GO-TO TRAVEL STYLE

SHOP THE POST

If you were headed out for a weekend trip and could only pack a carry-on what would you fill it with? You'd stare at your closet, your shoes and handbags, and think which one of these pieces would work for the flight there, on and off the beach and maybe even out to a casual dinner. I thought about this when we went to Watch Hill/Newport for the day a couple of weeks ago and even though we were driving I wanted to wear one dress that would work for it all. I love this dress  and the brand that makes it have the loveliest patterns. If you're not into a super short dress (which I normally am not so its funny my last two posts have been short dresses) they have longer options in the same print here and love this white style here. 

XX

S

---

GET THE LOOK

---

---

---

MINI DRESS + MY NEW SUN ROUTINE

SHOP THE POST

STORY OF THIS DRESS: I posted this dress on one of my shopbop round ups last month and my sister in law bought it. I remember being on the fence and after just placing a big order for myself I decided to skip it. Whelp! Fast forward a couple of weeks when I saw her in town...I was with a client and we both looked at her and said we have to get this dress!! It was sold out on shopbop (just popped back up in one size) but I found it here in all sizes and on sale. I will warn you (if you can't tell by the pics hehe) it is short. My rule for short dresses is as long as they have a sleeve and don't show cleavage its OK. This dress would also be great when you step off the beach to have lunch or shop and leave your swimwear on underneath. 

In other news I wanted to share a new product with you that I'm LOVING! My beauty mission this year was been to incorporate as many natural and organic products as I can. Organachs Farm to Skin in Westport, CT has been the ultimate destination and resource for all things clean. Last month I went to Siobhan looking for sunblock for an upcoming trip to Florida. She suggested I try this nutrient day cream and ever since I've been hooked! I use the tinted one but there is also a non-tinted version. It is super light and I never feel like I'm wearing sunscreen. Check out her website!

XX

S

---

EASY SUMMER STYLE

A HUGE announcement over here!! In January of 2017 I launched The Girl Guide as a creative outlet and a place to share my style with clients and friends. During this time I was managing a full time schedule at work which also meant travel to New York City and beyond. With the arrival of Harrison in May of 2017 the past 18 months have been an adventure to say the least! Last month I decided it was time to say goodbye to my career in fashion as I knew it and take a huge leap of faith in something bigger, myself! This means I will be dedicating all of my time to The Girl Guide and styling. The last two weeks have been filled with emotion (not going to lie fear has been the number one) but I am so excited for whats to come. Thank you for all of your support up until now and I hope you'll come along with me on this journey! #GIRLBOSS

I bought this shirtdress last month and I've worn it three times already! I also found this almost identical version here and here. When Frank and I went to Rhode Island for a last minute anniversary day trip a couple of weeks ago, I rolled it up into my beach bag in case I need a dress change and I did! In the land of white dresses, this is one you won't regret! Rounded up some other faves right now...scroll down:)

XX

S

My jewelry is usually very minimal but I LOVE a great statement piece! I had been eyeing this necklace since I saw it on a blogger last year. Its perfect to throw on with any summer dress or even a white tee and denim shorts! 

SHOP WHITE DRESSES

A CASUAL CHIC BLOUSE

SHOP THE POST

This was a weird week! Did anyone else feel like it was going to go quickly on Tuesday but by Thursday it was dragging? My plan was to save this outfit post for next week but I loved it so much that I decided to share it today! I saw this top at a boutique a couple weeks ago and had to have it but couldn't pull the trigger on the spot. I do that A LOT! If I can't stop thinking about something thats when I know I I should buy it. The color goes with everything and it will also work in the fall under cardigans and leather jackets. The one tagged about looks like its selling out but I found it here too in three colors and here in a slate gray. ALSO I ordered this dress a couple months ago when I tagged it on the blog and love it! It recently sold out on shopbop but I found it HERE for under $40! It will not dissapoint (I ordered a XS)! 

XX

S

CHATTING ABOUT MY HAIR AND ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

SHOP THE POST

dress: c/o Tyler Boe // sunglasses: rayban // bag: ASHA color sold out but similar here and here // espadrilles: chanel similar here and here

I get a lot of questions on Instagram about my hair and I was surprised to see that it was the number two most frequently searched keyword on my blog! So I thought I'd start with some fun facts:

• My hair is naturally curly so I have to blow it dry almost everyday
• The only time I like to let my hair dry naturally is when I'm on vacation in a hot climate - it does really well in that kind of humidity and the result is big loose curls. I use a small drop of this hair oil on the bottom half for frizz. 
• I hate going to sleep with wet hair!
• I first started coloring my hair after I had Luke. He was two months old (it was February) and I really needed a refresh!
• I color my hair twice a year (I find that I don't need it as much in the summer because of the sun) 
• I wash my hair every other day. I've tried to go longer because I know its good for it but I use too many face oils at night and my hair ends up looking greasy!
• After I had Luke I lost SO much hair. It was really scary but I started taking biotin immediately and after two months I started to see improvements. Fortunately with Harrison I didn't have the same shedding problem. It is VERY common in postpartum women. 

