Shoe Sale

This week, Tradesy, an online consignment site, is taking an additional 10% off already reduced prices.

Liz Claiborne peep toe wedges for $32.24.

These Tory Burch boots retail for $495, but are $325 at Tradesy.

These Kate Spade pumps that for retail for $598 are $291.50.

 Minnetonka moccasins for $27.64

Tradesy is an awesome place to buy and sell clothes. The search engine to shop for clothes is quite good. Type in a keyword and a relevant result appears. It also can save filters such as size, color, and brand. The shipping price is built into the price displayed. For selling, the seller keeps 91% of the proceeds and Tradesy keeps a 9% commission. Payments are available for withdrawal once the item has been shipped. I highly recommend this site for both buying and selling.

How to Clean a Closet

Closets are a best friend and a worst enemy. They never contain the right clothes for the right occasion. They are perpetually filled with more clothes that do not fit, are out of style, or do not make the owner feel good than they are filled with clothes that the owner actually wears. 

Thus, closets become a storage ground for hording clothes. It is difficult to let go of that one shirt you wore practically everyday two years ago, but no longer fits right. Or the Christmas dress you have photos of yourself wearing when you were ten. Or the outfit that needs to be taken to the tailor but you've been putting that trip off for an entire year. 

It is hard to wear anything but that expensive sweater that fits you like nothing has ever fit you before. But there comes a time when a closet becomes so full that pushing the hangers together creates no more room.

Cleaning a closet

Be ready to trying on every piece you have not worn in the last year.  It is absolutely crucial to try on clothes that have not been worn in over a year.  The tendency to place the item back into the closet becomes far less when the item no longer fits the way it used to.

Ask yourself the following about each item:  Does this still fit? Do I feel good in it? Would I buy this at a store? Will I wear this again?

Donate an item when: it cannot be sold or returned, is not discolored or stained, or it is not damaged.

Sell an item when: it was expensive, it no longer fits, or it has no signs of wear. Tradsey is a great website to sell clothes and accessories on. Tradsey takes only a 9% commission, which is far less than most consignment stores and websites. 

Double the closet space with a closet doubler: Purchase a hanging rod that hooks over an existing closet rod to gain two tiers in one closet.

Twice the hanging space

 Separate clothes: whether by season, color, or long sleeve and short sleeve, make a system.

Fold sweaters: Heavy clothes lose their shape on hangers.

Use garment bags: Where there is wool, moths will find it. Place wool and silk pieces in garment bags over the summer.

Maximize space: Place shoes on the closet floor and belts on a belt hanger.


And lastly, 
Always remember, clothes are frustrating: There will constantly be times when a closet full of  clothes produces the reaction I have no clothes - I have nothing to wear.  It is crucial to clean out closets frequently so inventory can be taken. When this happens, shopping becomes more efficient as you know what pieces you have enough of and what pieces you do not.

The "It's Almost Summer" Playlist

It's finally 70 degrees and there's leaves on the trees! So here's to driving with the windows down.

     1. Put You in a Song - Keith Urban

    

     2. Beachin' - Jake Owen

  

   3. See You Tonight - Scotty McCreery

     4. Springsteen - Eric Church

     5. Boys 'Round Here- Black Shelton ft. Pistol Annies

     6. I Want Crazy - Hunter Hayes

     7. Beat of the Music - Bret Eldredge

     8. We Are Tonight - Billy Currington

     9. Take A Back Road - Rodney Atkins

     10. Long Hot Summer - Keith Urban

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Tuckernuck: A Class Act

Love, Lilly Flamingo Catalina Top, photo from tnuck.com

"Tuckernuck is an online retail destination curated for the classic, all-American lifestyle." This line is the first read on the About Us section of the classy e-commerce site Tuckernuck. It is clear with only a little browsing that this line defines the company. From anchor bracelets to printed shorts, this site offers it all for those looking for classic, elegant, and sophisticated. Tuckernuck is a toned down preppy: a little less fratty and a lot more classy. It offers a more grown-up wardrobe selection, but at the same time is fun, vibrant, and youthful. I am 17 and would buy close to everything on the site if I had the money.

Saint James Navy Galathee Shirt, photo from tnuck.com

Tuckernuck offers a large selection of smaller brands. This makes it a very good place to look for specific things because there is a good selection of items from brands you may never have heard of (I found out about Sail to Sable this way). I went on Tuckernuck looking for a dress for a wedding a few weeks ago and found The Baja Sea Fan Kilpatrick dress from Persifor, which is now a serious contender for purchase. The website is very easy to navigate and has multiple photographs for each item. This alone keeps me coming back as most e-commerce sites don't have this feature.

Toucan Hats packable wide bow sunhat, photo from tnuck.com

I have not purchased anything from Tuckernuck yet, and if I do, my opinion of the business might change. That being said, the only negative thing about Tuckernuck are the prices! For me and my budget, most of the items would be a splurge; however the items are high quality and timeless, which makes buying worth it if the piece will hold up.

