17.6.10

Sail Away!--A Head to Toe Guide


In preparation for my family's trip to Monhegan Island this weekend, my mind has been focused on all things ocean-related for the past few days. And you know what that means: there are crucial weekend wardrobe choices to be made! We've talked about it numerous times before, but there is no summer style quite like nautical fashion. It's simple yet classic, elegant yet comfortable--and who can argue with that? So in honor of my weekend plans and my summer fashion obsession, let's do a little refresher course, shall we? Read on and learn how to sail away!--from head to toe:

Get tied down: I've seen countless pieces of anchor-inspired jewelry recently, and while I'm admittedly in love with anchor iconography, you have to be cautious of your look becoming overly literal...and thus too costume-y. Made of brass with rope detailing and a lobster clasp closure (so appropriate), this rope necklace from Tory Burch looks great with both summer whites AND sailor stripes! Price tag: $137 (on sale!)

Be a star in stripes: This cheerful red-striped tee is inherently sailor chic, especially when you account for the nautical-inspired buttons at the left shoulder--or the way it inspires you to say, Ahoy! And not for nothing--especially with those July 4 BBQs right around the corner--it's also a bit patriotic. Price tag: $58

Layer against the salty breeze: For those of you who spend a lot of time by the ocean (lucky!), you know that the dress code is all about layers. Sea breezes pick up at night, and even though it might be summer, it can still be rather chilly! Keep warm in style with this waistcoat styled cardigan from Leifsdottir, that is both elegant and completely functional--and with a bit of a military twist to boot! Price tag: $188

Bottoms up: One of the rules of fashion I make every attempt to live by is, whenever possible, keep it comfy. Truth be told, with my love of high high heels, it's really not always possible, but comfy is totally the name of the game where bottoms are concerned. As is versatility--yet another reason why I'm sooo into these Congo Skinny Cargo pants by Citizens of Humanity. Made of stretch twill with tons of pockets, you can walk the collect shells along the beach in your bare feet and then dust off the sand, throw on some heels, and head out for lobster dinner! All in a hard day's work. Price tag: $172

Stay on the Top Side(r): Let's be real here; as outstanding as some killer 5-inch wedges would look with the above wardrobe selections, if we're talking nautical, we need to be talking about boat shoes. I've made my opinions known (why have anything else but metallic?!), but those who prefer to keep their look a bit more understated may like the neutral look of these dusty sage deck shoes by Sperry. Whatever your color palette, you're guaranteed to be golden in this classic footwear. Price tag: $98

It's in the (sail)bag: I've always loved the look of recycled sail bags, and since they're also eco-friendly, it's a purchase you can really feel good about. This particular style from Maine-based Angela Adams and Sea Bags is as durable and water-resistant as it is fun and fashionable. With hemp handles long enough to go over the shoulder and a hook-and-ring closure to keep your valuables stowed safely, this one bag is all you need for a day at the beach, an on-island weekend, or any other adventures you might have planned this summer! Price tag: $198


Sadly, not all of us are able to make a quick getaway on our own personal yacht (or, in my case, even a sailboat, canoe, or dingy!), but with a few key wardrobe items, you can still look the part. In fact, the carefree ease of nautical fashion makes cruise control relatively easy. So what are you waiting for? Sail away!



Images, in order of appearance: (1) "Perfect for Sailing" photograph by Tom Palumbo from Harper's Bazaar, 1956/57, image thanks to Paris Hotel Boutique Journal(parishotelboutique.blogspot.com); (2) Rope Necklace $137 (on sale!) by Tory Burch , available online (http://www.toryburch.com/); (3) Yardarm Tee in red motif $58 by Velvet, available from Anthropologie (http://www.anthropologie.com/); (4) Waistcoat Cardigan $188 by Leifsdottir, also available from Anthropologie; (5) Congo Skinny Cargos $172 by Citizens of Humanity, also available from Anthropologe; (6) Top-Sider Authentic Original Two-Eye Boat Shoes in dusty sage $98 by Sperry, available form J. Crew (http://www.jcrew.com/); (7) Diagonal Stripe Sail Bag by Angela Adams and Sea Bags for J. Crew $198, available online.

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