Friday Favorites

Happy Friday everyone, can you believe that we say goodbye to July today?! This week has been a complete whirlwind, but absolutely amazing! On Monday night, my family and I left Boston and began our two week adventure to Italy! I have been on red eyes before but never a nine and a half hour one across the Atlantic ocean, needless to say the six hour time change and jet lag were a little bit rough on Tuesday. We spent the first three days in Rome and are now enjoying the beaches of the Amalfi Coast (more on what we did next week). Anyways, here are a few things that I have been loving this week! 

One: Travel 

This is incredibly broad, however there is nothing better than traveling. Although long flights and drives are exhausting, I always find myself consumed by the action of the airport and the anticipation of what is ahead. 

Two: Gelato 

I'm not going to lie, there have been days were I have gone to get gelato multiple times because yes, it is that good. In the US, I rarely find myself eating gelato so getting to have the real deal is amazing. My favorite flavor is definitely lemon, I have gotten it at many different places and it is constantly delicious! 

Three: The streets of Rome 

The buildings lining the streets of Rome are absolutely adorable! From cafes to high end stores everything is so picturesque. Both the old (ancient) and new architecture blend together nicely and  I could have spent weeks exploring the different corners of the city. 

xoxo,

Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea 

July Playlist

I can't believe that July is coming to an end and we are halfway through summer! Having a good summer playlist is essential for beach days, road trips, or flights. Throughout July, I have been listening to lots of different music. I was lucky enough to get to go to both nights of Taylor Swift at Gillette Stadium, so naturally I listened to a lot of both 1989 and her old albums. I am writing this post at a layover before my 9 hour flight to Rome and am also adding more songs to this playlist to get me through it. What songs have you been loving this summer? 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Buy it Now!

herringbone | black | navy | orange | J. Crew version

8 inch | 6 inch | moccasin

I know what you are probably thinking, Catherine are you crazy it is July why on earth are you blogging about winter products? You're right, this is absolute insanity, however for some reason J. Crew puffer vests and bean boots seem to always sell out by the time the cold weather rolls in. I have had my bean boots for four years and I wear them practically every day during the winter months. They are great for snow, rain, or any other wintery mix- not to mention they are super comfortable! In the past two or so years, bean boots have sold out everywhere and are backordered until June. As of now, they are in stock in every style and size, so if you have been contemplating purchasing a pair (which I highly recommend) you should do it now! I often get a lot of questions about my bean boots and I have the women's 8 inch boot in tan/brown. 

Also, J. Crew vests have had a tendency to sell out rather quickly, so I also recommend purchasing them sooner rather than later. They are perfect for crisp fall days, or to layer with a sweater and jacket in the winter. If you do not currently have one, I would opt for the black or navy as they match everything, however if you are looking for a little pop of color I am loving the orange! They are available for $98 at J. Crew Factory and at J. Crew for $120 (slightly different style). I have one from both the regular store and the factory and the quality is the same, it just depends on which pocket style and colors you prefer! Let me know if you purchase either of these! 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Adventure

*via*

Happy Monday everyone! I just wanted to put up a quick update because as you are reading this I am starting my trek from Boston to Rome! I have been eagerly awaiting my trip since Thanksgiving and honestly can't believe that it all starts now. I am not entirely sure what the wifi situation will be like at the places that I am staying at, but fingers crossed I will be able to blog while over there. Apologies for any inconsistencies throughout the next two weeks as we are trying our best- Next stop, Italy! 

xoxo,

Catherine 

Preppy by the Sea 

Bruschetta

This summer, I've been on a major cooking kick. With so many fresh fruits and vegetables in season, I guess I've been inspired to make more delicious treats than usual. Last week, my mom needed an appetizer for a diner party she was attending, and asked me if I could do it for her. I was super excited and knew exactly what I was going to make. Bruschetta could honestly be my favorite food. I love anything with tomatoes and cheese, and the crunch from the toasted bread adds so much tastiness (if that's even a word). I also love how colorful this appetizer is. The contrasting green and red from the tomato and basil look so pretty against a bright white plate. Without further ado, here is is my recipe. 

Ingredients:

+ diced tomatoes

+ olive oil

+ garlic

+ balsamic vinegar 

+ balsamic vinegar glaze 

+ basil

+ herbed goat cheese spread

+ toasted french bread rounds (substitute: melba snacks)

I usually dice the tomatoes and put them in a bowl with a few tablespoons of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I mix those ingredients together, and add a little garlic for flavor. After toasting the bread, spread about a half teaspoon of goat cheese on each round. Put a small spoonful of the tomato mixture on top. Thinly slice the basil and put a few pieces on top. Finish by taking the balsamic glaze (I use this as opposed to regular vinegar because it is thicker and not as messy) and putting a drizzle on top of each one. 

