After a long summer of waiting, we are finally just a couple days away from a week on Martha’s Vineyard! Can’t wait to get back to the island where every day really does feel oh-so-good…
[ Pim + Larkin Tabitha Drop Waist Mini (sale!) | Anchored Down Ring | Harding-Lane Martha’s Vineyard Needlepoint Hat | Long Anchor Necklace (sale!) | Scalloped Underwire Bikini Top + Bottoms | Edgartown Lighthouse Charm Bangle | Market Tote | Metallic Sperry Top-Siders | Madeline Sunglasses ]
Have you all heard of Just Madras? I am prettyyyyy darn smitten with my new Skipper Dress from their sailor-sailor collection! Nautically-inspired and made in the USA, this line is right up my alley.
I first wore this dress to a recent bridal shower, but have thrown it on a number of times since then– SO soft and works for everything from running errands to dressing up for nicer events. I also l-o-v-e the seersucker and anchor-printed versions, and cannot stop thinking about the 3/4 sleeve style!
Skipper Dress c/o Just Madras | Belt, Zara [similar] | Piper Sunglasses c/o Warby Parker | Needlepoint Cuff, York Design Co. | Le Pliage Tote, Longchamp | Scarf, Lilly Pulitzer [similar] | Tennis Shoes, City Sneaks [similar]
[#tbt to my favorite H&M skirt. You’ve seen it here before. Probably more than once.]
All my Boston pals:: If you’ve stepped foot into the H&M on Newbury St. anytime over the last few months, then you know things have looked a little cray. But renovations are FINALLY complete, and this week it will celebrate it’s grand reopening– and you’re invited!
The newly expanded storefront now features a HOME section [#omg], and I am most excited to check this out because I may or may not be moving to a new apartment in a few weeks [more on that later!]. The Boston store is one of only four in the country currently carrying the home products, which makes it even more fun!
The grand reopening celebration will be held at the 100 Newbury St. location this Thursday, August 7th from 10am until noon. To celebrate, H&M is offering lots of day-of perks for shoppers::
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Selfie to Win:: The first fifteen customers in line to tweet / instagram a selfie with the hashtag #BostonLovesHMHome at the darling Kristen [@BosFashionista] will win a free outfit and one free H&M Home item, as well as early access to the store the morning of the event*.
Secret Password:: Tell the cashier the secret password [BostonLovesHMHome] for 20% off one home item*
Global Garment Recycling:: Help H&M kick off their global garment recycling program by donating unwanted pieces of clothing (from any brand) while in the store. Customers will receive a voucher for 15% off one item on their next purchase for each bag of donated clothing. Even better, customers who bring garments before the store opens at 10am will also have the chance to win H&M gift cards, valued between $50 and $100*.
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Who’s going to make it out?! I used to spend HOURS at this H&M with my roommates when I was in college, so I am counting the days to see the big unveil!
* Re-opening event on August 7th only – 100 Newbury Street location only
This weekend we are off to Saratoga Springs for a day at the races! Since, you know, I just CANNOT wait another nine months until the Derby.
[ Sweet Striped Shirt Dress | Collarless Boyfriend Blazer | Monogrammed Wide Straw Derby Hat | Fornash Enamel Gold Cup Bangle | Horse Studs | Pearl Twisted Hammock Necklace | Gold Kami T-Strap Wedges | Word to the Wise Bella Wristlet ]
Be sure to follow me on Instagram to keep up with the race fun + fashions!
I’m so excited to finally be able to share some photos from our Yacht City photoshoot with Boutikey!
For those of you who don’t know [ahem, missed my review], Boutikey is a fun new app that connects shoppers to local boutiques. How do you normally hear when your favorite independent stores are having sales or promotions? Maybe some have an email list… maybe some are active on social media… but 9 times out of 10 I know I won’t hear about that sale unless I walk in the doors. Until Boutikey came around, that is. Now I can follow all of my favorite boutiques on one social app– to hear when they’re having big sales, when they get new shipments in [+ what!], when they’re having special events, and more.
