About Emily Fanning

Seas the Day

April 6, 2017 by Emily 5 Comments

If you haven’t caught on yet, MJF and I are a couple of displaced homeowners at the mo’, while a certain one-bathroom house of ours gets its HGTV on. We’re lucky enough to have family nearby to put us up for a couple ~~weeks~~ months during the reno, and while complaining about the commute is my new favorite past time, there really is something to be said for our current whereabouts.

For starters, the view is downright disgusting. We NEVER get pretty sunsets, and all of the fresh seafood in town is way overrated. Nobody likes dockside coffeeshops anyway, or morning strolls through its quiet harbor, or watching the sunrise over the lighthouse. Nautical antique shops are a waste of space, and there are 0 cute houses to look at. This is my sour face every day now:

Sammi Multi Way Color Dress c/o | Camel Cardigan | Lisi Lerch Beaded Tassel Earrings c/o | Tortoise Sunglasses | Similar Woven Wedges

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Splashing into Spring

March 31, 2017 by Emily 5 Comments

It’s ain’t all sunshine and rainbows in the life of a blogger. Especially not one in the Northeast.

When this little corner of the web opened for business {six years ago tomorrow!}, I used to stomp around claiming that I’d never make it in a Pinterest-filled world of West coast fashion bloggers, because my sun-sets-at-4PM home has nothing on their constant-natural-light-thanks-to-16-hours-of-California-sunshine days. But after half a decade of fighting it, I’ve embraced this Boston life of constantly chasing daylight. So when there was a 90% chance of rain on the forecast last weekend, I grabbed my wellies with a smile and spent a morning splish splashing around Beacon Hill with my friend Madeline.

There isn’t a spring dress in my closet {or yours} easier than this new Paper Crown chambray dress with its darling drop waist and back button detailing. It’s a slip-on-and-go piece that looks sophisticated dressed up with beige heels, sweet and relaxed with flats, and—I hope you’ll agree—fun as can be with rain boots!

Photos by Madeline Heising

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Swimwear & Skincare

March 27, 2017 by Emily 2 Comments

It is. Sofa king freezing here. Spring seems like an incredibly farfetched concept, and I don’t even remember what summer is.

I’ve found the silver lining to this extended winter though, and it’s not just that you can continue to limit the shaving of your legs, but rather–more time to prep for that swimsuit bod.

I don’t mean leg-gap cheese-grater-abs kind of body {not important thanks}. I’m talking about that hydrated, glowing skin, totally relaxed kind of body.

Life has been cray-cray lately, so I forced myself to take some me-time today. Yeah, today, like I have a Green Tea & Mango Face Mask and body butter on as I type this. My body needed this as much as my mind did…my skin has been dry from winter, my eyes puffy from lack of sleep, my hands chapped from the daily forgetting of my gloves becauseit’salmostAprilandyoushouldn’tneedglovesinApril.

Soap & Glory treated me to a bunch of these pampering goodies {ob-sessed with their pink package}, and Boohoo sent me a new swimsuit to plant the pressure in my mind. Skin is feeling SO much better and ready to show off—bring it on bare-leg weather!

Tweet this post to a friend who could use a day to treat herself xx

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by CHLOE Boston

March 24, 2017 by Emily Leave a Comment

I’ve never considered becoming a vegetarian. Not a second thought. I’m sorry, I am. I truly respect those of you who are more than you know. But the idea of meat substitutes and relying on beans and buckwheat as my source of protein is just too much.

So the fact that I’m now addicted to a new VEGAN restaurant is quite the headline.

by CHLOE {how are you not intrigued by that name?} just opened its first Boston location in Seaport {because what isn’t opening in Seaport} and I’ve already spent more money there than I care to admit.

This trendy AF quick-service joint got its start back in NYC, and the IG-ers of Boston have already lost their cool over how #grammable this place is, with its avo toast, coconut water, tile tables and floors, and beachy window swings.