Hope you enjoy!

xoxo,

Julianna 

Preppy by the Sea

Dockside

Julianna: shirt | shorts | jean jacket

Catherine: shirt | shorts similar | necklace c/o | sandals

There really is nothing better than summertime on Cape Cod, and we are lucky enough to enjoy lots of time there. We had an awesome week, filled with great beach days and a trip to Nantucket (post to come). Yesterday Julianna and I went down to the dock with our friend Clare, who was a trooper and took all of our blog pictures. The weather was perfect along with the scenery. Lilly Pulitzer shorts and a simple tee are a great combination for beach afternoons followed by a lunch out. The coral and blue shorts are from this years line, I like how the pattern isn't too loud. Mine are from a few summers ago; the bright blues and greens will always be in style. Casual but sophisticated, the bold patterns are adorable for summer! We had so much fun taking these pictures and are looking forward to more summer days ahead! 

xoxo,

Catherine and Julianna

Preppy by the Sea 

Summer Assignments

via pinterest

Summer assignments, we all have them and most likely all dread completing them. Every year, I find myself cramming everything in during the last few weeks of Summer, which is definitely the last thing that you want to do. Although it can be difficult, time management is essential, especially during the carefree days of summer. This year I have been slightly more proactive than in the past because I have a lot more work and know that I need to be prepared for my more rigorous classes in the fall. I thought that I would share a few tips to check everything off your summer work list! 

+ Make a schedule

Odds are you have known everything that needs to be completed for the fist day of school since day one of the summer, so make a plan and set deadlines for yourself. One of the books that I have to read this summer is followed by an essay that has to be submitted well before school starts, so I started this first. I also think that it is nice to read the worst/most boring books first so that you can just get them out of the way. If you are relatively committed to the schedule, you should finish with time to spare and can enjoy the end of your summer in a stress free way. 

+ Bring it with you 

Whether you will be flying, babysitting, or waiting to get a haircut, having your work with you is so convent in times like these. With lots of waiting around, you would be surprised by how much you can accomplish. I also highly recommend doing work at the beach (or pool), it is so relaxing! 

+Limit yourself

I cannot complete a task without some sort of motivation. I tell myself that I can't watch Netflix until I read x-amount of pages, or if I finish up to a certain point I will go downstairs and eat ice cream. Little motivational factors are so simple but can work wonders! 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Europe Recommendations

One week from today, my family and I begin our adventure to Europe! I have never been abroad before, so naturally I am beyond excited for this trip. We will be spending 3 days in Rome, a week on the Amalfi Coast and a day in London. We have been planning the trip since the fall, so we we have a decent amount on our itinerary; however, if you have been to any of these places, I would love any kind of recommendation! With twelve days away, I am hoping to pack in as much as possible, and enjoy lots of delicious food and beautiful scenery. 

We are beginning our trip by flying into Rome and spending a few days there. I know that we will be going to the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain. I would love to hear any food recommendations, as we have a bunch of the touristy things down :) 

The majority of the trip will be spend on the Amalfi Coast. I am looking forward to spending time in Positano and Capri and enjoying a little relaxation on the beautiful Mediterranean after being busy in Rome. My mom and I are hoping to take a cooking class and get to bring back a little taste of Italy to our kitchen. 

Finally, our trip will end with a whirlwind 24 hours in London. This is going to be very hectic, but I am so glad that I will have the opportunity to experience this gorgeous city. Visiting Buckingham Palace is my number one priority because who who doesn't want to see the home of the Royal Family!? What are your must-see spots in London along with great restaurants to check out on our quick stop by the city?  

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

*all photos via Pinterest*

Summer Shoes I Swear By

I love shoes. I have way too many pairs and will continue to buy more and more. I feel like when I go shopping, I find it easier to justify buying shoes for whatever reason, which has lead to me establishing quite the collection. Despite this, in the summer I really only wear 3 or 4 pairs regularly. I look for shoes that are both comfortable and stylish. It was fairly easy to pick my favorites, whether casual or dressy, I wear each pair frequently. In the list I compiled, I love how the are all neutral colors and match virtually all of my clothes.

Note: The flower backgrounds are quite random, but I was dying to take pictures of them. Everything is in bloom!

+ Rainbow Flip Flops

These are my favorite shoes hands down. I spend 80% of my spring and summer in these flip flops. I've had multiple pairs, and Rainbows are the only flip flops I've had that are stylish, comfortable, and hold up well. Mine get a ton of use whether it's at the beach or out to dinner. Best. Shoes. Ever. 

+ Jack Rogers
If you read the blog at all frequently, you know the obsession Catherine and I have with Jack Rogers. These shoes aren't super comfortable, especially at first, but they definitely make up for it in style. My neutral pair is my favorite, I especially love the gold trim. However, I love nearly all the colors they make.

+ Sperrys 

I wear my Sperrys during all seasons, but mostly during the spring and summer months. The original style and color is my favorite. I wear mine to the beach, on the boat, and out to town for lunch as they weather so well. They're a good option when it's a cooler or rainy summer day and flip flops and sandals aren't a good idea.