And if you don’t trust Boutikey to introduce you to some hidden Boston shopping gems, maybe you’ll trust some Boston fashion bloggers? A handful of us were paired up with local shops to highlight some of their best summer looks– mine comes from Mint Julep [already a favorite– lucky me!]. They have locations in Coolidge Corner + Harvard Square in Beantown, plus the Lower East Side and West Village if I’ve got an NYC readers here! Such pretty clothes–dresses especially–at a wide variety of price points, and accessories to BOOT.
[ With the darling Kelsey of Tickle Me Pink ]
[ And with the fab Katherine K-Tab of Style-Tab ]
[ credits ]
outfit:: Amanda Uprichard Dress, Straw Clutch, Starfish Earrings + Bracelet, all Mint Julep | Nude Paris Jaze d’Orsay Pumps, BCBG
hair & makeup:: Ashley Karlson Hair & Makeup Artistry
photography:: LT Photography | Lauren Matteo Niedbala
bloggers:: Allie Wears | Cuppajyo | Belle of the Bean | Boss & Tonic | The Boston Fashionista | City Tonic | Creatively Lu | Lo So Fancy | Mass Musings | Style Tab | Tickle Me Pink | Trendy on a Budget
boutiques:: Bobbles & Lace | Habit | Haven | Ku De Ta | | Mint Julep | The Orange Hanger | Pretty Reckless | Vamped
If you’re in Boston, be sure to download Boutikey on your smartphone [it’s free!], and if not, follow them on Twitter— they’re expanding to new cities very soon!
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post script. Last week to vote for shell chic’d in The Boston A-List awards!
post post script. We took Ubers all day during this photoshoot– to + from locations, hair + makeup, etc–talk about a godsend! Remember that today is the last day to enter the ideeli x Uber ultimate summer night out giveaway + snag $30 in Uber credits for ALL new users with code ShellChicd! Details here.
‘Tis the season for showers! Bridal + baby showers, that is. I have another this weekend, and–not gonna lie–I don’t hate having an excuse to doll up in some of my most fun sundresses.
This dress resembles a certain scalloped number [or two…] that I own, but comes at a MUCH prettier price. Now which color is the only question!
[ Candy Color Scallop Dress | Factory Map Scarf (map of Cape Cod!!) | Martha’s Vineyard Enamel Earrings (also Nantucket!) | Anchor Felt Clutch | Helen Striped Wedges (sale!) ]
Wishing you the brightest of weekends!
[my normal way-pale skin color, in case you’re curious from yesterday’s sunless tanning post 😉]
I work in the South End of Boston, so I consider it more of my Monday-Friday neighborhood and try to avoid it at most costs on weekends. But when the SoWa open market pops up every Sunday between May and October, I can’t resist making a few weekend trips there in the summertime. We like to grab brunch at South End Buttery, then meander the quaint little streets over to SoWa, before working up an appetite again so I can indulge in some food truck grub [constant battle between Roxy’s and Bon Me!].
Everyday Tunic Dress c/o Boden | Tortoise Sunglasses c/o Warby Parker | Belt, Vintage [similar 1; 2] | Via Limoni Bag, Kate Spade [similar] | Palma Sandals c/o Boden
Boden sent me this denim shift dress + majorly fun yellow sandals, and they ended up being the perfect pair for brunching//strolling//antiquing around the neighborhood. Both are those kinds of pieces that are so comfortable and versatile that I want to buy them in every color– ESPECIALLY the gold version of these sandals!
Boden is also quickly becoming one of my go-to brands– its British flair [#favorite] and reasonable prices are going to make for a handful of new additions to my wardrobe come fall, I just know it [eyes on this dress + this coat + this bag]. In the meantime though, be sure to check out their incredible clearance section. They are currently offering 15% off everything + free shipping over $50!
If you’ve ever looked at, like, a single photo of me on this blog, then you know I’m not exactly gifted in the not-looking-like-a-vampire department [still pissed I missed the casting call for Twilight: Breaking Dawn].
No but really, I am seriously pale, and for the most part, I’ve learned to love and embrace my fair skin! But of course with summertime comes a bajillion hot and tan bods walking around, with me in the middle, looking like a walking case of Vitamin D-deficiency. Thank you, SPF 75 for doing your job. And not letting in any bronze whatsoever [#sad].
