Tag: Brand Spotlight

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: GRATEFUL MARIA

Published on by ShannonLeave a comment

I’m excited to share my first brand spotlight of 2023: Grateful Maria! Grateful Maria is a collection of fine jewelry created by Lorena Gloden. Lorena grew up in Colombia and now resides in Northwest Ohio. For years Lorena would receive compliments and inquiries about where the jewelry she was wearing was from and that sparked the idea for Grateful Maria, a brand centered around Colombian jewelry. 

All of the beautiful jewelry is handmade by artisans in Colombia. The jewelry is made from 24k gold plated over brass with either quartz, Swarovski crystals, or stones, pearls, or raw Colombian emeralds (moralla). Lorena visits her family in Colombia throughout the year and always makes a point to visit with and develop a relationship with her artisans. And I love that. I think when brands establish a relationship with the artists and make a point to connect with them, it just makes the brand experience so much more beautiful, not only for the brand owner, but for the customer too.

I’m thrilled to be styling this beautiful pearl and agate necklace, a new piece in the collection. It’s the perfect piece to transition my wardrobe to spring. I love that it’s classic in style, but also has that pop of color that brightens up any outfit. This necklace is very lightweight so it’s extremely comfortable to wear. I styled this necklace with a favorite Lilly Pulitzer blouse and white skinny jeans, but it would look equally stunning styled with a navy cocktail dress, a classic pantsuit, or a sundress. I know this will be a piece I will treasure and perhaps one day pass down to Lilly!

Grateful Maria does do custom orders, as well as private showings and special events (currently, this is limited to the Perrysburg, Ohio area). For pricing and for more information about the jewelry, be sure to reach out to Lorena on Instagram!


Slainte,
Shannon

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: SAILORMADE

Published on by ShannonLeave a comment

With summer just around the corner (Yippee!) I thought it would be a perfect time to introduce a new brand to you all: Sailormade! 

Based in Massachusetts, this family owned business designs nautical accessories that are inspired by life on the East Coast. Sailormade has been creating beautiful brass hardware for four generations! The classic and timeless designs are inspired by summers near the ocean and are handcrafted to the highest quality.

When it comes to jewelry, Sailormade offers so many different and unique designs. Whether you are looking for marine rope, nautical chain link bracelets, leather wrap bracelets, sterling silver, or coral inspired jewelry, I guarantee you will find something you love.

One of my favorite products that Sailormade makes though is the Rayminder Bracelet. The Rayminder Bracelet is part of the Rayminder Jewelry Collection and this line of jewelry pairs semi-precious gemstones with UV sensitive beads. As the rays of the sun get stronger and stronger, the clear gemstone will change to a bright color, reminding you to apply your sunscreen! How amazing is that?!

May just happens to be Skin Cancer Awareness Month so I’m more passionate than ever to share this brand and their Rayminder Collection with you guys. As I get older I’m understanding the importance of SPF and protecting our skin. I love that the Rayminder bracelet is something you can wear every day and be reminded to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun. I also love how beautiful these bracelets are and how lovely they look styled alone or paired with your other favorite bracelets.

AND, to make this brand even more awesome: $1 of every unit sold is donated to IMPACT Melanoma. You guys know I’m a sucker for brands that give back and I’m so happy to support Sailormade in this endeavor.

As if you need more convincing, Sailormade offers more than just nautical inspired jewelry for men and women. They also sell baseball hats, dog accessories, keychains, coasters, and more. I promise that if you love coastal inspired products and love supporting family businesses, then you will love Sailormade.

Be sure to check out their website and give them some love on Instagram! 

Slainte,

Shannon

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: THE BEACH AND BACK

Published on by ShannonLeave a comment

I’m so excited to share this month’s Brand Spotlight with you! If you love jewelry that is classic, elegant and coastal inspired then you will love the beach and back.


Based in New Jersey, Carey dreamed up the idea of the beach and back in 2020 when she wanted to create a brand that would unite fellow beachgoers. With a background in graphic design and an extensive career doing product development in the fashion industry, Carey had the tools she needed to branch out and create her own brand.


The mission of the brand is simple: to create simple and elegant pieces inspired by the ocean. I’ve had the pleasure of owning three of her bracelets and I can tell you firsthand how lovely this jewelry is to wear and style.