Tuckernuck is based out of Georgetown (go to this section if you're ever in D.C) in Washington, D.C. 

  

10 Things You Didn't Know Before: The Hannah Edition

1.     I am an avid fanatic of country music. Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert, Kieth Urban (I saw him in concert the summer after 8th grade, and if you ever get the chance to see him live, DO IT! He is just as good live as in recordings), and George Strait are on the top of my list.  

2.     If i don't go outside for more than 20 minutes a day, I get headaches. I think this is more of a mind over matter thing for me, but I really enjoy being outside. Even if its 5 degrees out, I have to be outside for some part of my day. Call me crazy, but fresh air truly makes a difference in my overall productivity of the day.

3.      I really like school. Well parts of it... I absolutely love the learning aspect of it, but I hate the social aspect of it. I'm one of those people who would rather have a conversation with an adult than with someone my own age. Knowledge is something that can never be taken away from me and that is in part why I find learning and schoolwork fun and enjoyable. However, being in such close quarters to a thousand plus people between 14 and 18 years of age for 6 hours, 5 days a week is a daunting task. That part wears me out more the most.

4.     Reading is my one of my best-loved hobbies.  There is something to be said for getting so involved in a book that when you put it down, your confused as to where you are. Read The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet and you'll understand.

5.     My dog is my best friend. 

How can you not fall in love with him?

6.     I love baking. Cooking not so much, but baking is fun. The finished product is usually a sweet and the dough  has to be tasted of course. And the spatula licked. And the bowl. And the beaters. It's also rewarding. A tangible and edible (most of the time) is created.

7.     Nike shorts and T-shirts are my after school uniform. They're comfortable and more of a motivation to get moving... No changing required to go running or do crunches, you can just get up and go!

8.     On the estate I will someday own, will be a  mile-long winding drive, lined with trees, leading up to a historic house with white columns  and double doors facing the rolling hills of the countryside. What can I say? I have large goals ahead of me.

9.     I really like the ocean. The appeal for me is its vastness and the lack of its full understanding. It is something that mankind does not truly know everything about and for that reason, I am drawn to it.


10.     I am a nerd, if you can't already tell. And I am so utterly proud of it.

If Wishes Were Horses...

Photo from Tuckernuck

 Dubarry Galway Boot (Tuckernuck)

Every year my mom and I go to the Washington International Horse Show and every year we walk around the concourse to browse the different vendors. Dubarry always has an employee wearing these boots, standing in a pan of water for the entire show. I love the classic and timeless look to these boots, and although they are very expensive, I think I would wear them enough to warrant buying a pair someday. 

 

Sarah Vickers; Photo from Classy Girls Wear Pearls

 Jack Rogers

I could go on and on about my love for these shoes, but I know most of you already feel the same way. 

Photo from Tuckernuck

 Barbour Classic Beadnell in olive

There have been countless occasions where I would have loved to have had this jacket. I don't want to go through another fall/winter without it...

Photo from Island Company

 Printed Tunics

Tunics are a summer essential and having a printed one makes the day a tad more colorful.  Check out Lilly Pultizer and Tuckernuck for more.

Photo from Harding-Lane

Hats

I have taken a liking to hats recently. They are great for less-then-perfect-hair days, sunny days, or just because days. Try The Black Dog, Vineyard Vines, Southern Tide, and Ralph Lauren for more.

I Herd You; Photo from Lilly Pulitzer

Printed Shorts

Last year,  I purchased a pair of Lilly Callahan shorts in the Get Nauti print at a midsummer Lilly sale on Martha's Vineyard. I am incredibly picky about the way my pants and shorts fit and usually leave stores frustrated and discouraged. However, when I put on these shorts, they "fit like a glove," as my mother says.  Try Vineyard Vines and J.Crew for more. 

Photo from Vineyard Vines

Vineyard Vines Shep Shirt

Many have deemed this "the perfect pullover." I have no way to say if that's true or not as I have never tried one on, but if it looks comfy and warm in photos, it should be in reality as well!

Vineyard Vines Tumblr Surprise

Boomer on the Vineyard Vines Tumblr

Thank you to Vineyard Vines for choosing this photo for Tumblr! I checked the Tumblr page a few days ago and started dancing around the room when I saw my dog on it... I picked him up and held him up to the computer, but he was more interested in the doughnut I had siting on the computer desk then the photo (surprise, surprise). However, I was singing the "It's my birthday" victory chant for quite awhile.

J. Crew Love Story

Camp socks, Sweater

I have fully taken advantage of after Christmas sales! Practically every store offered some sort of special or sale, and I went a little crazy...

