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...
Just like its sister restaurant Mission—which is known for having the best burger on Aquidneck Island or, more arguably, the best burger anywhere—Winner Winner elevates your favorite comfort food favorites to a new level.
In the same spirit as Mission revolutionized the burger, Winner Winner serves up fried chicken that will make you rethink the average cooked bird. In addition to enjoying the fried chicken sandwich, it was well worth ordering biscuits and mac & cheese to-go for later.
As much as we all miss the farm-to-table Thames Street Kitchen, Newport was in need of another neighborhood spot like Winner Winner that was more accessible to anyone looking for good food without breaking the bank. I used to live around the corner from TSK—if I still lived in the apartment now, being in close proximity to Winner Winner would throw out any hope of maintaining a reasonable health regimen.
I've been treating the fashion and beauty preparation for my alma mater's winter gala like my term papers—elegantly presented, but barely finished in time for the deadline.
I had three specific goals in mind while shopping—I needed to find a white dress, wanted to buy locally in Newport as much as possible and somehow stay within a reasonable budget.
By nothing short of a miracle, I was able to find most of my outfit.
I found a full-length, champagne J.Crew formal gown at Wish Consignment, gilded gold earrings at Kristina Richards and a gold Haarstick ring at Chateau & Bungalow. This is definitely one of my more glorious shopping moments—not only did I spend less than $100 on the outfit, but it also took less than an hour to shop.
Take a bite of an Italian summer at Pasta Beach, year-round
If you've ever visited Newport during the cold weather months, you know that the cold, ocean wind can sometimes settle so uncomfortably—yet so easily—underneath your skin.
There are a few practical solutions to fend off this bone-chilling cold during daylight hours—either enjoy a slew of hot beverages throughout the day or find something warm and fresh to eat over a long lunch.
If you choose the latter, I'd recommend taking a table with friends at Pasta Beach.
Pasta Beach has three locations—in addition to Memorial Boulevard in Newport, RI and Rowe's Wharf in Boston, MA, the owners have opened a new restaurant in Wayland Square in Providence, RI as of August 2016.
I kept my lunch basic ordering the spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino, but if I felt more adventurous, it would be more difficult to choose from the menu.
As a former/pseudo-Newport resident, I'm embarrassed to admit that it's only the second time I've eaten there. I have no idea why. It's a warm, light atmosphere with fresh flowers and deliciously simple pasta. The location is in the Bellevue Avenue shopping district and has easy parking at the rear of the building and along Memorial Boulevard.
A personal photoshoot inspired by The Chainsmokers' hit, Closer
If you haven't been able to tell from past blog posts, I don't focus on my personal style and outfitting.
Why?
Because I don't have a dream budget to hire a team or a live-in photographer boyfriend with a DSLR to take all sorts of stylish pictures necessary for running a proper style blog.
Most of my blog content relies on a set of core topics, more compelling copy and basic flat-lays or travel pictures, edited so perfectly with my iPhone 6 plus—but it is finally time to embrace the occasional photoshoot for the blog.
Inspired by the pop anthem of 2016, these photos are part-fashion diary, part-love letter and part-portfolio update (in that order).
I had the pleasure of working with Maaike Bernstrom for this shoot in Newport, Rhode Island—we've worked together on projects for Laura Jean and The Newport Blast and I couldn't trust anyone else to help bring this vision to life. After Maaike and I booked the date, I made sure to schedule my hair salon at JF3 Salon for earlier the same day.
So yes. This is it. This is me. Trying to be casual. Yet also trying not to be too casual.
But definitely trying to have nice pictures for my inevitable blog revamp.
Please be kind. I know I'm not a model. I'm barely five feet tall, sell clothing as my day job and write as my passion and side-hustle...
Closer by The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
Hey
I was doing just fine before I met you
I drink too much and that's an issue
But I'm okay
Hey
You tell your friends it was nice to meet them
But I hope I never see them again
I know it breaks your heart
Moved to the city in a broke-down car
And four years, no calls
Now you're looking pretty in a hotel bar
And I can't stop
No I can't stop
So, baby, pull me closer
In the back seat of your Rover
That I know you can't afford
Bite that tattoo on your shoulder
Pull the sheets right off the corner
Of that mattress that you stole
From your roommate back in Boulder
We ain't ever getting older
We ain't ever getting older
We ain't ever getting older
You look as good as the day I met you
I forget just why I left you,
I was insane
Stay
And play that Blink-182 song
That we beat to death in Tucson,
Okay
I know it breaks your heart
Moved to the city in a broke-down car
And four years, no call
Now I'm looking pretty in a hotel bar
And I can't stop
No, I can't stop
So, baby, pull me closer
In the back seat of your Rover
That I know you can't afford
Bite that tattoo on your shoulder
Pull the sheets right off the corner
Of that mattress that you stole
From your roommate back in Boulder
We ain't ever getting older
We ain't ever getting older
No, we ain't ever getting older
Photography: Maaike Bernstrom
Hair: JF3 Salon
Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Plaid Shirt Outfit: Top, Jach's Girlfriend (available at Crosswynds Traders); Jeans, FRAME Le High Rise Skinny; Shoes, Frye Sacha Moto Shootie in Cognac
Black Shirt Outfit: Top, Theory; Jeans, AG Jeans Tomboy
Silk Cami Outfit: Top, Free People Intimates; Sweater, Theory Open Cardigan
With less than forty days away from the university's annual winter ball, it's time to get your tickets for the most beautiful holiday party in Newport, Rhode Island.
