Life Archives - Page 18 of 32

Britt Ryan Holiday

November 20, 2013 by Emily 18 Comments

Bold prints. Classic shapes. Feminine details. Local brand. Does it really come as any surprise that I am thrilled to be working with Britt Ryan this season?!

I’ve partnered with Britt Ryan’s signature store, conveniently located here in Boston on Newbury, to show off some pieces from their stunning Madmen-inspired holiday collection. But first, in case you haven’t been in, I want to reveal how darling the boutique itself is. It’s pretty much like taking a step into my dream walk-in closet…

You all must know by now that I can’t resist a little black dress [I think they are the ultimate investment pieces; example a + b], so when store manager Christianna handed me this one with beaded details and a big ol’ bow, I swooned.

[ Draper Dress, $238 | Cream Cuff, $24 ]

pssst! And if you’ve got longer legs than me, it’s even more stunning!

I’ll be sharing more party-perfect looks from Britt Ryan this month + next, and if you’re not in the Boston area, don’t panic! Britt’s designs are sold in boutiques all across the US [click here for a full list], plus online at Tuckernuck [another favorite of mine!].

If you buy or order [anna@brittryan.com] from the Boston store, be sure to mention shell chic’d for 10% off your purchase! Holiday season is here you all—time to start stocking up on glittery essentials 🙂

[ Britt Ryan ]
[ 291 Newbury Street ]
[ Boston, MA ]
[ 857-284-7196 ]

Not Another Moment Lost to Seizures

November 11, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

Today’s outfit post is a little different. I questioned whether or not to share this at all, but I think it serves as a good reminder that behind every cookie-cutter glitter-dipped blog, there is a real person.

For the last 72 hours, I’ve been undergoing an ambulatory EEG, to record brain activity and attempt to shed some light on my epilepsy. I in no way am sharing this for pity, attention, sympathy, or anything of the sort. November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and I’m sharing this getup to spread the word.

Epilepsy affects 2+ million Americans, and 65 million people worldwide. There is no cure, as of yet. But we’re working on it.

I’ve mentioned my condition here before, and I won’t drone on it. But something quick you can do: Read this Seizure First Aid Guide. 1 in every 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime. If you witness one, you can make all the difference by following these simple few steps.

Thank you for letting me put this all out there today! In happier news, my sweet scarf [that was so cozy to cuddle up with this weekend] is from Shawlsmith London, and they are offering 25% off a scarf of your choice with code SSL25! Purple is the official color of the Epilepsy Foundation, so I have my eye on this one 🙂

Happy Monday, friends. Here’s to a great week!

Chain Mail Q&A

November 8, 2013 by Emily 5 Comments

pssst! Lilly Pulitzer’s birthday is Sunday! #HappyBirthdayLilly

I don’t usually participate in these jaunts, but Alex tagged me, and since I’d trust Alex with my life, imma fill it out.

1. Favorite flower?
I will always have a thing for red roses, but I just love buying myself a big ‘ol bunch of sunflowers at the Haymarket farmers’ market. Pink tulips aren’t half bad either.

2. Most and least organized space in your home?
Even though the surface gets messy, when you get to the drawers, my desk wins for most organized. Least=pantry.

3. What book have you read recently that really moved you?
I’m also reading I Am Malala, and it is incredible so far.

4. What dish are you most looking forward to at Thanksgiving dinner?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, and spiked cider.

5. How do you take your coffee?
A judge-worthy amount of cream & sugar. Maybe 1% milk if I have a moment of strength.

6. Thing you miss most about high school?
Homecoming Week. And I rarely even went to the actual football game.

7. Most memorable concert?
B. Spears 2003 with my best girl Kasey Marie. No joke.

8. Dots or stripes?
Stripes.

9. How do you unwind before bed?
To be frank, I go through my Instragram feed and moisturize with some Yes to Grapefruit lotion 🙂

I tag Georgina, Yi-chia, Lauren, and Elissa! Happy Friday friends!

Head of the Charles 2013

November 6, 2013 by Emily 18 Comments

One of my favorite fall traditions, aside from apple picking and trips to Salem, is heading over the river to Cambridge to watch the Head of the Charles Regatta. Whether or not you’re a fan of crew, there’s something for everyone on the race grounds.

