Nautical DIY Crafts/Decorating

Today's guest post is from Lauren of My Life as a Plate.

Hi! I am Lauren from My Life As A Plate, I am so honored to be guest posting for Kate today, her blog is one of the first blogs I started following. I also love all things nautical and her blog is responsible for many of my nautical purchases.

I am a huge fan of DIY projects and decorating my home for all holidays and seasons. From October to April our home is decorated for each and every holiday. Once June arrives I get antsy to decorate the house for the summer. I love to add a nautical look to the home, especially living away from the water it reminds me of being at the beach ( and trying to forget that it is seven hours away).

Lately I have found so many great DIY Nautical Projects on Pinterest. I cannot wait to get started on adding some nautical touches to my home for summer!

This is such a great nautical wreath, perfect to leave up all summer, and made with a foam wreath, wrapped in ribbon or yarn:

How adorable are these nautical napkin rings made from wooden drapery rings:

These nautical hurricanes would make a great centerpiece. I love that adding roping completely changes the look:

I just love the nautical rope look for summer:

So far I have decorated my own hurricane with a nautical touch:

I just added sand, shells, flower petals, and corks.

I cannot wait to get started on my other Nautical DIY projects!

Thanks again Kate, for letting me guest post!

Royal Anchor

How cute are these nautical hair accessories for preppy princesses of all ages? Adorable and affordable at just under $7! Receive free shipping on all orders!

Pink and green Starboard:


Navy Wake:


Bow:


The original: Royal Anchor:


**This is NOT a sponsored post! I just wanted to share these cute nautical accessories!**

TV Finales: Let's Discuss

Warning: If you haven't watched the recent TV finales then do NOT read this post or the comments!!!


I am finally caught up on almost everything in my DVR. Unfortunately I missed a bunch of finales while I was in Florida but DVR and watching online saved the day!

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Gossip Girl:
I hope Chuck and Blair can finally be together in the last season of the show. I don't know if I can take any more back and forth! I liked Dan and Blair as friends and there was definitely a spark the first time they kissed (when they thought they should kiss to see if there was something there). But like Rachel and Joey on Friends it just didn't work to have them be a couple (no chemistry between those two!). And it didn't help that Dan's hair is AWFUL! I wish they would give Nate more scenes and a better love interest! I'm curious how the last season will go. I feel like the characters are so far from who they used to be (in a bad way). I liked Serena taking over Gossip Girl. But she's back to her crazy, selfish self in the end.
Who do you want Blair to be with?

Revenge:
I watched live with my friend M and she commented that the finale was very Alias-esque (the mommy issues, the weird conspiracy/Initiative). I liked the premise of Emily/Amanda getting revenge. I don't love this whole Initiative/conspiracy thing. I understand that the revenge thing can only go so far but the show is already crazy (in a good way)so I just hope it doesn't get even more complicated!! I am excited to see who the mother is though. Any guesses? Also I don't understand how FauxAmanda escaped Takeda? Did he let her go or did she escape?

The Vampire Diaries:
Love this show. Even when it isn't amazing it is better than most shows. There's just so much hotness. I love love love Matt Davis and hope he can be on TVD and his new show. Are we supposed to assume that Elena is a vampire now? I think I might rewatch the finale because my internet was so slow the first time I watched. It kept stopping and buffering.

Castle:
I couldn't even tell you what happened the first fifty minutes. All I remember is their kiss. Amazing.

Hart of Dixie:
With most shows I have a favorite relationship ("ship") from the start (Felicity and Ben, Joey and Pacey, etc). But I could go either way on this show. I like Zoe and Wade together a lot. But I also like her with George. I think I like Wade a teensy bit more though

NCIS LA:
The most boring two hours. Wow. Not sure if it was because I was watching with H's parents but we were bored and not entertained at all.

The Mentalist:
It's time to tell us who Red John is. I love Simon Baker but c'mon. I can't take another season of waiting! I also thought we were going to find out that Rigsby's baby wasn't his so that he could be with Van Pelt. I want them back together!