The thought of vegan cheese and mayonnaise substitutes used to be one of the more revolting ideas in the world to me, but you haven’t lived until you’ve tried by CHLOE Boston’s Lobster Roll or Mac n’ Cheese. Don’t question what’s in it and you’ll enjoy it even more.

The decor is half the fun of this new hot spot, but if you really can’t sneak out for a Seaport lunch hour, DoorDash is actually offering FREE delivery on by CHLOE orders today(!!!!!). Click here for some free DD credits.

Add the fries to your cart. You won’t regret it. And calories don’t count if they’re vegan…right?

[ by CHLOE ]
[ 107 Seaport Boulevard ]
[ Boston, Massachusetts 02210 ]

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Bake Your Own Luck

March 17, 2017 by Emily 6 Comments

Don’t be fooled. I haven’t yet figured out how to be a food blogger. But I can now tell you how to trick people into thinking you’re Pinterest-worthy in 30 minutes or less.

Here’s what you need for this just-barely-passes-as-homemade Lucky Charms cake::

One box Funfetti cake mix
Two boxes Lucky Charms cereal
4-6 oz heavy cream

And here’s how it goes down::

{1} Follow back-of-the-box cake instructions. You can’t mess this up. Let cool completely.
*Hint:: Use egg whites as opposed to full eggs for a light & bright color and texture!
{2} While baking, grab a friend and separate all marshmallows from cereal. No snacking.
{3} Pour heavy cream into a medium-size bowl, and whip until texture of whipped cream using a handheld mixer.
*I added no sugar to the whipped cream; the marshmallows and cake are toothache-inducing enough!
{4} Frost cake completely. Not too thin, not too thick.
{5} Lay on the marshmallows ya little leprechaun.

This Lucky Charms cake goes great with Guinness. I think.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

ps. My sweet ombré latte bowls can be purchased here! See footer for additional product links.

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52 Thoughts I Had While Watching Boston Ballet’s Artifact

March 13, 2017 by Emily 1 Comment

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy of Boston Ballet

Coming back from a vacation is always slightly easier to do when you have something to look forward to on the other end. For me, that was a hot date with the Boston Ballet at the dress rehearsal for William Forsythe’s Artifact.

The setting:: I’ve got a prime seat in a near-empty theater with two gems—Laura and Celina—a handful of photog/videographers, and Lillian, the darling Marketing Manager for the Boston Ballet. We’re chatting and waiting for the show to start when she casually tells me the choreographer has entered the building.

1. Forsythe is here?
2. FORSYTHE IS HERE.
3. What does he look like? Quick, I’ll Google image.
4. He’s an actor?
5. Definitely wrong Forsythe
6. Backspace backspace, “william forsythe choreographer”
7. GOT HIM ok. On the lookout.
8. Someone’s on the stage. Is it Dusty?
9. Why did I forget my glasses why did I forget my glasses
10. Better to focus on the movements than the faces anyway?
11. The lights are on.
12. There’s no music.
13. Is this because dress rehearsal or art?
14. QUIET DOWN PEOPLE IT’S PURPOSEFUL ARTISTIC SILENCE

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy of Boston Ballet

15. Spooky setting reminds me of Into the Woods.
16. (In only the best of ways)
17. Spoken word?!
18. They never cease to surprise me here.
19. Trying not to forget you will hear you will see I think I’m being hypnotized? I think you’ve always been saying the same things down there
20. Their movements are so simple and clean they could almost trick you into thinking anyone could be up there performing.
21. Sorry suckers, harder than it looks.
22. Oh I LURVE the sound of bare feet on stage floors.
23. Takes me back to my younger days when I was taught that the most desirable thing in life is not a perfect dancer’s body or pristine balance or true love but rather perfectly calloused feet.
24. Wow there’s so much going on OH MY GOD I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO LOOK
25. Why you thought you think you saw you thought you think I’M GOING CRAZY AREN’T I
26. Their costumes looks so comfy!
27. I mean, relatively speaking.
28. Bodysuits can only be considered comfortable to a select part of the population.
…………
29. Oh sorry I just lost all thoughts during that section.
30. I am being hypnotized aren’t I?