+ Wedges / Espadrilles 

I certainly don't wear wedges every day, but I bought these recently from J.Crew and am obsessed. Espadrilles can be dressed up and down, especially in this cream color. They are my favorite accessory for summer dresses, I love the rope style heel.

Flip Flops | Jack Rogers | Sperrys | Wedges

xoxo,

Julianna 

Preppy by the Sea

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

 black dress |  jeans | patagonia pullover | cashmere turtleneck | down jacket | studded flats | tory burch riding boots | booties | sandals | necklace | watch | tote | perfume | wallet 

It's that time of year again, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is in full swing! I know that we are still in the heart of summer, but there's no better time to stock up on some essential for fall at great prices. The Nordstrom sale has a wide variety of items on sale from clothing, to shoes, and accessories. If you are looking to splurge on something like a nice pair of boots or a new purse, this is definitely the time to do so. Unlike most big department store sales, items at Nordstrom are returnable. If you order something and it does not fit properly or you just don't love it, no worries! Have you purchased anything yet?

xoxo,
Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! This week has been relatively uneventful, but I was able to get a lot of errands done and check a few things off of my to do list! The rest of my summer is going to be very busy, so it was nice to have a few days to just relax. 

One: These Espadrilles

I saw these shoes on @theblondeprep on instagram at the beginning of the week and knew instantly that I needed to add them to my closet. This is my first pair of espadrilles. They are so comfortable, the vivid blue shade is beautiful and goes with practically everything, plus the lace up ribbons add the cutest little detail! I highly recommend purchasing these for the remainder of the summer months! 

Two: Berries

One of my favorite things about summer is how delectable the fruit is, everything is local and 10x fresher. I have been enjoying yogurt with granola, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for breakfast every day this week. It is a super healthy and filling meal- perfect to eat before a workout! 

Three: Snapchat

We have officially hopped on the blogger bandwagon and have joined Snapchat! Make sure to add us {preppybythesea} to get a little glimpse into our daily lives! See photos like this from a run Julianna and I went on yesterday morning and much more! 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Spinning

via

This summer, my friends and I have gotten hooked on spinning classes. Recently, Soul Cycle has been all the rage. I have read on many blogs what a fun atmosphere the classes are and what a great workout it is. Unfortunately, the closest one to me is in Boston, however when a friend invited me to come to a class at a local studio, I of course said yes. Oh my gosh the class was so much fun (but also challenging) and I don't think I have ever sweat so much before. At the place I go to, they play really loud music in a dark room. You ride to the beat of the music at various gears and speeds. I have been to 7 classes so far and will definitely continue to go throughout the summer. I do cross country in the fall and spinning is so great to help strengthen leg muscles without putting the same weight and movements on your body that running does. After a spin class, I feel so refreshed and do not feel as sore the next day as I would with a run. I love going with friends as well because you can make an outing out of it and maybe get coffee and catch up after the class! I highly recommend trying out a spin class if you can find one in your area as they are an incredible workout and lots of fun. 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Shades of Blue

top similar | shorts | shoes | sunglasses | bracelet

This week has been brutally hot and humid, so I have really been trying to keep my outfits minimal and light. Blue is my favorite shade for summertime, as there are so many different variations and they can all be paired together nicely. My navy chino shorts are probably one of my most worn articles of clothing during the summer months due to their incredible versatility. I purchased the striped button down tank last spring and have worn it to death. The fabric is breathable and can be worn for many different occasions. Every once and a while I like to tie the end of a button down into a bow, I think it adds a fun twist to a classic and more conservative piece. I have been in dire need of a cute pair of shoes that would be comfortable for walking, as I am going to Italy with my family at the end of the month. When I saw these royal espadrilles on Frannie from The Blonde Prep, I knew that they were exactly what I was looking for. At $55, I thought that they were a relatively reasonable price and the color was absolutely perfect! What is your go-to look to beat the heat?

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Wedding Fun

dress- J.Crew | shoes- J.Crew Factory | bracelet- Tiffany & Co.

One of my favorite memories from when I was a little girl is when I was a flower girl. I remember how excited I was to pick out my dress (once a shopper, always a shopper) and how proud I felt that I had the responsibility to throw flowers down the isle. So this spring when an invitation came in the mail inviting us to a friend's daughter's wedding, I was naturally so excited. I haven't been to many weddings, and better yet this was my first black tie event. I got my dress for a steal (almost 75% off!) from J.Crew last month. I love the color, so perfect for summer, and the lace overlay dressed it up a bit. I had been wanting a new pair of heels for a while now, and fell in love with these silver ones. I feel like I can definitely wear them again, and who doesn't love a little shine? I took some bonus pictures of the table settings and flowers which I thought were so elegant. Pink peonies and white roses are my forte!

xoxo,

Julianna 

Preppy by the Sea