HAPPY 4TH!

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So if the 4th of July is next Wednesday do we celebrate this weekend or next technically? I'm confused! I love the shade of blue in this week's lust list. Not sure if I've admitted this before to you but I'm not a navy girl. People always tell me to wear it and that its a great color for blondes but for some reason its at the bottom of my list. But this paler blue I can get behind!

I'm headed to the Hamptons this weekend for my sister's bachelorette party. SO excited (and so happy we're not going to Vegas LOL). I hope everyone has a great weekend! It looks like its going to be a hot one on the East Coast. 

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LUST LIST

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5 MINUTE MAKEUP - SUMMER EDITION

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 apply moisturizer - I like this one because its the perfect balance of hydration and doesn't leave my skin feeling oily

SPF - THIS IS SUPER LIGHT AND I APPLY A LAYER RIGHT OVER MY MOISTURIZER. IF THATS TOO MUCH FOR YOU JUST USE THIS!

Foundation - I absolutely love this foundation. Its organic so the consistency will be slightly different than what you're used to but I suggest you put a few drops of your favorite face oil on your hand and mix before you apply. I use this under my eyes and on blemishes. Its great as an all over base too when you're looking for more coverage. The shade I use is like porcelain

Blush - You will fall in love with this blush. I love how creamy it is and I also use it on my lips and mix with a gloss. The shade I use is blossoming

LAST STEP - MASCARA! FULL Disclosure I don't love this as much as drug-store $8 mascara however the trade off is that this is natural and clean. For photoshoots and big events I still use the alternative!

facial 2x a week - always leaves my skin looking bright and clear like I just had a facial

warning - it burns a little!

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E-STYLING

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Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend. We took full advantage of our unplanned days and did some much needed work around the house. Its funny, I don't have a green thumb when it comes to indoor plants, but so far so good with the outdoor ones! Leaving the house today I really enjoyed walking past all the work we had done yesterday. So rewarding! Although if anyone has an pointers on grass I'll take them! We're trying to keep things as "natural" as possible because of the kids/dog but its really tough when you also want green grass! 

I'm so excited to officially launch e-styling today! What is that you might ask? If you're looking for help with your closet or you have a specific event or trip you need styling help with this is for you. I will create guides like this and this one specifically tailored to your needs that you can easily shop at your leisure. This means you can still get styling help even if you don't live in CT/NY (YAY...claps hands)! I've been doing it unofficially for about two years now and thought it was time I shared:) If this à la carte styling sounds interesting to you, send me a note here!

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denim jackets

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SPECIAL THANKS TO KERRI ROSENTHAL FOR LETTING US SHOOT IN HER BEAUTIFUL GALLERY IN WESTPORT, CT

SUMMER LUST LIST

FEATURED

Happy first day of summer! Currently sitting outside while Luke plays with slime and Harry naps. After 10+ years in corporate America I'm feeling very grateful for my new found flexibility and work/life balance! Weekend plans you ask? Nothing! We may head up to the farm on Sunday but definitely looking forward to keeping things casual. 

I love this week's lust list because it represents my high/low style. You don't have to break the bank everything in your closet! Can you guess which piece is under $30? This dress is another under $100 favorite!

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MY FAVORITE SUNGLASSES

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Happy hump day! I fully intended on getting this post up yesterday and somehow thought it would be possible to fit it in between three client appointments! Anyone else wake up and completely over commit? :) I got this dress from the brand's sample sale and was so excited to see when it went on sale online too - LOVED the tassel pom poms and the color. It also comes in a very pretty blue combo here and another pink version here! Honestly the best part of it is that its machine washable! #boymom 

On another note I always get messages about my sunglasses. Linked my go-to's below! I was able to find one pair of the sold out Abrie Oliver Peoples style so ready - set - go!

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sunglasses

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special thanks to Kerri Rosenthal for letting us shoot in her beautiful gallery in Westport, CT

WEEKEND RECAP + Father's Day VIDEO

I'm SO excited to share this video with all of you! I was thrilled when I was introduced to Lisa from Smitten Films a couple of months ago. The service they provide for families is priceless - taking all the pics and videos you have on your phone and turning them into a mini movie that will make you laugh and cry. Who wouldn't want that?! When we started talking about making one for me I instantly thought of Frank and Father's Day. He is such an amazing and hands on Dad and I have been trying to figure out a way to thank him. I love the idea of something that will withstand the test of time, is creative, and personal. 

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WEEKEND SHOPPING

• SO many questions about the white dress I wore on Saturday! Here it is:)
• I recently just did a Zara shop for a client and wanted to share my favorite pieces! This dress is adorable (love the color) THIS TOP!!
• This weekend I ordered this casual jumpsuit for myself and this dress. I also love the pop of yellow in this set and its on my wishlist! 
• This is hands down one of my favorite purchases from spring. I've been wearing it non-stop and love the fact that it can be worn as a dress or a duster/kimono. 

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SUMMER JUMPSUITS

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Some days I think I might love a good jumpsuit more than a dress. There's nothing better than someone thinking you're wearing pants and SURPRISE...pants! PS pockets are always a bonus for me. Full length jumpsuits can almost always take you from day to night and they are absolutely a closet staple. I fell in love with this one as soon as I saw it. I usually don't love blue but the pale robin's egg color reminded me of a vintage Ralph Lauren pattern. it's definitely a splurge but I thought it was a great alternative to a dress for summer weddings, baby showers, etc, and I could really dress it up. I rounded up some of my other favorites below! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there:)

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shop jumpsuits

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white

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multi

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SALE ROUNDUP

This week is flying by! Headed out to do some shopping today with my mom. My sister is getting married in October and mother of the bride dresses can be tricky! I have fallen in love with this dress for myself (actually pretty much all the dresses from this designer are amazing) and I want my mom to find something in a similar hue. The wedding is going to be in the Berkshires and I wish I could show you a sneak peek of her dress but I think my future brother-in-law might be an avid Girl Guide reader...hehe JK. 