boston ballet tickets; william forsythe artifact

Photo by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy of Boston Ballet

31. I haven’t seen high jumps like this since the Nutcracker Russians!
32. If you don’t incorporate syncopated clapping is it really a contemporary dance?
33. This might be the biggest ensemble piece I’ve seen on this stage to date.
34. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when some of these dancers receive their costume assignments.
35. It’s a pas de deux x2!
36. Like a double date!
37. SCENE CHANGE these transitions are so seamless it’s creepy!
38. How did we get down to one couple?
39. Ok I’m picking up on some political undertones.
40. It’s Trump’s America and we’re so confused and can’t keep up and don’t know where to look.
41. Don’t quote me on that one.
42. Women versus men democrats versus republicans?
43. I guarantee this work is unlike anything else these ballerinas have ever been asked to do.
44. Must confirm after show, is “ballerina” a degrading and/or anti-feminist term?
45. I know I know you know I know this is like a high school gossip sesh.
46. This PIANO I’m feeling La La Land right now!
47. SASS is it just me or did this just take a turn for sultry?
48. It’s the three Russians from The Nutcracker!
49. Also don’t quote me on that note to self check program books to confirm.
50. Ok there is definitely a political theme going on here right?
51. I. Am. Mesmerized.
52. I just let out a deep breath I didn’t even realize I was holding.

Like a fleeting summer romance, Artifact had the quickest of runtimes and unfortunately wrapped up last week. But it’s not your last chance to see a Forsythe piece–Boston Ballet kicked off a five-year partnership with the choreographer, so there’s more of where this came from. The improv, the purposeful unfinished production, this was unlike anything I’ve ever seen from this company.

In the meantime, save the date for the premiere of Boston Ballet’s Kylián/Wings of Wax, which kicks off March 23! Assuming my ridiculous commentary hasn’t gotten me banned from The Opera House, you know I’ll be back.

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March Edit

March 7, 2017 by Emily 3 Comments

Can you believe we are Marching into spring so quickly?!

Can you believe how lame my dad jokes are?!

Oh we have so much to chat about. 2017 is in full swing y’all and I have been busying myself with traveling, letter writing {whattup Liz, Ed, Joey K the Third}, commuting from the suburbs {3 weeks down, ??? to go}, and ~~Uber~~ Lyfting between all of the fun new places in town!

Here’s what I’ve been doing, buying, and craving this quarter::

Pop-Up Makery at The Street // What do you get when you mix 10+ boss ladies with an empty retail space in a super creative city? Meet the Makery.

This endeavor deserves a post of its own, but I want to get you in here as soon as possible! Staying true to form, The Street has launched another pop-up:: “an event-driven space devoted to interactive classes and workshops, led by six of Boston’s most creative and locally grown brands: Alice’s Table, The Paint Bar, The Third Piece, Sip & Script, Niche and Artists for Humanity.“

All those flower classes I’ve chatted your ear off about? All those paint-night date-nights you hear about? All those Pinteresty projects you wish you had someone to hold your hand through? They’re all here. Knitting, calligraphy, cartooning—check out the schedule and I dare you to find one workshop you couldn’t love. Almost 20 classes alone this month!

– – – – – – – – – –

Boutique Fitness // This feels like a bit of a joke to write about now, in which I haven’t broken a sweat in about ~~three~~ four weeks, BUT—believe it or not—I was doing well in the resolutions department for a hot second. In addition to (305) Fitness, I’ve also burned some calories at Xtend Barre and Recycle Studio recently, with a little push from my friends at Bumble BFF.

In typical Newbury Street fashion, these studios are c-h-i-c. Light and bright makes me a lot more motivated that some certain club-like workout environments, I have to say. My Xtend class burned like hell, but was SHOCKINGLY enjoyable, especially for this former dancer.

