Fall Footwear Shopping at Matt Bernson

The shoe fits at Tribeca-based footwear brand 

My first Matt Bernson purchase was late September at their Westport store during their end-of-summer sale. I needed a more durable, stylish pair of sandals, so I chose the black Athena leather sandal. It took one day at work to break-in the leather for a comfortable fit.

With this in mind, it only made sense to go back to Matt Bernson for fall/winter footwear.

I've been holding off fall shoe shopping for at least two years because I haven't been able to find anything that looks different from the rest. Every fashion girl has the basic black Chelsea boots and the white Adidas sneakers, but I've been holding out for something else.

I need shoes that stretch to accommodate the top part of my feet, which have widened from running on the sales floor over the years. The black leather Baez boot has a matte, oil finish that lends its stretch. 

The white Phantom sneakers took a few nights to think over. How practical are white sneakers in New England weather? 

... 

When it comes down to it, aesthetic practicality is irrelevant for these shoes. They are comfortable. Besides, the bold oxblood suede chevron adds a unique detail that stands out for the right reasons.

I bought the sneakers during their Black Friday sale, but the brand is holding a major 50% off sale on their website using the code "CYBER50"—check it out!

Find of the Week | 41

I refuse to believe summer is over.

It's not that I had a horrible summer. Not at all. In fact, my summer was fantastic—I traveled to California for the first time and explored San Francisco, Monterey, Big Sur and Napa Valley; spent time with family at Watch Hill; and reconnected with friends in Connecticut and New York City.

I'm hoping to squeeze in one more weekend in Rhode Island before embracing autumn, so I took advantage of end-of-summer sales in Westport to get ready.

I stopped at Jack Wills to buy a dress to see a Newport Polo match this Saturday—it has a perfect fitted bodice with a feminine, flared skirt. The oar tote was admittedly an impulse buy, but it's not like I won't ever use it... 

The Americana tank top was a bargain buy from Winged Monkey that will be of use next Fourth of July or USA-themed party. 

Since I was feeling very New England, I finished my shopping spree at Barnes & Noble and picked up The Starboard Sea by Amber Dermont. I strayed from my usual non-fiction picks for something to help me cope with my summertime sadness...

Rothbard Ale + Larder

Meet the new watering hole for the Oktoberfest-obsessed and other Europhiles

While I studied a summer abroad in Oxford, England, European pub culture fascinated me—I fell in love with the comfortable feeling of sitting on the broken-in wooden bar stools, enjoying the company of friends and sipping Pimm's Cup made with fresh fruit.

I may not be a beer drinker, but after drinking every Pimm's Cup in Oxford City Center, I take this white girl English cocktail more seriously than I should.

There are two places where I've ordered Pimm's Cup stateside and not been disappointed. The first is the Clarke Cooke House in Newport, Rhode Island. The second is Rothbard Ale + Larder in Westport, Connecticut. 

I don't really care sounding incredibly biased when I say that there is nothing disappointing about Rothbard. The first time I sat at the bar for dinner, I thought I walked back into Oxford. Or somewhere in Berlin. 

It's the European pub with the understated, modern finishes to make the sophisticated American comfortable. The dim lighting is alluring, but not dark. The seating is stylish and comfortable, but not heavily worn. 

The menu is simple, but the meal tastes as beautiful as it looks. 

Bouillabaise and Pimm's Cup

Roasted chicken with broccoli rabe and potatoes and French 375

Moules frites and a-saison-I-can't-remember-the-name-of

It's worth mentioning that Rothbard has come to Westport perfectly packaged because of the success of Walrus + Carpenter, its American sister restaurant in Black Rock. Walrus + Carpenter has earned several nods, including being voted one of the Best Restaurants in Connecticut for Barbecue, Craft Beer and Cocktails for the past three years by Connecticut Magazine. 

Looking forward to seeing Rothbard gain popularity with the Westport crowd!

Start the Semester in Style with Alegre Westport

Even though summer isn't over yet, it's time to start thinking about how to start the fall semester in style!

Alegre, one of the new women's clothing stores in downtown Westport, regularly receives new merchandise that is perfect for going to class during the week, relaxing in the dorm, or heading out on weekends.

