Late Summer Musings

As August winds down and Labor Day weekend begins, I've found myself clinging to the last bits of summer. Thinking back to May 12, when Mr. V and I got engaged, it feels like minutes have gone by, much less three and a half months. This has been the best summer I can remember, but it was also a whirlwind...

Since the end of May, I've been to Berlin, Martha's Vineyard, Milan, Torino, Vermont, Virginia, and Florida. We've celebrated several friends' weddings (Mr. V has been to ten ceremonies since January; I made it to eight of those). Mr. V and I have also been working hard to plan our own wedding, which is seven and a half months away and feels like it's just around the corner. Additionally, we recently adopted a sweet kitten that we just adore. With all of these wonderful summer memories and experiences tumbling around in my mind, it feels hard to let go of the season. However, today's weather finally ignited a small yearning in me for fall. The air felt warm, yet crisp, and the light streamed through the trees, illuminating a few yellowing leaves, just as in this beautiful image of a farm's garden. It has left me exited for a new season and a fresh start, and I'm going into the long weekend feeling ready for the change. Have a happy final few days of summer!

Image via Modern Hepburn. 

Fashion Files | Relaxed Fit

Slightly tousled, natural hair coupled with cool blues and bright whites...These looks are definitely my fashion inspiration for these final weeks of summer.

Mr. V and I are spending this weekend with both of our families at my parents' house in Virginia, and I'm really looking forward to some time with everyone together. These past few weeks have been so busy and summer feels a bit as if it's tumbling by at full speed. We've been traveling almost every weekend, largely to celebrate nine (soon ten) weddings this year already - and also planning our own for next April! It's been very exciting, but also hectic. I can't wait to share some of my inspiration with you in the coming months. Have a happy weekend!

Image one via Sincerely, Jules; Images two and three via They All Hate Us. 

Vacation Days | Martha's Vineyard

Last week, Mr. V and I went to Martha's Vineyard to celebrate our friends' wedding, which was so beautiful. We made the trip into a four-day weekend, and spent the last two days exploring the island by rental car, seeing every town, beach, and lighthouse that we could find. It was amazing to be out of the city together for a little getaway, and here are some of the pictures from our adventure...

Florals and Voyages

Tonight is an event I've been looking forward to for quite some time...I'm taking a flower arranging class with the Little Flower School! Arranging Spring's Bounty is hosted at the New York Botanical Garden's midtown space, and focuses on some of my favorite blooms, such as peonies, irises, and lilacs.

I can't wait to get my hands on the beautiful flowers and learn a few new tricks to arranging them! However, I only get one night to enjoy my floral creation, as I leave for Berlin tomorrow for a work trip, and then am heading straight to Miami to meet Mr. V for a family celebration in Palm Beach. It'll be a busy Memorial Day weekend - what a great start to summer!

Image via That Inspirational Girl. 

Staying Glam in the Sand

Because I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to summer...

Aren't these looks glamorous for transitioning to Fall at the beach?

Images one and three styled and photographed by Hanneli Mustraparta for Shopbop.com in Palma de Mallorca via Hanneli.com; Image two of Hanneli Mustraparta in the Maldives via Hanneli.com.

Savoring Summer

Have a very happy weekend!

Image via Citizen Couture of Robot & Brucling's Christopher Bennett and Bruce Franklin; Photographer: Jason Jean

Beach Eats

Dreaming of a delicious feast by the ocean...

I think that everything truly tastes better with the salty sea air!

Image one from Bon Appetit; Photographer: Jeremy Liebman; Image two from Bon Appetit, Photographer: Con Poulos; Image three via Coastal Living, Photographer: Jeann Allsopp; Image four is Linguine con Le Vongole by Mario Batali via Gwenyth Paltrow/GOOP.com; Image five is Gwenyth Paltrow's recipe for Marinated Gigante Bean Salad with Grilled Shrimp and Watercress via Lonny; Image six via gather.com; Image seven from Bon Appetit, Photographer: Jeremy Liebman; Image eight styled by Kim Ficaro, Photography © Respective Photographers; Image nine via Coastal Living, Photographer: Lisa Romerein.

Dog Days

As the August weather in the city oscillates from balmy to blistering, a maxi skirt is a splendid way to beat the heat and still remain stylish. I love this look accessorized with a bold statement necklace, a lovely pair of shoes, and loose, wavy hair. A perfect way to stay comfortable and gorgeous through these last weeks of summer!

Image one via Refinery29; Images two, four, and five via The Sartorialist, Photographer: Scott Schuman; Images three and seven via Garance Doré, Photographer: Garance Doré; Image six via Swagger.

Summer Rain

I spent yesterday at Rockaway Beach, and I'm reminded of romantic, stormy days by the shore, with bouncing, choppy waters and palm trees swaying in the wind.

It's a dreary Sunday afternoon in Manhattan, and today is perfect for cozying up under a window with a great book. Wouldn't this antique daybed, in a guest room of a home on Florida's Jupiter Island, be a great place to relax? I love the subtle elements added as a nod to the island: a conch shell tucked in a blue lucite box, trimmed rattan furniture, and a vintage palm tree lamp. Talk about beach chic!

Image from Elle Decor January 2007, Designer: Tom Scheerer, Photographer: William Waldron. Katsugi linen-cotton by Decorators Walk lines the walls.

Happy Friday!

May your weekend bring you all the fun of this kitchen! Wouldn't this be perfect for a beach house? I'm imagining views of the rolling ocean from those big windows...

Source: Unknown