Thursday, July 28, 2011

Cowboy Boots Part II


If you read this post , then you know I invested in my first pair of cowboy boots last year. Needless to say, it's a year later and I still love them. They really are my shoe of choice for most occasions, although for summer they take a back seat and my Jack Rogers take over. Well, fall is right around the corner and I am once again going to invest in a pair of cowboy boots. This time, I am thinking about a more fashionable boot rather than a classic cowboy boot which is what I already have.
I love these boots. What do you think? They are Laredo brand (I'm not so well-versed in cowboy boot brands, so is this a good brand?) They aren't too pricey- just around $150 and they look like they would be perfect under jeans or with a sundress. Should I take the plunge on cowboy boot round two? Let me know! I need everyone's opinions! Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Eloise Tea




Yesterday I was wishing I could have attended the Eloise Tea event at the Plaza Hotel's Eloise Boutique and tea room. It sounds like such a lovely event for children and adults!
Look how adorable this tea room is! Guests are instructed by Lisa Richey. author and etiquette expert. Once they are instructed about everything tea-related, guests move into the Palm Court and have tea! Has anyone attended any of these events? The last one is on August 1! It is definitely an event that isn't to be missed-- especially if you are in NYC!
cCm and I loved visiting the Eloise boutique when we took a trip to NYC last summer! We wish we could have gone back this year!
The Eloise flag outside of the Plaza Hotel is such a cute touch! It's truly a luxury hotel perfect for adults and for children. I especially love the Eloise series and Home Alone 2, which has many scenes in the Plaza Hotel! Have you visited the Plaza before? Do you love Eloise as much as I do?! Are you attending or have you attended the Eloise tea event? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Monday, July 25, 2011

Penfield


I've got the "F" word on my mind again... no, no, no, not that "F" word! But really, fall shopping starts... now. I know, I know, I cringe at that word too--but there comes a point where you need to stop buying for summer because you are at full capacity. You'd think the smart idea would be to just stop shopping for a few weeks or maybe even a month or two...nahhh. So, I've moved on and embraced my prep for the fall. This is where Penfield comes in. I did a post on their Anzaks a while back, and low and behold, I have come back for more.
My first victim is the Women's Rider. Very reasonably priced at $140 (on sale too!). Penfield was kind enough to loan me some samples so I could assess the quality/fit, etc. of their items and for quality I give them an A+ in all aspects. The Rider is comparable to the Barbour Liddesdale but for less than half price. I would go as far to say that Penfield is even nicer than Barbour quality-wise, and that's really saying something considering that the Penfield coat is less than half the price!
 All of the jackets have a square of leather stitched on the arm with a stamped bear which just happens to be their logo. How cute! I don't like obnoxious logos on my clothing and this one is very understated. This jacket is the heaviest one that they sent me. I would say it would be very appropriate for wearing through November in most climates, however, if you're further south you may even be able to wear it in the dead of winter with a heavy sweater. I picture myself in skinny jeans, riding boots, a RL oxford, and the Rider for the perfect fall ensemble.
The next item on my list is the Russel. It is your typical rain jacket/windbreaker. Great quality, lightweight and comes in versatile colors. In the picture above, I am wearing a small. They sent me smalls in all three jackets and to me, it seems as though these jackets run on the smaller size. When I place my order for fall, I will be ordering mediums because while the smalls fit, there is not enough wiggle room for sweaters.
Last but most definitely not least is the Walpole. I really can't decide which jacket I like the best. It's between the Rider and the Walpole but they're both just so perfect! The Walpole is a very lightweight waxed cotton jacket. I love the ruggedness of this jacket yet it is still fitted and figure flattering. For the sizing on this jacket, I would say it runs pretty true to size. This jacket would take you through October and maybe some warmer days in November, but definitely a lighter coat. The collar and cuffs are corduroy and then the entire inside of the jacket is lined with plaid fabric.
I had to get a close-up of the lining because the plaid is just the perfect fall plaid. You can even tell that this is a quality product because the strap that is sewn on to hang on a hook is made of leather. There is no detail left unnoticed on this jacket!

