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Nantucket in the Fall

November 5, 2015 by Emily 13 Comments

We’ve done it in 90 degrees. We’ve done it in a blizzard. And now, on a slightly more normal scale, we can say we’ve done Nantucket in the fall.

Yeah. While you all packed your bags and drove toward Western Mass foliage or the New Hampshire mountains, we hopped on a Hy-Line ferry for an autumn jaunt to ACK. And I kind-of-really-highly suggest you do too.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Nantucket in the Fall::

1 // Everything is on sale. Everything.
2 // The hotel rates are unbeatable– this is your chance to book where you may not necessarily be able to afford in high season. We stayed at the Jared Coffin House, but The White Elephant also comes highly recommended.
3 // NO. CROWDS. And the island really feels more like a community than a standing-room-only tourist destination. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that at least 70 percent of our fellow ferry passengers knew each other.
4 // But, things are still open, at least downtown. Not every restaurant, not every store, but a good chunk of them– I didn’t pass one business that I felt like I was missing out on, and we had no shortage of options. Just be aware that as the fall goes on, less and less stay open 7 days a week; your best bet is visiting Friday-Sunday.
5 // Cisco Brewer’s Pumple Drunkin.
6 // The chilly temperatures outside mean there’s no reason to feel guilty about cozying up for a flick in the Starlight Theatre instead of making it a beach day.
7 // Christmas Stroll! The first full weekend of December marks this Nantucket tradition, when most of the seasonal stores and restaurants reopen for business.
8 // The red wine list at Nantucket Prime. I reserve reds for October through February only.
9 // To support a small seasonal community.
10 // You can take photos of all the bourgeois’ immaculate summer homes and not feel like a total creep since they all left the island on Labor Day.

As far as I’m concerned, the only negative was no hydrangeas in bloom. But I guess it’s not fair to consider that a deal breaker.

Click each photo for links to their respective restaurants and lodging!

[ destination:: nantucket, massachusetts ]

who:: Hubs + I, and we also met up with my sweet friend Lindsay— an ACK resident and total expert. Hit her up for anything I haven’t answered!
what:: Wander the cobblestone streets and take advantage of how–for once–quiet they are. Shop the sales. Meet the store owners and chat with the locals– I can’t tell you what fun conversations we had all weekend. Stroll Old South Wharf. Get your history fix [and warm up from the fall chill] at the Whaling Museum. Take a trip out to Barlett’s Farm [open all year ’round!]
when:: This is for FALL y’all. Specifically, consider coming for Columbus Day Weekend and Holiday Stroll in December.
where:: Stay at Jared Coffin House (cozy, romantic, historical) or The White Elephant (elegant resort atmosphere) | Brunch at Brant Point Grill (the French toast, please and thank you); lunch at Starlight Theatre & Cafe (catch a matinee here too!); dinner at Nantucket Prime (take advantage of their heated outdoor patio) | Shop at [CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR MY COMPLETE ACK SHOPPING GUIDE!]
wear:: GAP Navy Cable Knit Sweater | Jack Wills Eyelet Dress [similar] | Longchamp Le Pliage Tote | ALDO Brogues [similar]
click here for my Milly & Grace outfit!

You wouldn’t believe how easily you can get on island from Boston– just a quick ride over on the HyLine Fast Ferry. Trust me– it’s wonders what a day out of the city can do for you, especially as the cold sets in and the days turn dreary!

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[ for additional travel guides, click here! ]

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Full Disclosure: This trip was sponsored by Nantucket Island Resorts.
All opinions expressed are my own.

DD Fall Instameet + Introducing:: Pumpkin Macchiato

October 30, 2015 by Emily 5 Comments

I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.

What do you get when you mix pumpkin picking, a fall foliage drive, unpredictable weather, and Dunkin’ Donuts?

The most New England day everrrrr.

