It wouldn't be summer without walks to the docks to take outfit photos as the sun's golden light filters through the clouds. There are likely photos taken here for as many summers as I've been posting to this blog, and there is comfort in the familiar.
The sun will set in the same direction, I can hopefully get some of it's gleam shining on my hair. The water will be still, save for the gentle sway of the old wooden docks. I've been to marinas where everything is new and concrete and they are lacking in warmth and texture. Even though I have to be careful not to wear heels that could get caught between the wide gaps in the boards and carry around the tiniest sliver of fear that I could get thrown off balance and fall into the water, this is my spot. A view I've seen nearly every day of my entire life. I don't think it's possible to tire of it.
The Rundown Navy Eyelet Peplum Top J.Crew Factory similar White Wide Leg Cropped JeansGap SandalsNine West Caning Bucket BagTommy Bahamavia TJMaxx Gold Twist Hoop Earrings Thrifted similar Chain Necklace Thrifted similar Gold Circle Ring Thrifted SunglassesRay-Banvia TJMaxx
As you can likely tell by my woefully obvious farmer's tan, I haven't had too many beach days this summer, and most of my time in the sun has been on dog walks with my less than fashionable high neck, short sleeve Wag! tee.
While I've always considered myself lucky to live in a coastal town, the idea of paying $25 to park at a beach in my own state has always irked me. While I'm free to visit my own small town beach for the paltry fee of a $5 sticker every two years, that is not the case at my neighboring beaches. When I lived in Milford I thought about getting a beach sticker, but balked at the $150 price tag for the seasonal pass. Instead I just avoided the beaches I knew were strictly monitored and took my chances parking illegally.
A couple years ago Connecticut started charging an extra $10 vehicle registration fee to allow free parking at any state park, including several beaches. I thought this was wonderful. Other towns have been up in arms, upset at the influx of freeloading visitors. While I understand that beaches and their facilities need care and maintenance and lifeguards, it seems crazy to me that I shouldn't be able to enjoy a neighboring beach for free - especially when I just want to quickly snap a few photos.
On this evening I was in a very residential beach area, meaning homes blocked the water views, they were all private for those wealthy enough to afford a beach home. I walked along for about a half mile until I saw a spot between two homes that stated public access. Then I saw a private property sign. Not willing to give up my photo spot we snapped away while some people watched from their deck overlooking the water. I would have left if they'd said anything, but I was quick, and they were thankfully silent.
It seems crazy to me that the beaches in my state aren't free to all it's residents.
The Rundown Black Eyelet Lace Jumpsuit Banana Republicsimilar Fringe Straw BagMango Wedge Sandals Loft similar Straw Hoop EarringsLoft Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Cat Eye Sunglasses H&M Nail Color"Caviar Bar" Essie
I've had my eye on this raffia bag from Mango since March. I knew I didn't need it, I already have a similar shape bag, and the raffia seems delicate - something I felt I should take into consideration as last summer I had my macrame bag fall apart on me (a friend offered to try and repair it, but still no word on if it can be saved). Yet, when it was on sale with the potential for an extra 20% off, I thought what could be the harm in at least seeing it in person. Obviously the harm would be that I wasn't about to send it back!
I have no defense, my love of summer fashion holds strong, and what's one more bag, right?
The Rundown
White Eyelet Midi Dress Madewell similar Wedge Sandals Loft similar Raffia Half Moon BagMango Straw Hoop EarringsLoft Gold Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
While it may be the unpopular opinion, I don't love black. When I walk into a store, my eyes usually dart right past racks of black and on to colors, prints, and white - my favorite color. Even in my own closet, black gets lost. During the winter I often gravitate towards cozy greys, but in the summer I fall in love with bright colors again and again.
So what is with my sudden black love affair? I haven't even worn a single white dress this summer, and I'm on record having said that if my closet was nothing but white dresses I'd be perfectly happy. Perhaps it has to do with a saturation point - I really couldn't justify getting this jumpsuit in white, as I've already got piles of white eyelet in my closet. Black eyelet on the other hand was unexploited. Once I put it on, it just felt right. Simple, understated, freeing of worry that I might get coffee stains, loving how much less pronounced wrinkles became, and throwing caution to the wind that wearing black in the summer would make me hotter.
I'm by no means done with white, but I'm enjoying this little love affair with black.
The Rundown Black Eyelet Lace JumpsuitBanana Republic Ankle Strap SandalsTarget Black Straw Bag Zara similar Pearl Hoop Earrings Thrifted similar Bracelet The Cavernous Jewelry Box Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry
During one of my many visits to Banana Republic over the last month (yes, I have many weaknesses) I found these fabulous linen pants. They are a blend with a bit of stretch, but as you can see they do still fall victim to linen's greatest fault, excessive wrinkles.
As far as sizing goes, size down. Maybe even two sizes, as I found they stretched a bit after wearing. They also come in three lengths, as well as petite. I probably should have opted for petite or even the short length, but since I bought them in the store and decided when I tried them on that I liked them as they were, I stopped myself from ordering three other options 'just to see'.
The other new piece I'm sharing here is the pair of blue and white ceramic earrings. When I walked into one of my favorite thrift stores I was surprised to find a huge influx of jewelry. Apparently a shop went out of business and donated all their remaining inventory. After much deliberation, and talking myself out of pieces which felt very similar to things I already have, I left with two pairs of earrings, priced at $4 each. Hopefully I wont be tempted to go back for a third!
The Rundown White Eyelet Top"Heidi"Ella Moss via Coco's similar
Wide Leg Linen Cropped Pant Banana Republic White Mules"Bianca" Target similar Round Rattan Bag Etsy similar Ceramic Button Earrings Thriftedsimilar Thin Gold RingEtsyvia Ellyn Blue Jewelry Sunglasses "Meteor"Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx
I think this is the first time I've worn shorts all summer, which seems crazy - though I've definitely needed to wear pants a good deal more than I like. I think this cold shoulder cami is really adorable, and I'm happy a small popped back in stock so I was able to snatch it up! I never know with Old Navy, I've had a lot of misses, but every so often I can find a good piece that doesn't cost a ton. It also doesn't hurt when I've got Gap credit card rewards burning a hole in my pocket - they have facilitated quite a few purchases this summer, and at least they were mostly guilt free!
The Rundown White Ruffle CamiOld Navy Navy Eyelet Shorts J.Crew similar Jeweled Espadrille Sandal"Lemins" Dune London similar Straw Clutch Rodo Italy via Goodwill similar Panama Hat J.Crew Circle Drop Earrings Natasha via TJMaxx similar