Have ou ever shopped Penfield? What are your favorite pieces? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Just Madras Christmas in July



  Don't forget to stop by Just Madras' Christmas in July sale! Everything is 25% off when you enter "Christmas" at checkout!!! This is a sale that you do NOT want to miss! I love Just Madras!!! (in the picture below, I'm wearing the Hilary Dress). It is SO perfect and fits like a glove. I love the sash that comes with it to accentuate your waist! I wore it on my 21st birthday, hence me holding a bottle of Jager!
Isn't the ruffle detail fabulous!?
I'm also OBSESSED with my Just Madras Alison clutch! I use it ALL the time and have even used it as a pocketbook because it is just so cute. Most things at Just Madras can be monogrammed which is another thing I love about JM! Everything is made in the USA!
So shop, shop, shop! If you do, let me know what you get!!! Happy shopping!
Yours,
sCe

Friday, July 22, 2011

I made it down the coast in 17 hours...


 Well... it doesn't take 17 hours, but you know how it goes... This girl is Georgia bound! Have a fabulous weekend!
Yours,
sCe

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Lilly BlackBerry Case!


I am a BlackBerry lady through and through. Although I don't love my BB, I don't do well on touch screens so I guess it will have to do. I think I will be liking my BB a lot better once I get my hands on a Lilly BlackBerry Pouch! How cute are these! And for $20 it is a steal! I am loving the entire fall 2011 accessory line... I especially wanted a thermal travel mug, however, it only holds 12 oz. and I can guarantee you that won't work for my coffee habit.
Since Lilly won't support my caffeine addiction, we're going to have to call in the big guys... So thank you, Tervis for supporting my habit and providing me with 24 oz. of heaven.
Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Eliza B. and Just Madras

First of all, a BIG thank you to everyone who suggested books! I am off to Barnes and Noble today to make some purchases!

I had no idea that Eliza B. made watch bands! I am now hooked. I want every single one! I love the above marlins one-- it kind of reminds me of Vineyard Vines prints!
I love this plaid print. SO fun to have around Christmas time! I am so happy I have two watch faces that I can change the straps on. If you don't have a watch that can do this-- I really suggest it. I favor my Brooks Brothers watch face over any other watch-- even some of my nicer watches!
I need this one! It reminds me of Eloise at the Plaza! So girly and will match with most of my wardrobe! Having a watch where you can change bands is fun because collecting watch bands makes for an inexpensive thing to collect! It's also really fun to buy a band whenever you're on a trip or vacation somewhere. I've done that several times now and each time I wear that particular band, it reminds me of the trip I was on!
I love this one! Pink and green and a little dash of red. The perfect preppy watch band for a preppy girl (or guy!)
 This screams fall! I can picture myself in a navy cable-knit with a white oxford and some corduroys with this watch band!
Do you have a watch with grosgrain bands? What's your favorite Eliza B. band?
 *Also, I just have to share you this news! Just Madras is having their Christmas in July sale  the 23, 24, and 25th! You get 25% off all merchandise when you enter "Christmas" at checkout!
I'm thinking that the Kimberly Silk Plaid dress just might have to make its' way into my closet... What do you think?!
Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

OOTD: Featuring Vintage Dooney and Bourke


Remember last year when I posted about Dooney and Bourke and how I have always envied my mothers vintage D&B bag. Well... bEw might be just be a keeper because when he came to visit, he came bearing gifts...
 I am now finally the owner of a vintage D&B! A big thank you to bEw!
And an OOTD. Brooks Brothers gingham button down, vintage belt from Bermuda, Ralph Lauren nantucket red shorts and stitched Sperrys.