I had such an awesome time visiting Hanson’s Farm in Framingham, MA with the Dunkin Donuts team earlier this month for their first Instameet! Camera phones were up and at ’em as we explored the farm, took one of their regionally famous hayrides [which turn haunted at night!], and met with the DD culinary team to learn about their new fall beverages.

By now I’m sure a lot of you have heard about the new pumpkin macchiato, but have you tried this masterpiece? Bliss. Served hot or cold [I will drink iced coffee until December, at the earliest], it’s a layered espresso drink, made with steamed milk and pumpkin swirl, and topped with a double shot of freshly brewed espresso. Gimme gimme, gimme gimme more.

Since I tend to reject seasonal changes for as long as possible, you can bet I’ll be sipping on these for at least another month or so. Pumpkin season ain’t over yet guys, but get them while you can!

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Full disclosure: This trip was sponsored by Dunkin Donuts;
however, all opinions expressed are my own.

Cozied Up on Nantucket with Milly & Grace

October 28, 2015 by Emily 7 Comments

We just got back from the best little weekend jaunt to Nantucket thanks to some of my friends at NE Development, and I tell ya– taking even just one day off work and getting out of the city can do wonders for a fall slump.

I’m excited to share a fall-on-ACK travel and shopping guide with you soon [gotta get you prepped for Christmas Stroll!], but for now, a quick outfit from the weekend, featuring a new ruana (which I happen to be wearing wrong) (which I shouldn’t have admitted to you) from one of the most darling stores ~~on Nantucket~~ ever, Milly & Grace.

Milly & Grace is a confluence of owner Emily Ott Hollister’s two grandmothers’ styles– sassy Milly and sweet Grace. Anyone who knows me could walk in this store and see why it’s a place in which I feel right at home– preppy and feminine dresses, delicate but colorful jewelry, whimsical gifts and home accessories, and the prettiest displays and dressing rooms. It’s vintage-inspired, yet fresh and cheery.

Humble brag, but this ruana made me feel chic AF.

Be back with more Nantucket shopping guides next week…!

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40 Thoughts I Had While Watching Boston Ballet’s Mahler’s Third

October 27, 2015 by Emily 12 Comments

I had the pleasure of attending the dress rehearsal of Boston Ballet’s Third Symphony of Gustav Mahler, running through November 1st at the Boston Opera House. Approximately 12 seconds in, I knew that a) I was never going to want it to end, and b) I was never going to be able to give it the review it deserves. So rather, I ask you to read Jeffrey Gantz’s praise in The Boston Globe for a proper synopsis and take this, possibly the most academic review of a professional ballet performance e-v-e-r, with a grain of salt.

1. The theater is quite empty and I feel a bit like Hugh Grant in Notting Hill when he gets snuck into a press meeting per request of Julia Roberts.
2. Should I say shell chic’d or Horse & Hound if anyone asks?
3. I hate telling people “what publication I write for.” Like shell SHOCKED, ok?
4. Shoot I didn’t do my research ahead of time, what’s this ballet about?
5. Hi Smita!
6. You’d think that as someone who has danced for the last 22 years, I’d know a bit more about ballets beyond the realm of Sleeping Beauty-Swan Lake-Nutcracker.
7. Holy stage full of men.
8. Is it all men?
9. I’ve never seen men push up so gracefully.
10.Say men one more time.

11. So this is what it means to be sitting on the edge of your seat.
12. I cannot comprehend the extent of this physical strength.
13. And people think ballet is just tutus and reindeer.
14. They’re standing on their heads.
15. THEY’RE STANDING ON THEIR HEADS.
16. I’m supposed to be photographing and studying critically but my jaw is down and I can’t think about anything other than the fact that there are four men holding four men holding four additional men and they have to do this every night for the next for the next 12 nights and are they even breaking a sweat?
17. Anyone who has ever made a joke about men in tights has never seen these men in tights.
18. You can see the sweat splat every time they hit their chests. That’s dedication.

