What are your favorite Factory items for this fall?
xoxo,
Catherine
Preppy by the Sea
August 30, 2014
J. Crew Factory Fall Favorites
August 29, 2014
Chatham Ivy
Catherine and I can both agree, we are lovers of a comfortable go-to tee-shirt. Whether it's a lazy day at school, casual stroll downtown, or relaxing day at the beach, a good tee-shirt can make a statement of one's personal style. So, when we received an email from Chatham Ivy few weeks ago, we instantly thought this would be the perfect collaboration. This Cape Cod based tee shirt company really stood out to us as we too spend summers on the Cape. Kim and her sister Katie started this company as a way to represent and show their thanks to their old school prep dad who is currently battling cancer and to share their love of Cape Cod with others. Companies with an awesome backstory always make a greater impact on the customer, and Chatham Ivy really hit home with us.
There are so many Southern tee shirt companies, so it is nice to finally have one that really embodies the New England lifestyle. Chatham Ivy has women's fit tees ($30), mens tees ($30) and a children's collection ($20), so there really is something for everyone. The watercolor graphics are so nicely done and create a unique custom feel. The cotton tees used are incredibly soft and the white is not see through which is always a plus! Normally, we both prefer a men's fit style tee-shirt, but we love the loose and comfortable feel of our women's fit tees! Keeping checking in on chathamivy.com because this fall they will be getting long sleeve shirts in addition to adding more New England States, vacation towns and "preppy pets".
Julianna is wearing the Wicked Land Cruiser. We love the little black lab sitting in the car!
The back says Chatham Ivy on it with their slogan- "wicked preppy" which adds a little Massachusetts charm ;)
Catherine is wearing the Entering Cape Cod. How cute is the entering Cape Cod sign!?
Here are just a few of our favorite the tee shirt designs available at Chatham Ivy. They also have a New England destination collection that features designs from Newport, Maine and Cape Cod!
What is your favorite design?
xoxo,
Catherine and Julianna
Preppy by the Sea
*Thanks to Chatham Ivy for sponsoring this post*
August 28, 2014
Beach Walks
My entire life I have grown up spending summers at the beach, it has been and will always be one of my favorite places and has provided me with some of the most terrific memories! Ever since I was little I have loved long beach walks, summer or winter they are always relaxing. A few days ago we went out on our neighbors boat to go to this beach on one of the islands, it was amazing! We were basically the only ones there. If you are anything like me and love searching the shore for seashells and sea glass, you know that the less people there are the better your chances of finding something are! I had to take advantage of the empty beach. My Mom, Dad, sister and I all went on a beach walk and I found not one, but two sand dollars! I am absolutely obsessed with sand dollars and they are my all time favorite shell, but they can be so hard to find! When I found this one I obviously had to take a picture of it for Instagram!
A late Summer evening, the waves crashing onto the shore and sand between your toes- honestly does it get any better? I am definitely not looking forward to saying good bye to summer beach walks, salty hair and warm sand. However, at the same time I adore getting all bundled up in the cooler months and walking along the vacant shores. During the off-seaon, the beaches are so calm and relaxing because all the tourists have packed up and headed home until next Summer- it's almost like you have the entire place to yourself! This is one of my favorite things about visiting the beach on fall weekends, plus its is a place where I can escape from reality and the chaos of my busy schedule. Where is your happy place?
{instagrammed}
xoxo,
Catherine
Preppy by the Sea
August 26, 2014
theSkimm
Whether it's at school, amongst my family and friends, or around the world, I like to be kept up to date and knowledgable about what's going on around me. But, having time to watch the news to the point where I have a good understanding of the topic at hand is difficult, especially during the school year. So, when a friend of mine introduced me to theSkimm, I quickly realized this daily newsletter was the perfect way to get an overview of important news around the world. A quick and entertaining read, the Skimm gives you enough information, but doesn't boggle your mind with the minor details that may not be what your looking for in your reading. So, how can I skimm? Just enter your email address on their website here and you'll start receiving your daily newsletters immediately. I've found it to the perfect solution to my news-watching dilemma.
I look forward to getting my skimm email everyday, and I hope you guys will sign up as well!
xoxo,
Julianna
Preppy by the Sea
August 25, 2014
Amazing Agendas
As much as I am not ready to embrace the fact that school is just around the corner, it is inevitable. Today I am talking about agendas, the first of a few back to school posts we have planned. I'm not going to lie, I LOVE school supplies shopping! There's something so fun about getting everything and making it as cute as possible. My favorite thing to purchase for back to school is definitely my agenda, it is my saving grace and keeps me sane while planning out dates of tests, projects etc. Because I am constantly using mine, I opt to purchase a nicer one than what is provided by my school. Last year I used the Lilly Pulitzer agenda in "Coronado Crab", I loved everything about it, the adorable pink and green pattern, the stickers and of course the layout. I am fairly particular about the organization and have perfected my system... if you would like to see a "How I Organize My Agenda" or any other school related posts, leave a comment below!
