Stand by your man

My lovely boyfriend’s birthday is tomorrow so in honor of him, I’ve pulled together an outfit I’d be thrilled to see on any man this summer.

Full disclosure: it was actually Eric’s brilliant (I think) idea for us to post good guy gear we spot on the web every now and then. Would you be interested in seeing more content like this? Let us know and we’ll keep it up! Shopping for menswear is so much fun for me, I’d be happy to do it virtually for us all.

1. Club Short, J.Crew $69.50–these are dressy enough for day or nighttime wear, something cargo shorts are most definitely not.

2. Coastal Linen Cotton Shirt, Lands’ End Canvas $65

3. Broken-in Boat Shoe, Sperry’s for J.Crew $98–so much better than running shoes with said cargo shorts.

4. Liteforce Aviator, Ray Ban $210

5. Roller Buckle Belt, Land’s End Canvas $60

P.S. If you happen to be looking for a good birthday present for a man in your life, try a Citizen watch. They are extremely sturdy and come in dozens of sleek styles. Eric is a chef and bangs his around all the time (it was a birthday gift from me a few years ago) but it keeps on ticking!

P.P.S. I know there’s not a huge amount of variety in these sites but you know how much I love J.Crew and Land’s End for women’s clothes. Their stuff for men is no different … Love to the infinite power over here.

Have a wonderful long weekend!

-J

To have and to hold

Wedding season is almost in full swing! With showers, bachelorette parties and big days for some of my closest friends right around the corner, I can’t help but take a second look at every beautiful flower arrangement, dress or “real wedding” I spot on blogs.

I’m not planning a trip down the aisle anytime soon, but if I were I’d probably spend an inordinate amount of time on BHLDN. The explore section is chock full of weddings, accessories and how to’s and their shop section has great gift ideas for every price range.

Not to mention the bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses make me swoon. Would it be too much to pick up one of these with no date in sight? I think somebody would pass out if he saw a little somethin’ like this in my closet … and I’m not talking about the dog.

-J

Back from the beach

And I’m already missing our house on Folly.

Its a gloomy day to be working in NYC but thoughts of the new dress I bought from Lucy Love during the week (in a funky red pattern I can’t find online, boo) is helping to keep my case of the Mondays at bay.

If you’re on the East Coast, stay dry!

-J

Get out

Summertime in New York City. It’s muggy, dirty and just happens to be my favorite time of year around these parts. People take to the streets for as much outdoor eating, drinking and revelry they can handle. And those who don’t participate leave the city altogether, making it easier to get reservations at ballyhooed restaurants and snap up cheap theater tickets. Here are a few things I’m especially looking forward to this year.

• Checking out Mission Dolores, an outdoor bar in my hood that used to be an auto parts shop and is dog friendly!
• Seeing the New York Philharmonic for free during their Concerts in the Parks series. They took last year off but are back in action and coming to Brooklyn in July.
• Making a pit stop at the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party in Madison Square Park in June–a must visit for anyone who loves BBQ, music and beer.

*Images via Mission Dolores, the New York Philharmonic’s website and Gothamist

-J

Made in the shade

Last month, I had LASIK eye surgery to correct my {once} awful vision. It’s been the most incredible thing to wake up every morning and see the clock clearly, but I have to admit I miss the look of my green glasses. Thank goodness for fun sunglasses in all shapes, sizes and prices to pine over and try on for a new summer look.

From top:

Small Metal Aviators, Ray Ban $145

Kigali-Tortoise, Toms $119

Grayson Sunglasses, Michael Kors $99

Pastel Flat Top Sunglasses, Topshop $32

Wayfarer Sunglasses, Forever 21 $5.80

-J

Life aquatic

I’m fully enamored with anything striped or anchor-adorned this spring. There’s something clean and crisp about a nautical inspired outfit that works perfectly for warm weather jaunts and trips to the beach. No one does this better than the original prepsters: J.Crew, Gap and Sperry.

Here are my favorites:

Anchor Buckle Belt, Lands’ End Canvas $50

Drawstring Hobo Bag, Gap $39.95

Maritime Anchor Dress, J.Crew $98

Angelfish Slip-On Boat Shoe, Sperry Top-Sider $80

Marine Boatneck Tee, Joe Fresh $24

Triton Top Knot Sailing Bracelet, Kiel James Patrick $38

Ahoy and happy shopping!

-J

Is this real life?

Lucy graduates college this weekend–hooraaaaaay!

I’m so proud of her and I know our parents are too. We’re all headed down south (our last visit was in October) today to celebrate the occasion and spend some quality time together before she starts working a, gulp, full time job.

We’re renting a house with our mom on Folly Beach next week and will be biking, paddle boarding and eating up a storm. I couldn’t be more excited. We’ll keep you posted of our adventures on Instagram and will be back in a week … hopefully with a little color so that I can finally wear dresses in public :)

Congrats, Luce. I luf you!

-J

Summer feet make me feel fine

Sandals + a great pedicure + a warm summer day … what could be better? Especially if those sandals are from Matt Bernson’s collection–talk about a swoon fest. I don’t know how I’d ever be able to choose just one pair from his online store.

This year I’m loving the height, pops of color and funky details in every pair of sandals that catches my eye. I’m going to need to stay very far away from each and every store these shoes are sold, two of which are down the street from my apartment. I may actually need blinders for this … maybe some of them exist with funky details?

-J