We’ve all heard the awful statistics surrounding skin cancer + tanning beds, so like sHELL am I going to lay in one of those to get my summer tan on. So when Sunless, Inc. reached out to me to see if I’d be interested in trying out a spray tan, I jumped on the opportunity– this would be my first!
Let me tell you, I downright enjoyed the thing! I visited Boston’s Tan Works in the Financial District to try out a VersaSpa booth. Like a total newb, I had no idea what I was doing, but their tanning expert walked me through the few basic steps. The whole process, from undressing and prepping to walking out the door, took MAYBE ten minutes, but that actual spray tan was only a couple. I could not believe how easy + painless it was. And by painless I mean not as embarrassing as I pictured.
You have three choices for darkness levels– I went with Level 1, because honestly, would anyone even recognize me tanner than this? Here’s your disclaimer though: when I walked out, I was a little disappointed, thinking I could have afforded to go darker. But what I didn’t realize:: the tan darkens over the next few hours. When I woke up the next morning, it was the exact shade I was looking for.
[ Henrietta Dress + Shell Critter Wedges (similar 1; 2; 3;), Lilly Pulitzer ]
I’m on Day 5 of my tan, and while it has faded, I still definitely have a sunkissed glow. There are booths all over the country; click here to find one near you.
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[ GIVEAWAY ]
Win yourself a VersaSpa spray tan! Click HERE to enter through RaffleCopter. Giveaway runs until July 28 at 11:59pm EST. Open to US readers only.
Full disclosure: I was provided a complimentary VersaSpa tan for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
In case you haven’t been anywhere near the interwebs for a few days, Nordstrom‘s annual Anniversary Sale is going on NOW. This is their biggest sale of the year + the very best time to stock up on goodies for fall. A few days into it, a lot is already gone, but I’ve been keeping an eye on inventory, and here are some treasures still left!
[ under $50 ]
Kate Spade Bow Trouser Socks
Le Pavillion iPhone 5 Case
Play Hooky iPhone 5 Case
Branton Square Teardrop Stud Earrings
Knot End Hinged Cuff
Delilah Deer Pillow
Kate Spade ‘Places To Go’ Tidbit Plates
Rebecca Minkoff Nordy Girl Leather Pouch
[ under $100 ]
Polka Dot Keds
Moon & Lola Personalized Pendant
Crosley Radio Cruiser Turnable
[ under $200 ]
Michael Kors Large Jet Set Multifunction Travel Tote
Michael Kors Bailey Watch
Kate Spade Metrogrand Watch
Tory Burch Eloise Ballet Flat
Frye Artisan Foldover Crossbody Bag
[ under $250 ]
Kate Spade Lottie Pump
Longchamp Veau Foulonne Leather Shoulder Bag
MICHAEL Michael Kors Hayley Leather Boot
Have you picked up anything from the sale yet?
(pssst! It’s Monday– treat yoself.)
Happy Friday! Part of me feels like this week has been dragging for a month, the other feels like I was just putting together last weekend’s look… summer does that to you sometimes.
We are doing one of my favorite summer-in-New-England activities tomorrow– a Boston Harbor Cruise! Nothing gives you a better view of the Bean, and it’s not summer to me without at least one. Most likely going to be throwing one of these popovers in my tote in case it’s chilly on the water though…
Carrie Cami [40% off!] | 4″ Chino Shorts [40% off!] | Metallic Two-Eye Boat Shoe | Skipper Printed Popover | Sea Stripe Tote Bag |
And some SERIOUS sales going on too this weekend my friends…
Gap:: Extra 30% off sale with code EXTRA
J.Crew:: Extra 40% off final sale items with code SALE FUN
J.Crew Factory:: Extra 50% off clearance with code EXTRA50
Madewell:: 30% off select summer items
Nordstrom:: Anniversary Sale [biggest of the year] begins TODAY!
Old Navy:: 30% off for card members; 20% off for everyone else with code FASHION
Happy shopping xx