As a fellow coastal lover, I love the simple designs of her jewelry. The ocean wave bracelet is my favorite! The simplicity of the blue waves paired with a gold bangle is the perfect amount of coastal. It’s truly such a unique design. I love to pair this bracelet with other the beach and back bracelets or with a few other bracelets from my favorite brands.


I also find the design of the Marco Island slider bracelets so beautiful. The hand drawn tulip shell accent is so pretty! I love to style these slider bracelets with the ocean wave bracelet. They are equally gorgeous styled separately though – they are just so elegant and timeless. Plus these bracelets are designed to be easily adjustable which I love!


Clearly I’m a fan of the designs and style, but I’m also a fan of the quality. I love jewelry, especially bracelets. But I’m also a mom to two littles and so my jewelry needs to be durable. I can honestly wear these bracelets all day and not worry if a certain little chunk tries to grab or tug on them. These bracelets are truly top notch and made out of beautiful materials.

You guys know I love supporting small businesses and I hope you take the time to check out the beach and back. I promise you won’t be disappointed and you will come to love this coastal brand.


And while you are shopping, be sure to use the code SOLTATTHEBEACH for 15% off!


Sláinte,

Shannon

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: BUOY COAST

Published on by ShannonLeave a comment

This week I’m chatting all about a charming small business called Buoy Coast! Inspired by coastal Maine (a state I desperately want to visit!!) Buoy Coast sells classic clothing and accessories.

This East Coast based brand is female founded and family run. The owner, Maura, created Buoy Coast because of her love for the New England coastline and the coastal way of life. Offering products that range from cozy sweatshirts, to baseball hats, to trendy tees and canvas totes, Buoy Coast has something for the entire family.


I can attest firsthand to how cozy their sweatshirts are! I am wearing the Fort Williams Hoodie and I love the relaxed feel and fit – almost like a worn hoodie that you’ve had forever and can’t part with. We took these pictures in 25 degree weather down near the water (which always feels colder) and I can tell you this sweatshirt kept me quite warm!
I love that all of the products come branded with their buoy logo. I love it’s simplicity but I also love that it tells a story immediately and that story is one of coastal living. The logo is classic and preppy all in one and I’m sure any nautical loving customer would be proud to wear this brand on all of their boating and coastal adventures.


Not only does Buoy Coast offer top notch clothing, but they also have great quality accessories. I love the fit of their classic cairn baseball hat. This hat comes in seven different colors! It’s seriously hard to choose my favorite, but I am obviously partial to the melon.


And I can’t leave this blog post without talking about their tote bags! I’m in love! These tote bags are amazing quality – the perfect beach tote. They are just stunning and crafted with the most durable heavy weight cotton canvas. I have the Picnic Point Tote and I love the navy and red stripe webbing that gives this tote that classic, timeless look. The signature buoy logo on the front exterior and inside pocket gives it that extra preppy look which I love.


I cannot wait to use this tote at the lake this summer. It’s seriously so roomy and would be perfect for beach days, picnics and I’m pretty positive this tote would make a great diaper bag.


I’ve become such a fan of Buoy Coast. I love their products and their story. But I also love that they are socially responsible and give back. A portion of all their proceeds are donated to HFC, which is a non-profit raising awareness of Alzheimer’s. Have I convinced you to go give this brand some love yet?! I am one hundred percent confident that if you love the coastal lifestyle, then you will love Buoy Coast!

p.s. Be sure to follow them on Instagram!

Sláinte,

Shannon

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: BITS AND BOWS

Published on by ShannonLeave a comment

One of my favorite series has returned and I couldn’t be more excited to introduce Bits and Bows as this month’s brand spotlight!  Created by two sisters, Katie and Sarah, Bits and Bows is a preppy lifestyle brand that is famous for its innovative and feminine Bow Baseball Hat. 

Lilly and I have had the opportunity to style this super cute baseball hat for a few weeks now and we are in love! Below I go into depth about the quality, style, and affordability of this accessory. But before I do that I must comment on the values behind the brand. Bits and Bows is not only stylish, preppy, and fun, but the mission of the brand is to create a community and sisterhood that focuses on “inclusivity, friendship, and self-actualization.” I mean, what’s not to love about that?! I’ve absolutely loved working with Katie and Sarah and they truly live up to their goal of promoting a sisterhood.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The idea to adorn a baseball hat with a customizable and interchangeable bow started as a vision nearly seven years ago and came to fruition this year. This ultra feminine baseball hat is the perfect accessory to ensure a woman is perfectly styled from head to toe. To customize your own baseball hat, you simply pick a style and color, decide if you want to personalize it with a monogram or initial, and choose your bow style and color (White Sailor or Skipper Snap Bow). That’s it! So easy and stylish.