I am partial to the Lilly Pulitzer agendas because that is what I have used, however I am also loving the ones Kate Spade released this year. The gold polka dot Kate Spade agenda is very simple and sophisticated with a twist and the bookshelf is so unique! If you are looking for a more fun and colorful option definitely check out the Lilly ones and order ASAP because they typically sell out! This year I will be using the Lilly agenda in "Peelin' Out". I love, love, love the little monkeys and oranges and cannot wait to start using it! Although Julianna is not really into using a planner, I know that she is absolutely obsessed with the print "Hot Spot"! Because the Lilly agendas are 15 months, I am now using mine from last year for blogging and planning out posts because I want to start the school year with a new one! Are you an agenda person? If so, what agenda do you like to use?
xoxo,
Catherine
Preppy by the Sea
August 23, 2014
What you See Isn't Always What you Get!
Recently I have seen a ton of bloggers doing the Instagram versus reality post and have loved every single one, although Frannie's has to be my favorite- it's hilarious! One stereotype about bloggers is their perfect, or what seems to be perfect Instagram, which is often time true. A scroll through my feed typically includes arm candy and a latte at a quaint coffee shop, macrarons and cute coffee table books or brightly colored accessories all placed on a perfect white background. I will definitely be liking all those cute blogger photos, but often times they are quite deceiving. I am not going to lie, I spend quite a lot of time trying to take the perfect picture and editing it but you never actually know what was happening during that time. Today you will get to learn the truth behind some of these pictures...
What it looks like: Ahh waking up to the smell of the ocean! I woke up, made my bed all perfectly and was up ready to start a productive day!
What is actually happening: Surprise I rarely make my bed #sorrynotsorry.... My bed was looking cute because we had guests over and my mom made me clean my room. I actually took this picture around 11:00 at night and put the brightness up to about 75%.
What it looks like: Just snapping some cute pictures at a little beach town store
What is actually happening: I was shopping around with Julianna and our friend Kate trying to find a gift... while they were checking out I literally rearranged a display shelf to my liking to take this picture while a couple of people browsing around the shop were staring at me #bloggerprobs
What it looks like: Just being all fit and healthy about to go for a run and telling the followers on Instagram that there is a new post up on the blog!
What is actually happening: Apparently my whole family was waiting in the car for me to go to the beach for 20 min and I had no idea...too busy taking this picture. I tried to take this in three different rooms because I was having lighting issues. The background of this appears to be nice and white, it is however it is all sitting on my sisters lacrosse shirt. Also, I tried to bump up the exposure so hide the fact that the only headband I could find was covered in makeup because I wear it every night when I wash my face.
What it looks like: Just enjoying a fun day at at the play for pink golf tournament with our friends!
What is actually happening: This day was actually super fun...until I crashed the golf cart and got yelled at- good times. Also, there was a group right behind us so we had to take this picture in 2 seconds. We look cute in our Lilly shorts and that all that matters :)
What it looks like: Just enjoying another beautiful beach day soaking up the summer sun!
What is actually happening: It was a little after 5 and the lifeguards had all left, so naturally we had to take advantage of the stand and take a few pictures, there was just one little issue... After everyone leaves they take away the ladder to get up, so let me tell you this was quite a struggle. After shimmying up the slanted wooden board we almost made it, but first we had to flop around like a fish out of water to get all the way up there. Once we reached the top we took our pictures- the next challenge, getting down. Julianna went first and made it, next I went and fell. I was completely covered in sand but that was nothing the ocean couldn't fix! Looking back that was a lot of effort for a few pictures, but you gotta do it for the 'gram!
What it looks like: A bunch of cute Kate Spade wallets, just following her "Live Colorfully" motto!
What is actually Happening: Julianna, our friend Clare and I were all sitting at the train station waiting for our train to NYC for the Smart Girl conference. After we went to buy food (#priorities) I realized we all had Kate Spade wallets and borrowed them to take a quick picture (FTB- for the blog, a running joke amongst our friends). I was literally sitting on the floor of the train station arranging them to get the perfect angle. Most people waiting must have really thought there was something wrong with me, but hey you gotta do what you gotta do!
