Style

Labor Day Weekend Packing Guide with The Street at Chestnut Hill

Published on August 31, 2018August 31, 2018 by reganclemLeave a comment

There’s nothing quite like gearing up for a fun long weekend ahead with your friends and family and getting to your closet to pack and thinking, “What the heck am I going to put in this bag?!” In my experience, packing is one of the most fun, time consuming, creative, and frustrating parts about preparing for a trip. I typically try on everything roughly 1,000 times, and then end up packing something that I grab off of the hanger at a store last minute… If you’re the same way, you’re going to love what is coming next.

I teamed up with the folks over at The Street in Chestnut Hill, MA, boasting a high-end fashion experience, and a rotating retail pop-up for the tastefully chic. Below I’m listing some of the key stores that you must stop in while preparing for your weekend away, and a few of my favorite selects from each.

Splendid
If I had to think of one brand that embodies “cozy chic”, there is no question that Splendid would be the first to come to mind. Flowy dresses, effortless jumpsuits, and the most comfortable shoes you will ever abound in this retail valhalla made for gals like me who want to look cute, but could live without the fuss. The below asymmetrical dress, cargo pant, and denim jumpsuit are just a few of my faves!

Vince
If I had a nickel for every time I’ve recommend Vince for travel wear, I’d be a rich woman. Each shade of blue they have in their most recent collection is magical. They’re also featuring a lot of cropped outerwear, which is perfect for unpredictable weather. And, if you’ve never had the pleasure of traveling in the comfort of one of their sweaters, I am telling you now, it’s practically life changing. Vince is the epitome of understated elegance, and every piece can be worn about a hundred ways — perfect for those of you trying to fit everything into one teeny tiny carry on!

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J. McLaughlin
The key with packing for a long weekend, and not having to check any luggage or have your friends gawk at your for filling the trunk of your car, is to pack wardrobe staples. A crisp white shirt, patterned shirt dress, structured handbag that can go from day to night, and a wrap that will keep you cozy from beach bonfire to your exit row seat home. Introducing, J.McLaughlin. They have all the essentials any intrepid gal needs.

Portobello Road
Noticeable by the bright blue doors (a nod to Notting Hill, I imagine), Portobello Road is a locally owned boutique that caters to those with a refined, eclectic taste. The reason why this spot is such a gem is their accessories section. Finding a place to buy a great hat, well-made (but not super fancy) jewelry, and a fun bag that doesn’t have a designer label splashed across the front is a rarity in Boston. If you’re looking for all the travel gypsy feels, look no further.

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Opening Soon: Copious Row
During my latest visit, I got a sneak peak into the freshest retail opening on the block, Copious Row. This Fall, they’ll be opening their doors, carrying the likes of Victoria Beckham, Brock Collection, Prabal Gurung, Zimmerman, and the list goes on! While I’m pretty notorious for sporting brands like Vince (duh!), Tod’s, Reformation, and Madewell, I’ve slowly been working in higher-end pieces to elevate my style. Looking forward to working with their stylists for a couple of key investment pieces for Fall. Who knows where I’ll be bringing them on my travels next!!

Do you have any long weekend packing must-haves? Leave me a note in the comments below. I’m always looking for an excuse to pack more things 🙂

On Nantucket with philosophy

Published on July 27, 2018July 27, 2018 by reganclemLeave a comment

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The past few days I have been on Nantucket at the PopSugar house having an absolute blast! On Wednesday, I was introduced to philosophy’s latest line “renewed hope in a jar”, and I am obsessed. For someone who is constantly living out of a suitcase, I am always so happy to find products that make me look like I’m well slept, hydrated, and had hours to get ready! Enter philosophy.

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Because I am a bit of a beauty noob, I was super thankful they brought an expert in to show me how to use these products properly, and when I should be using them. In the past, I’ve always just thrown together a beauty routine that I can do on the run because I felt like having a “system” or “routine” first thing in the morning, or at night, was too much of a process. With a little education, I feel like an extra five minutes in the morning and at night is super approachable now. Keep reading to see what I’m going to do every morning, even when I’m on the road.

