Weekend in Burlington

This past weekend we headed up to Burlington, Vermont to spend a few days enjoying the lake, getting some sunshine and of course partaking in some local Vermont beers. It has become a tradition among the Farina siblings to attend the Vermont Brewer's Festival every year in Burlington. While we missed last year's event, this summer was still our 5th year attending the Brewfest with all us Farina kids. Not too shabby of a track record.

Mid-Summer Mood Board

We're reached the mid-summer mark for 2016, at least in my opinion. Which means we are at the height of heat and sunshine. It is officially that time of year on the East Coast when sleeves become oppressive, sandals become necessary and water truly is the elixir of life.

I find at this time of year I get into a style rut. For work it is any breezy dress I can throw a sweater or blazer on top of and for the weekends it's jean shorts and tank. I thought this was the perfect time to put together a new mood board for Mid-Summer. 

Right now I am really loving mixes of pastel pink, blue and green with pops of dark and kelly green, black accents and of course clean, crisp white. Ruffled easy dresses, versatile nude sandals and my favorite fedora are all finding their way into the look. 

What are your favorite pieces from this season? Let me know in the comments section! Check out some of my new favorites for getting my Mid-Summer Mood below.

Summertime Gingham

Top : Emily Farina (similar, similar) / Hat : Ace of Something (similar, similar) / Jean Shorts : Forever21 (similar) / Bag : Loeffler Randall / Bandana : Thrift Store (similar) / Sandals : Sam Edelman

[Scroll to the bottom of the post for more links to re-create my look]

Happy belated 4th of July everyone! I hope your weekend was filled with fun, relaxation, celebration and happiness. I spent my weekend north of the city at a friend's lake house. It was so nice to get away from the crowded and smelly city streets and enjoy fresh air and nature. 

Weekend Summer White

Hat : Panama Jack (similar) / Top : Old Navy (similar) / Shorts : Target (similar) / Sunglasses : Karen Walker / Bag : Rebecca Minkoff (similar) / Shoes : Soludos (similar) / Earrings : Gorjana / Nail Polish : Essie

There is nothing quite like white in the summertime. It makes you feel cooler in the hot weather, it enhances a golden tan and it always look chic. Know how you can wear all black in the winter and instantly look pulled together? All white during the summer has the same effect.

Thinking About : Warm Weather Hats

I love a good hat. Always have. In the winter we think about them all the time, to keep our heads and ears warm. But in the warmer months they may be even more crucial -hats protect your skin, hair and keep the sun out of your eyes. Yet for some reason we don’t think of them as quite so essential in the summertime as we do in the wintertime. Lately I have been on the lookout for some new warm-weather hats to add to my collection that I can wear this spring and summer.

Stealthy Style : Camel Coat

Way back in the day there was a show on the Style channel called ‘The Look For Less’. The show featured a runway look that was re-created on a very limited budget. I loved, loved this show and someday I have a dream of re-lauching it with myself as the host! But until that day comes, I will continue to hone my look for less skills. After many, many years of shopping I have learned what items are best to splurge on and when you can find an amazing steal that looks way more expensive than it is. I am such a fan of the cheap thrills and wear them so frequently that I often get asked where I got an article of clothing and my response is an enthusiastic “Old Navy!” or “Forever 21!” often met with a comment like “I can never find good stuff when I go there”. To give my assistance, I am introducing the first installment of Stealthy Style, where I will feature a current look I am craving and where to snag similar items that easily fit into a limited budget. I am also including my top 5 tips for shopping at discount stores at the bottom of the post, so be sure to read through!

Let me know if there are certain looks your interested in getting for less, I’d love to hear from you!

I love the simplicity of this look, the colors are neutral yet impactful. I would wear this to work on a casual Friday and easily swap out the heels for ankle booties for brunch or a casual dinner out. The best part of this outfit is how versatile every piece is and can be worn with many items you already own. I'm a basics lover and this outfit has key basic elements you will be able to wear again and again.

shirt // Old Navy (alternative option : Madewell)

jeans // Urban Outfitters (alternative option : Old Navy // Cheap Monday)

coat // Forever 21 (alternative option : Forever 21)

shoes // Sam Edelman (alternative option : Sam Edelman - on sale!)

bag // Halogen (alternative option :  Halogenx2)

hat // Forever 21 (alternative option : Asos // Old Navy)

Resort 2011 Trend #2: Straw Hats

Boater, Panama, Sun, Top; however you name the hats, Resort 2011 has been loving them all. Straw hats were shown abundantly in the shows, worn with everything from skirt suits, to silk shorts. The common theme? Light beige straw with a black sash/ribbon. Neutral enough to match everything in your closet. 

Snag one now from J.Crew, Urban Outfitters, or Forever21.

-E