picks.

The Gadabout blog is also amusing, and I often snap up her music suggestions - as I am ALWAYS looking for new music.

Vegan Freak

2010-05-02T20:30:00.000-07:00

... that was the name of the book that one of my college professors wrote about Veganism.

Not that I am a vegan (no to meat, yes to fish!) - but the vegan restaurant Candle Cafe, is one of my favorites in the U.E.S. of nyc. I love eating consciously, for the environment, for animals, and for health - and this gem of a restaurant caters to all of the above. Their mission statement reads as follows:

"Candle Cafe is dedicated to bettering the health of the individual and the planet by serving food fresh from farm to table. Our organic vegan cuisine is rooted in sustainability, eco-friendly practices, local farming, and compassion for animals."

Candle Cafe is on 3rd avenue, between 74 and 75

... and the cookbook - yes please!

Master Cleanser

2010-05-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Ok here I go... On the Master Cleanse for the next 10 days. No food. Just water with cayenne pepper, lemon juice and maple syrup. I will spare you the details throughout my liquid diet mission.. but hopefully after 10 days I will be an advocator for this trendy (but supposedly very effective) detox.

Love in the Afternoon

2010-04-30T19:43:00.001-07:00

I love hearing the stories and explanations behind people's names.

I get a lot of comments about having an unusual name... I am called a million things other than Arianne - Maryanne, Adriana, Arianna etc etc etc.

I used to loath my name because no one would say it the way that I prefer it to be said. I still have issues with the general pronunciation, but I do like the story behind my name, as I was named after Audrey Hepburn's character in the film Love in the Afternoon - about a french girl named Ariane - who falls in love with an American playboy in Paris.

One Classy Lady

2010-04-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am looking for an occasion to buy Derek Blasberg's new book Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady - for a friend. Not that any of my friends are guilty of Trampist behaviors... the NYC social chronicler has a witty writing style, and his notes (pictures and checklists) on etiquette for young ladies make for an amusing read.

See the Elle.com review of the book by Whitney Vargas here.

Gearing Up

2010-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

On my list to hit up: Calypso, J.Crew, CK Bradley and Stubbs and Wootton

Calypso always has a stash of "goddess dresses" and fun easy shifts to throw on and still look glam after beaching for the entire day.

CKB has always been my favorite go-to summer outfitter - for obvious reasons, but she keeps churning out new favs. I also love that her clothes are super durable, and endure through my party-dress clad bike rides, and sunny day dogwalking.

Perfect for cobble-stone streets... I might be obsessed with these espadrilles from Stubbs and Wootton.

Cynthia Rowley for Roxy

2010-04-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

While I was in St. Barth I would often wander in to the surf shops with my cohort/surfing enthusiast South African friend. We had a completely different sense of personal style... I love the new surfer chick trend thats going on right now, but it never translated into buying clothes from Volcom.

Maybe its the beautiful photos for the new line by Cynthia Rowley for Roxy, or her statement for the line that reads:

"Cynthia Rowley for Roxy is a design collaboration inspired by a shared love for surf, sun, and fashion. Consisting of sportswear, swim, accessories and shoes; the Cynthia Rowley for Roxy collection is all you need to throw into a bag and head out the door to your next adventure."

Now that - I like.

Cheap Thrills

2010-04-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

Having just returned from 5 months of beaches and bohemia, going to Target was... kind of a different experience. But while I was there, I found all of this cute new Liberty print stuff.

Now only if I had the Lair in Delta to decorate... Or a reason to buy a new bike.

Scarfing

2010-04-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

I already have a pretty big scarf collection (thanks in part to raiding my mother's closet!) but these how-to's from Hermes make me want to kick it up a notch in terms of my scarf-wearing creativity.

I always love J. McLaughlin's scarves and scarf tops. I have one in a navy blue with marine creatures on it - (and ps - I can identify the fish for you if you ask me to!). CCS was caught by Style.com once in her scarf top -

I also have a stash of CKB Mallory Scarves that are perfect for nights out and about.

Here is some WhoWhatWear daily inspiration as well... If you are not reading their emails - get on it!

Swept Away

2010-04-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Don't let the "teen" in Teen Vogue fool you... It reminds me of the natural beauty in the film Blue Lagoon - one of my favorites that I can't wait to watch at home in Princeton with some kettle corn and Murray the dog on the couch.

Summer Surf Style

2010-04-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

On my list of things to do this summer (along with perfect my tennis serve and sail lasers...) is to learn how to surf. Cisco beach on the rock has a pretty good surf school, and is also conveniently close to Bartlett Farm... so I can pick up some apres surf snacks.

I just saw this shoot on teenvogue.com (guilty?) and I love EVERYTHING about it.

Planning/Plotting

2010-04-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have an obsession with my Kate Spade planner. In fact, I rely on it so much - that I refer to it as my "life book." But after a season (!!!) in the Caribbean, it is looking a little weary - so I am contemplating a replacement, especially as summer so far is looking pretty busy. I am so excited to be going back to Nantucket soon, to work at the Pearl/Boarding House and help plan some great summer parties. New planner purchase justified!

This one by Dabney Lee is super cute, and you can have it personalized...

