Laura Jean Denim's 13th Annual Denim Sale

Now is the best time to shop at Rhode Island's only destination for premium denim 

If you need to do some denim wardrobe building, stop by Laura Jean Denim in Newport, Rhode Island for the store's annual denim sale. Find an array of styles by hot denim brands AG Adriano Goldschmied, Frame or Hudson priced at $50, $75 and $100.

There's more to shop besides the denim stacks—select Frye boots are 40% off and tops that are already marked-down are "buy one, get one free."

If you're not able to make it to Newport, be sure browse the sale on the website and call the store for any additional suggestions based on your preferences! 

It's important to note that this is the last annual denim sale before Laura Jean Denim changes ownership. The official announcement broke last month and it's still hard to wrap my head around it... 

Five Things to Do in Newport Columbus Day Weekend

I'm going on a spontaneous trip to Madison, Wisconsin to visit a friend—it's very exciting, but I know that I'll be missing a few cool events happening in Newport this weekend!

If you're able to make it, take advantage of these cool events in downtown Newport.

Laugh out loud at the Rogue Island Comedy Festival.

The Rogue Island Comedy Festival is back in Newport with a killer lineup of acts. Grab your friends and make your way to downtown early to find parking and dinner before the show—schedule and tickets are available online. 

View Kristen Coates' latest art collection, Destination Newport.

Kristen Coates recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, so it's only fitting that the new group show pays homage to the City by the Sea. Enjoy beautiful works inspired by Newport, made by local artists, on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6-8 pm. *There will be champagne cocktails*

Refresh your fall wardrobe at Laura Jean with premium denim, cashmere and Frye boots.

Laura Jean is offering a special promotion for Columbus Day weekend—receive 10% off denim and boots, then if you buy both, you will also receive a $50 gift certificate. Premium denim and Frye boots rarely go on sale, so this is a sale worth shopping at! 

Get your fill of tacos and drinks at Smoke House before it closes for the season.

Another sign that it's ready to embrace fall in Newport... 

Pick something fresh at a local Aquidneck Island farm.

Make farm-to-table a reality by picking apples and pumpkins from your favorite farm—some farms also have hayrides and special events throughout the fall, so be sure to do your research before you go. Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown is my favorite! 

Labor Day Weekend Sales in Newport

It's the final weekend of the summer and now is the time to take advantage of summer clearance sales!

**This list will be updated through the weekend**

Bellevue Avenue

Laura Jean Denim will be offering 30% off select footwear styles by The Frye Company, as well as 20% off white denim and shorts, 70% off ASH footwear and more. Shoppers will also be able to buy a printed or colorful Hanky Panky thong for only $10!

Not in Newport? Shop the sale online!

Sign up for Laura Jean Denim's email list and follow them on Instagram to stay updated on new arrivals and sales!

Marc Allen Fine Clothiers continues their Summer Clearance sale through the long weekend! Bring the deserving men in your life to meet the skilled staff in Newport to find custom fit handsome menswear pieces. Learn more about Marc Streisand, founder and owner of Marc Allen, in his 2015 feature in The Newport Blast.

Follow Marc Allen Fine Clothiers on Instagram for an inside look at New England's best stop for menswear!

Holiday Shopping Parties in Newport

The season's begun for Christmas in Newport!

If you're checking off your holiday shopping list, you may as well have fun doing it. Here's a round-up of stores in Newport who want to help you spread holiday cheer in style.

Bellevue Avenue Holiday Stroll

Thursday, Dec. 3 at 3-7PM

If you're planning on doing your holiday shopping in Newport, this is the time to do it. Participating stores will have special offers and light refreshments to keep up the good holiday cheer on Bellevue and surrounding streets!

Find your holiday decor and hostess gifts at Chateau & Bungalow on William Street, spruce up your winter wardrobe with a few cashmere sweaters and premium denim at Laura Jean on Bellevue Avenue, then make your way up the street to find more amazing gifts for you and your loved ones!

J. McLaughlin's Holiday Sip & Shop for newportFILM

Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 3-7PM

As much as we love adding to our own wishlists for Christmas, it's always important to give back for all of the wonderful things in your life that you may take for granted. NewportFILM is a non-profit that makes a difference by engaging with the local and tourist communities about real-world issues—if you're an Aquidneck Island resident, this is an amazing organization in your backyard worth supporting. 

OceanCliff's Sip 'n Shop

Thursday, Dec. 10 at 5-8PM

If this event isn't one-stop shopping, then I don't know what is...

... If We're Going to be Honest ...

You'll notice in my previous post how I promised to write everyday in October.

Instead of deleting it and pretending I didn't make that promise, I'll admit that I have been swamped with freelance marketing. 

Check out the blog posts on Laura Jean's blog—Why You Should Fall in Love with Your Ex-Boyfriend is probably my favorite I've written so far.

Snapshots of Summer [Part I]

This has been a crazy summer, but it hasn't been without a few glorious moments...

Laura Jean Denim

Ida Lewis Yacht Club

Stoneacre Pantry

Audrain Auto Museum

CRU Cafe Newport

First Beach

Near Queen Anne Square

Parlor Kitchen & Bar

Quincy, MA

Diego's

Clarke Cooke House

There are a few weeks until summer ends, but I plan on making the most of it. There are still a lot of things I haven't done yet...

Exclusive Beauty and Fashion Discounts for Salve Regina Students

With all of the amazing local businesses in Newport, it's hard not to break the bank between the waterfront restaurants and the chic boutiques. Thankfully, most places downtown offer student specials and discounts during the school year, which conveniently falls during the city's "off-season" from the crazy tourist traffic.

