SWEATER WEATHER

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Happy Monday friends:) This is a busy week in the Trotta house…my sister’s wedding is this Saturday! Throughout the week I’ll be in and out of the city seeing my family that is arriving from Belgium and getting some last minute details finalized. The boys and I are in the wedding (Luke is supper excited to be a ring bearer for the 2nd time) and we still have a few stragglers i.e. I need a new pair of shoes and the dress I ordered still hasn’t arrived. We’re heading up to the Berkshires on Friday for the rehearsal dinner and I’m counting the minutes till we’re back there with family and friends. Also fingers crossed but the weather looks good.

Now on to sweater weather. It was 80 degrees in Connecticut yesterday. I took Harry to a farm and we both ended up roasting in our jeans. I just switched over my closet on Friday and contemplated taking a few dresses back out but I know whats going to happen. Next week its going to drop to 50 degrees and we’ll be back in layers. I’ve been getting the funniest texts from clients with pictures of their new sweaters wondering when they’ll be able to wear them.

• Love the style I’m wearing in today’s post. Fringe and pom poms? SOLD! It was out of stock but restocked now and I also found it here. The color looks different but its listed as the same color.

• This is one of my favorite sites to pick up new sweater styles. Warning that if you’re sensitive to wool theirs is a little itchy, but I love the styles they have and its a great price point for the design and quality.

• This style and color is everything right now. Pair with cream cords and boots for a casual thanksgiving dinner or wear running around with the kids with skinny jeans and a flat bootie.

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WHAT TO PACK: COUNTRY

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Are you a country mouse or a city mouse? I guess I would say I’m a country girl. After I graduated from college in Washington, DC I was dying to have a home of my own and when I pictured what it would look like I just didn’t think “city”. I think thats why Frank and I ultimately settled in the town of Bronxville, NY after college. I still can’t believe we bought a place in the suburbs at the age of 22 (EEEK!). It ended up being the best of both worlds because after a less than 25 minute train ride we would find ourselves in the middle of NYC. Similar to the length of time it takes to get from Brooklyn to Grand Central. For me it was perfect.

I grew up less than 10 miles from the property that the Stone Barns Center and Blue Hill Restaurant now sit on. Back then it was just a whole lot of preserved land donated by the Rockefeller family. Not much more to see than a few cows, a lake, and lots of trails. We went so often I memorized the paths, the trees, I could even recall where the rocks were. Frank and I have been going to Blue Hill long before we had kids. I’ve posted about it before so I won’t go on and on but its such a happy place for me. Last Friday I was shooting some pictures for an upcoming collaboration and decided to bring Harrison. I think these are my favorite yet…

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THE GUIDE

THE GUIDE

MAKE THIS

the perfect “side” that all your guests will love (even the tiny ones). As soon as it starts getting cold outside I make this with a rotisserie chicken with a side of applesauce or rice. Its super easy and for a busy week night you will be a hero at home!

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DESIGN THIS

I loved this post on setting a high/low table. It reminded me of the inspiration for my sister’s wedding in a few weeks. Also I’ve been on a little bit of a dahlia kick lately. Anyone else feel like they’re trendy right now?

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READ THIS

I loved reading this article on mindful parenting. No matter what age your children are I think we can all use help hitting the reset button after summer. I know for me its been a great time to reprioritize and also establish a better routine for our family.

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WEAR THIS

With apple and pumpkin picking weekends in full effect, your sweater game needs to be on point! I’m probable;y the biggest neutral fan you’ll ever meet so no surprise that I would suggest this sweater but it really is perfect. I’m also always a big chocolate brown fan in the Fall so when I found this I ordered it:) Naturally.

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DO THIS

Time to switch out your closet and more importantly clean it out! If you’re like me there is at least one piece in their that you swore you’d wear last Fall and never did. Sell it or donate!

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BREATHE THIS

I starting using a diffuser a couple months ago and it has been a great source of relaxation for me. I always knew I would like it once I started because I LOVE smells but I didn’t get what all the hype was about. For me it has also been a great tool for keeping stress at bay.

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WHAT TO WEAR: WORK

For the first two years after college I worked in a very corporate environment. I remember thinking all the time…this is SO boring! I’m sorry but especially the men! Even worse than that, all the women dressed like men. I looked out at a sea of black and navy pant suits and thought, “how do move the needle on this!”. Then I went to work for Ralph Lauren:)

If you’re nodding your head in agreement do not despair! You can look and feel chic while still dressing in a conservative and appropriate way. If your office allows for it, I always like to start with color. Tones of blushes and camels worn in a monochromatic way will create a luxury look that will have your work friends swooning. If you’re not able to move beyond black and navy, try popping in a little texture. I love these pants because they’re super comfortable (I’ve been wearing them with sneakers too) and high-waisted so you can wear a shorter sweater out or tuck in a blouse.