Ringer:
Gosh darn! SMG being pregnant sealed the fate of this show. Canceled :( In my head Bridget and Andrew forgave each other and lived happily ever after. Siobhan was exiled to an island with crazy wife number one

Modern Family:
It's getting too sentimental. I'm not a fan of the voice overs at the end of each episode.

Nikita:
So glad this was renewed! I hope the bring Dev*on Sa*wa back. I like that they've pretty much kept Nikita and Michael together. Not sure where next season will go but I'll be watching!

I want to hear your thoughts! What finales did you love? Any cliff hangers you are still thinking about? Any shows you will drop in the fall?

Friday's Fancies: Memorial Day

I am not sure what I am going to be doing this weekend. As long as I get to relax and catch up on movies (Avengers, What to Expect...) I will be happy! After 10 days at the beach/pool I am okay with skipping the beach this weekend. But I wanted to make a beach/pool outfit just for fun. Memorial Day is the start of summer in my http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifbook and summer equals pool (or beach). And hey I may end up at the pool or beach after all!

I am linking up with Long Distance Loving for this week's Friday's Fancies

I created two sets: one for daytime and one for nighttime. Both nautical of course! I especially love the red, white, and blue in the first look. We'll call it patriotic nautical ;)


Vineyard Vines Burgee Sail Coverup, Shoshanna Anchors Away Bow Bikini Top and bikini bottom, Old Navy flip flops, and Nine West anchor tote

I just bought this nautical J.Crew dress over the weekend and can't wait to wear it! I would love to pair it with the accessories below. Since both bag and shoes are pretty glitzy I am skipping jewelry

Anthropologie Anchor twinkle clutch, Ivanka Trump Seahorse sandals

Will you be hitting the beach/pool this weekend? How do you celebrate Memorial Day?

J.Crew and the Man Who Dressed America

TONIGHT at 10 pm on CNBC: documentary on J.Crew. CNBC follows J.Crew President and Executive Creative Director Jenna Lyons and her team of J.Crew designers as they work tirelessly to refine the Fall 2012 line and present it to their leader -- J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler.

I will definitely be recording this tonight. While I have questioned some of J.Crew's pieces in the past few years (I am still getting over the sequin harem pants!) I am loving the new spring and summer arrivals. Nautical everywhere! And critter shorts! I think I am seeing a bit of the old J.Crew in the new arrivals

Here's a sneak peek:

Will you be tuning in? Do you think Mickey Drexler changed J.Crew for the better?

**Please note: this is NOT a sponsored post. I just wanted to share information on what I think will be an interesting documentary**

Nautical Accessories for Your Memorial Weekend

Today's guest post is from Lindsay of Vineyard Loveknots.

Hi all! Lindsay here from Vineyard Loveknots. Nautical by Nature has been my resource for all things sea inspired for years. Here are a few of my favorite "Nautical by Nature" inspired red, white and blue accessories for the spring and summer.

BaubleBar Coral Rope Cuff $52

Brooks Brothers Silk Twill Nautical Square $248

Elsa Peretti® Starfish pendant $215

Old Navy Women's Rope-Strap Canvas Tote $19.94

Sperry Top Sider Harbordale $108

I would love to pack all of these in my bag for my upcoming Memorial Day beach weekend. Thanks to Kate for having me today!

Wet Bathing Suit Bags

I think bathing suit bags for post-pool/beach are essential. I always travel with mine and take it with me to the pool when I go with H. I can just throw the bathing suit bag into my tote or the diaper bag and I don't have to worry about anything getting wet. On my most recent trip we went to the pool right before we left. I didn't have to worry about everything else in my suitcase getting wet. My current one is from Gap (years ago) but I think I might get a new one (the colors are faded).

Here are some cute options:
Uncommon Goods:


Itzy Ritzy Zippered Wet Bag (tons of different patterns available):


Ame & Lulu:


Echo Print Bikini Bag:


This one from Neiman Marcus is a bit bigger and doesn't zip closed but it is SO cute!

