Tag: Fashion

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: GRATEFUL MARIA

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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

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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

STYLE: THE SHANNON DRESS

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One of my favorite classic brands, Duffield Lane, launched their spring resort collection and it’s my favorite collection to date! Think blue and white stripes, seersucker, bright pinks – all of my favorite things in one collection!

Duffield Lane was kind enough to send me the new Shannon Dress – yes the SHANNON (I think they designed this with me in mind 😉) and it’s the perfect classic navy seersucker dress. I’ve been wearing it on repeat and it quickly has become a favorite dress for this spring, summer and even fall!

I’m sharing a review of it and breaking it down based on style, fit and quality. Please note that these opinions are my own and although the dress was gifted, I’m sharing this blog post because I love this brand and this dress so much.

STYLE

I think it goes without saying that this style of dress is completely on brand for me. I’m not sure what detail I love the most: the navy stripes, the seersucker, the flirty tiered skirt, the adjustable waist, or the nautical gold buttons. All of these details are just perfect. This style of dress will be forever classic and timeless and I cannot wait to wear it year after year.

FIT

I adore the fit of this dress. I’m eight months postpartum and I’m still figuring out this new post baby body. It’s extra important to me right now that I feel good in what I’m wearing and this dress makes me feel amazing. I love the adjustable waist and the length of this dress. I’m petite and many times I find myself having to hem dresses (otherwise I get swallowed in them). The one critique I have is the sleeves. Initially they were a bit snug, but the more I wear this dress, the more they stretch out so the material is a bit flexible! I feel so confident in this dress and that makes it a new favorite.

QUALITY

Per usual, the quality of this Duffield Lane dress is outstanding. The attention to detail is just beautiful. I love that the fabric is thin enough that I won’t be hot as the weather continues to warm, but it’s not too thin that it’s see through. I’ve always had a positive experience with the quality of fabric and craftsmanship of my Duffield Lane pieces and this Shannon dress doesn’t disappoint.

If you have been eyeing this dress (or any piece from Duffield Lane), I highly recommend investing in it! I promise you will feel and look amazing. You definitely will not be disappointed! 

Here are a few other styles I’m loving from the latest Resort Collection.

Adele Dress in Pink Stripe

Tate Top in Pink Colorblock

McKenna Crew Neck in Pink and Blue Stripe

Annie Dress in Blue Stripe

Happy Shopping!

Sláinte,

Shannon

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: BUOY COAST

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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

STYLE: LESSONS LEARNED FROM 30 DAYS OF STYLE

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Last month I challenged myself to 30 Days of Daily Style. The purpose was to get dressed each day and learn to love and appreciate my current wardrobe. I also wanted to enjoy getting dressed again. Ever since having Teddy, my style significantly shifted to athletic wear (not a bad thing, I just like getting dolled up).


Over the last 30ish days (I had a few days where I was unable to share my outfit) I learned a couple of interesting lessons and gained some insight about what getting dressed each day means to me. Below are some of the thoughts I’ve had during this challenge.


But first, here are the top five looks based on engagement (likes, comments, and shares) on Instagram:

Bonus look: this was my personal favorite!

Lessons Learned:

> Stick to the classics. Classic style is one of the ways I identify myself as a fashion blogger and it rang true during this challenge. The outfits that seemed the simplest and borderline boring were the most popular. I’m 100% convinced that’s becuase they were classic and timeless.


> Wear what you know works. This is similar to the first point, but slightly different. The harder I tried to be creative with my outfit the worse it performed on Instagram. I realized when I picked an outfit that was easy and that I felt comfortable in, I exuded confidence, which is how fashion and style should make you feel.


> Plan ahead. I had much greater success getting dressed and having a smoother morning when I planned and styled out my outfits the night before. It’s a little thing that you may not feeling like doing, but it makes a difference in the morning.


> I wear a lot of pants. Specifically denim jeans. This surprised me as i always have identified as a dress wearer. I think the combination of being a SAHM, nursing/pumping and having to be mobile at all times has caused me to become very casual during the cooler months.


> Keep it simple and dress for your lifestyle. Currently my life is being a stay at home mom with my two babies. This involves lots of playing, fort building, impromptu jaunts outside, spit up, diaper changes, meal prep, etc. I learned quickly that I can still get dressed and look stylish, but my outfit better be no fuss, easy to move in, and limited with the accessories. I have a new found love for classic athleisure wear after doing this challenge.


Thanks to all who followed along with me and supported my posts! It truly means a lot when you guys give feedback and love here on my blog and on Instagram.


Sláinte,

Shannon

STYLE: 30 DAYS OF DAILY STYLE

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About four years ago I dreamed of creating a space of my own on the internet where I could share my love of fashion and my own personal style.  In the summer of 2017 I finally found the courage to launch this little blog of mine.  Over the past four years I’ve found immense joy in blogging about classic style, our home, motherhood and coastal Ohio.  Never in my wildest dreams did I envision this blog evolving into a community of beautiful people who share the same passion for classic style that I do. 