19. A female! She lives!
20. IT’S DUSTY BUTTON. We go way back. She assisted in a master class I took when I was 15. I’ve stalked her via social media ever since. Like I tried to add her to my Top 8 on MySpace.
21. Yes, Dusty Button is her real name.
22. I mean, as far as I know.
23. I wonder if we’re neighbors?
24. Her leg is longer than my entire body.

25. This “Summer” movement is a vision in pastels.
26. Seo Hye Han is an actual doll and I’d like her legs please.
27. They’re dancing in silence. Do you know how hard it is to dance in silence? I don’t mean around your bedroom in your underwear I mean in front of 2,500 people and you’re not even wearing underwear. Tights don’t count.

28. Where is that voice com–
29. Oh! A chorus!
30. And a soloist!
31. There’s something you don’t see in Swan Lake.
32. Have they been sitting there the whole time or…?

33. We’ve gone from sunflowers to death and back again.
34. I love simple but purposeful costuming.
35. Tutus are so overrated anyway.
36. “There will be no intermission during tonight’s performance” might be the 8 scariest words for a tired dancer to hear uttered.
37. Oh Lasha Khozashvili you exceptional man I do hope you get a good night’s sleep tonight.
38. I could see this performance 8 more times and always find something or someone new to watch.

39. THAT.
40. That was not your sister’s dance recital.

Boston Ballet’s Mahler’s Third Symphony is running until November 1st (coming up quickly!) at the Boston Opera House, and tickets can be purchased here! Do yourself a favor and don’t miss this– tickets start at just $35.

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October Edit

October 23, 2015 by Emily 5 Comments

I didn’t necessarily feel as though October arrived too soon, but now I’m definitely questioning how close we are to November…? Temperatures were sliced in HALF here over the last week, which is not cool, but here’s some things that are::*

ACK Off-Season // We’ve done Nantucket in the summer. Nantucket in the winter. This weekend, if ferry conditions allow, we’ll be experiencing Nantucket in the fall. In case you’re new here, I’m a huge fan of traveling off-season. Ski towns in the summer, beach towns in the winter. No crowds, better prices; the trips always feel like what weekend getaways should feel like– relaxing. We’ll report back after this one…!

Why Not Me? // I have to admit that, so far, I like Mindy Kaling’s first book just a teeeny tiny bit better [and I can’t put my figure on why! anyone else in this boat?], but this is still such a fun, easy, and oddly inspirational read. I feel like being awkward is the key to success in Hollywood these days. So I’ve got that going for me.

Kate Spade Home // Is it just me, or did Kate Spade’s home furniture collection just pop out of nowhere? [Apologies for not being one of those Fashion Week//Fancy Food Show//Home & Housewares attendees who might be able to give you a head’s up on these collections?] Well, obviously, everything is luscious and I could buy half of a new car for the price of this couch, but they sure are fun to lust over.

Living Proof Dry Shampoo // I’m not much of a product person, but one thing I rely on every few days is dry shampoo. The team at Living Proof sent me their brand new game-changer of a product, and it’s one of my favorites yet. As in, I actually purposely will avoid washing my hair knowing that I can spritz some of this on my roots (gross?). But it’s the first dry shampoo to absorb oil, sweat, and odor = triple threat.

Emily Jane Jewelry // When it seems like every major retailer and brand out there is doing something to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month (and good thing!), it can be overwhelming. But here’s a designer who I especially admire, for she’s donating ONE-HUNDRED percent of proceeds from this limited-edition cuff bracelet to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Let’s tone down the weirdness and get real for a second because I’m teary just typing this:: You can have something engraved on the inside using their “actual handwriting” technique “which allows us to duplicate words or phrases in someone’s exact handwriting.”

Metallic Flats // Ballet, d’orsay, loafers… I love them all. They can add an instant chic factor to even the laziest of lazy-day outfits. Currently crushing on these and these, which are on super sale.
*image via

Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Macchiato // I gave into the advertising. I tried one (iced). It was hea-ven y’all. #onlyavailableforalimitedtime #yolo

*edit:: One day in the middle of writing this. it went back up to 72 degrees. If you don’t like the weather in Boston, wait a minute.