But maybe something a little more durable?? The next mission is new stationery.

Shoe Lust

2010-04-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Saw these today on net-a-porter... Valentino!

I am gearing up for summer...

Mission: Sail More

2010-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures from the past 3 regattas that White Wings and Wild Horses have participated in: the St. Barth Bucket, Les Voiles de St. Barth, and the Antigua Classics Regatta.

HOME

2010-04-21T04:49:00.000-07:00

This May Elle shoot reminds me of the rustic, natural beauty of the states... a fitting reminder because I am coming home today! Having been in the Caribbean since late November, I am ready to be back!!

When I go home I am going to,

1. have lots of sushi

2. take murray on walk

3. go to blue point grill in Princeton with mumsy

4. go to NYC and catch up with friends/shop

5. go to Newport and check in with CKB

6. go to Terhune Orchards in Princeton

7. BAKE in a kitchen (as opposed to a galley)

8. see West Side Story with my favorite Auntie Suzy

9. Thomas Sweet, Halo Pub & The Bent Spoon (all P-town ice cream spots)

10. get geared up for Nantucket!!!

Love It....

2010-04-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

Yes We Camp!

2010-04-18T04:13:00.001-07:00

I have been saying lately that living on a sailboat is kind of like camping... so this shoot recently spotting on Fashion Gone Rogue made me laugh.

How Yachtie

2010-04-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

Rumors are flying... that I am COMING HOME!

Tervis Tumblers

2010-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Tervis Tumblers are one of my favorite things... I am working on a collection, but they keep disappearing! Maybe that is because everyone else loves them as well.

I am anti-plastic bottles and these help to keep me hydrated!

Tervis Tumblers make such great pressies.... I think my next birthday best friend is going to receive a monogrammed set.

Little Edie Inspiration

2010-04-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

While currently I am SO SO excited about summer clothes, I am also anxiously anticipating what is to come from J.Crew for fall... Especially because I will hopefully be dressing for a J O B in NYC.

As highlighted recently by one of my favorite blogs Habitually Chic, the newest collection from J.Crew for fall 2010 draws reference to the film Grey Gardens. I was so excited to see the film when it first came out, and Drew Barrymore was such a hit. I love how films influence fashion...

What I loved most about Edith Bouvier Beale was not her style per say, but the eccentricity of it all and the attitude of the "city girl going to the country."

Classic Grace

2010-04-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

IF I was in London next month, than I would prioritize a trip to the Victoria & Albert Museum, which will be "featuring an exhibition of Grace Kelly's clothes and accoutrements, from her Philadelphia society days to her Hollywood stardom, to her Monegasque princesshood."

Here are some photos from Vanity Fair, showcasing the classic style of GK - their covergirl for May 2010.

By the way - in St. Barth, it is even more difficult to get my hands on magazines than Antigua or St. Maarten - let alone fashion mags in ENGLISH!

St. Barth Bucket

2010-03-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

My apologies for the lack of posts the past few days, I have been so busy sailing in the St. Barth Bucket Regatta! The race was a 3-day event, with a different course each day.

The St. Barth Bucket is the Caribbean equivalent of the Newport Bucket. The general plan is for a staggered start according to speed, so that the boats come across the finish line together.

Along with the 3 days of sailing, there was also an impressive social schedule that included yacht -hopping cocktail parties, a Saturday Bucket Bash, along with the general debauchery that occurs when thousands of sailors, yachties, and racer-chasers gather on one small island.

More pictures to come when I can find the professional ones online!

TRUNKS

2010-03-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Swim trunks that is. Sorry, I know its not summer yet... but hold that thought.

The Italian swimwear company SUNDEK has a store in St. Barth, and every time I walk by, I think of all the people that I know that would love these swimming trunks in all their retro, but totally current glory.

Now I just need to have a themed beach kadima tournament...

PS. You can have your trunks custom designed. Hmmmm someone is getting some fun presents! Probably my brother Chad, but he never reads my blog anyway.

Check out their ad campaign. Pretty random!

Oh Kate III

2010-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sweat It Out

2010-03-19T16:39:00.000-07:00

Although I skipped winter entirely, I am still going through the feeling of wanting to revamp my workout routine, eat well, and shape up for the spring and summer.

Last summer, Murray (ze dog) was my best running partner... if I was not feeling up to it, Murray would give me a pleading its-time-for-our run look, and then we would be out the door. I also like to mix it up with bike rides to Sconset... (but with an ice cream at Sconset Market- I dont know if the work-out counts!). This summer, I am hoping to join a yoga studio to balance out my workout routine and help keep me motivated.

Besides downloading new music (for which I always turn to EMF or AMC for suggestions) - new workout gear always helps me turn it up a notch.

These images of Natasha Poly by Craig McDean in Vogue Italia are also pretty inspiring.... but for functional workout gear, I will stick to Nike and Lululemon. (Self magazine also has some good tips!)

Gisele - Vogue Shape Issue

2010-03-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Love love love.

Oh and it was shot by my yacht neighbor in St. Barth - Patrick Demarchelier... Casually.

This is one of his famous pictures in St. Barth