The store will be offering an exclusive 20% off discount to college students starting on Monday, Aug. 8 through Sunday, Aug. 14. Students must present a valid college ID in order to redeem the discount.

Take a look at some of the hottest essentials to wear on campus...

Alegre is located on 180 Post Road East in Westport, CT on the corner of Bay Street and Post Road East. Learn more about Alegre by following the store on Facebook, Instagram or signing up for their email newsletter. 

Find of the Week | 39

Chokers are not as scary as you think they are. 

Once upon a time in the 1990s, I had a harmless purple, jelly plastic choker from Limited Too that I got in a birthday party favor bag. It was one of the first pieces of jewelry I wore on a regular basis.

Fast forward from elementary school to post-college life—chokers have reappeared in my life in black lace, cognac suede, with charms, without charms...

They've definitely evolved into a much sexier accessory than purple jelly plastic. 

Chokers do not necessarily need to be exclusively worn after-hours—keep it casual with a t-shirt dress or a flannel button-down with shorts.

Love the chokers and the clothes in this post? Check out Alegre in downtown Westport!

Find of the Week | 36

I constantly shop at work.

This comes as no surprise, considering I work at a boutique with merchandise that's both adorable and reasonably priced in the middle of Westport. 

I bought a few things before I ran to Newport...

While I was in Rhode Island, I stopped by Crosswynds Traders in Narragansett. Not only did I pick up two much-needed shirts for my boyfriend—you don't even know—I also found this adorable crochet crop top for $10...

Cheers to wardrobe building!

Alegre Makes Shopping Easy for the Trendy Girl on a Budget

Check out downtown Westport's latest addition to its shopping district

Alegre is a new women's boutique in Westport, CT for the trendy, chic, smart shopper!

There has been a lot of comings and goings in Westport over the past year—Wishlist, Blue Lemon and Post 54 have closed while Lester's and new boutiques, including Alegre, have opened. 

It's easy for me to be biased—I work there—but several things set Alegre apart from the rest...

Guilt-free shopping

Let's be honest—most of the stores in Westport are expensive, especially if you're trying to shop for a tween or teenager. In high school, my friends and I went to Westport to shop, but we wouldn't be able to really buy anything without coming back with our moms. Alegre's price points are super affordable and, unlike some stores, don't elicit guilt for buying one t-shirt.

New-new nearly everyday 

Alegre gets new merchandise every other day—if you come in twice a week, chances are you'll find several new things. 

Mother-daughter shopping

Sure, Alegre is definitely for the trendy "girl" on a budget, but there are plenty of clothes that fashionable women can wear, too. My mom has already come to the store a few times and bought jeans.

The layout is open

If you walk down the main strip of shops in Westport, they're crammed together and can feel a bit claustrophobic during sales. Alegre is located on the corner of Post Road and Bay Street—the same plaza as Steven Mancini Salon—and has a beautiful, open space that's easy for shopping, not to mention...

There's parking on Bay Street and behind the building

No need to circle the Starbucks or library parking lots for ages.

After moving from Newport last fall and job hunting in New York City this winter, I'm happy to say that I've joined Alegre as an assistant manager. I wasn't sure if moving back to Connecticut from Rhode Island was the right decision, but since the store has opened, this is probably the most stable I've felt career-wise since last summer. 

... Having bartaco down the road doesn't hurt the situation, either.

Be sure to follow Alegre's Instagram and Facebook to get the latest on new arrivals and updates!

Matt Bernson Opens New Location in Westport, CT

Westport's downtown shopping district continues to change with store closings and openings—Matt Bernson is one of the latest additions to join the town center.

Originally based in Tribeca, Matt Bernson's second boutique is located at 136 Main Street, next to Williams-Sonoma and across the street from Madewell, Jack Wills and David's Tea.

The balance of refinery and attention to detail makes Bernson's aesthetic distinctive among most footwear brands—it also doesn't hurt that the limited quantities of each product make the brand even more desirable: 

Luxe materials, handmade quality, and a refined aesthetic mark the Matt Bernson approach to lifestyle and design. Attention to detail is visible in his transformation of raw materials into unique, comfortable, and wearable designs thanks to the influence of art, culture, and global style. Matt Bernson embodies this wanderlust spirit, creating products that will embolden your spirit while you live your days in cool urban settings or while escaping to cherished destinations far and wide. We work on small batches of production which ensures our product reaches you in the highest state possible. Our shoes are produced in quantities of 100 per color. All of our jewelry is handmade in NYC and our handbags are all produced in quantities of 30 per color. 