Recycle was easily the most fun spin class I’ve been to. Maybe it helped that I had Jenna by my side, but I walked out of there feeling more confident than after any other class I’ve taken in Boston. They also have a location in the South End if you prefer to not get caught walking down Newbury Street dripping in sweat.

– – – – – – – – – –

Sephora Faneuil Hall // Wowowow. This Sephora. We’re not in the Pru anymore honey! It just popped up on the edge of Faneuil Hall and is making a statement for. sure. If you’re not visiting for the cosmetics, visit for the crazy contemporary architecture that pops like a bold red lip against historic Quincy Market.

– – – – – – – – – –

Keds x Rifle Paper Co // If you know me, you know that this needs no further explanation. My pair arrived last night. Shop the whole collection right here::

– – – – – – – – – –

Your Voice // Make it heard.

I told you I’d keep this blog light, but I also told you we need to keep up the momentum. I’ve commended bloggers like Julia and Mackenzie for using their platforms to welcome important and necessary discussions, given everything our country has witnessed over the last few months. This is my monthly reminder to, please, stay informed and stay active. Have you called or written to your senators yet? I’ve left my name on a lottttt of voicemails over the past couple months, but if you prefer to write it down, do it!

Two beaut Boston ladies—Madeline & Lindsey—launched Joy Street & Co. after the Women’s March, and I recommend heading over there so you can grab yourself some March Mail:: Each pack contains two postcards, one to keep & a second pre-postmarked and addressed to one of your senators {based on your billing address}. Half the work has been done for you—what excuse do you have left? Time to speak up errbody.

And I’ll leave it at that xx

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You Blue Me Away:: A Weekend on Plum Island with Lark Hotels

February 21, 2017 by Emily 4 Comments

I’m dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on this post in the wake of a Hawaiian vacation. While I don’t discount the incredible time we had on said exotic escape {I can’t wait to tell you more about it later!}, relooking at my photos from a weekend in Newburyport, Massachusetts reminds me that you don’t have to go very far at all to have an I’ll-remember-it-forever kind of getaway.

I was lucky enough to spend a chilly but beautiful winter weekend in one of my favorites towns at Lark Hotels’ Blue – Inn on the Beach with a darling group of bloggers, photographers, writers, and creatives last month. Being surrounded by such inspiring and creative women in the serene setting of Blue and its accompanying beach was pure bliss. January wasn’t a walk in the park, but for better or worse, I quite instantly forgot about the crap weather and crap government and crap alternative facts upon my arrival.

Sorry! Back to the point.

If you aren’t familiar with Lark Hotels already, I’d like to change that. These little buds of boutique hotels are popping up all around New England, and they are far from your mother’s bed-and-breakfast. Each has the most subtle of a theme, and to say Director of Design Rachel Reider has done an incredible job of bringing them to life would be a gross understatement. I’ve been wanting to visit a property based on design alone ever since I read about my friend Kate’s trip to Gilded in Newport.

Blue is a serene escape on Plum Island—less than an hour from Boston—sitting right up against the Atlantic. In all my 28 years, I’ve never been more motivated to wake up for a sunset. Its interiors are equally as tranquil—everything you’d want in an oceanside abode, without bordering overdone. No anchors or garish nautical motifs here.

And the food! Oh we were treated to some of the best meals {and snacks!} I’ve enjoyed in ages, including a dinner by Justin Perdue, Executive Chef for Lark Hotels. Whether you choose to stay in one of these sweet retreats or not, you should make a point to try one of Chef Perdue’s restaurants, like Pig + Poet in Camden, Maine, or Picnic Social in Stowe, Vermont.

While Blue isn’t home to its own on-site restaurant, Newburyport’s downtown is less than a 10-minute drive over the bridge, and I’ve chatted about a couple of my favorite NBPT eateries before. Now add The Paddle Inn to that list; I loved its coastal-inspired menu and awesome staff so much that I dragged MJF back for brunch the morning he picked me up post-stay.

