Shorely Chic

BELOVED BOWS

2012-01-31T08:11:00.001-05:00

I have a serious obsession with bows lately - I think they make every article of clothing look adorable and flirty, which we certainly need during these gray winter months, don't you think?

Here are my top picks as of late:

They don't have it in my size but this Asos Pussy Bow Dress in Navy could not be more ME!!

This shirt is a MUST from Top Shop

A little late in the season but how cute are these Top Shop Furry Bow Earmuffs

Cute BFF gift - Kate Spade Bow Bangle

I just bought this Asos Aqua Shell Top with Bow Sleeves !!

Aqua Bow Belt (yes, I have an obsession with aqua, too)

Darling Pintuck Bow Shell Top

not sure I'm on the maxi skirt train yet, but if I were this Light Pink Bow Maxi Skirt would do it for me

and I officially need this Tory Metallic Bow Cuff

Splurge Alert - this Salvatore Farragamo Vera Bow Clutch is TO DIE

And there you have it! How do you feel about bows?

NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR COASTAL EDITION

2012-01-30T08:45:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, Brian and I went to the New York International Gift Fair (isn't he such a sweetie for coming with?) at the Javits Center in NYC. I LOVE the NYIGF to see what's new in the market and meeting all of the designers behind home's most coveted brands. This trip was a little different as we were both looking at the market in a different way - against the backdrop of the product line I am in the midst developing (Spring/Summer 2012 launch).

I was so inspired and enjoyed so much the goodies everywhere, check them out:

I loved these handmade nautical wall hangings (which were HUGE) from Dolan Geiman all made from recycled materials:

Pretty California Chic pottery by RS handmade

I loved the color combo's and shapes (above)

Pretty beach rock art by Funk Rock Designs:

Ortolan handmade:

I forget whose sunburst this was but how cool!!

Me and Stacy of Dunes & Duchess

aren't the colors FAB?!

the new chairs!!

The graffiti wall :)

Onto Karen Robertson:

heaven...

onto Nate Ricketts Design:

And Jamie Dietrich:

Oceanna Arts:

I have vintage bathing suits waiting to be framed!! This was just the inspiration I needed :)

cute whale ad urchin from HomArt

ombre pillow!! (roost?)

Vintage Art Prints:

And last this giant shell mirror (unfortunately I don't have the brand, if anyone knows please let us know!)

I hope you enjoyed my tour of the handmade and at home sections of the NYIGF!! I'll be going back Wednesday for more :)

BUSINESS CARDS

2012-01-27T08:19:00.002-05:00

**Update** Here they are with the gold spray paint!! Such a simple project, just place a rock on the top card after stacking them as perfectly as you can, and spray the sides :)

Brian reminded me yesterday that I should print up some more business cards as we are headed into the city for the New York International Gift Show this weekend.

I decided it was time to revamp them and came up with this:

just added a white border to that box:

there, I think that looks better.

I thought chevron would look cute but I feel like everyone has that so I went with these muted aqua ikat dots with a bold coral text. I'll be doing a little DIY with them once they are printed to give them a nice light gold edge which I learned last night from Camille Styles.

to be honest, I'm not sure they are 100% what I want but I'm in a time crunch so they will have to do for this weekend. Do you have any suggestions?

And don't forget to enter to win the nautical knot ombre bracelet! I'll be picking a winner tonight at 5:00 PM EST

NAUTICAL OMBRE BRACELET GIVEAWAY BY NANOUKIKO

2012-01-26T08:17:00.000-05:00

**Update** The lucky winner is Danielle from Finding Silver Pennies Blog! Thank you all so much for entering, and stay tuned for new giveaways!

I had such an overwhelming response when I posted the NANOUKIKO ombre nautical knot bracelets with at least three of my personal friends making purchases and some of my facebook and twitter followers, I thought it would be fitting to host a giveaway on the blog!

Owner Natacha was excited about the idea, too, and will be sending the extra bracelet along with mine to send to the lucky winner!!

It will look so chic paired with a simple gold bangle or even stacked for a dramatic effect with your favorite chunky gold watch!

I'm such a sucker for pretty packaging:

To enter:

1. Visit Nanoukiko's shop and leave a comment below (one entry)

2. become a fan of Nanoukiko on facebook (two entries)

3. tweet OR facebook a link to this giveaway (three entries)

copy link: http://shorelychic.blogspot.com/2012/01/nautical-ombre-bracelet-giveaway-by.html

4. become a follower of Shorely Chic on facebook, twitter, OR this blog (four entries)

Winner chosen tomorrow at 5:00 PM EST!

Good Luck, Shorlies :)

ETSY LOVE - NANOUKIKO

2012-01-24T13:37:00.000-05:00

These awesome ombre nautical knot bracelets on Etsy are my latest obsession - I purchased the coral and white one this morning and can not wait until it comes in the mail!

aren't they chic??