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STEP ONE
The philosophy renewed hope in a jar renewing dew concentrate is a super hydrating way to start your beauty routine. It feels like water when you place it on to your hands, and the expert shared that you should press it into your skin, not rub!

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STEP TWO
You can either use this moisturizer with SPF or without — if you are going to go makeup free, I would definitely recommend with! Don’t just apply this moisturizer to your face, but also down your neck, and I even put a little on my ears.

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STEP THREE (THE FINAL STEP)
If you’ve been looking for eye cream that is specially formulated for the delicate skin around your eyes and the multiple concerns affecting it, look no further. It features a clinically-proven, non-stop skin renewal technology that continuously hydrates, brightens dark circles, reduces puffiness, and smooths the look of fine lines. After just a couple days of using this product, I can see why people rave about it!

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So, there you have it! Three easy steps and I’m good to go for a day anywhere in the world. Do you have any beauty products that you must travel with?! Comment below because I think I’m finally starting to get a hang of this whole beauty thing, and I want to know what brands and products you guys love!

What to Pack for Royal Wedding Weekend in England

Published on May 15, 2018May 16, 2018 by reganclemLeave a comment

Royal Wedding Weekend Packing List

I am so excited to share that on Thursday, I will be hopping a plane to jolly ol’ England to be in-country for a moment that the U.K. may not have for decades – the royal wedding! My trip won’t be super traditional, as I will be first heading to Manchester (a new route is launching from BOS – MAN on Virgin Atlantic starting May 23rd), then Liverpool, and finally London. So, of course, with only two days to go, I am still trying to solve one of life’s most persistent questions: what do I pack?! I decided to take a play out of Meghan Markle’s book and stick to the classics, meaning clean lines, versatile pieces, and a wardrobe that is ready for anything. Sounds perfect for the U.K. this time of year, no?

Below, I’ve included some of the staples listed above – and some other options at more approachable price points. If I had a royal budget, you better believe I’d be pulling everything from the collage above, but alas, I’m a mere commoner. But, fear not – the alternatives below will have bystanders doing double takes to determine whether your look was a splurge or a steal!

The Right Outerwear
Jackets are probably my most popular item in my closet as well as in my suitcase. You can never have too many! (Unless, of course, you’re over the luggage weight limit…) If you had to go with a few, my recommendations would be a classic blazer that looks good over almost all of your tops, a suede jacket that can transition from day-to-night with ease, and also, not listed above, the oh-so-crucial rain coat. The Veronica Beard blazers (this is the one I have) boast some stretch, which make them perfect for packing and running around town, but a more affordable version can be found here. And while this Silvie Schimmel suede biker jacket will cost you a pretty penny, the Blank NYC version looks nearly identical.

Chic Denim
Denim does not – and should not – be boring. I recently picked up a denim dress that can be dressed up or dressed down with a change of a heel and bag, and couldn’t be more happy with how versatile of a piece it is. Mine is a belted version from J.Crew (found here), and the best part – I can also wear it as a jacket as the weather cools down at night! The fun with denim doesn’t have to stop there – with so many trends exploring ways to dress your denim up, don’t be afraid to experiment with length, color, and patterns. I recently picked up a Stretch Flood Jean (in Fiji Stripe) from Reformation, and you have to peel these things off of me because I wear them so much!

Statement Accessories
Probably one of my favorite ways to spruce up an outfit while traveling is to pack eye-catching footwear. These metallic sneakers from Tod’s (I have them in white) are a perfect way to make any outfit pop. If you’re more of the pump persuasion, try a mule, which is a bit comfier for romping around town. I’m personally obsessed with the ones from y/project above – and they happen to be on sale! In the mood for something a bit more budget friendly? These may do the trick. In that same vein, a statement handbag is a must. The Marni shoulder bag above (and this faux fur version) is giving me all the heart-eye emoji feels, but this, this, and this are super cute too! I’m also a huge fan of a good statement sunny. I just picked these Fendi frames up from Solstice Sunglasses, and I swear I’ve gotten more compliments on those in the last three weeks than all of my other compliments combined. I highly recommend checking out their sale items, they usually have an amazing selection!