Speaking of eats, I felt like I was in the presence of greatness all weekend alongside some of the Yankee magazine team. We spent Saturday learning how to curate the perfect New England party spread with Senior Food Editor Amy Traverso {I totally fangirled} and food stylist Krissy O’Shea. All of the treats you see photographed here were winners of Yankee’s Editors’ Choice Food Awards. I’m still dreaming about York Hill Farm‘s chévre.

While so much of New England is seasonal {or so they say–I’ve been known to brave blizzards for Nantucket jaunts}, Plum Island is an island for all seasons. Whether I was cozied up with a breakfast basket in front of my fireplace, taking a winter beach walk with Gabi & Gabby, or soaking in the views from the Blue Suite over some wine and ~~politics~~ girl talk, I couldn’t have pictured a more perfect place for a January staycation. You want to beat the winter blues? You need a stay at Blue.

[ Blue – The Inn on the Beach ]
20 Fordham Way
Plum Island, Massachusetts
978.463.6128
click here to book

See more of our weekend away on Instagram:: #OnALarkWithYankee

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Full disclosure: I was provided a complimentary stay at Blue by Lark Hotels. All opinions and images are my own.

Under the Printed Palms

February 10, 2017 by Emily 2 Comments

Banana Leaf Tapestry

I’m afraid to even type this, as Mother Nature hasn’t always been the kindest to us when it comes to travel. But if all goes well, this super lucky, grateful duck is headed to Hawaii this weekend!

It feels like it’s been forever since I packed for a warm-weather holiday. A destination wedding almost two years ago was probably the last time I got to pull out the tropical prints {for a vacation, that is; my day-job uniform is another story}.

Now I don’t want to know if it’s tacky to wear palm-printed pieces in the land of palm trees, so don’t tell me if that’s the case. Because I have been undeniably ob-sessed with the leafy look lately, in every category–from palm print wallpaper to watches and daybooks to dresses.

So here are some pieces I’m dreaming of filling my suitcase & girl-pad with::

{Click the images to shop!}

Whatcha think? Into it or too literal?

I’m {hopefully} off for the week, but me sure to follow along my #jetsetchicd travels on Instagram!

PS! Want to spread some real love this Valentine’s Day? Bon Me is holding a food drive at all of their locations {truck included!} to benefit Rosie’s Place. Between now and February 13, you can do your part by donating any of the following foods to your closest Bon Me. You know you’re stopping by for that disgustingly good sandwich {hold the cilantro} anyway, why not

Acceptable donation items:
Canned fruit (no added sugars), Canned vegetables (low sodium), Canned soups, stews, sauces (low sodium), Canned tuna and chicken in water, Dry beans, Peanut butter, Brown rice, Whole wheat pasta, Oatmeal packets, Cereal (corn flakes, Cheerios, Special K, Raisin Bran), Granola, 100% juice, Shelf-stable milk.

You’re the best, sweethearts! Catch ya in a week or two xx

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Make Sweat Sexy with ((305)) Fitness

February 3, 2017 by Emily 2 Comments

I’ve been hashtag blessed to have gotten to sample a number of fancy fitness classes around the city recently {whattup Recycle + XTend Barre–chattin’ about you two soon too!}. They’ve all done a swell job of kicking my Girl-Scout-cookie-induced bum, but the most insane of all was ((305)) Fitness. WOWZA.

In sticking with the I-don’t-actually-know-how-to-review-art-or-fitness tradition, I figure I’ll just tell ya what went down at my 305 Fitness Boston class last month. I believe they call this, stream of consciousness.

