Life Archives - Page 15 of 32

Stories of Strength Update

July 28, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

Remember my embarrassing little vlog about my sweet mama’s strength? There’s still time to submit your own!

Actresses [and mother-daughter duo!] Andie MacDowell and Rainey Qualley have joined in the movement to share their Stories of Strength, and how each has influenced and inspired the other to be their absolute strongest. I particularly loved Rainey’s because it echoed so many of my thoughts about my own mother’s strength.

Remember to submit YOUR Story of Strength for a chance to win $250 [each week!]. Plus, each story shared means $1 will be donated by Tylenol to DoSomething.org, an organization that helps young people get involved in social change.

Full disclosure: I have received information and materials from McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., the makers of EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL®. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post.

Tidbits

July 24, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

I’m here to bother you on a Thursday!

The infamous Herringbone Vest is back and the temptation is very, very real. But alas, #shoppingban. So someone else scoop it up before it sells out again and you’re left regretful like me!

The VersaSpa giveaway is still kicking! Enter here to win yourself a totally safe spray tan [there are booths all over the country– not just Boston!].

What do you all think of the long-awaited Blake Lively lifestyle/e-commerce site now that it has launched? Check out Preserve here [I’m still deciding myself].

I gave BostInno a look inside my closet!

[that sounds creepier than I mean for it to sound.]

The Boston A-List voting is almost over– will you take a second to vote for shell chic’d as a notable fashion blog?

One more day friends– hang in there! xx

A Day by the Sea: Newburyport

June 30, 2014 by Emily 13 Comments

People often ask me what my favorite thing about living in Boston is. This may seem counterintuitive, but I absolutely love that I can enjoy the hustle & bustle of this crazy fun city, but as often as I want, I can escape it. New England is full of hidden gems of coastal towns, and we make is a priority to fit as many day trips as we can into the good-weather weekends.

Last weekend, the lovely ladies of New England Development sent BF and I on a mini trip to Newburyport, up on Massachusett’s North Shore. Less than an hour from Boston, it is perfect for an easy, quick little escape from the city. The town has plenty to offer to fill a day, and it was so hard for us to leave at the end of it!

I don’t know how I’m going to fit everything into one post [in fact, I won’t:: you can find Plum Island Lighthouse here, and a post on the darling Soak shop is coming soon!], so bear with me through this extensive photo diary!

Plum Island Coffee Roasters:: Fuel for the day!
Iced coconut coffee in Adirondak chairs overlooking the harbor. Please, I beg you, tell me something better than that. I could have sat here all morning! Such charm– you can tell this is a place that tourists know they’re supposed to flock to, but that locals know is truly the best.

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Riverside Yoga + Massage
I grew up with some yoga as a part of my dance training, but I can count the number of times I’ve been to an actual yoga class on one hand [let’s be real– two fingers]. But the Slow Flow session was such a relaxing, and yet fun, start to my morning, and co-owner/instructor Rebecca made me feel so comfortable.
Just recently opened, it’s a truly beautiful, calming space [check out this lighting y’all]. They’re currently offering new students 2 weeks of unlimited classes for $30– let’s see your neighborhood yoga studio beat that!

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Madox:: Time to shop!
But of course I couldn’t stay that yoga-calm forever– I had to get my shopping on. We stopped by Madox [their Newburyport location is brand new!], an awesome women’s boutique with incredible variety and a price point to boot [most expensive dress in the store right now is $80]. Outfits for just about any occasion, and TONS of accessories, shoes, bags, and jewelry to match.

For those of you too far out of town still drooling over this place, you can shop online! Madox is offering my readers 25% off their purchase with code LUVMAD from now until July 31st.

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M.K. Benatti Jewelers:: bling bling!
Owner Matt Khatib has been designing jewelry for over 20 years [he started learning with his grandfather!], and it shows. Yet M.K. Benatti is not your stiff, snooty old jewelry store– his jewelers really make you feel welcome and at ease. Forget that BF didn’t pick out my engagement ring there– they still cleaned it and showed us wedding bands to match [or customize!].