In celebration of Bernson's Westport opening, the boutique is hosting a launch party on Thursday, March 31 at 5PM-8PM. Shoppers will enjoy a 15% discount off shoes, champagne or a Spiked Seltzer cocktail and treats from The Granola Bar. As an added bonus, accomplished NYC artist Taso Megaris will sketch custom fashion illustrations of guests. To learn more about the event, visit the event listing.

2016 New Year's Resolutions

Here it is. The obligatory list of promises I hope to keep up for the New Year.

Let's hope that this list sticks.

Repairing my posture

I feel a slight hunch. Literally. Being a social media addict is all fun and games until the curvature of your spine morphs into something not so far removed from Quasimodo.

Figuring out a regular exercise routine

As much as I love hot vinyasa, I know I need to be doing something a bit more active. I don't do well gyms, but I definitely want to explore kickboxing for more intense days.

Focus

As Shia LaBoeuf says...

Read more for leisure

Over the past two years, I can only claim to have read books that were either career-oriented or class-related—both of which were fine, but it gets monotonous. I renewed my local library card before the holidays and the bookworm inside of me couldn't be happier.

Making good use of what I already have 

For example, I have several books that I haven't read yet, but I still seek out bookstores for something new. I have a ton of stationery, but I keep collecting more sets of cards. Before making a purchase, I want to be more mindful of what's sitting in the desk drawer or tucked away in the closet.

Get rid of clutter

I'm so over holding onto things I don't need. After moving back and forth so much, I just want to get rid of the excess of objects to focus on an endless number of new experiences.

Dress up for Pocahontas for Halloween

I am willing to hold off redoing the super blonde hair I once had to make this happen.

Learning when to hold onto it or to let it go

. . .

Go back to Europe

I was really bummed I couldn't make it happen last year, but I have a feeling that I'll make my way back this fall.  It could be Paris, London, Amsterdam, Vienna... Ideally, it would be those cities and a few more.

Explore nearby towns

While I save up for this European adventure, I definitely want to do more things in my own backyard in both Connecticut and Rhode Island. I'm more than familiar with Westport and South Norwalk or Saunderstown and Wickford, but I haven't bothered to spend more time in other towns like New Canaan or Tiverton.

But at least I spent so much of my time in Rhode Island playing in Newport...

Blue Lemon

When Julia, Cara and I were having our girls' weekend, we went to Blue Lemon in Westport for lunch. Our waitress was incredibly helpful answering our questions and giving suggestions. Julia ordered a strawberry salad served on top of warm cornbread with chicken; Cara ordered yellowfin tuna; and I ordered steamed mussels.

Mussels

As much as I love being in Newport, I miss being around my friends from Connecticut and doing fun things like grabbing lunch in Westport or running into New York City on a whim. Being able to spend time with people you love should be a priority, because will always be enough work to keep you busy and find excuses to not see them. Make the time and make it count.

"This is so weird, let me take a picture of it and put it on my blog"- Julia describing how I choose things to photograph for a blog post

Find of the Week | 17 and a Few Thoughts

My mom and I were out running errands yesterday when I suggested we check out the shops in Westport. It was a gorgeous spring day and well worth taking advantage of the warmer weather. We stopped into several shops, including Theory and Calypso St. Barth's, but we found some great deals at Loft and Gap.

While my mom was at an appointment, I camped out at Starbucks and worked on my thesis research.

Theory

I would be more than happy to have most of my career clothing to be completely from Theory...

As far as Calypso St. Barth's, I would shop here for my island-hopping and warm weather travels... 