I remember high school friends making the trek to Boston every October to participate in the Regatta. Even though I wasn’t a rower myself, I remember being so excited at the prospect of getting to go watch one day once I moved to Boston.

Brooks Brothers is a HOTC sponsor, and their two tents—one by the finish line and one by Harvard’s Weld Boathouse—are not to be missed for themed apparel and gifts!

[ activity summary ]
who:: Something for all ages; if you go with a group, be ok with splitting up!
what:: Watch the races; eat fried food, chowdah’ in a bread bowl, and Wild Bill’s root beer at the Weld Exhibition on the Cambridge side; shop for limited-edition goods at the Brooks Brothers and Sperry Top-Sider tents + others at the Rowing & Fitness Expo by the finish line on the Boston side.
when:: The penultimate full weekend of every October
where:: All up and down the Charles River, on both the Boston and Cambridge sides. I think it’s most fun to watch the races from the bridges! View a full map here.
wear:: Clothes comfortable for walking around + sitting in the grass; boat shoes or rain boots/Bean Boots if the conditions are muddy [they often are!]

Have you been to the regatta, or other boat races? What are your favorite things to take part in?

A Stroll Around Beacon Hill

October 30, 2013 by Emily 19 Comments

A few months ago, I was asked to participate in BostInno’s Fall Lookbook, and I’m so excited to finally be able to share all of the photos today! [ You can see the BostInno feature here. ]

I knew I wanted to share the classic style of one of my favorite Boston neighborhoods, Beacon Hill. I could spend hours in this corner of the city, anytime of year [it’s definitely the location of my dream home], but I especially adore it during the fall. The crowds have calmed down, and it’s beyond picturesque for strolling around, latte in hand.

My curls are courtesy of BeStyled in Chestnut Hill— read my review of the new blow dry salon here!

I think one of the ultimate outwear investments for New England gals is a good trench coat. They’re classic, and incredibly versatile. I love this London Fog one with its removable liner for extra cold days— it can take you from 65 degrees and drizzling to 30 degrees and snowing!

[ neighborhood summary ]
who:: There is a romantic feel to Beacon Hill, but it’s just as fun for girlfriend brunch-and-shopping dates, or strolling on your own.
what:: Lots of history [Nichols House Museum; Museum of African American History], shopping on Charles Street; coffee breaks in cafes, and Acorn Street— the most photographed street in America!
when:: Anytime of year, though crowded on summer weekends and slippery in the winter!
where:: Breakfast at The Paramount | Coffee at Cafe Vanille | Macarons at Beacon Hill Chocolates | Dinner at 75 Chestnut
wear:: Beacon Hill is chic. Rarely do I walk around this neighborhood and find folks underdressed. That being said, it is full of cobblestone streets and—obviously—hills, so avoid heels and other uncomfortable shoes!

bonus (in the spirit of this week!):: You aren’t a true Bostonian unless you can claim you’ve done Halloween in Beacon Hill… or at least stopped by for a glimpse of John Kerry greeting trick-or-treaters at his home in Louisburg Square 🙂

What are your favorite things about Beacon Hill?

Salem Weekend Trials

October 23, 2013 by Emily 22 Comments

Since I moved to Boston six falls ago, I don’t think I have let one Halloween season pass without taking a trip up to Salem. The ghost tours + costumes + witch shops + all are always a sight to see, but I’ve learned that the little town also has so much more to offer than tourist attractions. Sweet coffee shops, delicious cafes overflowing with fall beers and hot ciders, the Peabody Essex Museum, and quaint streets away from the crowds.

[ travel summary ]
who:: definitely visit with friends. preferably ones who do not get claustrophobic in crowds.
what:: the tours are so-so; I think it’s more fun to do the city at your own pace. do try to learn some history while you’re in town, though.
when:: october, of course. the earlier, the better, as the crowds increase the closer you get to halloween.
where:: eat at gulu-gulu cafe | sip pumpkin-flavored coffees at jaho | stay at the hawthorne hotel [pricy, but gives you the full salem experience]
wear:: orange, of course. + comfortable walking shoes!