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Hashtag Plaid Blanket Scarf

October 21, 2015 by Emily 9 Comments

Oh hey hi hello, it’s me wearing the same plaid blanket scarf as every other fashun blogger on the block. I have to assume that a) you’re either going to click out of this post right away because you can’t stand the site of one more Zara knockoff, or b) you’re going to go ahead and buy it because you can’t stand the thought of being the last person standing who still doesn’t own one. It’s actually trending on Instagram.

In other news, this dress costs 12 dollars.

Plaid Blanket Scarf [Marley Lilly is also selling a monogrammed version!] | SheInside Striped Leather Pocket Dress | Old Navy Denim Jacket | Vintage Coach Bag | LC Lauren Conrad Peep-Toe Booties [similar]

Honestly though, have we seen anything this basic since Rockstuds?

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Three Sales to Shop this Weekend

October 17, 2015 by Emily Leave a Comment

Not sure what’s gotten into the shopping gods, but a few of this blog’s favorite stores are offering some serious discounts this weekend! I’m giving you permission to justify these purchases if you claim you’re stocking up for the holiday season… if anyone asks, you’re shopping for gifts, decor to make your house presentable for holiday soirees, and your seasonal party dress. No additional questions, please.

Tuckernuck:: 20% off with code FRIENDSHIP

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Kate Spade New York:: 25% off with code INDULGE

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Anthropologie:: 20% off full-price apparel with code FALLFUN

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Geneva, Switzerland

October 16, 2015 by Emily 7 Comments

I’d like to formally nominate Geneva, Switzerland as the most underrated city in the Europe.

Stay with me here. What do you know about Geneva? I can’t even remember what I associated it with before we planned this trip. Lake Geneva? The Geneva Treaty? Watches? The Princess Diaries?* Maybe I’m just in the wrong circle of friends, but of all the people I know who have studied abroad or traveled overseas for pleasure, I can think of very few who have chosen to visit Switzerland at all, and if they did, it was almost always Interlaken.

We decided on somewhat of a whim to spend a night here, once we realized how close it was to Annecy. Probably the best decision of our entire trip… with a charming old town [which in looks is very similar to Paris actually!], a big ‘ol lake with actual [small, but there] sandy beaches and yachts, and a LIGHTHOUSE, I’m sure you can understand why I fell a little in love. Throw in some mountains for MJF and we had found our happy place.

*Ok, that was Genovia, you caught me.

We had even less of a plan in Geneva than we had in Paris or Annecy. A train in, a plane out, and a hotel booked, but beyond that we winged it. Here’s what I did gather for you::

If you’re looking at the above photos, you’re seeing either Old Town or Lake Geneva. Old Town, or Vieille Ville, overlooks the lake, and it’s this beautiful maze on a hill that you don’t even realize you’re climbing. Cafes, churches, shops, it’s got the whole Parisian charm thing going for it.

Within Old Town is Place du Bourg-de-Four, the famous town square. I’m sure their locals look at it as we look at Faneuil Hall now: touristy, but for a good reason. We stayed right next to it at the Hotel Longmalle, which I would normally consider a splurge, but first lesson of Switzerland:: everything is expensive here. I would have extended our trip for no reason other than a second night in this hotel; it reminded me of everything I love about the Fairmont Copley and has a petit déjeuneur to boot.

While we’re on the subject, the currency is the Swiss Franc (not a part of the European Union!), and the language in this part of the country, at least, is French.

Beyond exploring Old Town, my two favorite things were having a picnic on the lake ~~with some swans~~ and relaxing at the Bains des Paquis. I still cannot figure out what the American equivalent of this is, but if it exists I’m going to go out on a limb and guess it’s in Miami. Picture a jetty that reaches out to the middle of the lake, a lighthouse at the end, and a restaurant and Turkish baths on either side. Plus sunbathers everywhere; your typical European speedos, never mind that it was barely 60°. Oh and more swans. File this one under where-am-I-days too.