Snow in Suburbia

This past Thursday's snowfall put us Virginians in about four inches of snow. It seems miniscule, but any amount of snow in the Washington area puts everyone into a frenzy and before you know it, the streets are covered in a good inch of salt and sand. 

I had a great time sledding as the snow was whipping around Thursday night. This was all possible thanks to wool socks, Bean Boots, and thick gloves. The snow was the heavy type of that makes sleds go fast and building snowmen possible. The snow has since disappeared and is replaced by the polar vortex to remind us that it is still winter (even though it's predicted to be 56 degrees on Sunday).

The New "Reindeer"

Cookies, Snow, and Ice

I decided to take advantage of my snow day to practice cookie recipes for Christmas Eve. The cookies that I made are the best cookies I've had in a while. Although that is my biased opinion because I made them, they are exquisite! How can something with Nutella in it ever be bad? Never. That's right, never. They are delicious and I wish I hadn't made them so big because I've already had two, plus some of the dough, and a few Rolos...

Salted caramel and Nutella cookies

The snow day was more of an ice day and when I woke up this morning, the trees were encased in melting ice. The sound of it slowly melting away was a peaceful plopping noise, filling the otherwise quietness associated with snow into a symphony of sound. Then came the Christmas tree picking, and now the house is filled with the smell of a seven foot fresh Frasier fir and the muffled sound of melting ice.

 

On a different note, does anyone know how to get the Vineyard Vines foam hats? I was going through boxes and found a freebie poncho from them and thought they are both great marketing ideas. 

Winter Weather Advisory

Last year's first snow.

In honor of the first snow possibly happening tomorrow, here is the first step of my snow dance routine.

1. Look at pictures of snow.
2. Dance like a fool while listening to Christmas music.
3. Wear PJ's that are winter themed inside out.

Put a Penny in For Good Luck

Vineyard Vines has been hitting the mark for me lately. They just released what looks like the perfect wallet, one that I had been searching for but had yet to be found. That is until I looked at Vineyard Vines' new arrivals. They also have a Weekender bag in a similar print. These will defiantly be on my wishlist.

Wallet

Weekender Bag

Dog Days of Autumn

Shoes: C. Wonder

Whale of a Good Time

The Vineyard Vines catalog came in the mail today, and let me say, most of it is circled in blue pen. 

Classy Girls Wear Pearls

All three of these sweaters are Vineyard Vines. My favorite is the far left. Below are more wants.

Vineyard Vines

Vineyard Vines

Colder Weather

Bean Boots

LL. Bean, C. Wonder, Cole Haan, Sperry Top-Sider

Bean Boots are the ultimate fall and winter shoe. Mine have the Gortex lining so they are warm enough for winter. They are also waterproof and perfect for snow and rain. The Sperry's are also great for rainy days. They are a classic shoe that go with almost everything.

Autumn Desires

Fall Season Wishlist

Harding-Lane needlepoint seagull hat
I really like this company because it has commitment to giving back.  Harding-Lane gives a percentage of their yearly profits to "Massachusetts based organizations that protect land and cultural sites in the state". This integrity is something that will make this company thrive for many years.

Anchored Style long sleeve
Perfect hot chocolate drinking and mash mellow roasting shirt. The marine signal flags on the back spell out style.

Fisherman sweater

L.Lean Signature fisherman's sweater and mallard top 
Big comfy sweaters are a must for any wardrobe! The mallard print of the blouse is so fun, but not overwhelming... perfect for under a blazer and a pair of riding boots. 

Everly cap toe pump

J. Crew pumps: Everly suede, Everly cap toe with bow, Everly cap toe
I have been waiting for heels like these. They are all classic and timeless, as the J. Crew brand always is. 

J. Crew anchor sweater
Even though this is a boy's sweater, I love the anchor design. It looks comfy and easy to wear.

J. Crew owl print blouse 
This is such a clever print and looks like it has a great fit! If you cannot already tell, I have a strong bias towards J. Crew (FYI, I will model their products for store discount).

Kiel James Patrick Seafarer shirt and Scalloped Oxford
This companies products are 100% American made. I love this companies marketing technique. They are selling a brand as well as a lifestyle (plus, I also love Sarah Vickers).

Frank Clegg Handbag Tote
 All I can say is "I want this." Their products are also American made.

Corilynn skirt 
All of her skirts are so cute. I wish I could have all of them, but I like this one the most.
These clothes are made in the USA. 

Tuckernuck Barbour Beadnell jacket
I have been longing for this jacket all year and now that fall is here, I really want it...

The Day After Summer Unofficially Ends

Sunflowers in the side yard garden.

The bees create a peaceful background noise.

Sunflowers are the quintessence of summer.

Sunflowers remind me of all things summer. And on this day after Labor Day, I really miss the summer months of yesterday. These flowers serve as a pick-me-up, as they are bright and always buzzing with bees.