Style Within Reach

Entertaining: The Best Lazy Summer Dessert

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:51:00 +0000

About 5 years ago when I lived in NYC I went to a backyard barbeque at a cool Brooklyn brownstone. For dessert they served homemade icecream sandwiches and I remember marveling at the idea and thinking "why have I NEVER thought of this!!!". Ever since this easy dessert has become my go-to for both impromptu post-dinner sweat treats and more formal dinners. The possibilities are endless and I recently tried pairing store bought coconut cookies with black raspberry ice cream and it was a delicious combination! I'll be whipping up several different combinations while we are at the beach this week -- ideal for a post sun treat and for the kiddos!

Current Crushes: Beach Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:40:00 +0000

Marysia Swim Bikini, $225 // Sisal Tote, $70 // Headwrap, $14 // Ban de Soleil, $9 // Warby Parker Sunglasses, $150 // Fouta Towel, $50 // Soft Joie Coverup, $118

This week's Current Crushes post is in collaboration with Keep.com. Have you heard of this great site? It's like Pinterest but shopable and totally addicting. I also find it super helpful being a blogger to be able to save all of my products for posts in one place! You can shop or look at my Beach board here and all my others here. I'm swooning over this Soft Joie coverup and so wish I had it with me at the beach this week! I have the same feeling about Marysia's awesome bikini!

Travels: Beach Bag Essentials

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:23:00 +0000

Today I'm kicking off Beach Week on Style Within Reach and I thought I'd share a few of my beach bag essentials. I've been looking for a big straw bag that I can stuff full of stuff and recently picked up the one above at T.J. Maxx before we headed South last week.

A few of my essentials....

Zip Close Bag: For storing valuables, iPhone and headphones.

Reads & Sunglasses: This is a given!
Turkish Beach Towel: This is a new one for me -- but I love the versatility of these thin, woven blankets. I plan to lay my absorbent towel on top of it and spread out on the sand.

Reusable Water Bottle: For staying hydrated.

Sunscreen: I typically bring SPF30 for my body, SPF 60 for my face (I love this + this) and SPF chapstick (don't forget this - burnt lips are the worst!)

Sandals: I usually wear flip flops to the beach, but like to pack sandals for trips to grab lunch or a drink beachside.
Panama Hat: Perfect for shielding your face from the sun and covering up messy beach hair!

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Travels: Beach Bound

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:36:00 +0000

Image credit.

Well friends, we are officially on vacation starting Sunday morning! Though I'll be working from the beach - I hope to get a few days of pure relaxation in! We'll be getting up at 4am and driving down South to Isle of Palms, SC to spend the week with my boyfriend's family on Sunday. I can't wait for our first trip of the year! Next week will be full of beach related content here on the blog so be sure to check in! Hope you have a great weekend.

My Style: Old Navy's Skinny White Jeans

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:40:00 +0000

Old Navy skinny jeans, Old Navy top, Steve Madden sandals, Milly bag, Forever21 earrings.

Old Navy skinny jeans, gifted Matisse sandals, Rebecca Minkoff bag, J.Crew cardigan, gifted Valerie Nahmani Designs necklace.

If you haven't noticed, I love white jeans. I'm not afraid to wear them year round - as seen here but I was especially excited to wear this trend for this month's collaboration with Old Navy. Right now all denim is on sale at Old Navy making the affordable jeans even more of a deal! They have a ton of different styles -but I'm loving this cropped version for spring. I love how great white pants look with both black and cognac accents! How do you style white denim?

Photography by Sarah Culver.

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This post is sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy's latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.

Decorating: How To Style An Entryway

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:40:00 +0000

Target x-benches and mirrors, Lamps Plus lamp, Urchin from Eclectic in Charleston, everything else vintage.

I put this how-to feature together for Glitter Guide in collaboration with Natalie and am so excited about the way it turned out! You can see the full series of photos here, but I thought I'd share a few of my favorite snaps from our shoot along with my basic tips on styling an entryway in your home. This is the one area of our home that I actually consider "done" (and it's probably because I was forced to get it ready for this shoot!). More photos and my tips after the jump.