LOCAL FRIENDS

Maison d'Alexandre - hair: Alexandre color: Beth

XX

S

the tools

MDW STRIPES AND SALE

shop the post

The long weekend is here!!! Even though we had to cancel our trip to Florida because of weather, I'm a firm believer in everything happen for a reason. We're looking forward to just hanging at home and enjoying the sun while it lasts! Saturday is Frank and my 6th year wedding anniversary. I can't believe it. It was truly one of the most beautiful weekends of my life and I will be sharing some pics on Instagram tomorrow so you'll have to check it out! I had made dinner reservations at one of my favorite restaurants in Palm Beach for Saturday night. Now that we're staying local I've been kind of scrambling to find a romantic back up plan. MDW is not an easy reservation! Stay tuned....

XX

S

Memorial Day Sales 

---

Nordstrom

ONE KINGS LANE

MATCHES FASHION

shopbop

MANGO - 30% OFF site wide

Ann Taylor

---

FLORAL DRESS + SPRING SALE ROUNDUP

shop the post

Happy almost holiday weekend! I'm having a small pity part for myself over here this week. I just found out yesterday that I need to have one of my wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible (the pain has not been fun!) and our Memorial Day trip has been cancelled because of some pretty bad weather on its way to Florida. I definitely had a why me? moment which I now feel guilty about because its just a trip and its not the end of the world. SO we will be hanging at home and I'm trying to figure out something special to do for Frank this Saturday night for our 6 year wedding anniversary:)

PS Rounded up some of my fav pieces from the SHOPBOP Spring sale. If you feel like you haven't shopped a ton yet for summer because the weather hasn't been great, now is your chance!

XX
S 

SHOPBOP SALE

---

---

MIDI DRESSES

SHOP THE POST

I love wearing dresses! My Summer style is a little more boho than my Fall/Winter and I love this "prairie" chic look. This style and fabric is also super packable and a great style for vacation that you can dress up or down. I like to throw a fancier shoe in my bag along with a pair of earrings that will take my look to dinner after a day of sightseeing, shopping, etc. 

• I love this blush style and the embroidery makes it feminine and pretty but still casual 
• This white splurge one is a DREAM!

XX

S

---

GET THE LOOK

---

STYLIST TIPS

MY TWO CLOSET MUST-HAVES

When I begin working with a new client we almost always start with their closet. No matter how much you have or how organized you are, a good stylist should always roll their sleeves up and get their hands dirty so to speak. For most people its incredibly hard to part with things (myself included) especially when it comes to clothes...and there is always a story! "I bought this for when I go on date nights but now its too tight...but when I lose 5lbs I'll start wearing again". "I need to keep this dress in case I get invited to a party that is business casual but you can't wear black". We all create excuses and thats where getting a second opinion can come in real handy.

So what happens after you've done that? You're staring at three piles: sell, donate, toss...now what do you do? After many years of helping clients through the process I'm outlining my favorites below. Truth be told (unless you have something that has increased in value) you should prepare yourself for some disappointment. Online consignment has its pluses and minuses. Plus: you have a much greater chance of selling your item and selling it faster. Minus: These websites know what people are willing to pay and they also want to sell your item fast so their perceived value for you gently used Prada loafers might be less than yours. Insider tip: you set the price! Many online sites and apps let you set the price especially if its a designer handbag. Don't do anything you're not comfortable with. Finally, enjoy it! You just gave yourself a fresh start and hopefully some cash to save or spend!

XX

S

---

SELL YOUR HANDBAGS 

Hands down my favorite site for selling a designer handbag is a California-based company called Fashionphile. I have used them countless times and have had the same positive experience every time. Why I like them: selling a bag is SO easy. You upload pics of your bag to their website and they turn around a quote within a week. The best part? They offer a "buy out" price and a consign price! If you select buy out you receive a check directly after they receive the bag. Their pricing is very competitive and they have excellent customer service. Fashionphile rejects your handbag? Any of the other sites mentioned below can be used but this is the first choice! 