Do you use a wet bathing suit bag?

Get the look: The Lucky One

Did anyone else see the preview of the Lucky One and immediately want to recreate Beth's outfit in this scene?

I couldn't find a better photo of the whole outfit (white top, shorts, and boots) so this screencap of the youtube video will have to do

via

I already have similar boots and shorts. I just needed a similar top. This Target (from the Webster shop) top is perfect!

I bought this shirt at my local Target and then decided I wanted to get an extra because I love it so much. I wore it as a coverup and top on my trip (see yesterday's post). It's definitely going to be a summer staple!

I'm back!

I survived another work trip! This year we spent 10 days in Florida (Nap*les and Capt*iva Island).

Watching bunnies on the golf course

I am so lucky that traveling with this family is as close to a vacation as a work trip can get. Of course it wasn't paradise the whole time (if you follow me on Twitter you know H threw up on our extremely bumpy flight to FL and there was a major overtired meltdown on Mother's Day) but it was pretty close! I attempted to do daily outfit photos but didn't have a good mirror in our first hotel. And then I forgot to take photos most days. Next trip for sure! I am still waiting on the photos that H's dad took of me with H but here are a few photos I took with my new ipod touch


Yes, H is wearing a whale critter polo!



Fate brought us together: H's mom loves Jack Rogers as much as I do!


Madewell v neck pocket tee and Vineyard Vines shorts


Lilly Pulitzer polo and Vineyard Vines seahorse shorts


Marley Lilly monogrammed hat, Marc by Marc Jacobs bathing suit top (the bow just doesn't photograph well :( Old Navy swim shorts (similar)


Anchor shirt (H's mom found this at a store by our hotel. Does she know me well or what?), J.Crew seersucker swing tank swim top, Old Navy swim shorts (similar)


Tracy Negosian Seahorse tunic/coverup (on sale for $25!) and Vineyard Vines hat


The Webster for Target Tunic and Gap pants (similar)


J.Crew dress (used as a coverup)


Lilly Pulitzer dress (I got this from Amy!)

Thank you guest posters!

Just wanted to thank the bloggers that guest posted for me while I was out of town! I hope you enjoyed their nautical posts. In case you missed their fun posts:

Sea Bags from the Yuppie Files

DIY Nautical Nails from Fashion Meets Food

Summer Soiree Crab Party from Belle on Heels

Nautical Finds from Homegoods from Forever29

Cocktails for Spring and Summer from Project Gadabout

Friday's Fancies: Chambray from Long Distance Loving

Friday's Fancies: Chambray

Today's guest post is from Alison of Long Distance Loving.

Happy Friday! I’m {av}--the lady behind {long distance loving} and that Friday’s Fancies link-up you may have seen around the blogosphere. There couldn’t have been a better week for me to stand in for Kate--in my mind, chambray and anything nautical go hand in hand. I’m so excited to share this simple and sweet ensemble which is nautically, I mean naturally chambray ;)

This easy, breezy J.Crew Workwear Shirtdress would be perfect to add to
the weekend rotation. As a beach cover-up or a brunching beauty, this
shirtdress is sure to please.

This Delavan Terrace Little Nadine would stand its {fun} ground all summer long. And who can argue with a little Kate Spade? Not me!

What could be more nautical and fabulous than this Summer Classic Charm Bracelet? It should come as no surprise that a Lilly Pulitzer had to be
included in this classically preppy mix.

A summer staple, a pair of Jack Rogers College Colors Navajo Sandals in this bold red
would bring this outfit together beautifully. They may not be ruby red
slippers, but for the seaside lover, they might as well be!

