Sandcastles in the Sand

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Tuesday. We are going on vacation today. You know those pieces of seaglass that you find on the beach when you're strolling romantically in the sunset? Totally. It's chemically weathered glass from salt water that gives it a frosted look. It makes for some beautiful jewelry and it's what we're talking about today.

Nordstrom, BaubleBar Seaglass Bib Necklace, $68

I love this feminine pink but the shapes are unpredictable and funky.

Dillard's, Cole Haan Seaglass Stone Drop Earrings, $78

These earring are so different. The shapes ragged in the fanciest way.

Shoptiques, Sand Sea Sun Cobalt Seaglass Necklace, $54

I love this modern necklace with the gradient blues and shapes.

Toms, Long Red Seaglass Necklace, $68 $35

Simple, earthy, pop of color.

A simple texture brings such life to an outfit. Seaglass is a great example of how something unexpected can be beautiful.

Be fabulous today!

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All In: Beach Day

It's July. It's also the first Monday of the month, which means its all in day. Let's go on vacation for under $100. Or let's at least dress like it.

You know how cute bathing suits are ridiculously expensive? Yeah, this entire outfit is under $100. I'm going black and white with a pop of red.

Bathing Suit/Scalloped Hat/Sunglasses/Sandals/Tote

Be fabulous today!

All in: Beach Ready

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you. It's the first Monday of the month which means it's all in day. It's when I put together an entire outfit for under $100. Since it's August, I thought I would try to squeeze in a teeny bit of beach before the summer is over. Here's beach ready for under $100.

Top/Bottom/Fedora/Sandals/Tote/Sunglasses/Sunscreen

Be fabulous today!

Guest Post: Beach Coverups

Erika here, while Kelsey is off to New England, likely to return with a few blog posts on Vineyard Vines, yacht attire and delectable seafood recipes. Assuming you're not also on a beach/boat/porch but instead reading this in your office/cube/class, let's play make believe and talk beach coverups!

Target, Xhilaration® Juniors Ruffle Smocked Strapless Coverup Dress, $17.99

Usually I'm not a huge fan of strapless because I worry about it falling down but this kind of beach coverup has never failed me - and feel like I can walk straight into a (beach) restaurant as if I'm wearing a dress. I own one similar and wear it all the time - even away from the beach, around my apartment in this DC humidity.

Victoria's Secret, Tank Dress Cover-up, sale $28

I love the idea of this. It's so light and effortless. Great mix of feminine and, dare I say, athletic? 


But as someone with the palest skin known to man (like Edward from Twilight, I'm basically monochrome), the next few are what I'd choose if I'm not wearing any spf.

Asos, O' Beach Tamarin Sequin Kaftan, $41.37

This is just so fun, flashy and bright that it's hard to say no to. What I like about the kaftan is that you can cover your shoulders but still show a little of your swimsuit. 

Zappos, Lole Dreamy Shirt, $60

So this is a little pricey for a beach coverup but it's so cute that it could double as a shirt. Cute for the beach but also imagine pulling on some wide leg work slacks and tucking this baby in. Yes please!

Asos, Cotton Beach Shirt, $34.48

Sometimes less (skin) is more. I mean, how sexy is this?! Complete coverage from the sun, it's not too flashy and I would be totally comfortable in this.

What do you think? A bunch of different styles here. Although they all are meant for the beach or pool, I'm not one to discriminate. I can see myself slipping on shorts with these or wearing them as a dress during these hot DC summers. Okay, make believe is over - back to work.


Extra: Who in their right mind considers this a coverup?!?! No thank you. 

Summer Ensemble

Next week I am going on vacation to New Hampshire. Now this is a family vacation so it will be tame, full of early bedtimes, and lots of reading. This would make for a very boring blog post. So, today's post is about fun ensembles and pieces for a wild and sunny beach vacation with your friends or significant other. No offense mom.


The suit. The dreaded two piece that we prepare for, diet for, and have nightmares about. My approach to the bikini is one word: distraction. For example, I am well endowed up top so I like to accentuate the girls as much as possible in order to distract from the lower half which is, shall we say, a Pillsbury crescent roll before it goes in the oven?



J Crew Breezy Dot Bikini, Bottom $19, Top $29










I also like to have my hair out of my face when burning to a crisp on the sand - so this headband I love because it goes all the way around the head; meaning no headaches!

Modcloth, Impeccable Ivory Headband, $9.99

I don't believe in heels at the beach, but I also don't like to see those shredded to pieces $4.99 Old Navy rubber thong flip flops so let's try to find a happy medium.

Zappos, Nine West Rhosolyn, $48

The beach bag is tough because it's gotta be large enough to carry everything you need for a full day out but it also needs to be machine washable or at least wet paper towel-able because we both know your sunscreen will explode, leak, or uncap inside your bag.

Tommy Bahama, Terry Beach Bag, $38

I'm not a huge advocate of spending loads of money on a beach cover-up because I plan to sweat and/or be covered in sand and/or sunscreen in it. A basic and comfortable dress is perfect.

Victoria's Secret, Tie Waist Cover Up Dress, $29

The final piece is a sassy hat. When your hair is soaked, just put on a floppy brimmed beach hat. Feel free to personalize it by wrapping a ribbon around it or even a pin.

Amazon, Light Vented Sun Beach Floppy Hat, $26