The Governor's Ball is a beautiful evening for Salve alumni, parents and friends of the university, but there's more to the holiday cheer—tickets and sponsorships support scholarships to help students attend Salve. Providing students financial aid makes a difference so that they may attend Salve to learn, grow and flourish into becoming the best person they can be.
I am happy to be a lucky alumna of Salve Regina University—I graduated in 2014 with a B.A. in English Communications and a minor in Global Business. It was four years of playing hard and working harder in a New England paradise.
Attending Salve, as well as working and living in Newport, introduced me to an amazing network of individuals who I am grateful to know as friends and colleagues. It's hard to imagine what my life would look like today without the support and encouragement from my Newport family—whenever personal and professional challenges present themselves, I know who and where I can seek comfort and counsel from.
I hope that Salve Regina University may continue to positively impact its students to help shape a more "just and merciful" life now and in the future.
I am proud to be a part of the 2016 Alumni/Parent Committee for the 40th Annual Governor's Ball and look forward to seeing familiar faces at Ochre Court! If you didn't receive an invitation, you can register online.
There are special hotel deals available for those visiting out-of-town for Governor's Ball—call the alumni office for more information on what those deals are or regarding any other questions you may have.
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.
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!
Fall is here, which means it's time for denim, sweaters and boots!
The temperatures haven't dropped low enough to break out shearling-lined footwear, but damp weather means taking out the Hunter boots. I went to Chou Chou in Wilton to get a black, matte pair—I even bought shearling in-soles to make them extra cozy.
I forgot to feature this bag months ago, but it's a vintage Coach crossbody I bought at Wish Consignment 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 Denimwill 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!
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!
Your summer nights and weekend brunches will never be the same.
I first heard of Fishers Island Lemonade when I was reading an issue of Report from Newport, Salve Regina University's magazine. I didn't pay attention to the mention of whiskey or the phrase "cocktail in a can"—a recent graduate, I was more focused on the inspiring success story of an alumnae's business venture.
I finally tried the Fishers Island earlier this summer—it wasn't until I had a few sips that I truly understood how serious this lemonade is.
...
Take a good look at the picture and read the can.
100% Spiked. 9.0% ALC/VOL. VODKA AND WHISKEY.
Fishers Island does not play around—it's no wonder that Town & Country gave it a nod as one of the best drinks of the summer. This is truly a full-bodied, refreshing cocktail in a can.
When life gives you Fishers Island Lemonade, you better be lounging in the comfort of a lawn chair or waterfront bar with no plans to drive.
Celebrate Aquidneck
Land Trust’s annual summer bash in style with these tips
As former rigid relations between Cuba and the United States
continue to soften, it will only be a matter of time before commerce, travel and
leisure will become a normal occurrence.
Naturally, Old Havana continues to become an increasingly
popular party theme. The nostalgia of a simpler era (think before the Cuban
trade embargo in 1962) combined with the allure of endless summer opulence
(think rich American tourists enjoying luxurious travel in the early twentieth
century) is only bound to excite attendees of ALT’s 2016 Havana-themed FiestaVerde.
There will be live Cuban music—accompanied by plenty of
dancing—Cuban-inspired food and drink by McGrath Clambakes & Caterers with
delights such as a mojito bar, empanadas, “Taste of Cuba” station, and delicious
tres leches cake.
For such a spectacular event contributing to a great cause,
the main question isn’t deciding whether or not you’d want to attend.
It’s a matter of deciding what you’re going to wear.
For some inspiration, take a quick look at Chanel’s runway
show for the fashion house’s Cruise ’16 collection held in Havana, Cuba:
Here’s the short-list of ideas:
Crisp white shirt
paired with tailored, wide leg trousers. Although wearing a white shirt
isn’t the most practical, this is probably the easiest outfit to replicate for
the theme. Add interest to this look with a vertical stripe pant.
Sleeveless buttondown
shirt paired with an A-line skirt and statement belt. True to Dior’s
1950s New Look, it’s all about accentuating the waist. Refrain from
choosing Western style belts and favor leather knots, big bows, or something
with bling.
Colorful prints. Keep
it light and bright—a Lily Pulitzer printed dress will work, but try a bright
digital graphic print for a more contemporary edge. Feel free to avoid wearing
all black everything.
Pile on the costume jewelry.
Think chunky gold chain bracelets or necklaces, pearls, and intricate cocktail
rings. Especially if you insist on wearing black, you better bring on the
bling.
Tea-length,“midi” dresses. Again, preferably a
bright print or color. Wrap dresses are easy and comfortable to wear and can be
paired with espadrilles for a more relaxed look.
The Panama Hat or straw fedora. Enough said.
Also, if you want to fully commit to the true spirit of Old
Havana, there is always the option to scour consignment shops and the internet
for vintage finds.
For the short list of clothing to avoid, pass on denim,
mini-skirt hemlines, polo shirts.
ALT’s “Old Havana Nights” party will take place on Saturday,
July 23rd at Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown, RI. A cocktail
reception is followed by dinner, music, dancing, a raffle, and a spirited
silent auction of artwork, jewelry, gifts and getaway packages. For more
information and tickets, please visit the event page.