I am still amazed at the bargains I scored: Marisa Straight Leg pants by Loft (originally $69.50, bought on sale for $14.88); GBalance yoga pants by GapFit (originally $39.50, bought on sale for $7.69)

Faux leather bow bracelet by Gap (originally $14.95, bought on sale for $5.58)

On a personal note, as much as I admire higher-end fashion brands, I don't think you need a million dollars to achieve the million-dollar look. If you don't have the budget to buy a Hermes handbag or a Theory suit, why devote so much of your resources--not just your money, but also your time--to obtain it when there are so many other lines that can probably give off the same look? Unless you wear your clothes inside out so everyone can see the label, you're the only one who really knows the difference.

If you have the spending money to buy the Birkin, then that's awesome--you probably deserve it. Otherwise, bargain hunt, thrift shop, or clothes swap with your friends--save your money for the trip you've always wanted to go on or your rent for next month.

You know what they say: money can't buy style. 

Girl's Date in Westport

Since I have been attending university in Newport, it is a rare occasion to spend an extended period of time in Connecticut. My family and I celebrated Thanksgiving in Connecticut this year, which provided the perfect opportunity to catch up with Cara, one of my best girlfriends from high school.

We spent the afternoon in Westport, grabbing lunch, shopping downtown, and recapping whatever's been going on in our lives...It was much needed girl time. 

In all honesty, I rarely eat sushi, I just never grew up having it. This Japanese lunch special from Matsu Sushi was delicious.

Of course one of my favorite pairs of boots happened to fall apart, so I had to buy another pair while shopping at Urban Outfitters. I also bought a high-waisted black skirt--it was hard to pass up for only $5.00. 

Boots, Urban Outfitters, bought on sale for $20.00

Vegan Leather Mini Skirt in Black, Urban Outfitters, bought on sale for $5.00

Crumbs, it's been so long

I have no idea what the white streak is across the photo (sunlight? ghost?)

Cara surprised me with this gorgeous journal as a belated birthday gift. To be put to use in Paris...

Small Business Saturday was today! I know Urban Outfitters and Crumbs are not small businesses, but I plan on shopping at local stores in Newport soon!

Westport/SoNo: Shopping and Chocopologie

This afternoon, my mom and I did some shopping in Westport at LF, Urban Outfitters, and Banana Republic. I got a few cute dresses and an adorable fedora hat similar to one Jessica Alba has been photographed wearing. My mom bought two slight hi-lo cut dresses, a sweater, and a loop scarf.

For dinner, a friend and I ate dinner at Chocopologie in South Norwalk.

If you love tea, European-inspired cafe food, and anything chocolate, Chocopologie is the place to be. There is an extensive beverage menu, including several herbal teas and the spiced hot chocolate. The dessert menu includes truffle beignets, molten chocolate cake, and chocolate chip cookies baked fresh. If, for whatever reason, the dessert menu does not take you, the array of chocolates on the back counter will. 

My friend ordered the quiche du jour and I ordered a croque monsieur--"open faced Virginia ham and gruyere cheese sitting on top of egg-battered, toasted pain de mie." We split the molten chocolate cake for dessert. 

Dress, BCBG Max Azria; Cardigan, Gap

Urban Outfitters

Croque Monsieur served with an Arugula Salad and Buccaneer tea 

Wilton/Westport: More Catching Up and Date Night

I met up with some friends at Outback Steakhouse yesterday for dinner. A few of the other girls already left for school, but the rest of us who are still around do not start classes until next week. One friend is transferring to Johnson &Wales in Providence--it will be nice to have someone close from Connecticut nearby.

To be honest, I have avoided all Outback gatherings for years, only because I am not a huge fan of red meat or BBQ'd foods. I decided to eat Chinese with my parents before going out, so I ordered tea and an ice cream sundae while everyone else ate dinner--it worked out well. 

My boyfriend and I spent the afternoon in Westport. Walking around Westport is one of my favorite things to do while in Connecticut and I wanted to make sure I did so before going back to school next week. 

We looked at some stores--including the beautiful Urban Outfitters location that opened last year--before eating a hibachi dinner at Sakura and buying frozen desserts at Trader Joe's to bring home.  We ended the night watching The Peacemaker (1997) on Netflix while indulging on chocolate lava cake and chocolate and vanilla macarons.

Dress, Banana Republic; Belt, vintage

Probably the most prestigious looking YMCA around

Shrimp Hibachi dinner at Sakura

Chocolate and Vanilla Macarons from Trader Joe's