Lately though I’ve been feeling uninspired to get dressed. This past year really did a number on my style as I was pregnant and not feeling well. Now I’m in the postpartum stage and getting used to a body that I don’t feel all that comfortable or confident in. It’s been a struggle to dress in something other than workout shorts and t-shirts. I’m ready to find my sense of style and my love for getting dressed again. 

Just last week I saw on Instagram that my friend Katie from Sunshine Style is doing “31 Days” outfits. Hers was inspired by the TikTok challenge but I loved the idea so much that I decided to do my own version. 

So starting today, I’m committing to sharing my daily outfits on my Instagram for 30 days. I think it might be challenging to style an outfit I feel good in, but I also feel ready and up to the challenge. I’m hoping the next 30 days will help me fall in love with my style, my body and my wardrobe again. I’m hoping this process will help me vet my current wardrobe and purge any items that don’t make me feel great.  I’m also hoping that I can take inventory of what makes me feel amazing and focus on purchasing more of those styles.  And I hope I can inspire someone else who might need some confidence or some new ideas on what to wear, because I truly believe you can feel comfortable, polished, and stylish on a daily basis.

Slainte,

Shannon

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: BITS AND BOWS

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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

STYLE: FIVE FALL STYLES I’M SHOPPING THIS SEASON  

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Growing up, my favorite time to go shopping was right before school started. I always loved picking out new outfits to start the school year.  Even as an adult I get a little giddy at the thought of updating my wardrobe.  This year is no exception and I’m once again looking forward to adding a few new fall classic pieces to my wardrobe.

This season I’m all about timeless, effortless pieces. The desire to invest in quality pieces that will last me season after season is stronger than ever right now.  I think a huge part of that is how I shopped while pregnant. I was so uncomfortable that I shopped for whatever I thought looked comfy. That resulted in many poor decisions and many spur of the moment Amazon purchases. My shopping was sporadic and I feel so much buyer’s remorse now.  

This season my goal is to be MUCH more intentional with my purchases.  This will probably mean I’m buying fewer pieces but they will be pieces that are better quality, timeless, and will be styles I will love for years to come. 

My body postpartum is vastly different from a year ago and I still have 15-20 pounds to lose before I’m back at my pre-baby weight. So I’m shopping styles that will work now, but also work after (hopefully) the weight comes off. 

My inspiration this season is drawing from my favorite fashion icons.  Think Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. I also love Ali McGraw’s wardrobe from A Love Story. I’m craving classic silhouettes and neutral colors.  Here are a few of the brands I’m shopping:  

  • Duffield Lane
  • J.Crew
  • J.Crew Factory
  • Alice Walk

Style wise I’m shopping for a new pair of denim jeans (I just bought these) and tops that will work for nursing. Here are a few items I have my eye on:

Alice Walk Cotton Gauze Cloud Top

I’ve heard amazing reviews about this top from other bloggers and nursing mamas.  Word on the street is that this top is insanely comfy, flattering, and very nursing friendly.  The price point is steeper than what I normally spend on a single top but I think the classic silhouette and timeless colors makes this the number one purchase for me this year. I especially love the blush pink and sage green, both of which are currently sold out.  I’m going to see if there is a restock, otherwise I think I’m leaning towards the Navy Blue (shocker).

J.Crew does have a less expensive version, which I’m loving in the faded chambray. 

Alice Walk Three Quarter Tee

This is another item I’ve been eyeing for months.  This classic striped tee has a flowy look to it and I love that, especially as I’m trying to hide all the extra pounds that comes with having a baby.  Although this is not nursing friendly, it is a piece that can be worn for years to come.  Throwing a nursing tank underneath would solve the problem of being able to wear it this year. 

Duffield Lane Sasha Dress in Navy Plaid

I already own this dress and it’s amazing for fall. From pockets to a tie waist and a curved hem, this dress has it all.  It’s functional, classic, and the blue and white plaid perfectly matches my aesthetic.  And the best part: it buttons so it’s perfect for nursing. 

J.Crew Factory Navy Flannel Plaid Shirt in Boy Fit

I love these button down flannel shirts from J.Crew Factory.  They are insanely comfy and a button down literally never goes out of style. The flannel adds an extra layer of cozy, plus who doesn’t love plaid for fall? 

J.Crew Classic Fit Puff Sleeve Shirt in Stripe

I always say I have too many stripes but every time I shop I end up buying at least one striped piece.  I just can’t resist the modern twist on this classic button down. I love the collarless detail and of course the puff-sleeve! And again, the button down makes it perfect for nursing. 

What are you shopping for this fall?!

Slainte,

Shannon 

BRAND SPOTLIGHT: PRINTFRESH

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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

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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