Posts tagged ‘Newport RI stores’
Horsing Around with Rockport at Polo
I’ve watched the growth of the Newport International Polo Series over the past decade. The crowds have grown larger, the tailgates more elaborate, the enclosure more extravagant and the personal style more celebrated. The best thing about the style at polo is that it’s as laid-back or as “la-ti-da” as you wish–just leave any pretension at the gate. I’ve donned everything from my most comfy white skinny jeans and a casual tunic with flats to whimsical over-sized hats with a favorite Lilly shift.
The key, no matter what you’re wearing, is to don smart shoes. For one, you’re standing most of the day. Second: hello? Stomping divots is a bonafide tradition at polo — flip flops simply wont get the job done (tip: make sure what you’re stomping is a divot…). Lastly, you’re on a grass field — plan accordingly (I’ve seen spike heels sink into that grass quicker than a glamour gal’s ego).
That’s why I was psyched to partner with Rockport for a fun polo-infused collaboration. I was challenged to create my perfect look for “A Day at the Match with Rockport.” It was a warm summer say so my philosophy was tow fold: keep it simple. less is more. The look from head to toe: whimsy Madagascar raffia sun hat in lime green, 100% cotton Dobby V-neck fit & flare dress from the Gap in white, natural woven belt and Rockport’s Garden Court Perf T-Strap wedge in Valigia plaid. Oh, and with a little baby in the picture, I had about five whole minutes to pull it all together. The built-in ADIPRENE® by adidas sport technology helped provide shock-absorbing heel cushioning throughout the day while the 2.75 in. added a feminine lift mines too much height. Without further ado, voila! 
(The true test of these sandals was on Sunday when I literally wore them to an early morning mass, pushing the stroller, all the way until 11pm. Literally. It was one of those go-go-go days.)
There’s an amazing end-of-season sale happening right now at Rockport’s Newport location at 240 Thames Street but if you covet some kicks from the fall collection, and you might very well do so, here’s a 20% off in-store coupon — just in time for September shopping sprees (click on the pic and print out or if there are any issues, email me directly at newportstylephile@yahoo.com)
Also, the Newport International Polo Series continues through the end of September. Click here for a match schedule and ticket options and get your tailgating on!
#MyDailyAdventure #PoweredByRockport
Disclosure: I was provided a pair of Rockport shoes “solely” for purposes of this review. All opinions are my own.
To The Maxi
Maxi dresses: friend or foe? Sometimes I see women looking amazing in them. Other times maxis look like ill-fitting nightgowns. That might be why I only took the maxi dress plunge last year, and I only have two to my name. I thought they would be ideal for lazy Sunday Fundays and/or post-beach relaxing, and they are, but the key is to find maxis that equally fit and flatter. That is, what might be ideal for one may not be for the other. I’m loving the new interpretation of the maxi above that I spotted recently at J. Crew on the Harbor at Long Wharf ($148.00). Styled with a casual fedora, shades and a simple flat or flip flop, this no-frills linen chevron maxi could easily make your summer favorites list,
This Calvin Klein maxi I picked up last summer features a ruched side with medium-wide modern stripe and simple scoop neck. 
Apparently I wasn’t the only one who thought so because I continue to see it everywhere. Everywhere. Downtown, nights on the town, church–even at an upscale event (note to self: wear sparingly this year). I also picked up one very similar to this Calvin Klein maxi.
The diagonal stripes add to the fluidity of the look as does the varying widths and colors of the stripes.
I’m not sure there’s an exact formula to making the maxi work, but here’s some tips I’ve learned along the way:
All necklines are not created equal. V-necks tend to elongate and are a friend to all, especially the vertically challenged. If your shoulders are your favorite assent, embrace spaghetti straps; if not, look for scoop necklines, v-necks or halters.
“Voluminous” should only be used as a shampoo adjective. Too much fabric is easy to get lost in.
Shorty get low. Long lengths equal lean illusions. A maxi’s hem is supposed to hit right around the ankle, unless your maxi has a mullet hemline (short in the front, long in the back), a look I just don’t think works in most cases, except Teen Vogue fashion editorials.
Less is more. Pair with a great pair of flats or small wedges. Save your sky high heels for a skirt or skinny jean/capri.
Show a little skin. If you’re so bold, the newest maxis to debut this season feature cut-outs (mostly at the waist). As this is likely to accentuate your leanest point, work it.
Be bold. Bright colors, whimsical patterns and color blocks are (typically) your friend.
