I knew it as soon as I saw it: the Betts Dress from J. McLaughlin would be the perfect winter staple. Classic A-line silhouette, knee-length and long sleeved—it was altogether elegant but with an eye-catching vegan leather collar and gold buttons complemented by sleek side welt pockets. It’s so very Claire Underwood. I wore it on this
episode of The Rhode Show and featured it on this episode. And the reason there’s not a link to the dress on this post is because it’s not even available online any longer. There’s some good news for Newport locals though- there are a few left in various sizes at the Newport J. McLaughlin on Bellevue, and marked nearly 50% off at $109.)
So the Winter Sale at JMcL is in full swing with 50% off hundreds of pieces. Four of my other favs right now:
The Elm Skirt ( pictured a top)is a textured jacquard pencil skirt with rich pattern of red, black and gray on winter white. Flattering and fabulous, the skirt is a statement piece that pairs best with a simple solid (likely already in your wardrobe) and is built to last. Originally $189, now $89.90.
Lila Wrap Dress
Not even DVF knew when she invented the wrap dress, the style would be one of the most enduring in women’s fashion. The Lila Wrap Dress in Pop Arcadia (this one: black and off-white) features a v-neckline with point collar, ¾ length sleeves, self-tie belt in reverse color pattern, and most of all, is made from J. McLaughlin’s signature (and super comfy) Catalina Cloth. Though part of the fall collection, this can easily be worn any time of year. Was $225, now $109.90.
I love pieces you can wear the whole year through. They’re more practical and offer much more bang for the buck. Stripes and Newport go together like peas and carrots (viva la Forrest and Jen-nay!). The Campus Sweater in wide stripes of taupe and off white is as perfect for now as it will be on a crisp summer night. Was $198, now $89.90.
The Casey Dress in Mayan Paisley (below) is brilliantly designed to be super flattering. The top half features an angular pattern that skews to the smallest part of the natural waist, while the bottom half sports an art deco-esque pattern that is timeless. Another piece made with JMcL’s Catalina Cloth (and with hidden pockets), this dress is a traveler’s dream. Was $225, now $109.90.
J. McLaughlin in Newport is located at 180 Bellevue Avenue. Happy shopping!
The Place: Jane Pickens Theater in Newport is currently showing Love & Friendship, a film adaptation of Jane Austen’s novella Lady Susan. It stars Kate Beckinsdale and Chloë Sevigny, both wearing an enviable wardrobe throughout.
The Plot: Lady Susan Vernon is a scandalous and scheming socialite who is an expert at camouflaging her diminishing fortune. Destitute and dabbling in multiple dalliances, she assumes the role as matchmaker for her daughter Frederica–and herself. Hilarity ensues.
The Skinny: Whether you’re a certified Janite or a casual appreciator of well-written, fast-paced satirical snark, you’ll enjoy this sassy charmer.
The Bevvies: The Pickens is the only theater town serving up craft cocktails, so while you can opt for atrusty Mojito or Dark n’ Stormy, consider one of their specials like the Pom Fresco (vodka, cucumber, pomegranate, Prosecco and fresh lemon), Jane Pickens (gin, Pimm’s, lavender and fresh lime), Gotham City (barrel aged Manhattan), Selma (tequila, habanero, cilantro, grapefruit and fresh lime) or the Sailor’s Cider (Newport’s own Thomas Tew Rum with cider). Me? I chose a simple split of Prosecco. Cheers!
Love & Friendship now playing through June 9.
WPRI reporter Susan Hogan wearing a Taylor dress while Angela interviews WPRI news anchor Patrick Little, wearing an Angela Moore tie.
Tickets are $90 for Preservation Society members and $100 for non-members.
Your ticket includes:
~ “Seaside Sensations” fashion show
~ exclusive one-day fashion exhibit
~ a scrumptious champagne brunch
~ a $25 Angela Moore Gift Card
~ a guest pass to tour Rosecliff and the exhibition “Splendor at Sea”
To purchase tickets online, visit
www.newportmansions.org or call 401-847-1000 ext 140.All proceeds from the event will benefit the Preservation Society.
Carolyn Van Petten, wearing a Claudia Nichole cashmere poncho
Returning model Karen Megley wearing a Claudia Nichole poncho, a Mellow World bag and Angela Moore jewelry. Karen’s daughter is also in the background outfitted by the Groovy Gator.
2014 Miss Rhode Island, Ivy Depew, on left, 2013 Miss Rhode Island, Jessica Marfeo, in center, Miss Rhode Island 2007, Ashley (Bickford) Karger on right, all wearing Barbara Gerwit maxi dresses. Peter Carrellas, Justin Goff and Gavin Megley are in the background along with Angela Moore.
