Outfit Idea: A Weekend at the Cape

I live for our weekend getaways to Cape Cod in the summer.  There is nothing quite like the sense of peace that I find at the Cape.  I love the cool Cape breeze, the picturesque views and, of course, it is the perfect place to let my inner prep shine.

Long days on the beach, sailing, the Kennedy's... it couldn't be more stereotypical, right?!  And, I love it!  Packing for the Cape is always very fun.  I love putting together new combo's that just don't seem quite right at home.  Although, packing can be somewhat challenging due to the crazy Cape weather (rain one minute, sun the next, a cool fog rolling in an hour later), I have learned that layering is the key.

This past weekend I tested myself.  I put together a weekend wardrobe to get me through 3 days and 3 nights.  However, I cannot plan every outfit because i like to have options.  Therefore, I pack several separate pieces that can be endlessly mix and matched.  I stuck to a navy, white and chartreuse color theme, and it proved to be very successful!

1. Cotton Dress - does double duty - out to dinner one night, on the boat the next day.
2. Denim Shirt - worn with shorts or pants, also great as an extra layer over my swimsuit.
3. Shorts - worn day or night depending on the temp.
4. Essential White Pants - can be worn with anything.
5. Lightweight Scarf - wear it over my suit or on a chilly evening.
6. Essential White Tank - perfect canvas for my statement necklace or over my suit.
7. Open Weave Sweater - a much needed layering piece.
8 Statement Necklace - the perfect finishing touch.
9. Sequin Tank - a fun piece for an adult night out.
10. Aviators - my sunnies of choice for the Cape (until my hubby crushed them at the beach).
12. Swimsuit - duh!
13. Hat - a must have for the beach.

The only items not included in my pic... a denim jacket, neutral sandals and the essential flip flop.  That's it.  Done and done.

 As I sit here with the breeze blowing through my hair, I am starting to think that these pieces will work well for five nights too.  They better.  My three night weekend just turned into five...

                                                                                                                         - Allison

Outfit Idea: Dreaming of Chartreuse

I have a bit of an obsession (okay, I have many obsessions), but this one is more dire.  I would say it is on par with my love of blue suede shoes, which equates to a fairly serious problem.  Now that you literally dying with anticipation, I will share it with you... I am a chartreuseaholic.

I can't help myself.  I always find myself drawn to this color... it doesn't matter where, and Pinterest is not helping!

I love it for parties...

I love it in kitchens...

I love it for shoes (although this is more of the green version - I prefer more yellow)...

I love it in fashion... 

And, I love it on me.

You can just imagine my delight when I found that J. Crew's Bubble Necklace was available in a "lemon lime".  I can't wait to wear this many different ways, but my most favorite is keeping it simple with white.

                                       - Allison

*Photos courtesy of pinterest.com.

Chartreuse... hmmm?

A color that seems to pop up here and there, some seasons it takes a backseat and blends in with a print while in others it plays a much bigger role in spring clothes.  Well, this is one of those years that chartreuse has decided to step it up... whether it is in accessories - handbags, shoes, etc - or in clothing.  I am so excited about this because I love chartreuse!  It is one of those colors that I always gravitate to, I can't help myself.  However, in past years I have tried various shades and it never really seems to do much for me.  So, I continue in this cycle of loving the color, buying clothing the color, looking sick in the clothing and never wearing the clothing... and so the cycle continues, until now!

I have come to a realization that just like any other color, chartreuse - a mixture of yellow and green - comes in various yellow/green combinations.  And just like red, there is a specific combination that works for everyone.  Those with more pink in their skin will look good in brighter, cooler, more green based chartreuse.  While those with more of a yellow tinge are better with more subdued, warmer, and yellow based chartreuse.  And, since our skin varies, the best way to test the color is to hold it to your face and see if it does anything for you... do your eyes brighten or do they look a bit dull?  You will find the color that is just right for you!

Now that you armed with the knowledge to pick the correct color for your skin, it is time to shop!  Shall it be a dress, a print or maybe a handbag or a shoe (if you need to warm up to the color a bit more)???  Well, this is a great season to wear this color alone, wear it to pop a neutral look or what about a classic look with navy and white?  There are so many options, it is time to just have fun and experiment!

               - Allison

*photos courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com, zappos.com & shopbop.com