Last but not least, Light Layers
U.K. in the Spring is a fickle maiden and it’s always good to be prepared with the appropriate layers. I’ll be packing a not-so-standard floral from rag + bone, some short sleeve sweaters, which are a serious travel game-changer, and handful of camisoles for layering underneath my jacket selection. As always, you can catch me at any given time traveling with a handful of vintage tees, which are a part of my nearly daily uniform. If you don’t feel like digging through racks and racks of tees, Urban Outfitters has a pretty stacked graphic tee section worth checking out.

So, as you can see, this is not your standard tea with the queen packing list, but I’m not really one for floor length florals (unless with sneakers) or flouncy blouses. Besides, who wants to deal with steaming all of their clothes when they get to the hotel anyway? Stay tuned for my travels in England coming up later this week – I can’t wait to share everything with you!!

What to Pack for Winter in Europe

Published on December 6, 2017May 15, 2018 by reganclemLeave a comment

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In less than two weeks, I will be heading to Brussels and Paris for a quick weekend getaway with my mom (yay!). As it gets closer to the holidays in Europe, I think the cities become so magical and it always worth a trip! Skipping the summer months for a winter weekend in Europe isn’t only cheaper, but you get to see a little more of that local flair. However, I know the promise of colder weather might initially deter you from booking that flight, but I wanted to share a few of my tips for dressing warm – and fashionably – in the winter which will make sight seeing enjoyable, and you’ll still be camera ready!

Practical(ish) shoes.
Yes, when walking around Europe, you can typically expect some cobblestones, so stilettos are out, but that doesn’t mean you take heels off the table all together. The Jeremy Campbell booties I added above are a perfect example of a boot that you can rock in the winter time on European side streets. I actually have these myself and they’re super comfy and sturdy. A great pair of sneakers, with a hint of embellishment is also a good option. Gucci is having a total moment right now with their sneakers; I think they’re a super fun splurge. But, if you’re looking for something a little friendlier on your wallet, a pair of white chucks or Stan Smith’s should do the trick.

Layers, layers, layers
Investing in a body suit so you can ensure that your midriff will stay warm between picking up your luggage at the airport and sitting down at a cozy cafe is a must. Do double duty by layering a pair of winter tights underneath a pair of destroyed denim or a knee-length skirt and you’ll be good to go. Some tights you can get now are actually lined with fleece, so if you’re known to be super chilly, or are going to be spending the majority of your day outside, I would pack a pair to layer under denim or a long skirt for sure!

Colorful Knits
Come winter, expressing yourself through color gets a little trick, so I always like to mix it up with a colorful sweater. Pops of orange, red, purple, and baby blue are a great way to brighten up your wardrobe, while you stick to more of the classics in the rest of your look. I definitely recommend packing turtlenecks when you can, that way you can save space in your suitcase because you don’t need to pack a scarf. You can also have fun with color with a knit hat as well. Don’t be afraid to bust out one with a fun pom pom, so your friends can keep track of you around busier parts of the city.

A Second Coat
I always wear my biggest and fluffiest coat on the plane because packing it is a nightmare, but I highly recommend packing a second coat, especially if you plan to take lots of pictures outside, go out on the town, and think the weather might fluctuate a lot in temperature. A fab bomber is always a good go-to, and again, so many brands are experimenting with color, so you can stand out amongst a sea of black and tan.