STYLING TIPS FOR ENTRYWAYS

1. Start with a console table. It can be an old desk (like mine above) re-painted or an old table covered up with fabric- work with what you have and don't be afraid to get creative!
2. Incorporate a mirror - whether it be a singular large mirror, a group of smaller mirrors or a cluster of sunburst mirrors - this opens up your space and creates a focal point.
3. Add a lamp or pair of lamps. We set ours on a timer so it's always on in the evening.
4. Layer framed art, photographs or mementos to give your space dimension. I like to pick a few sizes and overlap them by leaning them on the wall.
5. Utilize a tray or small dish for keys, knick knacks
6. Books, books books! Not only do they give your space a lived in feel - but you can stack them to add height and use their color to pull your look together (clearly I have a thing going with my black, gold & white books).

Do you love your entryway ? I'd love to see it!

Travel: The Best Travel Outfit

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:53:00 +0000

H&M hat, Old Navy jacket (old) and dress, gifted A*Thread tote, Target watch, Gap weekend tote (old).

I used to fly all the time - now it's just a few times a year but between my time in the car and on a plane I've finally determined the best travel outfit. Comfort comes before all else when I know I'll be spending hours in a tiny car or airplane seat so I always wear jersey - whether it's leggings or maxi dresses. I always hope to look somewhat put together when arriving at my destination so a long, flowy dress really does the trick. I hate doing my hair before early morning trips so a hat does a great job at hiding that, and I've found I go crazy without a watch on a long flight! Flip flops may not be the most stylish choice - but they slip off easy for security and on the plane when I promptly put on slipper socks! Do you have a go-to travel outfit? Any tricks I'm missing? We are driving 9 hours this weekend to the beach - and I'll be slipping on this maxi dress for our 4am wake up call -- that's for sure!

PS- speaking of the beach - next week will be BEACH WEEK here on Style Within Reach! I have a bunch of fun, beach related posts for you to enjoy while I'm....soaking up the sun and sipping margaritas :)

My Style: The J.Crew Baseball Sweater

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:49:00 +0000

J.Crew baseball sweater, Old Navy jeans, gifted Matisse heels, gifted A*Thread tote, Forever21 earrings.

I don't think I've welcomed a Monday with open arms in a while. After a fun and relaxing weekend I'm feeling ready to tackle a super long to-do list, pack for our vacation next week (wooohoo!!!) and get ahead of myself with work so I can actually relax at the beach.

I picked this sweater up after posting about it (and these shoes) last week. I couldn't resist as I've been looking for a dressed up baseball top for a while ( I love this one of Alicia's) and I can't wait to wear it with a skirt!

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My Favorite Pins: Mother's Day Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:15:00 +0000

I can't believe it's Friday already! I got home from NYC Tuesday night and it's been a whirlwind of catch-up ever since. I'm so looking forward to a weekend at home with my guys after a crazy few weeks. We leave for vacation next Sunday - so I know next week will be a busy one trying to get prepared. Tomorrow we are taking the pup on an adventure to Southern Maryland (Solomon's Island area) to visit a few wineries and get lunch. It's supposed to rain on and off but I'm still excited for a mini-adventure to a new area. Sunday we will be spending the day with my family and celebrating my mom. Hope you have a great one!!

1. I have a recent obsession with garlands - both with floral and greens. Love this one for a bridal or baby shower.
2. How delicate and beautiful are these petal adorned cupcakes?
3. Love the simplicity of this outfit that is also so pretty.
4. Frozen grapefruit marg? May have to whip this up on vacation.

Local Scene: The Pink Crab

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:14:00 +0000

Today I'm so excited to kick off a new series on Style Within Reach that focuses on local establishments here in Annapolis and the vicinity. I've also been working on a visitor's guide to Annapolis which I'm so eager to share with you!

I've never really considered myself a "Lilly girl" as some people do- but after I was invited to go check out The Pink Crab (which I've probably walked by a hundred times before) I was pleasantly surprised with my desire to purchase a ton of bright and beachy dresses for the summer and promptly book a trip to Florida! I had a fun time styling up this green lace dress, the shorts above and my favorite - the little white dress.

If you are in Annapolis and in need of some color or inspiration - pop in The Pink Crab which is located right downtown at 16 Market Place.

Entertaining: An Easy Mother's Day Tablescape

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:27:00 +0000

Putting together a Mother's Day Brunch for my family became a tradition for my sister and I three years ago and now it's something we both look forward to every May! This Sunday we'll be heading over to our parents (puppy in tow!) and making an indulgent meal of Sausage Gravy & Biscuits, Bloody Marys, berries and some type of salad I have yet to come up with.