 

SELL YOUR CLOTHING 

 

The Real Real is a great destination for selling your gently worn clothing. They have a list of approved designers on their website (make sure you check it because its always changing) and they provide you with a dashboard so you can track your sales and commissions. If you want to sell something quickly and aren't married to a specific price (or don't care how much you sell it for) this is the place. I'm always up front about that with clients because I have been disappointed. Commission starts at 55% and once you sell $1,500 it goes to 60% and once you sell $10,000 it will go to 70% for two years. PS they take jewelry!

Tradesy if you don't mind doing a little more leg work, I find that you can make more money using this site/app. Listing an item should take less than 5 minutes and once you sell the item the process is very seamless. Tradesy will send you everything you need: shipping label, tag for your item, tissue paper, and a bag or box to ship the item in. If you sell a handbag or shoes and need a dust bag they will send that too - at no charge! Its all included in the percentage Tradesy makes. They deduct a flat commission fee of $7.50 for sold items less than $50. On sold items $50 or more, they deduct a commission rate of 19.8%.   

 

DONATE YOUR CLOTHING

Dress for Success

Vietnam Veterans of America

Local: Person-To-Person

Contact your local Salvation Army or homeless shelter

---

A BOHO BLOUSE

SHOP THE POST

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend! We attended a charity event on Saturday night and the day turned out to be beautiful! Actually the weekend was gorgeous...I woke up today feeling like my old self:) Spring is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons but mostly because I love wearing tops like this one. I wore it a couple of weeks ago (on a randomly warm day) to lunch with a friend, music class with the boys, and a family dinner. It took me through the whole day! I also love this one which comes pattered and in this white version. 

Some other things I'm loving for Spring right now:

• These metal bistro chairs are perfect for extra outdoor seating and they're a great price point!
• I thought this would be a fun project to do with Luke. He loves planting and we could watch it grow on our kitchen table!
• Love these simple summer earring for under $40...and these!

XX

S

shop blouses

---

white

patterned

---

ELEVEN MONTH UPDATE!

Happy Friday! The sun is shining today and I'm feeling so grateful! Not only is it because the weather is nice, I'm so thankful that I took these pictures and can now look back and see just how teeny tiny Harrison was. I hate sounding cliche but time really does go too fast. 

My most frequently asked questions are related to the boys nap schedules and their daily schedules overall. I haven't done this before but I'm chatting about Harry's below. Its not always easy but the most important thing for us has always been sticking to a routine. Because Frank and I both work outside of the home we opt for a slightly later bedtime so we can spend time as a family when we get home at night. Right now it works for us because Luke is in an afternoon school program. I imagine it will change next September when we need to be out the door by 8:45! EEEK!! PS I'm NOT a morning person and I have so much love and admiration for my friends that have to wake up with their kids at 5am. I couldn't do it! 

XX

S

---

HARRISON'S SCHEDULE

7:00-7:45 Wake up and has an 8oz bottle of formula. We love this one. 

8:30 Breakfast - Right now his favorite foods for breakfast are avocado, oatmeal, or yogurt. He loves ALL fruit and hates eggs! 

9-10:45 He loves to play and look at books. Maybe its a second child thing but Harry is great amusing himself in the play kitchen for 20-30 minutes on his own!

10:45-12:45 Nap - both my kids nap and sleep at night with a sound machine and sleep sacks. Luke still uses one because he loves it so much. We have to get them from Europe because its the only place I can find them in the super big sizes!

12:45 Wakeup - 2nd 8oz bottle and lunch 

1:30-3:30 Play (go on walks if it ever gets nice out!!!)

3:30-5:00 Nap

5:30-6:30 Bath Routine - both boys LOVE to take a bath. I think they would stay in it for hours if they could! We do bath, lotion, and PJ's and then its time for dinner!

6:30-7:15 Dinner - Harrison eats everything we do now. He especially loves Fish (salmon and cod) and pesto! Frank has an allergy to some nuts so we've tried all of those and luckily so far neither of the boys inherited it. We were a little behind on introducing a sippy cup with water but we now use this one. 

7:30 Books - We're just getting to the age where I can get through one book with both boys together. Usually Harrison will squirm out of my lap or Luke doesn't want to read Goodnight Moon for the millionth time but they're really starting to get the hang of it! My mom ready to my sister and I every night and I still cherish those memories. 

8:00 Bedtime! Sound machine, sleep sack, and we put Harrison down! It takes him anywhere from 5-20 minutes to fall asleep and he will usually babble to himself or sing:)

---

SHOP SLEEPWEAR

---

A DOUBLE USE DRESS + 5 THINGS

SHOP THE POST

If you've been following me for a little while now you know, I love white dresses! I saw this one and I had to have it. I was pleasantly surprised the price because the quality is excellent and it has a great weight to it. The fact that it can be worn as a wrap dress or a kimono was an added bonus and value! These sandals are also a STEAL! They come in black in this sandal version and are also offered in a high heel and sling back. Love the gray-blue color. 