You can purchase here

DIY Seashell Shadowbox

2012-01-23T08:19:00.006-05:00

I wanted to share with you one of my all time favorite projects which I think turn out so beautiful for not a lot of skill or time, and are some of my best sellers on Etsy.

The process is very simple and just takes a little bit of planning in terms of what you want your background to be and which shells you want to use for your composition.

I used leftover Kravet grasscloth wallpaper, scallop shells and pieces of broken coral, along with faux pearls to go inside the scallops. The shadowbox is from IKEA, and for the low cost ($20) I don't think you can beat the look.

If you haven't figured it out yet, all you do is cut the grasscloth (or any leftover wallpaper or patterned of your choice) to size, arrange your shells, and hot glue! I suggest using a lot of glue to ensure the shells won't go anywhere over time. Sign your name on the bottom right of the mat, and viola:

I sold these in a set of two and can't wait to see how the look hanging up in my customer's home :)

Snow Day!!

2012-01-21T10:02:00.006-05:00

Someone was excited to find 4 inches of snow in his backyard!

Isn't he a cutie??

Brian and I are headed up to Okemo for the night for a little fun in the snow ourselves,

see you all Monday and enjoy the weekend!

OMBRE DREAMS

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Ombre n. A French term meaning "shaded." Usually a multicolored stripe, with colors graduating from light to dark.

I'm so obsessed with ombre lately, well ombre and stripes. I want ombre everything especially in shades of blue and coral. At first I thought ombre only related to hair, but then I learned of all these great home decor and fashion items and I'm into it.

does LC not have the best hair ever? jealous...

Ombre hair works especially well for brunettes like me who let their highlights *sometimes* go a little too long :)

pretty ombre napkins from onewed.com

pretty ombre stationery via Etsy

ombre lampshade via Pinterest - how pretty would this be in a white washed beach house?

ombre pillow via Etsy

LOVE via Pinterest

I have these bentwood chairs - I'll be ombre'ing those...

Unbeknownst to me I registered for ombre, via the Le Crueset Caribbean collection:

Martha has some DIY ombre projects (from 2008 - guess I'm a little late on this trend)

Are you an ombre fan?

VINTAGE BY THE SHORE ON ETSY

2012-01-18T08:28:00.003-05:00

I can't tell you how excited I was to find mixed media and digital artist Cynthia from Vintage by the Shore on Etsy. Her vintage beach-inspired art is so unique and beautiful, I can't wait to start buying these images up for my clients when she returns from vacation.

I think they would like pretty in a set of 12, 3 rows of 4, above a console in a dining room OR built into the walls like this:

via Diana Sawicki

Vintage by the Shore is on vacation but will return in February. In the meantime, get your picks ready!

Beachy Glam at the Golden Globes

2012-01-16T08:35:00.003-05:00

My favorite part of the Golden Globes, like most all women, is to watch the red carpet and look at all the pretty dresses hear who everyone is wearing. I have to say my favorite this year was Heidi Klum for her "au naturale" beachy glam look and pop jewelry:

I love everything about this look, her hair is the perfect beach blonde and down in a sort of casual way parted in the middle, she has the perfect tan, not too much makeup so we can tell she is definitely a natural beauty, and the gorgeous body-hugging Calvin Klein number in peach fits her like a dream - that back {!! no words!!}. Her bold turquoise necklace and ring by Lorrain Schwartz finishes off the look and gives it just the right pop of color.

Who was your favorite this year!?

ADOPT JILL

2012-01-14T10:03:00.001-05:00

Morning Everyone! I got an email last night from the woman who we adopted our Jack from in Tennessee who asked if I could spread the word on Jill - a new pup she took into her home who was abandoned with her brothers and sisters in a field.

She is an adorable thing, and if she turns out anything like Jack you will be the luckiest doggie parents in the world, next to us of course :)

She is fixed and has all her shots. She will be transported to Connecticut and can be picked up from you here :)

Please email me at liz@shorelychic.com if you are interested.

TB'S NAUTICAL CHIC BRACELETS

2012-01-12T08:29:00.002-05:00

I decided yesterday If I had to wear three brands it would be Tory Burch, J. Crew, and Kate Spade for her adorable accessories.