Usually we sit outside so all we need are a few fresh flowers from the yard to dress up the table. This year I'm working on a pretty tablescape modeled after the one I put together for Glitter Guide above. I love the combo of stripes and floral print and the place cards were so easy to make!

Do you celebrate your Mom with any special traditions?

Photography by Natalie Franke.

Current Crushes: Vol. 2

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:21:00 +0000

J.Crew sweater, $75 // Pineapple Cocktail Picks, $28 // Pillow Cover, $38 // Matisse Sandals, $118.99 // Target tote, $34.99 // Jenni Kayne dress, $350 // Denim shorts, $19.99 // Bauble Bar earrings, $32

Lately I've been attracted to all things blue and white - this is new for me since usually I like brighter colors or black. Maybe because I'm so eager for our first vacation of the year in less than 2 weeks to the beach? I have an event coming up and a few gift cards to use and may have to splurge on this Jenni Kayne dress. I think it would be comfortable and so versatile - I even imagine wearing it during fashion week in September with a little leather jacket!

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Lately: My NYC Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:24:00 +0000

I didn't intend to let my blog go without posts the past few days but that is exactly what happened! I had a great quick trip to NYC. I love that it's just a few hours on train and I can easily get my "fix" but I'm always ready to come back home and get back into my routine! A few highlights....

Clockwise from top left:
1. The weather was utterly gorgeous the whole time. This picture was taken in front of the Flatiron building.
2. I enjoyed a delicious happy hour on the roof of Eataly- what is better than wine, cheese and girl friends?
3. I met the Target Does It Again ladies at a Target party in Grand Central- how cute are they? Sadly we missed Nate Berkus!
4. An amazing Italian lunch at the cutest little spot, Zampa. I highly recommend this hidden gem if you're looking for a quick lunch or cozy date night.
5. The Dollhouse was constructed in Grand Central Station - an actual life size dollhouse decorated from top to bottom in Target Threshold merchandise. Swoon!
6. This is the living room in The Dollhouse - I actually have these curtains in a different color but I love everything about this set up and styling.
7. The glossy black doors to the Outnet/Net-A-Porter offices.
8. My go-to outfit for running around the city: short tweed skirt, thin gray tee, denim jacket & flat sandals.

My Favorite Pins: Feeling Festive

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:17:00 +0000

It's been an exhausting few weeks. We are headed on vacation at the end of the month and I really can't wait to unplug for a few days at the beach! It's helping me get through nights of working until 9pm. Tonight my family is coming over to introduce Hazel to Sullivan! We are getting pizza and I can't wait to lounge on the patio all night. We are celebrating a close friend's birthday on Cinco De Mayo and then I'm headed up to NYC super early Monday morning for an event with Target (pinch me). Hope you have a great one!!

1. Sadly I don't see any Mint Juleps in my future this year, but this recipe looks awesome.
2. The beach umbrella of my dreams! This image makes me remember relaxation is right around the corner.
3. Coconut ice cream sandwiches?! Say no more.
4. I think I MUST own this Anthropologie table cloth!!

Entertaining: 2 Fresh Cinco De Mayo Drinks

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:58:00 +0000

Just in time for Cinco De Mayo festivities this weekend I have two delicious, tequila infused cocktails! I love that both of these drinks are fresh and not sugar laden like most options available on May 5th.

The Paloma cocktail shot by Sarah Culver was featured on the new Style Me Pretty Living blog yesterday - and I'm so excited about this honor!! If you haven't already checked out this new part of the esteemed wedding blog you should, it's all about life "after the ring". This drink uses fresh grapefruit, lime juice and tequila and in my opinon the best part is the sugared + salted rim! You can see my recipe here.

The fresh margarita was shot by Natalie Franke and is up on Glitter Guide today and you can check out the full feature here. This is one of my very favorite recipes from my friend Rachel. I feel so lucky to have collaborated with such amazing photographers who truly brought my vision to life with these images!!

Continue reading for more pictures and the recipes!

Fresh Margarita

1.5 parts tequila

1.5 parts triple sec (It’s worth springing for Cointreau)

1 part FRESH lime juice

Splash of FRESH orange juice

Splash of club soda

Agave syrup (as desired)

Fine salt

Prep your glasses by slicing a lime and rubbing it on the edge. Dip edge in salt and let dry. Mix tequila, triple sec and lime juice with ice in a shaker. Pour over ice in glasses. Add a splash of fresh O.J and club soda. If you like a sweeter margarita add a bit of agave syrup to taste. Garnish with a lime. Cheers!