XX
S

---

5 pieces I'm coveting right now

1 entertaining

2 sunnies

3 easy jumpsuit

4 summer sneaks

5 splurge

---

TRANSITIONAL TOPS

shop the post

Happy Monday friends:) The end of this week is looking like 60 degrees in Connecticut which is making me very happy! I will need all the sunshine and vitamin D I can get by then. Luke is having a planned surgery today (something we've had to get corrected from birth) and even though I've known for a while it was coming, I'm still extremely nervous. 

Love this long sleeve option for the transitional months. I recently wore the one in these pics on a date night with these hoops and received so many compliments! You can also wear it back to white jeans or with a pair of shorts like this pair that I recently ordered (I have a slight obsession with olive shorts). 

XX

S

GET THE LOOK

---

SILK DRESS

SHOP THE POST

SALE ALERT! One of my go-to brands for classic silhouettes and the BEST t-shirts is having Friends & Family and my dress is 25% off! I've also been eyeing this silk maxi dress in the light beige color for an upcoming event and I have this t-shirt that I wear under everything. If you're looking for an army green/military style coat this one is perfect. Love the tortoise buttons!

XX

S

currently loving

---

NATIONAL STRIPES DAY

Happy National Stripes Day!!! This blouse is an old style from Rebecca Minkoff (searched high and low!) but I rounded up some of my favorites for you! Hope everyone is having a lovely holiday weekend!!

XX

S

STRIPES

---

LOCAL LOVES

I'm so excited about this post! If you follow me on Instagram you know I love sharing and supporting my favorite local places. I feel so lucky to live where we do and I love discovering new shops and restaurants on my own and as a family. Right now we basically take our kids everywhere with us on the weekends. I'm sure that will change once things like sports, swimming, etc. start but I'm taking advantage of the time we have now to explore our community! If you're local or visiting Fairfield County I hope this guide is helpful and I would LOVE to hear your feedback. 

PS I'm a HUGE tea fan (always unsweetened) - hot, iced, loose leaf, so I included my favs if you are too!

XX
S

---

Caffeine + SHOP

Kirby & Co - Luke and I love popping in for a macaron. Once you try one you'll never go anywhere else! Kirby owner Elaine has curated the ultimate assortment from hostess gifts to the perfect pair of date night earrings at every price. If you visit tell her I said hi!

 

Fred - I love this boutique! Their new location in Westport has a coffee bar and offers snacks for shoppers on the run. They carry some of my favorite brands: SEA, Mother, Rebecca Taylor, and Misa to name a few and their one-on-one experience is personable not pushy. 

---

Eat + SHOP

Terrain - When I walk into terrain I immediately feel like I've escaped. With or without the kids its a calming place for me which might seem strange because it is ALWAYS busy. The garden cafe is one of my favorite places to meet girlfriends for lunch (I had Harrison's sprinkle there) and during the summer we love to take the kids there for dinner outside on the patio. Insider tip: Make a reservation! I actually love using open table. Favorite Tea: House Tea with a Splash of Lemonade!

The Drawing Room - We used to live around the corner from this gem and I can confirm (through countless visits) that it is baby/kid approved! Meet a friend for traditional tea, scones, and finger sandwiches, but remember to leave yourself enough time to shop the art gallery and home boutique. Insider tip: They're closed on Mondays! Favorite Tea: Hot Mama Iced and Ginger Citrus Peach Hot

The Perfect Provenance - Perfect is definitely the right name for this place! Nestled on a little side street off of Greenwich Avenue you'll feel like you're walking into a European townhouse filled with home decor, women's and men's apparel, and delicious food. The chicken salad is my favorite! Favorite Tea: Iced Solstice Sun

Browne & Co. - This was one of the first places I "discovered" in Darien. I'm a HUGE fan of eating and shopping (surprise, surprise) and the prepared salads and sandwiches here are always fresh. Pro tip: They make family dinners that are amazing! Our fav is the chicken and mushroom stew. I just add chick pea pasta at home and it feeds the four of us! Favorite Tea: Iced Green

---

WELLNESS

Organachs Farm to Skin - I discovered Organachs when Harrison was about three months old. Before it I had been ordering almost all my products online. I love being able to try, feel, smell before I buy and shop owner Siobhan is so knowledgeable. Everything in the shop is natural and organic! More details on my natural skincare routine here and here. 