On a side note, I need your help! I'm stocking up on good vacation books and would love some suggestions. I like girly, quick reads but also love myself some Harry Potter and political biographies and autobiographies! Also, if you have any must-see movies that are out on Red Box right now, I'd love suggestions on those too (it's a longggggggg drive)!!
Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Monday, July 18, 2011

The Belted Cow


I will admit, I am a loyal shopper to things made in the United States. Of course It's unavoidable to buy things from China and other countries, however, if I can get a product made in the United States, then I am more likely to purchase it.
The Belted Cow is a belt company that is located in Maine. The belts are manufactured right in Maine and couldn't be more perfect. After receiving my belt in the mail, I just knew that this company was worth blogging about.
Look how cute the tin is that the belt came in!
 They make ribbon products and each design on every ribbon is designed by an artist. When you are browsing the belts you can actually see which artist designed your belt and can read a bio on each one. These designs are fabulous and unique and the colors are so bright. The leather is thick and very high-quality along with the metal hardware.
I know Vineyard Vines makes a very similar styled belt, and I own several and have seen other companies versions as well. This makes the Vineyard Vines version look like the ugly step sister. The leather is so much thicker, the colors are so much brighter and the canvas backing is clearly nicer. Not to mention, the Belted Cow's prices are on average $5 or more less and you can even find some Belted Cow products on sale for around $30! This company has made it affordable to own not only a gorgeous belt, but truly, a piece of artwork.
at $45, this is perfect for any guy or gal and with so many designs to choose from, it's easy to find a design for anyone!
 My mom snapped this picture of me getting ready one day and I had my Belted Cow belt on. It was so hard to chose which one I wanted but I figured that this one was appropriate for all seasons!
I got the Derby Leather Tab Belt and am never looking back. How absolutely perfect is this company for any of your gifting needs. It's even already packaged up in the cute little tin, ready to give someone! Not to mention they have a million different options to choose from; there's a design for everyone! Have you ever heard of the Belted Cow? I am starting to think Mac needs a collar to match my belt... what do y'all think? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Friday, July 15, 2011

Organize!


I am an organization freak. There. I admit it.  Now that I will have my own townhouse this year, this Orvis desktop charging station seems perfect. I'm guessing that because it's Orvis that the quality is top notch. What better way to organize your electronics, keys, change, etc. This seems like a "manly" item but I think it is probably even more useful for women. If you're off to the gym, just grab your iPod out of it's dock and it will be charged and ready to go. Don't stow your keys away in your purse, put them on the docking station and you'll never lose your keys! Do you have a docking station to organize your electronics? How do you like it? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Tie Collectors Anonymous


I think my father may just have a problem...
 Two overloaded tie racks... those are just the ties, wait 'til you see the bowties...
Have a fabulous day!
Yours, 
sCe

Monday, July 11, 2011

Three Islands

I've been searching for the perfect swimsuit cover-up since I got home from school in early May. Every year, I find that finding the perfect cover-up is a long process. I am picky when it comes to cover-ups. It has to be plenty long enough to cover my behind, it has to offer enough coverage in case I want to hide from the sun and it also has to have enough coverage in case I need to wander into the clubhouse or into a store for a hot second. Not to mention, the fabric needs to be light enough to keep me cool but not too light that it's see-through. My last cover-up criteria? A reasonable price... I don't like to pay too much for a bathing suit because after soaking up a season's worth of sun, salt, sand, sweat, sunscreen, etc. it gets ruined. Enter Three Islands...

 Hello perfect tunic cover-up!
Teal blue with a white coral print did the trick for me and I was off to the club for some fun in the sun. I love the long-sleeves and I love how the model on the website has hers rolled up-- it looks effortlessly chic. Not only do they have tunic cover-ups but I am loving my new Kathleen Top! I have admitted before that I am obsessed with tunics. In the summer I love wearing white skinny jeans with tunics-- it's so great for almost any summer occasion. Three Islands has so many bright colors and fun prints to choose from.
I wore this Kathleen top out to dinner and drinks with my friends. It's such a flattering fit and definitely pairs perfectly with white denim. It was hot on the day that I wore this shirt (around 85 degrees) and I still wasn't overheated in the long sleeve construction, the fabric is nice and breezy.
 My next "victim" as we should call it will definitely be the long beach tunic. I'm thinking this will be perfect for tailgating when I get back to school paired with cowboy boots or Jack Rogers!
Don't you just love stumbling upon gorgeous clothing websites? I think I've made a hobby of it, but I am so glad I have! Have you ever shopped Three Islands? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Friday, July 8, 2011