A Couple Statement Pieces
When traveling, we have a tendency to pack sensibly, especially for trips to areas where it’s cold weather! But, I challenge you on your next trip to pack a few items that really stand out. A perfect dress for a surprise date, unexpected outing (you know, with the Queen or something), or even just for afternoon tea can work wonders. I can’t tell you how many times having a dress handy has saved my ass, especially when traveling abroad. I also always recommend one or two key pieces of statement jewelry. One eye-catching ring or set of earrings can really pull a look together without too much effort. The most obvious statement piece to pack is a great bag. I always say a bag is your best investment piece, so if you’ve got it flaunt it. However! Do not have this bag be one of your two carry-ons. Having to shove your bag under the seat or in the overhead bin on long flights is just asking for trouble – especially if it is an investment piece. Do yourself a solid and pack your day-to-day bag in a duster to pull out in prime condition once you get to your destination.

These five tips are sure to get you off to a good start on packing for a trip to Europe in winter. If you have questions or other suggestions that I may not have mentioned, be sure to leave them in the comments!

Kick It

Published on November 4, 2014November 5, 2014 by reganclemLeave a comment

There’s something oh-so special about the Boston Public Library. Working from home, it can be tough at times to channel creativity, so every once in a great while, I find myself posting up in Bates Hall surrounded by towers of books, hoping to be inspired purely based on proximity of great works of art. Well, as you can imagine, that usually doesn’t work out exactly how I imagine it, but switching up work space for the high, decorated ceilings of the BPL starts the blood flowing to whatever part of my brain controls my witty, and all-around mind-blowing, writing skills. That, paired with about five chai lattes, allows me to hunker down and bust out a few sassy one-liners and do some creative brainstorming.

When it comes to work, I often dress for comfort. Given that half of the time I work in my pj’s (don’t judge), when I do step out into the real world, I feel obliged to put my best foot forward, and that usually involves a good shoe. Now, you’re probably thinking about a sky-high pair of heels, or perfectly polished flats, but when I envision the perfect shoe it’s often sneakers that occupy my thoughts. These Nike sneaks are the epitome comfort and cool and add an downtown edge to an otherwise typical, everday outfit. Scroll down to the bottom for an extra special throwback proving my long-harbored love for sneakers.

Button-up, Denim & Supply Co. // Vest, Madewell // Jeans, AG // Sneakers, Nike // Clutch, Clare Vivier

As Beyonce would say: Flawless.

Stoop Kid

Published on October 30, 2014November 4, 2014 by reganclemLeave a comment

This time of year in Boston calls for comfy knits, cute boots, and skirts! While jeans certainly serve their purpose, they aren’t always work appropriate, and it’s super easy to swap them out for a great pencil skirt that is flattering and comfy. This one from Enza Costa hits the nail on the head, bridging the gap between style and comfort perfectly. Next time you’re trying to put a work outfit together, think about your favorite weekend look and sub in a skirt for your jeans.

One of my rules with midi skirts, no matter what style, is that if it hits below the knee, you’re better off pairing it with a set of heels to make sure your legs look as long as possible. (I’m not opposed to flats with midi-skirts, but in general, the look is a bit harder to pull off.) Also, try to keep your shoes flesh toned, or the same color as your skirt for maximum lengthening capacity. No, that’s not some offical style term, but in the world of Malaika Firths and Georgia Hilmers, we should take advantage of as much perceived height as possible.

The great thing about this look is that it has the ability to take you just about anywhere. Keeping those office appropriate elements with super comfy and luxe knits really makes all the difference. If you’re on the hunt for an outfit that has all of the components of work wear, but the comfort of your favorite set of pj’s, this look has you covered — boots included!

Sweater, Ohne Titel // Skirt, Enza Costa // Boots, Topshop // Ring, Vintage // Watch, Michael Kors // Necklace, Diament Jewelry

Fringe Benefits

Published on October 27, 2014November 4, 2014 by reganclemLeave a comment

‘Tis the season for statement jackets, and there’s nothing quite like a little suede fringe to really get your style game on point. While it’s not the easiest piece to work into a wardrobe there are a few fool-proof ways to make it work. First, keep your color palette simple. I paired the jacket with all black everything to add a little edge and prevent the look from going Country Strong, which could easily happen with plaid top, jeans and boots. Secondly, keep the look tailored. A fitted tee, skinnies and a classic tote make the look effortless and can take you anyhwere you need to go. And lastly, keep your accessories simple. A few rings, dainty necklaces and maybe a pair of studs is all you need in the way of jewlery. Anything more than that and the look appear a little overdone.