• I love shopping this brand for work-friendly pieces. In my experience their pieces are very well made and on the more affordable side. Love these pants!

• Office temps getting you down? Throw this sweater on! I guarantee you reach for it on weekends with a pair of your favorite denim.

• Work coat vibes….

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shop pants

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STOCK UP AND SAVE

SHOES

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boots

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slides and mules

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HANDBAGS

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LACE BLOUSE

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Happy hump day! Despite the torrential rain yesterday I had a lovely birthday which started with breakfast in bed and ended with sushi (my fave)! Also there was in between there was a lunch with my friend Eva and a massage. Can’t complain! I had a moment on Monday when I thought I was turning 35 and started freaking out. Not that 35 is much older but I feel like its a milestone I’m not quite ready for! Good thing I have another year to get ready:)

So excited for this SALE! For four days you can save using code STOCKUP18. Today is super humid in Connecticut but I know that the caller temps are right around the corner. Here are some upcoming events I’m shopping for right now:

• Love this sweater for Thanksgiving (and no its not to early to shop for this!)

• My favorite brand/style of mom jeans. Size down because you want them too be tight or they’re too 80’s (and not in a good way:)

• LOVE LOVE this dress. If I didn’t already have one for my sister’s wedding this would be it! If you’re going to go for it you have to be OK with something that’s not body con and your hubs may call it a pregnancy dress BUT your girlfriends will swoon. You know what I mean lol…#marrepeller.

• I’ve always had a thing for coin necklaces - this one is under 100 and would be so pretty with a lace silk cami and a cardigan.

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PERFECT PLAID

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more plaid

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SOMETHING NAVY LAUNCH

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FALL UNIFORM

It doesn’t have to be all leggings all the time! One of my favorite comments from a recent client was, “I don’t have to think when I get dressed anymore, and I feel and look great!”. Every season I start with a statement coat. If its in your budget to purchase one long and one short, that would be my suggestion. I love all the styles in today’s post because they’re classics but stylish. You never want to buy anything that you won’t want to reach for next year.

I’ve been getting requests to link some of my favorite Zara sweater styles. This is the grey style I wore in a recent blog post. I love this camel one paired with black denim or a skirt. This one isn’t available yet but it would be great with a pair of blue jeans or cords! I’m also LOVING this sweater from Sezane. If you haven’t shopped the brand yet everything is designed in Paris and the price point is very reasonable. Insider tip: there wool can be a little itchy! Hope everyone has a great day! TGIF:)

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FALL COLOR EDIT: RUST

Surprisingly I didn’t shop a ton while we were in Belgium. Our daily schedules revolved around the boy’s naps and it was hard to find an extended period of time to break away. Also, every day was so new and exciting that I didn’t want to miss out and leave the group. BUT when my mom and aunt offered to take me one day I jumped at the chance! My favorite spot to shop in Belgium has always been at the Belgium Coast in Knokke. They have everything from Hermes to Zara and everything in between. My favorite stops were the Belgian and other European designers that I don’t get to see in the US: Essential (Antwerp), Patrizia Pepe (Florence), River Woods (Belgium), and a few more. The best shop though is called Princess.

Side bar: It was in the 60s the entire time we were in Belgium so Fall was definitely on my mind. I walked in and was immediately inspired for the new season and couldn’t wait to bring something home (see pic below of one of the racks). I zeroed in on this rust colored open cardigan (referred to as a “Bernadette” sweater in Europe) and decided I had to try it on. It was surprising because it also came in a light gray, but I decided to try something new. The color worked! In the shop I paired it with a navy silk camisole because I knew I had this one at home. This color also looks amazing with other browns, ivory, tonal florals, and I came home to find that its everywhere and as I’m styling it more I’ve realized it looks good on everyone!

Girl Guide Update: When I left my job at Theory in June to focus on my styling business and the blog I decided I would let the summer play out and see where it could/would take me! Well I have to say I am still pinching myself every day that I get to do what I love. That being said I have decided to start putting a little more structure around things, starting with my blog posts. For the last three months I was averaging about 4 blog posts a week but there was no set schedule or consistency. Full disclosure - I hated that! I want my readers to know what to expect and when and to be able to count on me:) Starting this week I will post three times per week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I’m really excited and I hope you are too!

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get the look: rust

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THE TEDDY COAT

Happy Monday friends! I hope you all had a great weekend! I had a little case of the scaries last night around 10pm when thought about how nice it was that we were all together this weekend. Luke had his first soccer practice on Saturday and it was adorable. I don’t know what I expected (possibly a little more organization and coordination hehe) but I had so much fun watching him on the field with all his friends. He’s getting so big! Also I should add that 16 month old Harry was running up and down the field like a champ too. Second child!