Work it. Before you take the plunge, try the maxi on before you buy. Each one fits differently, and ultimately it may not be a trend you choose to embrace.
image: fashfaz.com
The New Daisy Buchanan
The Great Gatsby has long been on the required reading lists of American students, and for those (like me) who are intrigued by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s tale of lust and luxury, the 1974 film starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow is a classic. Rosecliff in Newport, where much of the shooting was done, continues to lure affluent visitors curious of the lavish Gatsbian lifestyle, and today’s discerning traveler can experience the modern Gatsby getaway here in the City-by-the-Sea .
Robert Redford as Gatsby at Rosecliff
Next month, the highly anticipated re-interpretation of the tale as directed by Baz Luhrmann will debut starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the mysterious Jay Gatsby, Carey Mulligan as the ever fashionable Daisy Buchanan, and Toby Maguire as storyteller Nick Carraway. Much has been made about the fashion, and as seen from the May 2013 cover of Vogue above, there is much to celebrate. Mulligan’s Daisy had more than 40 outfits in the movie, most by Prada, and for this celebratory Vogue shoot (by Mario Testino, naturally), she dons Chanel Haute Couture, Oscar de la Renta and Alexander McQueen.
Costumes from the film (as envisioned by the movie’s costume designer, Catherine Martin) are currently on display in London, and leading brands are tipping their hat to the jaw-dropping, jazz-age designs. With much of DiCaprio’s ensembles created by Brooks Brothers (which is mentioned throughout Fitzgerald’s writings), the classic menswear clothier has fashioned a limited-edition collection to mark the movie.
At Rosecliff, you can see pieces that highlight 20th century fashion and the way designers marketed changing styles and silhouettes to American consumers. The 11 dresses on exhibit by Chanel, Givenchy and Halston, among others, are among the finest garments in the PSNC’s collection.
Among the highlights is a 1925 evening gown by Callot Soeurs of Paris. With its straight 
silhouette, the dress epitomizes the style of the period. The increasing popularity of automobiles and dance crazes like the jitterbug and Charleston demanded shorter hemlines and ushered in a new trend for the 1920s. Stiff corsetting and layers, girdles and bras that flattened out the figure were in.
Yesterday, the Tiffany & Co. flagship store on New York’s Fifth Avenue debuted a breathtaking series of elaborate windows in homage of the film, and an art-deco inspired line toasting all things Gatsby.
Also, as Gatsby fever starts taking hold, Vanderbilt Grace is offering a “Grace Gatsby package” featuring a 2-night stay, 2 Newport Mansion Passports (more here), sunset sail for two, a champagne breakfast for 2 each morning, a Vintage Vanderbilt five course dinner (modeled on a Vanderbilt family menu from 1912) for 2 with wine pairings, and a welcome gift. Rates start at $1,110 per couple and the package is available from April 25 to September 30, 2013.
Top to bottom: film still courtesy Warner Bros.; image by Marion Testino/Vogue; last image by dress by Miu Miu,image by Marion Testino/Vogue.
YAROK & Roll
I’ve written about the Cosmetics Database before, the online tool where you can enter almost any product and learn everything you want to know about what ingredients are in your hair and beauty goods. It’s like Google for glamazons. For most people it’s an eye-opener, and the more you learn, the more 
you might lean toward using natural-based products (and be wary, “natural” is one of the most over-used, misguiding beauty buzzwords out there). Just like clean diets, nobody’s perfect (even Gwyneth, despite what she might muse about on Goop), but the best we can to is strive to be better. That’s why when Rachel Lessene from Green Envy Eco-Boutique in Newport put me in touch with the makers of new organic hair care line she is carrying called YAROK, I was grateful.
Here’s the scoop: Each YAROK formula is a powerful blend of 
organic and all-natural botanicals that are consciously sourced and responsibly harvested. YAROK uses primarily “certified organic” ingredients. Very few hair care companies can say that every one of their products meet 100% of all vegan requirements. Even fewer can claim that their entire hair care line is free of alcohol, paraben, sulfates and cruelty to animals, and that they work beautifully, too. YAROK can say all of the above .
I tried the Feed Your Volume shampoo and conditioner, leave-in conditioner spray and hair spray. As soon as you open the shampoo and conditioner the fresh, eucalyptus/lemony scent hits you (it’s the lemon balm in action). They both contain aromatic blends of organic and all natural herbs, flowers, vitamins, minerals and essential oils. The leave in conditioner helps prevent damage from heat styling (blow drying, flat/curling irons), and finally, the hair spray (which also smells lemony fresh) locks in hold while being super light, i.e. you can brush or comb through it with no issue for a mid-afternoon tress touch-up. The verdict: for fresh luscious locks without harsh dangerous chemicals, YAROK is for you.
YAROK products at Green Envy Eco-Boutique on Franklin Street range from $12-$27 and are also available at Green Envy online by CLICKING HERE.