Bedside


What's next to your bed? Happy weekend!
Yours,
sCe

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

4th of July Weekend


I had the best 4th of July weekend showing bEw around Pittsburgh. He's been many times before but I still love showing a "foreigner"around my favorite city.
We ate great food-- My parents made some great dinners (thanks mom and dad!) and we enjoyed some of my favorite local eats as well!
Me, bEw and cCm at the Le Mont on Grandview Avenue on Mt. Washington. It is the best restaurant in Pittsburgh and has the best view too! I loved my Candy Silk Print Bustier from J. McLaughlin so much that I knew I had to sport it again (a rarity in the Summer Wind world-- I don't like repeating outfits!). For anyone who is interested, it is currently on sale (a 4 letter word we fully embrace here at SW).
The Three Rivers Regatta just happened to have been going on and the Kenny Chesney Concert as well, so it was really neat to stand outside on a lookout and be able to hear Kenny and grab a drink at the bar and see all of the boats! If you are at all into Regatta's, it is well worth the trip to Pittsburgh. It is the largest inland regatta in the United States!
Daddy, Me and bEw enjoying the view... admittedly this picture was staged but I thought it would make a fun picture! I'm in love with  my dad's embroidered pants and bEw's pastel Brooks Brothers button down--Such well dressed gents!
I have a million pictures of the view from Mt. Washington and me posing with friends and other family from the lookouts, however, bEw and I had to get the requisite Mt. Washington pic!
How cute are my daddy and mom in this picture? The sunset was gorgeous that night! I'm in love with my mom's dress too-- my Grammie picked it out for her and it fits her perfectly!
And of course, the weekend wouldn't have been complete without showing bEw the Southside... limo style.
How were your 4th of July celebrations? Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

J. McLaughlin


If you haven't heard of J. McLaughlin, you are in for a real treat! Unfortunately there is not a J. McLaughlin store close to Pittsburgh, so while I am at home, online shopping is my choice, however, while at school, I'm close to three! One in Charlottesville, Richmond, and D.C.! J. McLaughlin is a one-stop shop for any prepster looking to update their wardrobe. High quality, well-made, gorgeous clothing in classic silhouettes is what you will find at J. McLaughlin.
J. McLaughlin

The other day I went to the club for Father's Day brunch and here is what I wore a la J. McLaughlin!
I wore the Bonnebell Ribbon Skirt in Palm Spring and I paired it with a white Ralph Lauren oxford button down, Jack Rogers and the J. McLaughlin Butterfly Bow headband. The skirt is shown on the website with the zipper in the front, so I thought I'd mix it up and wear it in the back (you can really wear it either way)!
There you can see the back with the zipper. I can't decide which way I like better but it's fun to be able to change it up!
There is also a dress version, the Joy Tube Ribbon Dress that I am currently lusting over and it just happens to be on sale!!! I have never seen grosgrain dresses or skirts constructed so beautifully. These are truly pieces of clothing that you will have in your closet forever. Definitely a preppy staple!
I was going out for dinner and drinks with a bunch of girlfriends and decided that the Candy Silk Print Bustier with white pants and coral bangles would be perfect for the occasion! The bustier is truly figure flattering and well designed for the best fit. It is all silk and fully lined and has a hidden zipper all the way down the back of the top. The bodice also has boning in it to give you a nice shape!
Candy Silk Bustier

This top is perfect with white bottoms, but I am thinking to extend the wear-time it would look gorgeous with black pants, black flats and a coral cardigan in post-Labor Day in September!

For the skirt and top, I wear a size 4, but I'm guessing even a size 2 would do because the 4's are a little roomy. I'm around 5'6" and the skirt and shirt are plenty long for my frame! What are you favorite J. McLaughlin pieces? What is on your wishlist? Also, before you shop, be sure to become a Facebook fan  because JM's Facebook fans get 10% off! I also follow J. McLaughlin on Twitter for the latest news (I can't wait to see what they will have for fall!!) Have a fabulous day!
Yours,
sCe
 

© Summer Wind Blog 2017 / site design by kiki and co. / disclosure