My Not-So Nautical Life

Meredith Nelson Photography

Shorts J.Crew (old) * Shoes J.Crew (old) * Bracelet DIY project (I will feature it soon!)

I grew up in a breathtaking and picturesque boating town....sans boat. Well, I'm back and still no boat. And I'm really fine with that for a couple of reasons. Don't get me wrong, I love a beautiful sunset booze cruise (when land can be seen) and there really is nothing better than a catamaran snorkeling trip in tropical ocean waters (when land can be seen). So why will you never see me with my boater's license? For one, I am incredibly prone to sea sickness. I recently visited the Frying Pan in New York with my husband and friends and had drinks at the bar next to the ship. Within about a half hour I started to feel queasy and asked if anyone else felt the bar rocking. Unbeknownst to me, the bar was not on land but on a barge. Keep in mind this is a fairly sizable barge and is anchored in the Hudson River, not the Atlantic. I quickly forced everyone to abandon ship....that's right, I bring the fun. Reason number two, the movie Open Water has had a profound and chilling effect on me. I really don't want to tread water for days while sharks encircle me and I battle severe dehydration. And finally, I can barely keep my house clean, I can't imagine the upkeep of a boat.

This outfit is my way to live the nautical life while my feet stay firmly planted on land. This is a great outfit to take from day to night....flip-flops for the pool (or boat if you're so daring), heels for the bar. Add some jewels, paired with the natural glow from a day outside and some tousled beach hair....gorgeous!

Florals

Meredith Nelson Photography
Shirt Gap * Skirt J.Crew * Necklace Kate Spade

I have never been big into florals when it comes to clothing. I have always resisted the "daintiness" associated with them since I'm not exactly the most dainty person around. Take one look at my childhood dance recital videos or my ejection from the Senior Powder Puff football game and you will agree. What I love about this skirt is that it has a floral pattern with an edge. It's name says it all....Punk Floral. I love the fullness of the skirt and the pockets....big into pockets right now. And something else that I am loving is that the shirt knot is back! Yes, I do feel like I am back in 8th grade, and yes, I do need to make sure my stomach (which does NOT look like it did in 8th grade) is covered. Usually a tank top underneath does the trick. For this outfit the skirt sits high enough on my waist that I am protected or, should I say, anyone who sees me is protected from my post-child belly. I have been using the knot a lot lately. I can't seem to pull off the half tuck and sometimes fully tucked just doesn't work. The knot is a good alternative.

Funny story, I wore this outfit on Father's Day and my son ended up getting stung by a bee...in the mouth...and threw up all over me and my skirt. The good news....he was totally fine other than his Exorcist moment (I have never seen anything like it before) and my skirt washed well even though it is Dry Clean. It is pretty much as good as new. Got to roll with the punches!

Red, White and Blue

 

Meredith Nelson Photography

 

Happy 4th of July!! Have fun wearing your red, white and blue!