STYLE

I think it’s a no brainer that I love the style of this hat. I love the classic fit and the variety of feminine colors offered (Lilly has the Lilly Lavender and I have the Birdie Blue). My favorite detail on this hat, besides the bow detail on the back of course, is the customizable monogram! You can customize the front of the hat with your monogram or initial. I chose the classic interlocking script for both of our monograms and it adds an extra dose of prep and style to these hats. I find myself reaching for this hat daily. It doesn’t matter if I’m wearing a t-shirt dress, a sweater and chinos, or workout clothes, I love how my hat looks with every outfit. I definitely give this hat a 10/10 for style!

QUALITY

I can’t say enough great things about the quality of this hat. It’s 100% cotton so it’s very lightweight and you can tell it’s made of durable fabric. The bows are also beautifully crafted and what’s really cool is that they are hand sewn! As a sewer myself I appreciate small details like that. We have been interchanging the bows on each of our hats and the 3-D printed snap is strong and reliable. Definitely a win on quality!

AFFORDABILITY

Overall these hats are extremely affordable. For a customized hat, it’s a base of $34 for women and $30 for girls. You only pay $10 extra for monogramming and selecting a bow style. They also just released hats with cute icons such as an anchor, a unicorn for girls, and golf clubs at a very affordable price ($38-$44 for women and $34-$40 for girls).

If you are looking for a preppy accessory to up your style game, then I definitely recommend the Bow Baseball Hat from Bits and Bows. You will look great and be supporting a small business, which is always a win in my book.

Click here for the Bits and Bows website.

Click here to follow Bits and Bows on Instagram.

Slainte,

Shannon

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: NAUTICAL BOARDS

Published on by ShannonLeave a comment

There are many things I love about summer, but two of my most favorite things are charcuterie boards and eating outside. We love enjoying some hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on our deck or by the pool during these magical warm months. So when Nautical Boards reached out about their new brand, I was intrigued for several reasons.

The name itself captured my attention immediately. You have me hooked if the word “nautical” or “coastal” is in your brand name. Two, as I mentioned above, we love charcuterie boards, so a company that sells serving trays and cheese boards was intriguing. And three, I found the brand’s story and the look of the product to be beautiful.

Handmade in Atlanta, GA, these nautical themed serving trays and cheese boards mimic the look of a classic boat deck. I personally love the contrasting dark and light wood of these trays and I love that a cleat hitch is used as the handles. I’ve literally never seen such a unique and beautifully crafted serving tray before.

I’ve been using our serving tray for several months now and I’m seriously obsessed. The craftsmanship, design, and functionality are all just top notch. I especially love how sturdy this tray feels. And, the design features a carved out, recessed body which allows for tons of room to display your favorite snacks and drinks. It can hold all the salami, cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, veggies, and chocolate that you want (definitely a win if you are a charcuterie snob like me). Plus, when you aren’t actively using it, it acts as a beautiful decor piece in your kitchen (we keep ours on display at all times)!

These boards make for the perfect gift too. Choose from serving trays, carving boards, or cheese boards. You can customize each item with your monogram, your boat name, a special date, your last name, a “welcome home” if you are gifting it, the list goes on. One of these items would make such a special gift for Father’s Day, weddings, anniversaries, housewarming gifts, retirement gifts, or as a just because gift for someone who loves boating! The options are endless and I guarantee that the recipient of one of these trays will love it as much as we do.

I seriously cannot recommend this brand or their product enough. I love my serving tray so much that I’m teaming up with Nautical Boards to give a lucky winner a small Oval Serving Tray. The giveaway begins at 10am EST tomorrow June 10! Be sure to follow me on Instagram for the details.

Slainte,

Shannon

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: PRINTFRESH

Published on by ShannonLeave a comment

Thirty weeks into my pregnancy and this mama is all about comfort.  I’m already beginning to feel the discomfort of the third trimester and I need clothes and sleepwear that are no fuss, easy, and something I feel good in.  One brand that fits all of this criteria is Printfresh!

When I partner with brands, I make sure I test drive the product before I share with my community.  I’ve been a longtime fan of Printfresh and their unique collection of sleepwear.  I’m so happy to report that the brand and the product meet my expectations. 

