Elements of Style Blog

It’s a ways away, but we are taking the kids on their first trip to Europe over Thanksgiving- London first for a few nights, and then Ireland for four nights. The impetus for this trip was to bring my Dad’s ashes to Ireland- his family is from there and he always wanted to go and never made the trip. It’s something that makes me really sad, and I feel like this is the best opportunity for closure I have. (BTW- any tips on bring ashes on an international flight?

If you’ve been following me on IG you know I have a country/mountain house on the brain right now. Perhaps it’s coming from a desire to escape from the rat race of daily life, or maybe it’s because I have no more real projects at my house now and oddly I am jonesing for a new one. Or maybe both. When I am in Vermont I feel like my blood pressure automatically lowers- so we have been on the hunt VERRRRRRYYYYYYY slowly for a house there.

A quick grouping of classic fall looks using some of the trends I’m seeing as fall clothes roll out: corduroy, bandana print (still strong), fringe, quilted jackets, suede and western details. Loving the mix of navy and burgundy here- and these jeans are a fave of mine and this wash is on sale for $26. LINKS HERE. I love this denim shirt layered with cords, a bandana scarf and a killer necklace. LINKS HERE. This denim jacket has a removable faux fur collar so it’s great for early fall.

Our kids start school next week and I feel SO unprepared- this summer flew by and my two kiddos have grown like weeds and need some new things before the start of the year. I’ve been ordering some things, and saving a WHOLE bunch of others in this Back to School folder and well as Kids Clothes folder on ShopMy. Emma is pretty easy- although getting much more opinionated. She is UBER girly and the more pink and sequins the better.

Not only are we working on a few kids rooms right now, but my own kids are both asking for room updates. Henry has had the same look since he was 4 (minus a new bed) and Emma…. well, Emma has big feelings about not having a pink room. I’m told every night how mad she is her room “just isn’t her style”. And while I respect that she is developing her own taste and viewpoint- THE GIRL HAS BOWOOD PAPER.

Don’t yell at me about rushing summer, people. I am a fall girl through and through, so the recent release of fall-themed home merch has me GIDDY. And not all of this is strictly only for fall, but I am loving the richer tones of plum and green as well as gilded accents and dark woods. I want ALL OF THIS, and a lot of it is really reasonably priced (Target, Birch Lane, West Elm, etc)! Everything below (and some extras) are linked HERE.

As I walked down the cobblestone streets of downtown Nantucket a few weeks ago, attempting to navigate my wheeled suitcase to the wharf to catch my ferry home, I had to dodge and weave around lines and crowds at every turn. The island was PACKED, and not just because there was a design event that week. Seemingly in the last 5 years whenever I visit it’s been overwhelmingly busy- tourists blending with summer residents, renters and day trippers from the Cape.

Every single time I spend a weekend or week away in the country I think “I NEED TO MOVE”. The peace, slower pace and ample access to nature really get me in a good headspace. But then I think, I would go crazy after probably a month. So I do think I will forever be a dual citizen of both country and suburbia (but not city because NO THANK YOU TOO PEOPLE-Y. Of course, with each location comes a totally different decor and wardrobe sensibility.

I know, I have to let this go- but I just cannot help but feel like this all makes no sense and I need to work through all my feelings. If I was worth over a billion dollars, I would have had SUCH a different wedding. I know, I know- money cannot buy taste and maybe she’s a little developmentally arrested in her teen years as that’s what phase of life made her so famous- but STILL. If security and not being outside was the concern, may I present VERSAILLES? LOL.

Last weekend I decided I hated all my summer clothes. I think for a long time I’ve been trying to find “my style” beyond classics and tried too hard to look like someone else- someone sexy, or funky, or cool, colorful or minimalist. In truth, I like outfits from all those categories, but right now what I want to feel when I’m in my clothes is confident and COMFORTABLE. Classic with a little twist now and again. And to dress for me and no one else’s gaze.