If you’ve been following me for a little while you know, I’m a neutral lover. When it comes to finding the perfect Fall coat the first thing I look for is a color that will go with everything. From the moment I saw this Bernardo teddy coat I knew it was perfect. Not only is it the perfect shade of beige and will go with all of my tonal winter white looks, it can also be worn back to Fall florals and black. I’ve been looking for something to wear to The Berkshires for my sister’s wedding next month and wanted a coat that would work for the rehearsal dinner and for the day of. Love that this style is both functional and lux.

Hope everyone has a great week!

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teddy jacket // Bernardo

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MY FAVORITE SKIRT + IVORY SWEATER ROUND UP

OK so this skirt! I hate saying it but its old! I tried finding similar styles though and linked them below:) Funny story: my mom is a PRO at getting stains out of things and I desperately needed her services after spilling black tea all over this skirt while driving one day. I was so excited when she called me to tell me that she had cleaned it and it looked like new! Fast forward a couple weeks when I got it back and EEEEK! My mom had pressed out all the PEATS! Click here to see what it originally looked like:) I had a moment and then decided it still worked sans pleats. Needless to say I will never part with this one! If you want to recreate this look I love this skirt…not a maxi but would look great layered with a shorter sweater (turtleneck would be great!).

Here is a link to this sweater. I’m a huge pom pom fan so when I check Zara I usually start by typing in “pom” and I always find great tops and dresses and in this case an awesome sweater. I love Zara and Mango because most of their things are machine washable. I always say I can wear ivory every day but I have to be able to clean it! Hope everyone is having an awesome Thursday!

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SKIRT

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ivory sweaters

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CROSSBODY

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TRANSITIONAL MINI SKIRTS

How did it go from 100 degrees to 55?! I can’t complain though…I’ve been begging the weather gods to get me to sweater weather:) I picked up this skirt at Zara in Belgium - it was love at first sight. Love the micro pleat and the colors are a grayish brown, perfect transition into Fall with blush, ivory, and browns. I think I’ll style it again with black tights, boots, and a black sweater in October/November.

A few questions answered from Instagram!

• Flats from this post!

• I’ve been wearing a very similar pair of pointy black woven flats in stories but I can’t find them online. Here is a VERY similar pair:)

• My sweater (also in grey on stories) was a purchase from a Belgian market. Send me a note if its something you might want (considering bringing some back to the states)!

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GET THE LOOK

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sweaters

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skirts

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slides

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the bag

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WHERE TO STAY + EAT - BRUGGE & GHENT, BELGIUM

BRUGGE

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where to stay - The Duke’s Palace

why we loved it: kid-friendly, gorgeous, amazing food, central location, there is really nothing bad to say about it!

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where to eat - Restaurant Patrick Devos

why we loved it: kid-friendly, pre fix lunch options for this Michelin rated restaurant, dairy-free options, everything was delicious!! Insider tip - They have a gorgeous private room upon request!

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GENT

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where to stay - The Marriot, Ghent

why we loved it: location, location, location (and we had Marriott points) no but really its in the heart of the historical area overlooking the canal and picture PERFECT! One note - it is definitely a hotel for business travelers so if you’re looking for a more boutique feel this is not your place. Service was great and we' were upgraded to the Presidential Suite!

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DATE NIGHT IN GENT

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where to eat - ALICE , Eat Love Lasagna

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CLEAN + MODERN

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OH HOW I LOVE SEPTEMBER

silk pajama jacket // francés austen

denim // mother

september I love you

its my birthday month! whoop whoop September 25th (mark your calendars hehe)

back to school - am I the only weirdo who loves the feeling of going back to school? Ever since I was a child its been one of my favorite times of the year. I think its because everything is fresh and new again. My mom would always get us a new pair of shoes (usually Keds) and school supplies, love fresh pencils!

apple picking - sounds cliche but apple picking has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember. We go to Wilkins Fruit and Fur Farm in Yorktown, NY.. Even those in between years (not a kid anymore and don't have kids yet) I would go. Frank and I love it! 

indian summers - Its kind of an oxymoron to like both apple picking and warm Fall temps but when I say Indian summer I mean upper 60's with sun! That is my ideal - just cool enough to wear a cardigan or light jacket and still warm enough for a maxi dress and booties. 

loose leaf tea - I drink hot tea pretty much all year round but I love when the temps start to drop a little and everyone else likes drinking it with me!

fall styling - I linked some of my favorite pieces for pre-fall here. There is not transition love more than going from summer to Fall. My favorite looks are jeans or a skirt paired back to a fresh sweater. 

september favorites

WEEKEND READING + LDW SALES

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ldw sales

• Love this lace blouse - wear it into fall tucked into dark denim. Here is another similar style also under $100
• Do you ever shop this site? I'm always on the hunt and I love finding pieces from my favorite designers that I've missed. Like this one! and these:)
• This blush ruffle dress - buy now and thank me next Spring!

in my cart

weekend reading

We desperately need to renovate our kitchen but I've been feeling very overwhelmed about it lately. I liked this article's perspective and tips for making the change a little more interesting. 