The Paloma

Fine sugar
Salt
A slice of lime
1 Tbs. lime juice
1 Tbs. fine sugar
1/4 c. fresh grapefruit juice
1.5 oz. tequila
Soda water
A slice of grapefruit, for garnish

1. Pour an equal mix of fine sugar and salt on a plate. 2. Rub the rim of each glass with a slice of lime and roll in the sugar salt mixture to coat.
3. Combine 1 tbs of lime juice and 1 tbs of fine sugar in the bottom of each glass and stir.
4. Add 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice, ice and 1.5 ounces of tequila.
5. Top with soda water and garnish with a slice of grapefruit. Cheers!

Entertaining: Spring Essentials Under $100

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:26:00 +0000

1. Target String Lights, $24.99 // 2. One Kings Lane Fringed Towel, $42 // 3. Fish's Eddy Italian Wine Glasses, $36 // 4. Gold Salad Servers, $60 // 5. Outdoor Throw Pillows, $29.99 for 2 // 6. Mint Green Tub, $24.99 // 7. Cloth Napkins, $12 // 8. Glass Bottle, $3.99

Now that we finally have a patio (after living in a tiny apartment with no outside living space) I'm so eager to entertain outdoors this spring! We have a small window of time here in Maryland that it's not too hot or cold to enjoy a meal on the patio and I plan to take full advantage. I recently re-painted an iron patio set mint green and got some grey cushions. I'm on the hunt for a table & love seat and really want to string lights around the perimeter! Here are a few other pieces I have my eye on...

See my tips for entertaining in warm weather here & my favorite budget friendly wines for warm weather here.

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Lately: Sullivan!

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:26:00 +0000

I'm sorry - but I just had to indulge you in these photos that Natalie sent over yesterday. She snapped them during our shoot a few weeks ago and I can't believe how big our little pup is getting! Look how tiny he was when we rescued him a month and a half ago!

Images by Natalie Franke

Entertaining: Warm Weather Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:03:00 +0000

Today on Glitter Guide I'm sharing a few tips for entertaining during the warmer months. As one of my very favorite things to do, this post was especially fun to put together. Head over to see how to entertain in style in the warm weather by clicking here!

Image via Glitter Guide. Graphics by The Sunny Side's Up

My Style: Mint Beauties

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:58:00 +0000

Sole Society heels (gifted), Old Navy jeans & tee, Zara blazer, Forever21 clutch.

These are a few of my favorite things... As evidenced here on my blog, I constantly reach for this cream blazer time and time again, along with this bright clutch (seen here) when I want a pop of color. These new mint shoes from Sole Society are going to quickly become my go-to this spring. I love the color and they'll also look familiar because they are the same style as my favorite nude pumps (seen here, here and here). What are your favorite pieces in constant rotation?

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MY FAVORITE PINS: SPRING FEVER

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:49:00 +0000

I have a serious case of spring fever. I'm ready for warm weather + a getaway. It seems my Instagram feed has been filled with tropical and exotic locales lately and it has me itching for a trip to Europe- bad! It doesn't help that two of my girlfriends are there right now!! We are heading to the beach at the end of May so I suppose that will have to suffice :) We are looking forward to a weekend with our friends in town - doing the tourist thing in Annapolis and hanging out with Sullivan! Hope yours is great!

1. Ahhh - what I would do to eat bread and cheese and drink wine at this little cafe table!
2. I'm looking for new art for our new house - how pretty is this print?
3. My herb garden is coming along- I think I may need to DIY these gorgeous brass containers.
4. Raspberry + Champagne popsicles? Count me in.

Entertaining: A Colorful Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:05:00 +0000

I can't believe I forgot to share these pictures of a colorful kids birthday party I put together for a local magazine - Capital Style. I love the "classic" look of this party, with the bright colors and fun party hats (which are surprisingly easy to make!). Below is the recipe for this delicious cocktail with a sprinkle & white chocolate rim!

BLOOD ORANGE CREAM FIZZ WITH A SPRINKLED RIM
Melt white chocolate using a double burner or microwave (make sure to stir frequently) and remove from heat. Quickly dip the rim of your glass in the chocolate- use a skewer or toothpick to remove any excess from the edge to create a straight line and immediately roll in colored sprinkles. Let dry completely.

Pour 1oz of whip cream vodka in your glass and top with sparkling blood orange soda. Omit the vodka for a kids cocktail. Cheers!