In other words, if you're a college student in Newport, small businesses want you.

On Thursday, November 13th, JF3 Salon will be offering Salve Regina students 25% off hair and beauty appointments. Hair appointments must be booked with Brooke, Courtney or Tara to redeem the 25% off discount. Ashley, JF3 Salon's esthetician and beauty extraordinaire, does facials, spray tans and makeup applications with Youngblood cosmetics. 

I've been going to JF3 Salon since last year--Tara is single-handedly responsible for my transformation from Pocahontas (long, dark hair) to "beach bunny" (medium-length, blonde highlights).  I've also gotten several facials with Ashley, my favorite being the Repechage Four Layer Facial with Deep Pore Cleansing. 

This is what my hair looks like now--you should see what it looked before and immediately after...

Then, on Friday, November 14th, Laura Jean Denim Shop will be hosting an all-day shopping event for Salve Regina students:

Even if you're not up for a full-blown makeover, it might be worth at least getting a blowout before the polar vortex lands in Newport. At least if you lose power, your hair will still look and feel fabulous...

Also, don't forget to take advantage of Newport Restaurant Week lunch and dinner specials through Sunday, November 16th! 

Weekend Reads | 7

Photo Credit: Wendy's Lookbook

An adorable work outfit... Simple Autumn :: Trench coat & flute skirt |  Wendy's Lookbook

Rachel Zoe shares her thoughts on the best lipstick to wear to your next job interview... Lipstick Shades to Wear to Your Next Job Interview | Rachel Zoe

How to approach awkward situations in the office, in French... Let's Talk About... Workplace Etiquette | Garance Dore

A little inspiration if the road to your dreams seems a bit rough... Why I Disobeyed My Parents & Became a Fashion Editor | WhoWhatWear

More inspiration to see where your life can take you if you just open your mind to possibilities... The Gate Crasher in the Front Row | The New York Times

Speaking of career life...

Egg & Dart, one of my favorite art galleries in downtown Newport, is hiring for holiday and year-round positions...

Laura Jean Denim Shop is hiring part-time sales associates with experience in small business retail and a passion for fashion...

Printed Village, a Boston-based "fashion brand that's also a design community," is also hiring for several different positions, including PR, blogging, customer service, web design and more...

Bellevue Avenue Sidewalk Sale

Although I was hoping for beach-friendly weather this weekend, it's the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the annual sale on Bellevue Avenue in Newport!

I would recommend visiting Laura Jean Denim Shop for deals on premium denim and novelty tops. I scored a pair mixed media jeans by Sanctuary that I plan on wearing in the fall.

Seeing Color

In an effort brighten up the gloomy, rainy day, here's a look at how color is making a comeback this season:

Laura Jean Denim Shop is carrying nearly the entire color spectrum in premium denim by AG Jeans, Paige Denim, and Hudson Jeans.

Crosswynds Traders always has plenty of color for the summer seaside wardrobe. The latest arrivals, especially the caftans and maxi dresses, have vibrant colors and trendy prints.

The Week in Pictures

I really dropped the ball on blogging this week, so I'll spare you the details and stick to pictures:

The Elms

Mirrors on the wall at Steph's

Pour Judgment on Broadway

Cod on couscous, mushrooms and spinach

Bella sitting on my coat before heading to work, while Emma (top left) and Maddie pace by the door

Spring sweaters, jeans, and boots at Laura Jean Denim Shop

An outfit from the $2.00 sale at Crosswynds Traders this past weekend

These sneakers were the best find at Crosswynds Traders' $2.00 sale. Earlier today I saw a picture of a blogger wearing similar sneakers in a nude color.

Christmas in the West Village

"City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, 

Dressed in holiday style

In the air, 

there's a feeling of Christmas"

My family has always spent Christmas at home, but this year, we decided to eat our Christmas meal in New York City--La Ripaille in the West Village. Because my brothers and I are older, it was nice change to celebrate the holiday. On a more selfish note, I couldn't have asked for a better way to get into a Parisian state of mind before I leave on January 5th...

La Ripaille had created a special menu for Christmas. We ordered scallops and lobster ravioli for appetizers, and each of us ordered a perfectly portioned, perfectly prepared entree. Mom ordered vegetable risotto; Dad ordered red snapper; Adam ordered chicken; Dylan ordered steak; and I ordered salmon. For drinks, Dylan and Adam ordered prosecco, but I stuck with my tried and true glass of chardonnay.

Unfortunately, I forgot to write down the full French names of all of the dishes that truly convey how delicious the food was...

Scallops

Lobster Ravioli

The family's entrees

Grilled Salmon in Champagne Reduction

For dessert, Mom and Dylan ordered chocolate mousse and I ordered the bouche de Noel. We all drank caffeine in some form--Mom got tea, Adam chose espresso, Dylan ordered regular coffee, Dad and I ordered cappuccinos.

 

From left: me, Dylan and Adam

We all had a great time at La Ripaille--my mom is already talking about going back for Easter. 

I can't even imagine what it's like to live in the West Village--all I know is that it must be amazing

After dinner, we walked a few blocks down to The High Line. Walking The High Line has been on my list for a while, so even though we barely walked a block on it, I'm happy to say I finally saw it.

Outfit: Jacket, Marc by Andrew Marc (bought at Laura Jean Denim Shop); Scarf, vintage; Shirt, Jack Wills; Pants, Lucky Brand (bought at Crosswynds Traders); Heels, Nine West; Purse, (bought at Elle G); Gloves, (a gift from Ryan)

Merry Christmas / Joyeux Noël!