But this is not a store for diamonds only; Matt carries an overwhelming selection of beautiful, nautical pieces that completely encompass the style of Newburyport [not to mention my own!]. AND Cape Cod bracelets– number one on my wish list right now!

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Michael’s Harborside:: Lunch with a View
This was everything I love about my favorite hometown restaurant— the view, the atmosphere, the drinks– except with actual amazing food! I think it took us about half an hour to decide what to order, and I was thoroughly pleased with the decisions– White Sangria, Lobster Roll, and–no joke–the best Fish & Chips I think I’ve ever had.

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Best, best day, and the first of many, we’re sure.

[ travel summary ]
who:: anybody, errbody.
what:: I’m here to tell you about shopping, eating, & fitness, but I also recommend popping over to Plum Island [literally, minutes down the road] to see the lighthouse and beach.
when:: to take full advantage of all of the outdoor eating areas, I say why not visit in the warmer months? but absolutely adorable and doable any time of year.
where:: coffee at plum island coffee roasters | yoga (& a massage!) at riverside yoga | women’s shopping at madox | jewelry shopping at m.k. benatti | lunch/dinner at michael’s harborside. for a full list of other stores & restaurants (and their current promos & sales!), click here.
wear:: I wore Lilly Pulitzer, because, obviously.

What must you fit in during a day trip to Newburyport?

Full disclosure: I was provided a complimentary meal and yoga class for review; all opinions expressed are my own.

Plum Island Lighthouse

June 25, 2014 by Emily 12 Comments

Or, should we just call this, so many of my favorite things in one post?

Delia Shift Dress, Lilly Pulitzer | Piper Sunglasses c/o Warby Parker | Bracelets c/o Hollis Hayes | Gleeful White Sandals c/o White Mountain

1 // Lighthouses [#shocker]
I would like to disclose that I very, very rarely buy full-price Lilly Pulitzer [read my post on how to find Lilly for less here!]. But when I caught a glimpse of the upcoming Watch Out print [inspired by Watch Hill, Rhode Island] back in early spring, I started saving my pennies to snag this lighthouse-printed shift asap.

I wore it this past weekend on our trip to Newburyport [more on that coming soon!] and Plum Island, home of Plum Island Light//Newburyport Harbor Lighthouse. First built in 1788 and with the current tower dating back to 1898, this one’s another old sport. We didn’t happen to visit on a date in which the lighthouse was open to the public, but it will be from 1-4pm on a few select Sundays this year! More info here.

2 // Hollis Hayes Jewelry
I recently connected with Kristin O’Toole, designer behind the beauteous Hollis Hayes Jewelry, and I am so smitten with her darling work! These unique handmade bracelets are made of charms paired with semiprecious stones. With the 4th of July coming up, I went with a spin on red-white-and-blue and stacked her Coral with a starfish, White Howlite with an anchor, and Blue Larimer with an anchor.

Kristin is graciously offering my readers 25% off their purchase from today until July 5th with code 4thofJuly. Go give her some local love [she’s based in Boston!!] and grab yourself some stackable bracelets for the 4th! Anchors and starfish may be my things, but I LOVE the key and tree of life charms as well.

3 // Comfortable Shoes
No shoot Sherlock, who doesn’t love these? But in all honestly, this pair from White Mountain is you’re-walking-on-clouds comfortable. Also Alex is the one who got me into the idea of white sandals and like, where have I been? Everyone is all neutral and gold for summertime, but how fresh are these white babies?

Anywho, you can take 30% off ALL styles of White Mountain brand shoes with code Shell30 from now until July 15! And didya see the booties from last week? #swoon

What are you all loving lately?

Bridal Bliss at Chestnut Hill Square

June 13, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

Oh buoy I thought Chestnut Hill Square was the ultimate in shopping centers BEFORE we got engaged, but now that I’m seeing everything this center has to offer for a couple planning their wedding, I’m going to be making trips there weekly!

The CHS team sent future-Mr. and I on an afternoon around the square to get prepped/inspired for our big day, but before I tell you about that, let me get the attention of all brides + bridesmaids in the house:: GIVEAWAY ALERT!