Bonus: Finishing off a look with a pair of polished sneakers has been my go-to as of late, and these Jimmy Choos have been a staple in my closet for a year now. As long as you style them correctly, they can work for just about any occassion. The best part, they’re just as comfy as they are stylish.

Jacket, BCBG (on sale!) // Tee, AllSaints (similar here)// Jeans, Joe’s // Sneakers, Jimmy Choo // Tote, Givenchy // Necklaces & Rings, vintage and Tiffany’s

Neutral

Published on October 18, 2014 by reganclemLeave a comment

After a few hot days in Boston, Mother Nature is finally starting to get her act together and cool things down a bit. Fall fashion is my favorite, and every time around this year I am always jonesing to break out my knits. To my surprise, we’ve dipped into the 60s here in the bean after skyrocketing into the high 70s several days prior. I know I’ll be kicking myself come wintertime, when warm means we’ve gotten above freezing, but for now I’m happy that things are on the cooler side.

Sweaters can often become redundant and look a lot alike, so I try to find pieces that have something a little quirky or different about them. This one I’m wearing happens to have a massive collar, adding a little drama to an otherwise underwhelming sweatercoat. Instead of dark skinny jeans and boots, I kept it light with neutrals in white, tan and taupe. I’m not usually one to rock a full neutral look without a little flair, and you can see, I’ve pulled pieces that have a pattern and topped the look off with a pop of color for good measure.

Until next time! ❤

Button-up, Zara // Jeans, Blank NYC // Flats, Vince // Bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim

Black & Blue

Published on October 8, 2014October 14, 2014 by reganclem1 Comment

Last week I managed to get out and enjoy the sun in Harvard Square. With the weather staying on the warmer side, I’ve been getting the best use out of my skirts so far this Fall. In an effort to debunk the myth that you can’t wear black and navy together, I pulled together some of my favorite pieces to show that the two actually work really well together. The key is to always have another color (or two) tying the look together. In my case, they were gray and white.

I decided to wear one of my favorite t-shirts that I actually picked up at a men’s shop in NYC. I personally love going in to men’s stores and seeing what looks I can incorporate into my wardrobe. Like it or not, sometimes the menswear is just plain cooler, and for someone who has a 5’11 frame, I find that some of the basic pieces actually fit me better as well.

Here’s hoping that the weather holds out a little longer up here in Boston and Cambridge before I hit the road again! Where do you think I’ll be heading next?

Sweater, Olive + Oak (similar here)// Skirt, Madewell // Bag, rag & bone // Shirt, J.Press York Street // Sneakers, Chanel // Rings, Tiffany’s and vintage

Collegiate

Published on October 1, 2014October 2, 2014 by reganclemLeave a comment

Fall weather is upon us in Boston, and I figured it was about time to break out the knits that I have been lusting after all summer. There’s something so unceremoniously chic about New England autumn style, that makes even the least preppiest of fashionistas want to bust out some tweed and tartan print. With that in mind, I snagged an old collegiate favorite out of my closet, my J. Crew tweed skirt, for a an updated spin on a back to school outfit. Shooting in Harvard Square seemed equally as appropriate, and I fit right in with all the stylish university newcomers floating from coffee shops to class.

I ‘edged-up’ the outfit with a pair of rag & bone mules and black chevron nails to keep the look from going too Cher a la Clueless. There’s nothing quite like a classic Chloe carryall bag to balance out the palette with cool shades of light purple and gray, and it was a great finishing touch to this (almost) too-cool-for-school outfit.

Sweater, Intermix // Skirt, J.Crew (old) similar here // Sunnies, Fendi // Bag, Chloe //Mules, rag & bone // Rings, Tiffany’s and vintage