This post was super fun to look back through all of our pictures and remember all the amusing stories that go with them, I hope you enjoyed it too!
xoxo,
Catherine
Preppy by the Sea
August 22, 2014
Lilly at the Lighthouse
Last night my family and I ventured around Cape Cod. On our way to dinner, we stopped by this lighthouse and of course I had to take a few pictures for the blog! This post does not have a ton of pictures and the lighting is not great, however the scenery was to pretty to pass up! I kept this look pretty casual by pairing my favorite Lilly skirt with a simple white V neck and cardigan. A white cardigan is one of my go-to summer pieces because it can be worn with virtually anything and will keep you warm at night or in an air conditioned restaurant.
If you are looking into purchasing a pair of Jack Rogers I definitely recommend the pink and white. They were my first pair and I still adore them because they look so cute with most of my summer clothes!
My favorite croakies from Apparel by PW matched my skirt perfectly and added the perfect pop of color against the white!
I loved the detailing on this skirt, plus it has pockets which is always a bonus!
Skirt- Lilly Pulitzer (Old) similar | Shirt-Old Navy | Cardigan- Old Navy | Shoes- Jack Rogers | Necklace- Monogram Online | Croakies- Apparel by PW | Sunglasses- Ray-Ban
xoxo,
Catherine
Preppy by the Sea
August 20, 2014
Nike+ Running App
Not only does back to school mean back to classes, but for anyone playing sports it means preseason practices and then getting into the season full swing! Many sports have a summer calendar with the suggested workouts so that you will be ready to go by the first practice. This year I will be doing cross country, so naturally running was my main focus this summer. A few months ago I discovered the Nike+ Running App and instantly fell in love with the set up and all the amazing features. One of the things that really annoyed me about running before I got this app was not knowing the exact distance of my run or constantly being able to check how fast I was going. Thankfully that problem has now been solved! Not only does it tell you how far you ran, but also the exact route on a map! I mean let's be real, it's important to know when you actually start dying- is it at 0.8 mi or 2.5 mi? In addition to the distance and time Nike has enabled you to attach your playlist into the app so you don't have to constantly switch back and forth while running!
Here is my all time favorite feature, the challenge section! If you and your friends all have the app you can create a challenge- maybe even throw in a prize for the winner to increase the motivation and friendly competition:) Yes, the name of our challenge is "Highway to Hell" because honestly yes running is torture. It is also imperative that you make your profile picture entertaining. Our challenge is to run 40 miles and it has run from July 20th to September 1st- the day before school starts! Currently taking pride in the fact that I am winning, but if I want to make it to the 40 miles I need to step it up...
For my XC team the coach requires us to submit a log of all our runs and workouts we did throughout the summer. The activity log section will be incredible helpful to go back to in order to figure it out. If you click on each run it will provide your route, the total distance, average pace, total time and time per mile! Although I'm not looking forward to preseason next week and I definitely know Julianna is not thrilled about soccer tryouts that start tomorrow, completing all of our runs have definitely been beneficial to getting prepared for the upcoming season!
Are you a fan of the Nike+ Running app?
xoxo,
Catherine
Preppy by the Sea
August 19, 2014
Nantucket
This past weekend, my mom, aunts, cousins, and I went to Nantucket for a day trip. I hadn't been to Nantucket for probably three summers so it was so nice visit again! We totally lucked out and the weather was gorgeous; not too hot and sunny all day long! But, I will say that the ride over on the ferry was far from ideal as there were some pretty big waves in Nantucket sound and that did not make for the smoothest ride. I've never been seasick before and I wasn't feeling so hot when I got off that boat! Anyways, we had an awesome day browsing and shopping in downtown Nantucket and we even sat down at the beach for an hour or so to embrace the beautiful day. It was so nice to have a girls day with my family and I'm looking forward to it again next year.
Classic Nantucket style!
I kept my outfit simple with just a white tee-shirt and sweater and my orange chinos
I accessorized by my Lilly bangles and C. Wonder cross body that I got in New York. I figured with all the walking I'd be doing, I should wear practical shoes. So, I traded in my Jack Rogers for Sperrys on this day trip.
I picked up an adorable tee-shirt at Vineyard Vines!
Shirt: Anthropologie (similar) | Sweater: J. Crew Factory (similar) | Shorts: J. Crew | Shoes: Sperry | Bag: C. Wonder (similar)
xoxo,
Julianna
Preppy by the Sea
August 18, 2014
Hazel & Marie Pearls
I think most of you would agree with me when I say, pearls are a MUST for every girl's wardrobe. So, when we were contacted by Hazel & Marie, we couldn't wait to do a collaboration! Hazel & Marie Pearls are the perfect accessory for both casual and formal attire, complementing your outfit with classic style. Hazel & Marie focuses on quality and craftsmanship in their freshwater pearl designs to create statement jewelry pieces. From necklaces, earrings, to bracelets, there is something for everyone on the Hazel & Marie website! With a variety of colors, we guarantee anything you buy would be versatile and adorable to compliment your favorite outfit. After receiving our pearls, we agree that Hazel & Marie jewelry is stunning! Catherine's white pearl studs are the perfect size, and I can't say enough about how much I love my bracelet. We agree, Hazel & Marie pearls will be our go to day-to-day jewelry from here on out and we highly recommend it.