Head on over to CHS’s Facebook page to Enter their Bridal Bliss Sweepstakes! From now until July 20th, you could win a $3,000 wedding prize package, including a Bachelorette Brunch at Brio Tuscan Grille, a one-month membership to Equinox, a $250 BHLDN gift card, Drybar blowouts for you + your bridesmaids, and so much more! Enter now!

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SoulCycle:: Sweating for the Wedding!
Not only are cycling classes at SoulCycle a great way to get in shape for the big day, but this was also such a fun thing for us to do together! BF is a marathoner and I’m a dancer, so our workouts don’t exactly overlap. It was fun to be in an environment where we were both beginners, and the energy in this room is insane! You can’t help but feel motivated to keep on peddling and raising that resistance.

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BHLDN: Bridal Dress + Accessory Shopping
Ok, so I wasn’t really going to go looking for my dress with the groom in tow, but this gave me a chance to browse around, and I definitely plan on making an appointment here for the real thing. Making him do a loop, though, was a fun way to get his initial reaction to certain styles 😉 Read my full take on BHLDN here [and forget the part back then about not being engaged(!!)]

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Seasons 52:: Flights & Flats
I already knew that Seasons 52’s Flights & Flats was a great deal [$15 for a tasting of three wines + one full glass of your favorite + a full-sized flatbread pizza!], and now we’re thinking that this could make for a great pre-reception cocktail-hour menu.

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Paper Source:: Wedding Stationary
We’re in save-the-date mode right now, and I had NO idea how many creative ideas there were out there to announce your wedding! We were planning on saving money with electronic save-the-dates, but Paper Source’s prices were so reasonable, that we’re reconsidering some unique little packages…

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Sweet:: Wedding Cupcake Tasting
From the beginning, I’ve been set on the idea of a small cake for display plus mini individual desserts for actual serving, and Sweet has convinced me that cupcakes really may be the best choice. Better yet, there’s no minimum, so we can get a variety of flavors, plus the exact number of gluten-free and vegan varieties we’ll need for our special-diet guests.

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Other fun things:: Sail Loft and Francesca’s for honeymoon shopping; Anthropologie for shower and wedding-day decor; and Drybar for all-things-hair [primp for engagement shoots, bachelorette party, or wedding-day ‘do if you’re getting married in the area!].

[ Chestnut Hill Square ]
[ 200 Boylston Street ]
[ Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 ]

Full disclosure: We were provided with a complimentary cycling class, meal, and cupcake tasting by Chestnut Hill Square for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Stories of Strength

June 9, 2014 by Emily 2 Comments

Alright alright, Mother’s Day has passed but we’re going to take a second to get real sappy here real quick.

I’ve partnered with TYLENOL® as a part of their Stories of Strength campaign. I’m sure many of you can relate when I say that one of my mama’s greatest joys and moments of pride in life comes from watching my brother and I be strong. Yet of course, we learned such strength from her. How is it that even on a mother’s toughest days, she always seems to be the strongest one in the room? For the sake of everyone else. Even when she isn’t feeling her best.

Stories of Strength is here to inspire young adults everywhere to honor the people in their lives who have given them strength, and share stories of how so. Now we all know I couldn’t possibly be more awkward behind a video camera, so cut me some slack, but here’s my story::

Tylenol Stories of Strength [shell chic’d] from Emily Geaman on Vimeo.

Now I encourage you:: if you’ve been so blessed as to experience a mother’s, a father’s, or anyone else’s strength, share it. Visit the TYLENOL® Facebook page at www.TylenolStoriesofStrength.com and share your story via video or photos and a few short sentences. Each story shared will support DoSomething.org, an organization that activates young people to be strong leaders for social change. You’ll also have a chance to win a weekly prizes– to take the strength passed on to you to do something that is important to you.

Who else is participating? You may recognize these two! Actress Andie MacDowell and daughter singer/actress Rainey Qualley are have shared their story as well.