My latest obsession is Tory's collection of this chic nautical rope bracelets, aren't they so perfect?

you can buy them here for $95 a pop

OUR WEDDING DETAILS

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

The Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa, Jupiter, Florida

It was a tad windy, but still beautiful

our bridesmaids dresses were LulaKate in Flamingo Pink - the girls were able to choose whichever style they chose :)

The groomsmen wore khaki suits and pink Vineyard Vines ties with blue starfish

my sweet bridesmaids decorated the bridal suite with flower petals, champagne, and lovely fruit and tea sandwiches

our starfish letterpress invites by Kathleen Burlew Creative

my dress-up perfume COCO and a lovely diamond studded starlette ring designed by my dear friend Suzanne Somersall

My dress was The Maeve of the Vineyard Collection by the late Priscilla of Boston with a flower applique found in the garment district of New York City

Platinum Gold Strap Sandals by Jimmy Choo - they were so comfortable and light all night I didn't even feel them

Each of the bridesmaids received monogrammed linen bags with Starlette and Pearl necklaces by Suzanne Somersall of Kira Kira

White paper lanterns danced in the trees above the ceremony site

Our sand ceremony with custom etched glass containers via Etch Art on Etsy

Susan Snow on the violin

My gorgeous mom and handsome brother walking up to the ceremony site

me and dad, holding each other tight filled with butterflies and excitement as we walk up to the aisle

our adorable ring bearer Finn, Brian's Godson

I made our wedding programs with palm fans and cardstock. They were to be placed at each seat but with the wind they were handed out by the ushers

LOVE burlap banner by Sweet Peas & Seashells

Our flowers came from Anna's Flowers in Jupiter, Fl. The girls held white hydrangeas with blush dendrobium orchids and calla lilies

I made the "sign our surf board" sign and had a wooden board made from Haole's Regret on Etsy. Everyone signed the board with a sharpie and we have it hanging up in our abode today :)

Isn't it romantic? I tried to kill as much of the overhead light as possible and have the entire room lit by candles. I remember walking in and after the first dance I told one of the waiters, "get these lights down more". The room darkened just enough to make the centerpieces light up the room. We had cylinder vases filled with orchids and floating candles on top, with smaller cases of roses and hydrangeas surrounding. I think they looked perfect, just how I wanted them...

I made the menus and ordered a starfish for every place setting

The cake was made by Sweet Tiers in Hobe Sound, Florida. Buttercream and vanilla with orchids and our monogram.

our seashell ring "pillow" made by the lovely mother of the bride

We had vintage silverware with Mr. & Mrs. made for us by Rita from Beach House Living

The wedding video came tonight and it made my year so far - it was SO FUN to relive everything, and so was writing this blog post!

I hope you enjoyed all of the details, it was so fun to plan and the best night of my life <3

Resort Season!

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

These eight degree days really have me dreaming of the beaches from our honeymoon in Hawaii. To ease the pain, I listen to the Hawaiian radio on Pandora, make the occasional Mai Tai for Brian and me, blog about beach houses, look up flights on Kayak.com but dreaming up resort wear really got me.

Here is what I would LOVE to buy for my imaginary upcoming vacation to Fiji, Antigua, Anguilla, St. Barth's, etc...

1. Rag & Bone Straw Hat

2. Calypso Linen Tunic

3. Murval Bow Clutch

4. Calypso Chevron Bikini

5. Nixon Monopoly Watch

6. A.L.C. Stretch Jersey Tank

7. Ray-Ban Club Master Glasses

8. Jack Rogers Platinum Sandals

9. Tibi Aqua and Sequin Maxi Dress

Please wear an item or two for me on your next vacation, and have a cocktail under the sun for me!

ISLAND ELEGANCE by AMANDA LINDROTH

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

One of the best in Island Design, Amanda Lindroth of Nassau, Bahamas says that open-air environment is the defining characteristic of island style, and woven island mats, vintage rattan, driftwood and shells are must-haves for the look.

Her beautiful Bahamian Club Villas:

white slip covers, natural fibers, dark woods...

my favorite piece in the photo above is that blood orange, such a great little pop

those directors chairs are perfect, and the shutters, and the watermelon...dreamy

oh and white walls all around with the dark wood floors - LOVE

oh hello, darling little urchins...

love all the fretwork, love it all.

side note: it's 8 degrees in Connecticut tonight :( This definitely made me warmer and I hope it makes you feel the same

via: amandalindroth.com

Atlantic-Pacific

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever visited the fashion blog Atlantic-Pacific? Well, after seeing her most recent post of this uber chic navy and pink outfit, I'm hooked.

I really admire her - I mean it isn't easy putting these amazing outfits together and looking this gorgeous everyday for a new post. I wonder if it's her full time job? If so, I'm also uber jealous.

via Atlantic-Pacific

HAPPY NEW YEAR - LIVE IN THE MOMENT

2012-01-01T18:16:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year Loves!! 2011 was an amazing - I married my prince charming at the most beautiful wedding I could ever imagine *am I dreaming?* and I look forward to all that is to come in 2012!!

What are YOUR New Years Resolutions - do share, the more you tell the more you'll DO!