Cupcakes by Danielle Lechert of Be More Sugar. Glassware, straws, dishes from Cin Cin Vintage. www.cincinvintage.com .

My Style: Full Mint Skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:07:00 +0000

Bow & Drape skirt (gifted), Forever21 top, Old Navy jacket, Zara heels, Milly bag.

I'm a skirt girl. I own far more skirts than dresses these days and I've been searching for a full mid-length skirt for spring (this Tibi skirt was my inspiration). Enter Bow & Drape. This new site allows you to customize a ton of skirts (and dresses too) with different lengths, silhouettes and colors! I am obsessed with this mint skirt! I like it with a jacket over for now and can see myself wearing this with a breezy tank all summer long!

Photography by Sarah Culver.

Entertaining: Best Cheap Wines For Warm Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:22:00 +0000

You know how I feel about wine - and I'm certainly not one to discriminate based on price. I'm not saying I don't love expensive wines, and especially enjoy splurging on a special glass when I'm out to dinner or for a special occasion. However when it comes to everyday entertaining or what I stock my fridge with I've come to love a few affordable wines and today I'm sharing my picks for warm weather!
1. Francis Ford Coppola Sauvignon Blanc ($12) I love Sauvignon Blanc and this is a great wine at a great price.
2. Chateau de Campuget Rosé ($10.99) Nothing beats a glass of rosé in the warmer weather!
3. Ménage à Trois White ($12.99) I love blended wine and this white is perfect for entertaining, you'll find it pleases all palates!
4. Sutter Home Sweet Red ($6.99) This wine is sweet and so perfect for summer. I love drinking it over ice with a few slices of fruit - almost like sangria!
5. Mumm Napa Brut Prestige ($19.99) Mumm is one of my favorite wineries to visit in Napa and this bottle of bubbly is my go-to for special occasions.
6. Hess Select Chardonnay ($13.74) Not everyone loves Chardonnay but I do with certain foods and this bottle is surprisingly versatile- and often on sale at my local wine shop.
7. Zonin Sparkling Rosé ($14.64) This sparkling rosé is the perfect treat for warm days outside - it's not too sweet, which I love.

I'd love to know, what are your favorite budget friendly wines?

My Style: A Little Lace

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:07:00 +0000

Designer top available in store at T.J. Maxx (gifted), Zara necklace, Forever21 clutch, H&M flats, Articles of Society jeans (gifted).

T.J. Maxx recently challenged me to express my inner "Maxinista" and shop for one of spring's biggest trends in my local store. Earlier this season they partnered with Amy of Chicago Street Style to snap pictures of real women rocking spring's trends in real life - I love this idea! One of the popular trends she snapped was lace - from shorts to skirts and tops which are all available at T.J. Maxx now. I love this simple top which will work for meetings when worn with a skirt, or with denim as seen here.

Hope you had a great weekend! We worked on our house most of the time and I took a little break to do some shopping with my sister and have dinner at our parents. It feels like another busy week is ahead and I'm so excited because on of my best friends, Sarah & her guy are coming to visit on Friday!

Photography by Sarah Culver.

My Style: 3 Ways To Dress Up Jeans & A Tee

noreply@blogger.com (Caitlin) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 11:48:00 +0000

This time of year welcomes the start of travel season. Spring breakers are packing their bags and summer trips are right around the corner after that. One of the combos I always pack is my favorite pair of jeans & a few light weight tees. Old Navy has a ton of tees right now for great prices, but I'm particularly fond of their vintage collection - which are super soft and hold up well wash after wash. There are obvious ways to dress up a tee - statement jewelry, the addition of heels but today I'm sharing a few different ways that are perfect for wishy washy spring weather. With a suitcase in mind, I've picked neutral options that can be mixed, matched and layered with each other. See how I took an Old Navy dress from day to date here.

Old Navy tee, Zara jeans & heels, Forever21 vest, Milly bag.

1. Add a vest. A sleeveless vest instantly dresses up even ripped jeans -try khaki for a neutral color that will blend with everything else in your wardrobe.

Zara leather jacket.

2. Try leather. Ideal for chilly nights - a thin leather jacket adds a little edge and can be layered under a vest too.

Old Navy scarf.

3. Layer a scarf. When worn with heels -a light weight scarf really dresses up a simple tee. Wear flats during the day for a more casual look.

This post is sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy's latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.

Photography by Sarah Culver.