OBSESSED: Twistbands!
A few months ago, my BirchBox introduced me to Twistband, and my ponys haven’t been the same since. Twistband and Emi-Jay both make (pretty much the same) soft elastic hair ties that have amazing stretch, are snag-free and never leave the dreaded ponytail bump. There’s also a headband line made from the same material.
Since they come in a ton of colors, metallics and patterns (like chevon and glitter!) they’ve also become a fashion statement, spotted on the wrists of celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston. They’re slim, sleek and I have to confess, addictive. I just bought a new patch of Pink Pineapple (they make their own) and I’ve spotted them at Bellevue Beauty Walk.
Even though they’re inexpensive (ex. $9.99 for 10) and come in different quantities, they probably cost about three cents to make. AND, in an ironic “twist” of fate, Tori Johnson just featured a great promotion with Emi-Jay on today’s Deals & Steals on Good Morning America. Today only, enter promo code GMA on THIS EMI-JAY page and get 12 Emi-Jay hair ties and 2 headbands for $18 (normally $36).
You can also find these hot bands on Esty (like 14 band for $17 HERE), or even make your own with simple supplies from Michael’s crafts stores. CLICK HERE for an easy how-to video. Get your twist on!
Oscars 2013 Fashion Wrap Up…
Let’s just jump right into it…who was your best dressed? Leave a comment below! Here’s some of my favorites:
Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta
Jessica Chastain in custom Armani Privé
Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture
Halle Berry in Versace
Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture
Newport Goes Hollywood Tonight…
The grande dame of award show season unfolds tonight with fans as excited for who wears what and which picture takes top honors. Your favorite place to watch may be from the comfort of your own home, but if you want to change things up a bit, there’s some fun happening around town celebrating Hollywood’s biggest night.
Vanderbilt Grace is celebrating the 85th Academy Awards with an Oscar-themed evening that will be held inside MUSE by Jonathan Cartwright. The evening will begin at 7pm and feature Oscar-themed cocktails, Gold popcorn, Oscar trivia and cookies in the shape of the Oscar statuette. The cocktails taking center stage include:
Les “Not So” Misérables: Vodka, Chambord, Pineapple Juice, Champagne, $15 
The Life of “Hot Apple” Pi: Hot Apple Cider Tuaca, $12
Tarantino Unchained: Malibu Rum, Captain Morgan’s, Ginger Ale, Cranberry Juice, $14
Honest Abe: Pama Liquor, Stoli Blueberry Vodka, Cranberry Juice, $12
Zero “Dirty” Thirty Martini: Grey Goose Martini with Feta Cheese Stuffed Olives, $15
Call 401-846-6200 to make reservations.
At the Jane Pickens Theater, enjoy the 3rd Annual Red Carpet Gala featuring a LIVE telecast of both the Oscar’s Red Carpet Live pre-show and the 85th Academy Awards. Watch as the movie stars arrive at and check out the stellar fashion statements and lively commentary. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants and champagne, wine and beer from the cash bar. The telecast segues into the 85th Academy Awards at 8:30pm and coffee and dessert will be served shortly thereafter. Tickets are $35.
Wanna Get Away?
Even the heartiest New Englander groans at forecasts that include word like “arctic” and “frigid,” and with more than 30″ of fallen snow in Newport this season, a mid-winter getaway is sounding just about heavenly. No fashion line is more bright and sunny than Lilly Pulitzer, and the following sneak peek at the Spring 2013 collection will inspire warm thoughts for the promise of spring. Pieces from the collection will be arriving at Island Outfitters soon, and with JetBlue’s new daily service to sunny Florida from T.F. Green, you can have that piña colada with the sand between your toes in a snap!
Baby, You’re a Firework…
Sometimes in the dead of winter you need a little sparkle, and tonight’s fireworks display over Newport Harbor at 6:30pm might just be the best way to kick off a holiday weekend (and Newport Winter Festival). The weather peeps are calling for clear skies (but there’s a rain date for tomorrow at the same time, just in case). There’s some excellent viewing points–perhaps over dinner at The Mooring, craft cocktails on the top floor of Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen, happy hour at Celtica, or the divine Vanderbilt Grace, which will welcome guests and residents to watch fireworks from the hotel’s rooftop which offers an amazing vantage point. The cost is $8 per person and that includes hot chocolate and a cozy blanket. Even better, why not toast the night with a some bubbly???
Cheers!
Be Mine
Oh, the “Be Mine,” is referring to the fab finds at bargain prices I’ll want to be mine at the Kristina Richards sale, which begins today. What did you think I meant??
Oh, yes. Happy Valentine’s Day!