There are moments in life that require extra strength– and when pain sets in, those are the times that Extra Strength TYLENOL® aims to be there. For 20 years, Extra Strength TYLENOL® has been the #1 doctor recommended brand of pain reliever. Extra Strength TYLENOL® is clinically proven to provide strong, fast pain relief.

The Writing Process Blog Tour

June 2, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

Happy June my pretties! What a day here in New England, huh?

I usually refrain from participating in blog tours [mostly due to the fact that putting them together is a big part of my day job and I need to draw the line somewhere], but my dear gal pal Alex tagged me in this one, and I’ve found reading everyone else’s process so interesting, that I figured I’d jump on too.

[1] What am I working on?
I’m not necessarily working on much specific content, but rather, making life plans out of which I hope some good content will come! I’d love to continue building shell chic’d into a style-meets-travel blog, and with summer upon us, it’s the best time for making travel plans that–first and foremost–we will enjoy in real life, but that will also provide something for me to share with you.

[2] How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I feel that there’s a certain stigma that surrounds the term “fashion blog,” and I try to not feed into it. I refer to this space as a [life]style blog– it’s in no way heck or form going to tell you what’s on the runway right now. Recap Fashion Week. Discuss $600 pairs of shoes, and most importantly, tell you what not to wear. This is my fashion diary. It documents how my personal style fits into my own lifestyle, and I hope, maybe, that there are a few of you out there who feel inspired enough by such to take something away from it. If not? Then good thing I write for myself!

[3] Why do I write what I do?
Sharing recent purchases, putting together outfits, reviewing local spas/salons/boutiques/cupcakeries… it may all sound so vapid and trivial on paper, but it’s hard for me to describe how therapeutic writing for this blog has been to me. I write about these things, people, companies that I love and want to support, and I write about them with the hope you may find that you love them as well.

[4] How does your writing process work?
Since about the day this little space was started, I’ve kept a running list of ideas for posts. I do try to stick to an editorial calendar, for my own type-a purposes, but that’s not to say that when I’m feeling extra inspired by something, I don’t stray from the schedule to make room for it.

I’m passing this along to a darling lady who’s been one of my good blog friends since my earliest days here– Jaime. Though if you do feel so inclined, please hop on and participate! I’m constantly interested in hearing why the rest of you bloggers write what you do and how you fell into this crazy blogging world 🙂

Happy Hour

May 27, 2014 by Emily Leave a Comment

There are a number of stereotypes that circle the Boston nightlife scene, but overall, I think it’s a pretty fun city to go out in. My favorite time to hit the town though? Call me a grandma, but it’s totally happy hour.

I love pieces that can take me from the office to the bar, and a chic tee + blazer are staples for such. I paired these with skinny jeans and flats during the work day, but then added some fun lace shorts and heels once 5pm hit.

[ outfit details ]
Boyfriend Blazer, thrifted [similar] | Striped Tee, Apt. 9 c/o Kohl’s | Lace Shorts, Lilly Pulitzer [similar] | Pearl Necklace, thrifted [similar] | Strappy Dress Heels, LC Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl’s

My favorite places to happy hour? The Charlesmark for cocktails | Tia’s and Boston Sail Loft for boozing by the water | Legal Harborside‘s roof deck for beautiful sights | and City Bar for drinks than can easily turn to dinner!

I hope all of you here on #DestinationSummer had a blast checking out greater Boston with me this week! Next stop? New York City!

Today I pass the torch off to Vera from Lady and the Blog— I’m SO excited to see the big apple through her eyes. Some of my best friends from college live in NYC, and I’m always looking for new areas of the city to explore when I go down to visit them. Enjoy the ride there you all!

This post is sponsored by Kohl’s as a part of their #DestinationSummer campaign. Thank you for supporting the brands that support shell chic’d!

The Boston Harbor

May 27, 2014 by Emily 6 Comments

You’ve probably heard of a little thing known as the Boston Harbor. The Boston Tea Party? The Boston Massacre? Yeah they all happened right about here. It’s an area rich with history, but it’s also my absolute favorite part of the city. I love grabbing a coffee + breakfast, doing the HarborWalk, and parking on one of the hundred benches to eat with a view of the boats coming in and out.

