casual style


On the lake

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Pictured: Hat: Eric Javits / Earrings: John Hardy / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana “Petal” / Top: JCrew / Short: Gap / Tote: Rebecca Minkoff / Bracelet: Tory Burch / Rings: John Hardy / Nail Polish: c/o Dolce & Gabbana “Gaia” / Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, also love this pair)

A couple of week ago my family spent time with our friends at their lake house. It was a beautiful weekend with swimming, boating, fishing, jumping off rocks and more! Our kids had a lot of fun and we enjoyed spending time with our friends. 

Since we were on a lake, and one of our many activities was boating, I decided to go for a nautical look. This hat, which offers SPF protection, came in handy over the weekend and kept my face from being burned. The JCrew top I am wearing in these photos has also become a favorite of mine this summer. See how I styled it with a skirt here. The Rebecca Minkoff MAB tote I carried was perfect for storing towels, goggles for the kids, sunblock, and a sweatshirt just in case the weather changed.

Overall, the weekend was beautiful, fun and relaxing! I hope you have been able to get away this summer. What types of summer getaways do you enjoy?


Mini Mansur Gavriel drawstring handbag

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Pictured: Earrings: Kathy Kamei (old, similar here) / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana “Petal” / Top: XCVI / Bracelets: Margaret Elizabeth, Tory Burch / Skirt: Gap (not avl, similar here) / Handbag: Mansur Gavriel mini / Nail Polish: c/o Dolce & Gabbana “Gaia” / Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, also love these)

If you have been following my blog, you are aware of my love for Mansur Gavriel handbags. As a proud owner of the regular sized bucket bag in black with red interior, I did not hesitate to add the new “mini” drawstring bag to my collection for fall 2014. 

I had been eyeing the drawstring bag in Camello for quite some time, so when Mansur Gavriel opened their online shop last month, I jumped at the chance to own the color. Since mini bags are still popular for fall 2014, and are showing no sign of slowing down as we move into 2015, I decided to go with the mini bucket bag. 

There were many choices for the interior color on the Camello mini drawstring bag. I decided to go with the “Oro” interior color which is a shiny gold hue. I felt like the gold interior would be a nice neutral color as we move into the fall season; plus gold is classic!

I am thrilled I went with the mini in Camello. The mini is still a sizable handbag and has plenty of room for my sunglasses case, iPhone, wallet, keys and lipstick; with room to spare. It is not your typical mini!

If you are interested in a Mansur Gavriel handbag, they are hard to come by, so, I wrote an article with tips to help others snag their own Mansur Gavriel. Click here to read the article.

Do you have a handbag or accessory you are finding yourself buying in more than one color? If so, please share!


Casual summer style: tunic and shorts

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Pictured: Earrings: Kathy Kamei (similar here) / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana “Petal” / Tunic: JCrew / Tank Top: Mossimo / Bracelets: Tory Burch, c/o Gorjana (old, similar here) / Nail Polish: Chanel “Atmosphere” / Handbag: Mansur Gavriel / Shorts: Gap / Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, also love SAVE or SPLURGE)

One of my favorite things to wear on casual summer days, is a loose fitting tunic with shorts. This type of outfit is great for active days with the kids; and anytime I have to do a lot of walking! This tunic from JCrew is actually classified as a “swimsuit cover-up,” but, it also works well as a tunic over shorts, a denim skirt, or jeans! It would also look amazing with white jeans; unfortunately I don’t own white jeans because I can never keep them white!

Tunics are great on hot days because they have, shall we say, a natural air conditioner?! The loose fabric allows air flow which helps keeps me cool on hot days. This is fabulous during July and August when temperatures fluctuate between 80 and 100 degrees. This is another reason I love casual dresses on hot days, although, there are many occasions when shorts are much more comfortable!

What are your go-to pieces on hot summer, casual days?