I love the little Hazel & Marie tag on this bracelet.
I still cannot get over how elegant these pearls are!
Simple, sophisticated, stunning!
How adorable is their packaging? The chartreuse accents are perfect!
Check out Hazel & Marie on social media!
xoxo,
Catherine and Julianna
Preppy by the Sea
Pink and Green Galore!
It's that time of year again.. the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale! Today is the one day all summer that I will willingly set my alarm to 7:45 and happily get up! Last year this sale was horrible, constant "Oh Shift We Broke the Internet!" messages popped up on my computer and I didn't get anything I put in my cart, but this year was completely different! Having your account all ready to go and making individual orders helps during the somewhat stressful checkout process! I purchased three things, the Dusk Top in Oh Cabana boy for $54 (retail $108), the Skinny Bow Belt in Pink for $19 (retail $48) and the Kirstin Leather Wedge in True Navy for $79 (retail $198). I am pretty proud of myself for not going completely crazy! My sister got the Atlee Tunic in She She Shells for $29 (retails $68) and the Jaylynne Dress in Lobstah Roll for $29 (retail $48). Obviously the prices that Lilly has to offer are great and is worth the wait if you do it correctly! Stay tuned for their flash sale at 11am EST on Facebook! If only every Monday started off like this...
Dusk Top in Oh Cabana Boy | Atlee Tunic in She She Shells | Jaylynne Dress in Lobstah Roll | Pink Skinny Bow Belt | Kristin Leather Wedge in True Navy
Did you purchase anything at the sale?
xoxo,
Catherine
Preppy by the Sea
August 17, 2014
eShakti
At some point or another everyone has some sort of challenge when it comes to finding clothes that fit just right. For some this might be a frequent struggle and for others it may only be every once and a while or with specific articles of clothing. eShakti is an online clothing store that makes custom women's clothing from sizes 0 to 36. On their website there is a wide variety of dresses, tops, skirts etc. that are all made to fit you perfectly. When placing your order you take all of your measurements as opposed to just selecting a standard size. We were ecstatic to find that when our dresses came they literally fit like a glove, plus who doesn't love FREE customization!? eShakti has incredible customer service. Initially when I sent in my measurements they noticed that one was very off and sent an email right away to have me double check, thankfully I made the changes and everything was great once the dress arrived! In addition to the customer service, the quality of the products is extremely high, the dresses are fully lined and the attention to detail is amazing! Overall our experience working with eShakti was great and we would highly recommend it!
Love the royal and navy geometric design on this dress! It is absolutely perfect for summer!
Dresses with pockets? I think yes!
The intricate beading and embroidery on this dress is stunning
This dress is a little longer than I had expected, however I still LOVE it!
The ruffle at the bottom of the dress is so unique and adds a fun girlie feel!
Absolutely in love with the embroidery detailing at the top of this dress
Not only are their dresses adorable but they are also super comfortable and could easily be dressed up or dressed down.
Make sure to check out eShakti on Facebook//Twitter//Pinterest to hear about all the latest arrivals and deals!
xoxo,
Catherine and Julianna
Preppy by the Sea
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
As most of you have probably seen, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been going viral on social media in the past few weeks. Some of these challenges can be kind of pointless, for example the Polar Plunge that went around this spring, however this seems a bit different. ALS is a degenerative disease that affects the use of nerve cells and voluntary movement. This challenge has raised awareness about ALS and the ALS Association has raised over $5.5 million since it started in late July. Dumping a bucket filled with lots of ice over you head is not so bad, especially because it is for a good cause. Even if you opted to participate, I would definitely consider making a donation to ALS, every penny helps! Both Julianna and I had been nominated on our personal social media and yesterday, Abby from belleoftheball45 nominated Preppy by the Sea so here is our video! If you follow us on Instagram you most likely saw a shortened version of it earlier today!
And an after picture :)
1. The Patriots
Being from New England, obviously the Patriots are our favorite team! This video is hilarious, the entire team is literally just throwing buckets of ice water EVERYWHERE- Go Pats!
2. Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher
Carrie is one of my favorite country singers and she and her husband are too cute in this video!
3. Luke Bryan
The commentary in this video is hilarious, plus he did it at Gillette Stadium!
Have you participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge and what are your favorite videos you have seen?
#StrikeOutALS #IceBucketChallenge
xoxo,
Catherine and Julianna
Preppy by the Sea
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