Shopbop is definitely my favorite place to shop online. They do a few smaller pop up sales throughout the year and I was able to pre-shop this one for you guys last night! Use code SCORE18 for an additional 25% off! Happy hump day:)

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SALE SHOP

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GO-TO TRAVEL STYLE

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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. 

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MINI DRESS + MY NEW SUN ROUTINE

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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!

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COTE D'AZUR

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Hump day! This week's lust list reminds me so much of the "original" ones. They used to be more themed by color and lately they've become a little more of a weekly cravings roundup. This blue was inspired by my friends recent trip to the South of France. If you don't follow her already you'll have to check out her blog design darling. Here is the link to the palm tree print! So sweet for a boys room or bathroom. 

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THE SUMMER BLUES

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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:)

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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! 

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A CASUAL CHIC BLOUSE

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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)! 

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CHATTING ABOUT MY HAIR AND ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

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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

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the tools

OUT OF OFFICE

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And we're back! I posted a very tired picture of myself on my stories last night and someone responded saying, "Long weekends are not vacations for moms". SO TRUE! I'm wiped today and so happy to get back to our regularly scheduled programming:) I hope everyone had a happy and healthy weekend. We were so happy we cancelled our trip to Florida as it looks like their weather was much worse than ours! 

Frank and I went on a spur of the moment day trip to Rhode Island on Saturday for our anniversary and we had so much fun! Lots of quality time in the car (it was about 2.5 hrs to Watch Hill, another hour to Newport, and then 2.5 hrs home!) but it was a little exciting to be trying something new together sans kids. We needed it! I posted a pic of Frank on instagram this weekend from our wedding day and received so many requests for more pics! Below are three of my favorites:) 

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of this short week!

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LOVING RIGHT NOW

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MDW STRIPES AND SALE

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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....

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Memorial Day Sales 

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Nordstrom

ONE KINGS LANE

MATCHES FASHION

shopbop

MANGO - 30% OFF site wide

Ann Taylor

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FLORAL DRESS + SPRING SALE ROUNDUP

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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!

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SHOPBOP SALE

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WORK BLOUSE + GOOP SALE

Sometimes it can be really tough getting dressed for work, especially if your office environment is conservative. I help women all the time with this issue and I always like to start with a good blouse. Pants are important too but beyond making sure they fit well, they're not as exciting if you can't stray from black or navy. For me this blouse has all the bells and whistles - a row of buttons, bell sleeves, and feminine cuffs. It can also easily be paired with a beautiful earring and tucked into a skirt for an after hours cocktail or datenight. Call it a twist on your classic white (or black) blouse!

• This caftan is the perfect pice to pack for your beach trip. I always like to stuff one in my carry-on or even my purse just in case something happens to my luggage!
• My favorite straw tote is ON SALE!!!!
• I've had my eye on these since last year. Here is a similar style in black - so chic.
• The only cardigan you'll ever have to buy!
• I have the dress version of the this white top. Anything with a pom pom and I'm sold:)

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BRUNCH STYLE - TWO WAYS

Nº 1

earrings // sunglasses // belt // espadrilles // bag

Nº 2

necklace // bag // watch // nail polish // raffia slides

I hope everyone had a great week! I think the Trotta house has a cold. Is that even possible? Its almost June! We will be spending the weekend finishing up our spring cleaning and doing some much needed DIY projects around the house. Can't wait to share with you guys:)

It hasn't exactly been brunch weather in Connecticut but I was inspired by my upcoming trip to Florida and specifically this DRESS!!! This is a new designer for me and I loved a couple pieces I saw including this dress. All their designs look so effortlessly chic and vacation friendly. Raffia is a huge trend this season and not just in handbags. I found this splurge pair of mules and this budget friendly style. 

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COVERUPS + MY BIGGEST PHOBIA

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I wasn't always this way! My first flight was when I was two months old. If you've followed me for a little while you know my dad is American and my mom is Belgian. My mom moved here when she was 23 after meeting my dad on a chance trip to Italy...such a romantic story which I will save for another time! I still think about it and can't believe she raised two girls with ZERO family around. I digress.. So every summer until my 20's we would go back to Belgium to see her side of the family (dad, sister, two brothers, and lots and lots of cousins). I LOVED it! Sometimes I felt more at home there than I did in NY. My sister and I traveled, went to camp, the beach, it was basically like we lived there for the summer. 

I can't remember if we were flying to or returning home from Europe but when I was about seven years old I became violently ill while on an airplane. It must have been a virus or food poisoning and it was BAD. The incident left me traumatized and scarred. My phobia didn't happen overnight but by the next few flights I had a full blown fear of flying. My fear wasn't that something would happen to the plane...it was more the out of control feeling and being afraid of getting sick while up in the air with nowhere to go. It seems crazy now as I type it but for me the anxiety was so real. By my teenage years I dreaded going to Belgium because I hated flying so much. I would have rather given up my favorite place on earth if it meant not getting on a plane. Luckily my parents didn't let that happen and until college they forced me fly. Panic attacks and all. After college my husband inherited the problem! I even tried flight simulation therapy for people with flying phobias. Just the noise triggered me! Finally I tried a more holistic approach and didn't focus as much on the plane itself but more on the side effects of my anxiety: nervousness, heart palpitations, sweating. Now through breathing excercises and essential oils my fear has become manageable. Its not gone! But I've become much better at dealing with it. This summer we're headed back to Belgium with both kids and I know I'll have to be strong especially for Luke who notices everything. Wish me luck!

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coverups and tunics

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