Yes, you should also get your history on and visit Sainte Pierre Cathedral and Palais des Nations.

Now go enjoy Geneva but don’t tell anyone about it– I kind of like knowing one of Europe’s best kept secrets 😉

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Annecy, France | la Venise des Alpes

October 15, 2015 by Emily 4 Comments

You know those BuzzFeed articles that give you serious wanderlust? The ones full of random little Harry Potter-esque-looking towns that you’ve never heard of and probably will never go to but that are fun to add to your “travel” Pinterest board anyway?

We did it. We checked one off our list.

Annecy is this adorable little mountain town situated in the French Alps, about a 4-hour train ride from Paris. Lying on Lake Annecy and scattered with canals, it’s no wonder why they call it “the Venice of the Alps.”

Jack Wills Shandon Navy White Check Dress | Vintage Coach Crossbody | Keds Champion Originals

If you’re up up buzzing around the country, I’d highly recommend spending a day or two here [it’s also only a 45-minute drive to Geneva– more on that tomorrow!] & seeing//eating//doing the following::

Stay at the Hotel Alexandra. Nothing over-the-top fancy, but right on one of the sweet canals and the perfect distance between Old Town and Lake Annecy. Their staff is on FLEEK if I can still say that.

Take a boat tour around the lake [boat tours in Paris felt touristy; boat tours in Annecy are necessary]. This was a DREAM. I kept looking around and laughing, seeing as we were in the middle of a crystal lake in majestic mountains on a Wednesday, no less, thinking where ARE we right now?

Kiss your hubby on the Pont des Amours. I don’t actually know the history of this Love Bridge, so let’s hope its name isn’t ironic.

Ice cream at Glacier des Alpes, and fondue everywhere else.

Park yourself at Les Caves du Chateau, a wine bar near the Musee Chateau . I hate the phrase “pinch me” [it’s up there with using #blessed un-ironically], but sitting on this terrace built into the mountains with a glass of rosé across from my new husband, I really did have a doggone pinch-me moment.

D’AWWW.

But truly, after the hustle and bustle [I’m 95, thanks] of Paris, it was so nice to spend a couple quiet days in a little mountain town. Give it a shot for the views and the cheese if nothing else.

Had ANY of you heard of Annecy before? I kind of want to check off the 9 other towns on this list now!

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Second Time Around Boston Happy Hours

October 14, 2015 by Emily 2 Comments

Interrupting Paris coverage to take you back to Boston for a hot second + let you know about another fun event this week!

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to Second Time Around Boston’s Fall Boutique Crawl last month! It was such a success that 2TA is going to continue hosting happy hour events all fall, the next being TOMORROW (Thursday 10.15.15) at all Newbury 2TA locations:: 176, 219, 324.

[ I have to give a special shout-out to 324 Newbury which I feel is the underdog of the street– Alex got a Kate Spade purse similar to this one (tag price $328) for $35. You do the math. ]

The kicker:: 20% off your entire purchase and 5% of all proceeds will be donated, as before, to Dress for Success.

Remember to tag 2TA on Instagram and hashtag #2TAHappyHours for chances to win!
176 Newbury (@2ta176newbury)
219 Newbury (@2ta219newbury)
324 Newbury (@2ta324newbury)

Happy shopping bettys!

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Full Disclosure: This post was created in collaboration with Second Time Around.
Thank you for supporting the brands that support shell chic’d!

Nantucket in the Fall

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DD Fall Instameet + Introducing:: Pumpkin Macchiato

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Cozied Up on Nantucket with Milly & Grace

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October Edit

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Geneva, Switzerland

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Annecy, France | la Venise des Alpes

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Second Time Around Boston Happy Hours

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