Have somewhat successfully maneuvered my way through David Barton aka most intimidating gym EVER. Am in group fitness room. No turning back now.
I mean, how hard can it be? It’s like a dance class right? I’m sure I’ve done worse.
HEY OMG NORA!
I used to dance with her in college. Were we on the same level? Apparently she’s a regular here but if she can do it I can do it?(????)
Bloggers spotted. The number of people I know here is rising and so is my blood pressure.
Holy hell there’s a reporter approaching don’t say anything embarrassing don’t say anything embarrassing.
Chainsmokers is playing and this song gives me life I needed that boost of undeserved confidence.
There’s {founder} Sadie ohmygawd she is sofa king FIT.
“Who’s new here?” So PROUD to raise my hand they take it easier on you when you’re new.
At least that’s what I’ve heard?
SADIE KNOWS MY NAME I have never felt such celeb status.
No wait that def means she’s going to call me out once this mayhem starts.
I’m going to start in the front line not because I’m confident but because I can’t see and absolutely refuse to wear contacts.
HERE WE GO.
“This is not a dance class this is a party” is never a good sign to us un-athletic beings.
NO WATER BREAKS?!
12 seconds in and I’m sweating.
44 seconds in and I’m going to puke.
What did I eat before this?
Generate escape plan.
SHE MOVES SO FAST.
WHO ARE THESE TALENTED ATHLETIC SASSY BEAUTIFUL ROBOT PEOPLE.
Oh god a f*cking photographer is approaching.
“Pick a partner and face them.”
Kristina and I literally cannot even coordinate high kicks without hitting each other.
I’ve never been so grateful for slow hip rolls and booty pops.
This male dancer has the best high kick I’VE EVER SEEN.
Name that movie.
He’s doing a split.
A SPLIT.
Do I have to do anything tomorrow that requires moving?
Can you call out sick on account of an exercise hangover?
Water breaks do exist!!!
“Switch places.” But I’ve slowly made my way from the front to the middle already….
Front to back back to front middle stays in the middle right?
Chair pose oh good I’ve been doing yoga I got this.
She says we’re almost done!! I really got this!!
Oh. She meant with that section.
They have light-up sneakers if that isn’t goals I don’t know what is.
Just realized I’m not even following the choreography anymore I’m one-hundred percent just jumping around to the beat to stay afloat but at least I have musicality going for me?
Shit Sadie is coming near me GIVE IT YOUR ALL EMILY.
I’VE HAD THIS MUCH ENERGY THE WHOLE TIME GIRLFRIEND I SWEAR.
I don’t want to say Sadie’s a monster because that implies malicious intent and not a robot because no robot can roll their hips so sexily but she cannot possibly be human.
SHE IS QUEEN.
I’M STILL ALIVE dontpukedontpukedontpuke.
I’m coming back tomorrow.

Epilogue

Whew ok let’s get out of here.
Shoot. Combo isn’t working. I swear this is where my locker was?
This looks a little different I must be in the room on the other side of the showers.
This doesn’t look right either.
A MAN A MAN A MAN I’M ABSOLUTELY IN THE MENS LOCKER ROOM.
WHERE’S THE EXIT TO THIS BUILDING?!?!?
I now am never able to return to David Barton Gym.

Fortunately for me, 305 Fitness Boston has actually just moved to its new home(s)! You can take weekday classes at BFX Studio in Copley Square, and The Z Spot in the South End on weekends.

No joke this was absolutely the hardest fitness class I’ve ever been to but ho-ly goodness was it fun. And talk about a #girlboss of a founder {she did so while still in college!!}.

You do NOT need dance training to have a blast in this class. Just be prepared for some wicked cahdio kid![ follow along love! instagram | twitter | rss | bloglovin ]

Full disclosure: I received a complimentary ((305)) Fitness class pass for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are my own and HELL YES am I going back on my own dime.

Seas the Day

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Splashing into Spring

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Swimwear & Skincare

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by CHLOE Boston

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Bake Your Own Luck

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52 Thoughts I Had While Watching Boston Ballet’s Artifact

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March Edit

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You Blue Me Away:: A Weekend on Plum Island with Lark Hotels

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Under the Printed Palms

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Make Sweat Sexy with ((305)) Fitness

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