RETURN TO HOME: SEPTEMBER

The end of summer is always bitter sweet.  This summer was a good one, filled with busy weekends visiting family and friends, at many of my favorite spots.  Hours were spent reading on the beach and hanging out on the golf course.  As sad as I am to see summer come to an end, there is also a feeling that the time has arrived to return home. I find myself revisiting my favorite nearby restaurants and returning to household projects, that were left unfinished since the start of June.  This change inspired me to share a few of my favorite local products and designers for your home and wardrobe.   All trips may not be over completely, these talented designers and craftsmen are located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.   Fall is a beautiful time to travel, especially within New England, or maybe all you need is a trip down your street.  

Image via Pinterest

SUMMER COOL DOWN: OUTDOOR SPACES

During the summertime I try to spend as much time outside as possible.  Even as evenings get cooler, I love an evening on the porch or by a fire pit.  Here are some outdoor spaces to inspire your final summer nights.  

Images via Pinterest

SUMMER COOL DOWN: GET THE LOOK

Here are a few blazers for transitioning your summer wardrobe into Autumn.   

JCrew Regent Blazer in Linen www.jcrew.com

JCrew Regent Blazer with Satin Lapel www.jcrew.com

Brookes Brothers Stellita Fit Riding Jacket www.brooksbrothers.com

Joules Women's Single Breasted Jersey Tweed Blazer, Caper Tweed www.joules.com

SUMMER COOL DOWN: THE BLAZER

This is a great time of year to begin adding early Autumn pieces to your attire. One of my favorite transitional items is the blazer.  This timeless piece works well with shorts, dresses, and skirts.  As days continue to cool down I like to pair my blazers with pants and cozy sweaters.  Here is some late summer blazer inspiration, in anticipation for cooler days ahead.  

Images via Pinterest

SUMMER COOL DOWN

"Even before the first leaf falls, you can feel the seasons click. The air is crisp, the summer is gone. And for the first night in a long time, you need a blanket on your bed." Carrie Bradshaw, Sex & the City

As the second week of August begins, summer activities continue as a hint of cooler Autumn-like air begins to set in. This weekend was the first taste of the upcoming change in seasons.  During the day I was out at the beach, poolside, or playing golf. As night set in, I found myself bundling up in cozy pants and oversized sweaters.  School start dates approach, and end of summer events and vacations plans are finalized.  The end of summer is always bittersweet.  Summertime allows all of us an opportunity to feel like a kid again and the arrival of Autumn brings back a sense of adulthood obligations and responsibilities.  

Although we are still weeks away from the start of Autumn, I thought I would share inspiration for transitioning into cooler weather. Included is my favorite fashion item for chilly summer days, as well as outdoor spaces and must-haves for enjoying late summer evenings.  
Image via AGA

END OF SUMMER INSPIRATION

This weekend I enjoyed the entire New England coast.  On Friday, I had an amazing waterside dinner at Pier 6 in Charlestown.  Saturday morning I was up early for a trip to Rhode Island, then returned to Massachusetts for a day at  Crane's Beach.  And as anyone, who has ever been to the north shore of Massachusetts knows, no trip is complete without a bite from Woodman's.  Warm sunny days, good friends, and the beach made this weekend a great end to the summer.  

This time of year always makes me think of drift wood and washed up beach finds.  White washed from a long summer out in the sun, seashells take on a muted natural look.  As someone who loves neutral white tones, I find sun bleached finds the most inspiring.  I love a great vibrant seashell, but the variation in color found in a sun bleached shell is an unexpected display.  Here is some end of summer sun bleached inspiration.    

Images via Pinterest

BLUE & WHITE STRIPE: WHAT TO WEAR

In the summertime, I can't get enough of blue and white stripe fashion.  Shirts, dresses, skirts, and espadrilles serve as the perfect beach - side attire.  I love pairing blue and white stripes with a straw bag for a trip to the beach or gold jewelry and accessories for a low key evening. Here is some blue and white stripe inspiration for your Labor Day last hurrah activities.

Images via Pinterest

BLUE & WHITE STRIPE: LAST HURRAH

There comes a time when I look forward to fall.  A return home after summer vacations and a shift to warm sweaters and riding boots.  Despite the many exciting factors of fall, I always find myself sad to see summer come to an end.  For this reason, I take Labor Day very seriously.  This is the last hurrah, or the time to do all of your favorite summer activities one last time.   

In the fashion of a last hurrah, I thought I would feature one of my favorite summertime color pairings, blue and white stripes. This classic color arrangement is frequently seen on nautical or beach items; umbrellas, towels, chairs, shirts, and dresses. It can be used anytime of the year and in various locations, but I find it most successful in the summertime.  

As the weekend rapidly approaches, I wish everyone a happy Labor Day weekend, filled with summertime favorites.  

Image via Pinterest