• Speaking of home design, I've been looking for new wall sconces for our front door. Thinking about these...I really want gas lanterns but unfortunately we don't have gas in our home so I think this would be a nice alternative. Now if I could only choose a finish....
• My eyes LIT up when I first saw this collab. LOVE everything!
• After a long fight jet lag and dry skin is no joke! I just ordered this mask...hoping it lives up to all the hype!

MY DAILY LOOKS : Belgium

the flight

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day one

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day two

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day three

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day four

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day five

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day six (day)

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day six (night in Ghent)

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DAY SEVEN 

DAY EIGHT (EXPLORING BRUGGE)

dress is old camilla and marc (tagged similar)

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day nine

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FALL'S MUST HAVE

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Still in Belgium and it feels good to take a break from travel pictures and back to the blog. I missed it! This is the first time we've taken a vacation since I relaunched The Girl Guide so I wasn't  quite sure how it would go in regards to posting, frequency, etc. I decided I wouldn't put too much pressure on myself and would decide once I got here. We are visiting family and friends everyday and I've enjoyed the break with Frank and the boys. I will say though...taking pictures has never been more exciting because I get to share them with YOU! So let me know what you would prefer for the next time around, more blog posts or following along on social. Both answers are helpful!

 The blazer is your wardrobe's must have this season. You can wear one with everything. I styled it here in an easy everyday way but you can also pair it back to a dress, maxi skirt, etc. ALSO had to tell you that I just picked these up in Belgium. They're real leather and super comfortable. They are a perfect "steal" version of the ones I'm wearing. Also I've been living in these sunglasses! I've been looking for a metal frame to replace my aviators and finally found one. LOVE!

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mad for plaid

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WHAT TO PACK: BELGIUM

Our trip to Belgium was a success! Of course we had a few ups and downs (like literally horrible turbulence for 15 minutes that had me lifted out of my seat and screaming) but Luke slept through most of it and we made it in tact and semi-rested! I've had some questions about the boys adapting to the first 24hrs and I'll do a post on our schedule after the red-eye..just want to wait till tomorrow to see if there are any major changes. 

I feel like at least half of our positive experience was the result of all the great suggestions I received through my Instagram followers (especially the kid advice). Also this article was great for me! I've been feeling like I am on the brink of getting a sold but the Vitamin C packets have been great. I strongly recommend them for travel. Also setting my watch to the time in Belgium the minute we got on the plane also worked!

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IN MY CARRY ON

• Luke loved this tape on the plane. We used it to make shapes and designs on the tray table. I originally bought it for a window seat but we switched to the middle of the plane and it was equally as fun on the seat in front of us! 
• This is the best invention! We both used it to fall asleep. Two downsides though: you have to blow it up, no pump. Not the biggest deal but I got a little light-headed at 30,000 feet! Also the height didn't quite match our seat so it wasn't perfect. Overall though totally worth it. Now I know why they call it 1st class for kids!

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IN MY SUITCASE

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LOCAL: AL FRESCO DINING

sweater Vanessa Bruno // jeans Baldwin // espadrilles Robert Clergerie

I've always been in love with romance of dining. Its not just about the food for me, although thats really important to, but more so the experience. Ever since I was a little girl I've loved serving people meals, drinks, you name it. I get so much joy from their reactions when I would do it. But its not just that, it was creating the experience that I loved so much...setting the table, filling the bar cart, lighting candles. When we hosted parties my Dad would open the windows in our house and the music would pour out of the screens and on to the patio. It was magic. I think about that a lot these days now that I'm a mom and Luke notices everything. I want to pass on this feeling to him too.

My parents tell this funny story of me when I was around 6 years old. I loved waking up early and making breakfast for them, especially coffee. My sister and I would usually make pancakes, set a tray, and excitedly run up to their room to serve them "breakfast in bed" (FYI it was probably 7am). Every time their faces would light up, "This coffee is amazing Stephanie, thank you!". It was only about 5 years ago that they told me the coffee was horrible!!! I think I was bragging to Frank that I had been an expert barista from an early age and they gently corrected me so as not to crush my childhood memories :) 

I love The Perfect Provenance. The food is amazing, the experience is unmatched, and you will be transported to another place even for just a little while. If you're local go now, ask for a Solstice Sun iced tea, and sit outside! 

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dress Vanessa Bruno // bag Vanessa Bruno // espadrilles Robert Clergerie

this post was sponsored by the perfect provenance