Created in 2017, Printfresh is a beautiful collection of sleepwear, stationary, and gifts. Designed in Philadelphia, PA and manufactured in India, Printfresh offers the most whimsical, vibrant, and preppy prints that make lounging around so much more fun. With twelve bright prints to choose from, there are plenty of options for sleepwear lovers to choose from.

You know I love a bright print, but I equally love a piece that is beautifully crafted and soft.  Printfresh will be GOTS certified organic cotton by the end of the year.  Their crisp, breathable cotton fabrics have cooling properties – which is a must for this very pregnant mama who has multiple hot flashes a day.   And, the fabric becomes softer and more luxurious with each wash. 

But this brand is so much more than pretty sleepwear.  Printfresh values ethical and sustainable manufacturing and they are incredibly transparent about their methods.  They place a high priority on safe working conditions, fair wages and compensation, and work that is voluntary.  Having studied fashion and been immersed in the world of fast fashion and couture fashion, I truly value the work that brands put into being sustainable and ethical.  I appreciate when a brand focuses on the quality of their product, as well as the ethical production and manufacturing of that product. 

Printfresh also prioritizes being good stewards of the earth. They seek out socially and environmentally friendly vendors. One of the ways in which they are trying to reduce their carbon footprint on this earth is by offering only two collections per year. They’ve researched and implemented measures that reduce waste in the fashion and textile production process, as well as the reduction of waste in packaging (they use 100% recycled ivory poly mailers made from 100% recycled content and 50% post-consumer waste).

All around, this brand is top notch in their story, mission, and product.  I love wearing this robe in Lemon Zest around the house and plan on bringing it with me to the hospital when the baby arrives.  Even though I’m busting at the seams (literally) in the short sleep set, I’m excited to wear these post baby as it will be comfortable and perfect for nursing.  

Check out some of my favorite prints: 

Use this link to learn more about Printfresh and invest in one of their sleepwear styles for yourself! 

Slainte,

Shannon 

STYLE: MOMMY AND ME STYLES FROM DUFFIELD LANE

Published on by ShannonLeave a comment

There are few things I love more than twinning with my Lilly. I’m such a sucker for matching or coordinating dresses. I love matching styles that are classic and stylish and appropriate for both our ages. It’s only natural that one of my favorite go-to brands for Mommy and Me styles is Duffield Lane!

Duffield Lane creates timeless and classic styles that span generations. Located in Grand Rapids, MI, Duffield Lane’s styles are inspired by an effortless, coastal way of life. The brand started out as a pajama company but has since expanded to offer five collections a year. They are known for their perfect fits, bright preppy fabrics, and high quality craftsmanship.

Duffield Lane has the cutest Mommy and Me matching and coordinating styles at an affordable price. Lilly and I have a few matching styles and all of them are beautiful quality. I tend to organize Lilly’s clothes into everyday play and special occasions, and I can say the styles offered for little girls are of the highest quality but also hold up exceptionally well for everyday use.

I also love that Duffield Lane offers matching and coordinating styles for Mommy and Me. I love that Lilly and I have the option to perfectly match each other or we can match our fabrics but wear different styles. Both options make me equally happy and I’ll continue to twin with this cute girl until she no longer thinks it’s cool.

Duffield Lane also has an entire collection that is maternity friendly. I love that these styles are flattering for expecting mamas but will also transition beautifully to postpartum life. I own several Duffield Lane pieces and all of them are a perfect fit, stylish, and so insanely comfortable.

One of my struggles this pregnancy has been feeling so incredibly uncomfortable in my own skin. I’ve had a challenging time finding clothes and styles that are comfortable and make me feel good. I can honestly say that my Duffield Lane pieces have been my favorite this pregnancy and they always make me feel like a million bucks. Especially their maxi dresses – I could live and sleep in these styles all day and feel so good.

If you are looking for styles that are classic, timeless, great quality, and comfortable, then Duffield Lane will be your new go-to. You can click here to shop some of our favorite Duffield Lane styles!

Slainte,

Shannon

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: SARAH FLINT SHOES x NATALIE REVIEW

Published on by ShannonLeave a comment

My love for classic style runs deep. I’ve talked before about how my sense of style is heavily influenced by fashion icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly. When I discovered Sarah Flint Shoes, I was instantly transported to another era that was defined by feminine elegance and class. As I explored this brand further, I fell completely in love with the styles and mission behind the Sarah Flint brand.