I can’t thank Kate enough for having me today! Want to create your
own Friday’s Fancies? I’d love to have you--click here to get all the details
:) Soak up some fun this weekend!

xoxo {av} | {long distance loving}

Cocktails for Spring and Summer

Today's guest post is from Poppy of Project Gadabout

Hey Nautical Lovers, it's me Poppy from Project Gadabout. I'm so excited to share some of my favorite cocktails for spring and summer. Theses cocktails are hip to sip and delicious to taste, plus they are so simple. Even you cocktail novices out there will be at ease. For more delicious drinks check out my Cocktail Hour

{images via: Absolut, Belvedere, The Bar}

Nautical Finds from HomeGoods

Today's guest post is from Amy of Forever 29

I am more than happy to be returning the favor of guest posting today while Kate is on vacation. Well, as much of a vacation as traveling with a toddler can be!

HomeGoods is one of my all time favorite stores and I can always find a few nautical things I love. My oldest son had a nautical nursery and I found nearly all of the accessories for the room at HomeGoods!

I set out last weekend to see what was in the store for summer!

Insulated Cooler Bags- $14.99


I picked up one of these cooler bags last year and I love it! It is great to take a few drinks to the pool and the strap fits easily over your shoulder. And tons of nautical prints to choose from!

Shell Printed Storage Box- $12.00 (on clearance)


Boxes like this are great to have on a bookcase or table. I have a few and use them to store cards and other mementos.

Critter Note Cards- $5.99



Can you really ever have too much stationery? I don't think so. These critter cards were too cute to pass up- whales & crabs to send notes to my nautical pals and gators & flamingos for my Lilly lovers!

Thanks, Kate, for the excuse to go shopping and have fun soaking up some sun!

Summer Soiree: Crab Party on the Beach

Today's guest blog post is from Sarah of Belle on Heels

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Hi everyone! Sarah from Belle on Heels posting today. Kate was sweet enough to guest post for me while I was away for my wedding, so I’m repaying the favor today.

I’m an event planner by trade, so I thought I’d do a little moodboard for a nautical/beach-y event. My husband is a Baltimore boy, born and bred, so in my new family, summer means one thing: crabs. While I’m still learning how to actually eat steamed crabs without making a total fool of myself, I absolutely love the communal feelings of these meals. Eating crabs is a very social experience, so it’s perfect for a party!

My ideal crab party starts with lovely engraved invitations. Any excuse for pretty paper, right?! Everyone would arrive at our darling {imaginary} beach cottage and help themselves to an ice cold beer or Cape Codder, complete with festive striped straws. {We used these at our wedding and they are even cuter in person.}

While everyone admires the beautiful ocean and the lovely hydrangeas surrounding the house, I finish steaming the crabs and roasting some sweet, summer corn. Everyone takes a seat and digs in. Don’t forget the Old Bay and lots of butter! After the meal, everyone has his/her own mini cherry pie for dessert. It doesn’t get any better than that.

I hope you’ve had fun at my little summer soiree. I wish we could all gather at the beach for a get-together like this!

DIY Nautical Nails

Today's guest blog post is from Erica of Fashion Meets Food

Ahoy! My name is Erica, and I am thrilled to be guest posting while Kate is out of town. I write the blog Fashion meets Food, which covers everything associated with a fashionable lifestyle. I am a big fan of using my nails as an accessory, and there is no better way to get ready for sunny days on the boat then with a nautical nail design!

1. Polish (left to right): KISS Nail Artist Paint in glittery gold, China Glaze First Mate, OPI San-Tan-Tonio and KISS Nail Artist Paint in white. Instead of the nail art bottles you can just use a paint brush.

2. Paint the base navy blue. I used China Glaze First Mate.

3. Next apply KISS Nail Artist Paint glittery gold polish diagonally on your nail. I skipped my ring finger and used it as an accent nail.

4. Next apply a thin line of KISS Nail Artist Paint in white on the very tip of your nail.

5. Continue applying thin lines down your nail leaving equal space between each line.

6. If you left an accent nail you can get as creative as you want. I created a anchor that is made up of one simple curve, straight lines and a circle at the top.

If you have any questions about the nail design you see here
please feel free to contact me over at Fashion meets Food.