Inner Light Going into inner light for the first time I had no idea what to expect. I'm not a huge "traditional" gym sauna fan so I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. Now I'm officially addicted. The infrared sauna is great for inflammation and overall its a very relaxing experience. Leave yourself time to enjoy a cup of tea before or after your session!

To and From - I've only had two manicures here but all the products used are chemical-free and toxin-free and I loved the experience. Its a short walk from Kirby and Co if you want an afternoon treat!

---

weekending

Stone Barns + Blue Hill Market - Exhale! Thats how I feel the minute we pull onto the farm. I grew up about 15 minutes away from the property so it always feels like I'm going home. I could write a whole post about my love for this place. With kids or without its a great destination for a day getaway. 

Grace Farm - We stumbled upon Grace Farm for the first time last month and loved it so much we went back the following Saturday! Their Saturday drop-in art classes are creative and relaxing and only $5! The grounds offer everything from a delicious cafeteria, state of the art basketball courts, a curated library, and a tea room. A must visit!

---

Grab and GO

ROOST/Ada's - If you follow my Insta stories you know I'm a regular! Roost recently opened and is the sister restaurant to Ada's. Their selection is perfect for the family on the go looking for both healthy and kid friendly options. Favorite Tea: Iced Tropical White

By The Way (Gluten Free) - If you're looking for a gluten free cake this is the place! We've used them for a couple of celebrations now and they do not disappoint. Your non-gluten free guests will never know the difference:)

Organic Pharmer - My favorite spot for vegan and gluten free options on the go. They're smoothies are creative, tasty, and healthy. My whole family loves their soups and hummus and their made-to-order avocado toast is a must!

---

CASUAL LACE

SHOP THE POST

---

You can never have enough ivory lace blouses (I say to myself every time I open my closet or go shopping) hehe! I was rounding up some of my favorites for an Easter separates post and decided to switch gears. Wearing this blouse for a special occasion is simple: tuck it into pants like these or into these. I also love this silk pair! BUT I also wanted to show it in a more casual way because these days versatility is everything. I love the ivory and olive combination in these pics but this top would also be pretty with a denim jacket or with colored blazer. Happy Monday!
 

XX

S

lace blouses

---

---

PAPER BAG PANT

I know what you're probably thinking..."I love these pants but they wouldn't look good on me!" (ok maybe you're not thinking that but if you are) you're wrong! This high-wasted style works on all shapes and sizes and is best styled to a blouse or t-shirt tucked in. I also linked short styles for summer and am especially loving this pair! And these for under $50 (size down).

PS I took these pictures outside my absolute favorite hair salon. If you're local Maison d' Alexandre is the absolute best. Alexandre cuts my hair and Beth does my highlights!

XX

S

SHOP THE LOOK

---

PANTS

---

SHORTS

---

TAILORED BLOUSE re/done

SHOP THE POST

Closet staple alert! Whenever I look at white crisp collared blouse I always think about Carolyn Bessette. One of my style icons for sure and known for her classic elegance, she infamously paired a button down with a black maxi ruffle hem skirt to create the ultimate black tie look. I love her!! You can't go wrong with investing in this style and the addition of the sleeve detail only makes it that more chic. I rounded up some of favorites below and any can be paired with jeans or dressed up with a skirt or dress pant.

• I love the sleeves on this under $100 style. I also like this one for the same price!
• This is not a button-down but the pleat on this sleeve makes it perfect for day or night
• HERE is the link to the slides I'm wearing...they're on clearance right now and under $50!

XX

S

GET THE LOOK

A CHIC SPRING TRENCH

SHOP THE LOOK

So I am such a planner! I wish I could say I was one of those spur of the moment people who can drop everything, book a flight to the islands, and be sitting on a beach with a cocktail in hand 10 hours later. I'm sure my husband wishes that sometimes too! One of my best friends is like that and I always envy her spontaneity. I have been trying to be more "un-planned" lately. This weekend we decided to go to our favorite farm and I thought to myself..."Maybe I should call to make sure they're open?" but then decided no, I'm just going to go with it. So we all got in the car super hungry and when we arrived it was CLOSED (insert crying emoji)! We had to act fast with a disappointed 3 year old in the back seat asking where the ba-ba's and cows were and ended up in a cute little town close to where I grew up. After the loveliest lunch we walked to a bakery for dessert and I thought to myself I couldn't have planned a better afternoon. Moral of the story: I need to try the go with the flow attitude a little more often...and I'm working on it!

So this trench is everything! I love it styled with ivory jeans and flats but it also makes the perfect topper for work or an evening out. I have a similar on from about 10 years ago which I have ended up bringing to almost every wedding we've attended in the Spring/Summer/early Fall. My pumps are old Zara but I found this similar pair in this closet-staple color!

XX
S