This luxury brand is founded by a woman and inspired by women. Each style is designed, crafted, and manufactured with the utmost care and with comfort and style in mind. Investing in a pair of Sarah Flint shoes will last you a lifetime – they are timeless and will never go out of style. ⠀

When Sarah Flint reached out last fall and asked me to be a brand ambassador, it was a no brainer. I already loved the style of the shoes and the mission of the brand. The Sarah Flint team graciously gifted me a pair of shoes of my choice and I selected The Natalie! I was instantly drawn to the classic, timeless silhouette of this style.

The Natalie was inspired by the everyday woman – a woman who is sophisticated, chic, and easy going. This shoe is handcrafted in some of the best Italian factories and great care is taken with each and every individual shoe. This style in particular has sold out in 24 hours over THREE times in the past. It’s truly a favorite among many women and it’s easy to see why!

WHY I LOVE THESE SHOES

I’ve had five solid months to test drive these shoes, all while being pregnant.  And let me tell you, they are 100% worth the investment.  These are the most comfortable pair of flats I own and I can chase a toddler in them, which speaks volumes. They are made of a luxurious leather lining with a leather outsole and rubber forepart to prevent slipping.  The 3mm of extra padding that is added to the footbed makes for increased comfort all day. 

Aside from being able to wear these all day, I love the style and fit. They fit true to size, are comfortably snug, but have just the perfect amount of stretch. The pointed toe and asymmetrical bow feature make these shoes so stylish, timeless and classic. The sand calf color makes these an easy neutral that pairs with everything.

WHY I LOVE THIS BRAND

For someone who worked in the fashion industry for a long time, I’ve very much come to appreciate the craftsmanship of a product.  The amount of time spent designing and selecting the details, fit, and construction of these shoes is incredible .  It truly makes a difference in the quality and comfort of the shoes. Sarah Flint herself spends hours identifying the best artisans with the best experience in the world to construct these elegant shoes. 

I’ve always been drawn to and inspired by women owned brands, and the Sarah Flint brand is no different.  If you are looking for a beautiful pair of handcrafted shoes that will last you forever, then Sarah Flint should be your go-to brand.  Not only will you look and feel gorgeous, but you can feel good about supporting a brand that is so supportive of women and talented artisans. 

You can receive $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes by using the code : SARAHFLINT-BASHANNONS. 

Happy shopping!

Slainte,

Shannon 

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: RUDDER USA

Published on by ShannonLeave a comment

I’m so excited to be kicking off my Brand Spotlight series this year with a Midwest based, female owned business. Rudder USA is a timeless, preppy brand with strong American values.

The owner, Nicole, has such a strong entrepreneurial spirit that she created Rudder USA in between her Freshman and Sophomore year of college! She is passionate about supporting the American economy and the American dream. One of the things I have loved most when getting to know Nicole and her brand is her passion for connecting with and getting to know the people she works with. She really invests in helping those she works with achieve their American dream, and to me that is beautiful.

At just 23 years old, Nicole officially launched Rudder USA in August 2020. Nicole created Rudder USA to be a common ground for people that love life around the water, boating, and the lifestyle that comes from those things. This brand is for the water lovers – from rivers to lakes to oceans – this brand values life on the water and the feeling associated with that lifestyle. The products reflect the classic, American style that you guys know I love.

From sweatshirts to t-shirts to baseball hats to seersucker and koozies, there is literally something for everyone. I love the simplicity and timelessness of the styles. The pieces are designed and made to be worn for years and years, all while making precious memories along the way.

I’ve been fortunate enough to style the brand new hoodie in ivory that launches today!! This hoodie is amazing. It’s beautifully made and so, so comfortable. I love the simple, classic logo on the front. I also love the relaxed fit because it pairs perfectly with jeans, leggings, and will be so cute styled over denim shorts this summer.

I also want to gush about the American Flag baseball hat. Is there anything more perfect for boating and beaching on the lake in the summer? It comes with a beautiful leather strap and brass clasp that makes it adjustable.

If you are a passionate boater, water lover, and love supporting small businesses, then you have to check out Rudder USA. You can shop all of their products here and you can say hi and give them some love by following them on Instagram (@rudderUSA). I promise you will fall in love with this female owned brand just as I have.

Receive FREE shipping on orders over $100 with the code SHIPSHANNON!

Slainte,

Shannon