[ outfit details ]
Sailboat Skirt, LC Lauren Conrad c/o Kohl’s | Tee, Old Navy | Straw Tote Bag, Old Navy [similar] | Boat Shoes, Sperry Top-Sider

This entrance to the harbor’s marina is too fun with all of the buoys! Perfect place to sport this nautical LC Lauren Conrad skirt.

Some may not agree that the Waterfront area deserves to be called its own neighborhood, but it has a ton going for it! Folks will argue about the barriers as well, but I think of the Waterfront as anything along the North End side of the HarborWalk, until Fort Point and the beginning of Seaport.

[ neighborhood summary ]
who:: Anyone from you, yourself, + I, to a romantic walk along the water with a sig-other, to a big group of friends.
what:: Tons of tourist attractions [Boston Aquarium | Tea Party Museum | Whale Watches ], or just walk + enjoy the views without a plan.
when:: It is ch-ch-ch-CHILLY along the water when the weather ain’t so hot, so I tend to wait until spring + summer to embrace it.
where:: Brunch at Joe’s American | Lunch at The Barking Crab | Fancier dinner at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille. In the summertime, the Boston Harbor Hotel’s live music and outdoor movies projected on the big screen right over the harbor are not to be missed!
wear:: If you’re strolling the waterway at night, bundle up! That sea breeze is no joke.

This post is sponsored by Kohl’s as a part of their #DestinationSummer campaign. Thank you for supporting the brands that support shell chic’d!

#DestinationSummer

May 26, 2014 by Emily 7 Comments

First stop:: BOSTON

image via

I’ve teamed up with Kohl’s for their #DestinationSummer road trip across America, where they’ll be stopping on a different blog in a different city every couple days, and I am SO excited to be kicking it off in the Bean! Because, when have I ever not been jazzed to chat about Boston?

Throughout today + tomorrow, I’ll be sharing a couple of my fav Beantown neighborhoods, choice things to do in the city, and one special day-trip idea.

Let’s start the series in one of the underdog neighborhoods of Boston: The South End

I think one of the best things about the South End is the fact that it’s not a tourist destination [no offense touristas!], yet has so much character and is a BEAUTIFUL area to walk around on summer evenings. These were taken on one of the sweet little brownstone-lined streets on our way to dinner.

[ outfit details ]
No-Iron Striped Oxford Shirt, Chaps c/o Kohl’s | White Skirt, H&M [similar] | Tortoise Piper Sunglasses c/o Warby Parker | Eat Cake For Breakfast Tote, Kate Spade [similar] | Nude Pumps, BCBG [similar]

[ neighborhood summary ]
who:: Tons of restaurants + bars make it a great date night neighborhood. My fiance often meets me at my office on the edge of the South End, and we walk to the main-traffic streets [Washington, Shawmut, Tremont].
what:: EAT. The South End is foodie-central. It’s not so much a stroll + shop area, though there are a few hidden gems of specialty stores.
when:: #DestinationSummer of course!
where:: Asking me to pick a favorite South End restaurant is like asking me to pick a favorite child, but if I HAD to, then brunch at South End Buttery | lunch at The Gallows [Thurs-Sat] | dinner at Toro [be prepared for a line– they don’t take reservations!] | and drinks at The Beehive. Shop for amazing skincare products + makeup at Follain and vintage cookbooks + kitchenware at Farm & Fable.
wear:: It’s a pretty business casual-looking crowd in the South End. I’m usually coming from the office, so that’s easy for me. To make this outfit a little more fun and date-night appropriate, I untucked this oxford and tied it up for a flirty twist 🙂

Stay tuned for more glimpses of Boston later today + tomorrow, and in the meantime, check us out on Pinterest!

Stories of Strength Update

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Tidbits

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A Day by the Sea: Newburyport

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Plum Island Lighthouse

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Bridal Bliss at Chestnut Hill Square

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Stories of Strength

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The Writing Process Blog Tour

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Happy Hour

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The Boston Harbor

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#DestinationSummer

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