Monday Inspiration

October 21, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

How Do You Like Them Apples?

October 16, 2013 by Emily Leave a Comment

And then we finally went apple picking and all of my fall dreams came true.

We tried Nashoba Winery this year, and despite the damp + overcast day and pretty picked-over trees, I had such a blast. At just about any orchard, when all else fails, you can at least sit down for an apple cider doughnut. But at Nashoba, when all else fails, you can have wine with that apple cider doughnut. #winning

[ travel summary ]
who:: small or large group of friends!
what:: apple picking, wine and beer tasting
when:: autumn
where:: nashoba valley winery | 100 wattaquadock hill road | bolton, ma 01740
wear: jeans + boots
[weather-proof ones; do not follow my example above!]

Camden, ME

October 9, 2013 by Emily 15 Comments

More Maine today!

To break up the five-hour drive from Bar Harbor back to Boston, we stopped in the sweet harbor-side town of Camden: home of Mount Battie, Penobscot Bay, Down East Magazine, and one of my best college friends!

The last time I visited Natasha in Camden, I was a fresh 21-year-old, and cared more about not standing out as a tourist in their locally-loved bars and finding a place that served food past 10pm than anything else. This time around, I was happy to be a tourist, and soak up everything else the locals love about the fun town they live in.

[ curtis island lighthouse ]
Sitting atop Curtis Island, this sweet lighthouse is only accessibly by boat, so unfortunately my only photos of it come from the Curtis Lighthouse Overlook. It was first constructed in 1835, and its green light has earned it the nickname of “The Jewel of Penobscot.” Also seems like something out of The Great Gatsby!

[ travel summary ]
who:: family fun in the summer; better for couples the rest of the year
what:: see where the mountains meet the sea; enjoy a quieter weekend away than you would get in ogunquit or kennebunkport; watch the lobster come in on the boats in the harbor, then eat it at the waterfront!
when:: it’s beautiful in the summer, but crowded. early fall is just as sweet, especially for the foliage.
where:: {updated june 2018} Whitehall by Lark Hotels is so gorgeous and authentically Maine it hurts.
wear:: It’s a casual town, but it does get cool! Think layers, and comfortable shoes for walking the town’s slopes.

Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

October 2, 2013 by Emily 18 Comments

Last weekend, the BF and I celebrated his birthday by taking a quick weekend jaunt up the coast to Maine. We first landed in on Mount Desert Island, home of the adorable Bar Harbor and the glorious Acadia National Park [what irony that I had this post already scheduled for today! #shutdown].

Where better to experience fall foliage but New England? It’s a bit early down here, but since we were further North, we were able to catch some glimpses of changing leaves.

We hiked, drove along the water and up Cadillac Mountain, walked along Sand Beach, Southwest Harbor, and Bar Harbor itself. Ate lobstah, Rosalie’s Pizza, Ben & Bills sweets, and the most dee-lish breakfasts cooked at the Holland Inn right “downtown.” If you need a place to stay in the area, PLEASE call Evin at the inn. You will not regret it.

[ bass harbor head light ]
First lit in 1858, this lighthouse sits on the southeast corner of the island, and is now owned and operated by the US Coast Guard. Unfortunately, it is best viewed from the water, but somewhat nasty weather prevented us from a boat tour!

[ outfit details ]
Romper, Jack Wills | Necklace, J.Crew [similar] | Watch, Urban Outfitters | Bag, Matt & Nat [similar] | Flats, Kimchi Blue [similar 1; 2]

[ travel summary ]
who:: romantic getaway, family trip, or small group of friends
what:: hiking, breathtaking views, boat rides, new england culture
when:: fall [after labor day, but before the chill of mid- to late-october sets in]
where:: stay at the holland inn bed & breakfast
wear:: layers of active clothes for outdoor park activities; playful, casual romper [& a jacket!] in fall colors for strolling around town and dinner in bar harbor

Britt Ryan Holiday

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Not Another Moment Lost to Seizures

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Chain Mail Q&A

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Head of the Charles 2013

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A Stroll Around Beacon Hill

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Salem Weekend Trials

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Monday Inspiration

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How Do You Like Them Apples?

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Camden, ME

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Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park

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