Nomaterra is ready to make it’s Newport debut…
Heads inevitably turn when a new storefront opens on Bellevue Avenue and it’s no wonder. Bellevue has been the toniest place to shop in town since ladies donned corsets, bustles and wide-brim hats. One of the newest shops to open its doors on the famed Casino Block, however, has a longtime following. Lou Lou’s Decor called Tiverton Four Corners and Portsmouth home for a combined 18 years. Now in its newest location, owner and interior designer Stacy Carlson dishes on what’s hot, what’s not, what makes our fair city so exceptional and how to refresh our living spaces to get “the Newport vibe.”
1- What inspired you to open in Newport? Newport is a thriving, busy, energetic city and we are so thrilled to have moved our store from Portsmouth to Newport. We re-located to Newport because we felt that Bellevue Avenue was the perfect location for both our retail and design presence. Our roots were based in Tiverton where we had opened our first store in 1998 in the Four Corners area. This was a wonderful location and as a recently married couple trying out the retail experience we couldn’t have been luckier than to open in Tiverton. We made many life long friendships with our loyal customers from our store there and although it became too challenging to maintain a year round presence, it will always hold special fondness in our hearts. As a result, many of our clients are from Tiverton, Little Compton (where my husband and I and three kids live) and Westport. We had 12 amazing years in Tiverton Four Corners, 6 great years in Portsmouth with the camaraderie of the other Clock Tower Square stores and we now are thrilled for the many years ahead on Bellevue. The move to Newport was a little easier knowing that our base clientele actually spends more time in Newport than Portsmouth and the majority of those that live on Aquidneck Island easily find their way to the wonderful shops on Bellevue.
2- How would you describe Newport’s “design vibe?” A combination of coastal meets chic– that is the design vibe we are going for at any rate. Not overly dripping in coastal themes but refined and complimenting the beautiful landscape that is Newport. Our clients enjoy simple elegance like that you would envision with a beautiful linen drapery trimmed with a sharp pop of contrasting color, maybe in navy, mango or chocolate. Our clients are looking for a pulled together finished product and that is what we love to deliver. We were so thrilled and grateful to have been welcomed to our new location with a fantastic holiday season. One of our most popular items has been gorgeous room diffusers and candles in a Beach House scent. These are housed in beautiful aqua seeded glass and is a cherished gift.
3-Are there any design trends we should be looking for in the coming year? The Pantone colors for 2016 are very soft pale colors. I think this will translate into other design trends. Quiet, neutral tones are classic and easy on the eye. Keeping these neutral tones as the base in your rooms will allow for a soft palette that you can expand on with subtle pops of color..
4- What advice would you give to someone looking to refresh their interior? Start with de-cluttering. We all end up with more noise in our living space than intended. A simple purge can go a long way. But there are many other things we can do to give a refreshing look to our interiors:
Visit Lou Lou’s Decor at 202 Bellevue Avenue, online at loulousdecor.com or follow them on Facebook.
I don’t have any conclusive evidence, but I’d venture to say that the blanket scarf may just have been the most popular stocking stuffer this Christmas. (Let’s just say I was standing in a TSA security line over the holidays with more than one outfit twin, right down to the tartan pattern.) Plaid, plush and perfectly positioned to be a fashion accessory and a functional winter warming layer, the blanket scarf isn’t going anywhere soon.
But with all that extra fabric, there’s a few ways to wrap n’ roll this little number. Fortunately, the folks at the style savvy Southern-sassy site Boots & Bourbon breaks it down:
Hold the fabric by the corners and fold into a loose triangle. Wrap around your neck, letting the point of the triangle serve as a centerpiece. Tuck in the edges. Adjust front of scarf to lay flat.
Best worn with: The oversized white button-up shirt or a simple tee.
Start with a loose triangle fold. Center the shawl on the back of your neck then wrap forward over your shoulders. Hold the edges firmly with one hand, while you slide a thin belt behind you and buckle the scarf into place.
Best worn with: A simple dress or a long top with skinny jeans or leggings.
Loosely roll the scarf up into one long piece. Pop your collar and tuck the scarf underneath. Let it hang low and add long lines to your ensemble.
Best worn with: A collared jacket that falls at the waist or a long peacoat.
Loosely roll the scarf lengthwise. Center it behind your neck, then loosely wrap around once. Bring the ends around to the front of your neck and secure them in a loose knot.
Best worn with: Something dressy-casual like a shirtdress or a skirt and top.
How-to written by Melissa Tucker
You’ll find these super soft accessories around Newport or shop all scarves from Bourbon & Boots by CLICKING HERE. Maybe it’s from my many years spent living below the Mason Dixon (or from being a member of The Bourbon Club at Old Glory in Georgetown which requires experiencing the over 80 varieties on site in one year) but I love this site. They had me at the Thelma & Louise whiskey glasses.
And things like this:
Have a good one, y’all!
(Content and images that originally appeared on Bourbon & Boots reprinted with permission.)
There are countless reasons why fall is the favorite season of so many. Crisp breezes, apple picking in the orchard and hot cider (with just a splash of spiced rum) are just a few seasonal temptations. So are my new style finds that invite you to embrace the warmth of the season. You’ll find five of my favorite fall must haves right now (like the blanket scarf below) on The Daily Basics — CLICK HERE!
