Boston Harbor

sweater similar | jeans | scarf | hat | boots

Over the weekend, we experienced the very end of the blizzard and got a couple inches of snow. After last winter, I can't say I am excited for any huge storms so this was just fine by me! My mom and I went for a walk on Sunday morning and it was absolutely beautiful. Living in a town on Boston Harbor is so wonderful and I don't think I will ever get tired of looking out across the water and seeing the skyline. 

Pink and navy has always been one of my favorite color combinations, and I love how this outfit bring the colors together in a subtle manner. If you are looking for a new scarf, check out Gap. This is seriously the softest thing ever and it comes in so many different colors and patterns. Today is the last day of exams (whoo!!!) and tomorrow we don't have school, so I am excited to get some much needed rest!

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

Winter Shoes

I am a big shoe person, however during the winter months I find myself sticking to a few basic and practical pairs. As much as I would love to wear cute and stylish footwear, New England winters have won the battle. I narrowed down my collection to just five shoes (all under $175) that can easily get you through the next few months.

L.L. Bean Moccasins// I have had these for a while now, but I am just realizing how practical they really are. These are great to just slip on if you need to quickly run out of the house as they are waterproof and pretty warm with a good pair of socks. They also look great with jeans when you cuff the bottoms. 

Ugg Moccasins// My friends got these for my for my birthday back in Novemeber and they have quickly become an all time favorite. I don't know about you but there are some days when I just really miss uggs. Despite the fact that they were incredibly ugly, they were seriously they coziest shoe ever. These moccasins are the perfect compromise, plus they are a heck of a lot cuter! The rubber bottoms make them just as good outside as they are inside as slippers. 

Black Booties// These are the only really "trendy" piece to make my list. For the days you want to look a bit more dressed up, booties are great and they keep your feet way warmer than a flat. I wear mine all the time with jeans and a sweater, but you can also wear them with a dress or skirt.

Sorel Snow Boots// If you live somewhere that gets very cold and snowy during the winter and are looking for a great snow boot, this boot is the answer. They are a bit pricer (around $170), but I have worn them plenty of time in sub-zero weather and have never had cold feet. 

Bean Boots// You know what they say, save the best for last! I honestly don't know if I could survive a winter without my bean boots, they are the perfect everyday boot for snow or rain. Mine are on their fourth New England winter and are still in great shape. I know that they are currently backordered, but if you order them now you can still have them for the last few weeks of winter and will be  prepared for next year! 

What are your favorite winter shoes?

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

What to Pack for a Ski Weekend

A few weeks ago I posed a picture of the mountain I ski at on Instagram and got a request to do a what to pack for a ski weekend posted. I have talked about this before but my family goes to Vermont every weekend to ski, so I guess I would consider myself a seasoned pro at packing. Martin Luther King weekend is always a popular weekend to head up north to ski, so I thought I would publish this just in time for the weekend. For the most part, you will be on the slopes or just lounging around, so packing a bunch of everyday clothes is not a necessity. I broke the packing up into a few categories to make the process as simple as possible!

+ For the Slopes 

When you are packing, plan on most of the things you bring to be worn while skiing. A pair of leggings (can be worn at night with a cute sweater), a pullover, under armor, a vest, and ski socks layered together will keep you warm and computable throughout the day!

+ Outerwear 

Obviously it is going to be fairly chilly on the mountain, so having good outerwear is very important. Pack a warm and waterproof jacket, snow pants, and gloves or mittens. 

+ Equipment

There is a ton of equipment required to successfully hit the slopes, so you don't want to forget anything. If you do not ski frequently, going to the mountain or local ski shop to rent equipment is definitely the more inexpensive way to go. There are so many variations of all the equipment, so depending on your ability and your preferred terrain you will have different styles. Before skiing make sure to have skis, poles, a helmet, goggles, and boots!

+ Après Ski

I always pack a pair of jeans and a sweater for weekend ski trips. Most restaurants are very casual so there is no need to pack any super fancy clothes. As for shoes I bring my bean boots, snow boots, and moccasins. Throw a book in your bag incase you have some down time- I'm reading Mindy Kaling's new book right now and highly recommend it! 

+ Random 

There are a few random things that I can't go without for a ski weekend. Bring lotion and chapstcik because the cold weather will dry your ski out so much. Also, pack some hand/toe warmers- you will thank me if you hit some super chilly weather, or lots of wind! 

Let me know if you're going on a ski trip this weekend!

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea

Basics & Barbour {Collab}

jacket | sweater similar | jeans | boots | socks similar

Do you ever have one outfit that you always find yourself resorting to? This is mine. In the winter a variation of a white cable knit sweater, my favorite pair of jeans (linked above and under $60!!), bean boots, and my Barbour jacket are worn at least once a week. The look is so easy to throw together and   works for so many occasions. Today I am collaborating with Daria to share how we style our Barbour jackets. I got my jacket last year for my birthday and although they are a bit pricey, they will last forever and are so timeless. Personally, I love the olive color but the navy is also super cute! I have the beadnell style, which is a bit more fitted than the original bedale. What is your go-to simple winter look? 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

*see Daria's post here*

Guide to Patagonia Pullovers

synchilla | re-tool | nano-puff | better sweater 

Now that it is consistently chilly out everyday I have been wearing my patagonia pullovers all the time. There are so many different styles, so I thought I would share my thoughts on each one. If you are in the market for a warm and great quality pullover than I highly suggest checking out patagonia. 

the synchilla// This style is very warm and great for layering. The fleece is super soft and has a bit of an over sized fit. 

the re-tool// This is probably the most popular style and the coziest. It is a bit more fitted than the synchilla. The middle pocket is great to put your phone or keys and is only a feature on this style. 

the nano-puff// This is the only style that I do not own, however I have tried it on. This would be an awesome layer to wear under your ski coat on a super cold day, or for a light jacket in the fall. I am absolutely in love with the navy and teal color combination! 

the better sweater// This is by far and away my personal favorite style. I have had mine for four years and it still looks brand new after TONS of wear! I like how it is fitted and can wear it and still look somewhat presentable. 

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea 

Cozy Sweater

sweater | tee | necklace (old) similar | jeans | socks | shoes 

I've always been a big fan of long cardigans and chunky sweaters; they're my go-to in the winter being stylish, warm, and comfy. I came across this sweater during a visit to Madewell, and being 30% off I knew it was worth the splurge. I love this different take on the classic cable-knit sweater, and the color is a unique brownish-grey. I paired it with a simple black crewneck tee and a silver decorative necklace to add a little flare. Considering it has been so warm thus far in Massachusetts, I've been doing a lot of layering when planning my outfits considering I may get hot and need to shed a layer mid-day.

xoxo,

Julianna 

Preppy by the Sea

Winter Workout Wear

 

top | vest | leggings | sneakers (on sale) | headband 

I don't know about you but over the past few weeks I have indulged in my fair share of sweets. Now that we are back to reality, I am ready to get back into a workout routine and start eating better. I do not do a winter sport at school, so I try to workout at least three times a week. So far this winter has been pretty moderate and I am still able to run outside. During the cooler months I typically run in leggings, a long sleeve top, and a vest or a jacket if it's really chilly. I purchased these Asics back in August for cross country season and they are seriously amazing. They have great support and lot's of different color combinations available.

I am so lucky to live by the water, so I try to run near it whenever I can. Finding the motivation to run, or just workout during the winter can be difficult. Making a plan with your friends is a great way to get out there and push yourself. Also, I love making playlists on Spotify. I find that if I have a bunch of great songs to listen to while running it makes it go by faster! Here's to getting in great shape in 2016!

xoxo,

Catherine

Preppy by the Sea