Elizabeth Joy Designs

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

Morning lovelies! I have some things to show you and would love to hear some feedback. I'm working on something very exciting - Elizabeth Joy Designs - which I hope to softly launch on Etsy in the Spring of 2012. Soon you'll be able to shop a line of my aesthetic in the form of chic home accessories online and hopefully in your favorite stores. This is something very new and challenging for me and I'm working passionately and hard, researching and learning every night when I get home from work to prepare for what hopefully will be a very successful product line.

Some very, VERY early sketches of inspiration I've been playing around with include:

{As you can see I am sooo not a graphic designer so please excuse the sloppiness - all of my ideas will eventually be drafted up by a professional :)}

But literally I just drafted these up and wanted to show you. I have tons more designs I'm working on but am loving the monograms and patterns. I'm looking forward to adding other images in place of monograms as well.

I've been keeping this to myself because I hate to spread the word on something that is so new and in the wee early stages of development but I thought it would be cool if this could become a collaboration with style lovers like you.

Do you have opinions, insights into the market, advice, contacts? Do share!

If you'd rather email me, please feel free:

liz@shorelychic.com (though I should get elizabeth@elizabethjoy.com going shouldn't I?)

Our First Married Christmas

2011-12-26T10:42:00.003-05:00

We had a beautiful Christmas Eve spent at my parents' home with our whole family and Jack, who was a hit with his big red bow and giant bone.

We opened gifts and had a beautiful dinner prepared in the traditional Italian way with fish, fish, and more fish including lobster fra diavolo and filet of sole.

Christmas morning Brian and I made a sweet little breakfast of pancakes and coffee and opened our gifts - I would have photos of us but I think we both know the camera isn't our friend the first thing in the morning. Our tree however was looking good:

Brian and I spent Christmas night the two of us and borrowed my parent's house for their fireplace :) I set a nice table with all of our new china and the silver that my mom has been collecting for me since I was a little babe - it was so nice to use all of it and dine on the delicious filet mignon that Brian made.

It was a perfect way to spend our first married Christmas with Jack in between the table and the fire :)

What did you do for Christmas??

OUR WEDDING - MY MANTILLA VEIL

2011-12-22T08:42:00.003-05:00

I am so excited to finally start showing you OUR WEDDING!! The CD with all of the files came in this week, and I have been DYING to get them up on the blog! I decided I'm going to do a bit at a time since I know looking through millions of the same couple can get quite boring. Today's post is on my favorite part of my wedding attire - my veil.

Passed down from my mother, the mantilla veil is made of belgian lace. When we went to try on dresses, she pulled it out of her bag and presented it to me just wondering if there was any interest. I knew I always loved it, and seeing it on with the dress was perfection.

Thank you, Mom for passing down your beautiful veil to me.

isn't she beautiful?

Images by Kat Braman Photography & unknown

COASTAL CHIC GIFT WRAPPING

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Back from a lovely weekend in Vermont with my sweetie and all I can think about is Christmas is 6 days away! I still have a few presents to buy which may prove a bit challenging this week and I just can't wait to be done with the stores and home for the wrapping. I'm excited to delve into my creative side and pretty all these packages up.

I'll be using brown kraft paper, striped paper if I can find it, twine, seashells, doily's, crocheted snowflakes, and some of the many branches we had to cut off our Christmas tree because we thought we lived in a mansion when we cut it down :)

I will post pictures of my finished products once I get to them (hopefully soon), but in the meantime check out these beauties:

images via:

beachhouseliving

marthastewart.com

abeachcottage.com

BIRTHDAY LOVE

2011-12-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today is my 27th birthday and my sweet new husband is taking me to Stowe, VT for some cozy lodge time and skiing :)

Images I found on Pinterest, that I though were birthday appropriate:

Thank you, Brian, for making this the best year of my life, which is the best present a girl could ask for <3

my prince

Happy Girls

2011-12-16T19:47:00.001-05:00

I'm having fun learning photoshop - isn't this little cutie a winner?

:) Happy Friday night

THE OCEAN HOUSE AT CHRISTMAS

2011-12-16T09:15:00.001-05:00

My all time favorite hotel, The Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, all dolled up for Christmas:

It just has this charm and coziness that I've never felt at any hotel before, and to see all the Christmas decorations with the ocean in the background just melts my heart (I know, I'm a little much...).

so sweet, my mother gave us this ornament for our tree this year to remind us of the special place where we got engaged:

What is your favorite hotel for Christmas??

MUSSELS AND PEARLS

2011-12-15T13:48:00.001-05:00

I saw this the other day over on Completely Coastal and nearly died, I mean how cute is this!!

The creator of this lovely mussel shell and pearl Christmas tree is Dale Munsill. Dale currently has her trees on display at my all time favorite Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI :)

Aren't they divine?!

Thank you, Maya at Completely Coastal for sharing this lovely item :)