Outfit: Green Lace Dress & A Walled Garden
It's officially summer and while returning to Ireland has meant a return to grey skies and rain we also have fleeting moments of sunshine perfect for escaping into a world of green.
CONVERSATION
Travel: Sailing Around Croatia With MedSailors
A week long boat trip around Croatia sounds good on paper. When you first hear about MedSailors and contemplate the holiday you're ecstatic. Your own private yacht sailing around islands for seven days, what could be more fun? Then the holiday approaches, you start searching for new swimsuits and packing your suitcase and your nerves kick in. Will you get seasick? How tiny is that cabin? What about close quarters with total strangers (six other passengers beside us plus skipper)--that could get old quick! But it's too late, you've bought your tickets, packed your bags, and there's nothing left to do but go. You get to your yacht, walk past seven strangers with your tiny suitcase into your tiny cabin and your nerves hum at an all-time high. You quickly unpack, slip out of your travel clothes and into something lighter and climb back on deck. It takes a few minutes but suddenly the strangers seem like friends and the tight space below seems secondary to the whole Adriatic Sea being your oyster. What is a tiny cabin compared to the open seas and sky stretching out above you? One of your crew brought a pirate flag and as they raise it up the mast you feel your spirits rising with it.
In the end all of the nerves were for nothing. Our boat became a tight-knit crew with everyone down for a laugh and ready to pitch in with chores or sailing. Thomas loved being behind the wheel, steering into the wind and pointing out dolphins as they swam alongside us. Only one person got seasick at the beginning of the week and even that quickly passed--as did the week itself. You went to sleep every night on the boat, rocked by gentle waves, and awoke the next morning to set off to a new destination. After a few days you start to forget the names--Sesula, Vis, Korcula, Stari Grad, Hvar--but you'll never forget the places. There's similarities, red roofs and bright blue waters, but every stop is unique. Peppered with its own special flavor and ambiance. You dance until your legs are jelly in Hvar and take a speedboat taxi back to your own yacht. You swim in secret coves where the water is so bright blue it looks like it came out of a swimming pool. You get lost in quiet, twisting alleys trying to show affection to indifferent cats. You start to feel as if the boat is your home and then you blink and it's over.
Thomas made the video below of our adventures, capturing some of our favorite moments and towns. A little glimpse into our journey and an attempt to hang on to those fleeting memories and short week...
*old Free People dress, Sam Edelman sandals*
What to Pack: Aside from the obvious (a week's worth of clothes and underwear) packing for a boat trip does bring up a few unique challenges. We learned a lot on our week around Croatia; lessons I hope I get to apply on another boat trip in the future (MedSailors also organizes trips around Greece and Turkey!).
-The cabins are small and since you'll likely be sharing with someone else definitely do not bring two carry-on suitcases--they won't fit! Instead try to find collapsible luggage or share one carry-on between the two of you.
-Since it is a boat trip do bring a few swimsuits and plenty of sunscreen, but you really don't need more than three suits to rotate between.
-We had a small bathroom and shower on board but most people opted to use the public showers when we were docked because they were so much more spacious, so don't forget a pair of waterproof shoes (like flip flops, no need to be fancy).
-Sleeping in our cabin was our greatest challenge; a sleeping mask and ear plugs will help you get some shuteye no matter how loud the harbor is or when the sun rises!
-And this one might not fit in your suitcase, but try to pack an easy-going attitude. Our MedSailors skipper prepared two meals for us and did most of the sailing, but everyone on the boat chipped in with dishes and were eager to learn how to sail as well. Team spirit definitely makes the week and chores go faster!
Thank you MedSailors for sponsoring our Croatian holiday; as always all opinions are my own.
CONVERSATION
Travel: One Evening In Korcula Town
One of the best travel tips I ever heard was: don't pack new shoes.
CONVERSATION
Travel: A Day In Dubrovnik
Our holiday in Croatia began and ended in Dubrovnik and although we only got a chance to explore the epic Old Town at the tail end of our trip I'm still beginning my Croatia posts with our snaps and memories from that city.
CONVERSATION
Six Classic Summer Movies
I think my favorite type of movie might be a good summer movie. I love movies you can sink your teeth into; movies full of symbolism and meaning, but I also delight in a ridiculous comedic romp and old Hollywood really specialized in those! I don't think modern movie comedies compare (some of the movies on this list have been remade and often I think to poorer versions with a heavy reliance on dumb humor). But a good summer movie is not just a comedy to me, but also one with adventure--afterall if anything exciting is going to happen in your life don't you think it will happen in summer? Summer is a transformative time when we end one school year and attempt to mature/transform ourselves before the next year or at least try to cast off our burdens for a few brief weeks and live life to the fullest. However you see summer these films should keep you entertained some hot evening...
Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation (1962): This is perhaps my favorite summer comedy movie! It stars Jimmy Stewart as a beleagured dad (Jimmy is probably my favorite movie dad) just trying to have a good holiday with his family at their beach house but things keep going wrong. The house is dilapidated, the neighbors are nosy, his teenage children refuse to go outside, and unwelcome in-laws come to visit. Mr. Hobbs tries to solve each crisis sometimes to hilarious results, but unlike a lot of modern comedies made in the same vein Hobbs is endearing; it's clear how much he loves his family and wants what is best for them. A perfect flick for everyone who's survived a disaterous family vacation that ended up being one of their best/most memorable summers; afterall the worst trips make for the best stories and laughs later on.
Roman Holiday (1953): Audrey Hepburn's first film was undoubtedly one of her best, if only all of us could make an equally brillant entrance to the world! This film embraces all of the tenants of a good summer adventure as a wayward princess impulsively runs away from her guardians for a few days to have the week of her life running around Rome with a handsome and charming stranger. Gregory Peck is delightful as a reporter torn between his admiration for the young princess's audacity and his cynical side trying to capture her antics for his newspaper. I also recently learned that Hepburn was given her costumes in this film (which would look as chic today as they did in the 50s) at the end of filming, which really is the icing on the cake of this delightful movie that launched her career.
The Black Swan (1940s): Not to be confused with that Black Swan, this one is named after a pirate ship and was made in the 1940s. I have a weakness for cheesy pirate movies and The Black Swan is one of the best of that genre. All of the good swashbuckling goofy-romance of your favorite guilty pleasure chick-lit in visual form with fiery Maureen O'Hara as the damsel (not in distress) who gets kidnapped by pirates. A former pirate is made Govenor of Jamaica and given the task ridding the Carribean of other pirates; some like Captain Jamie Waring decide to go straight as well, while others refuse to give up the pirate lifestyle (because why would you?). It's a charming, silly, romantic-adventure film that perfectly suits this hazy season.
The Parent Trap (1961): Before the remake starring Lindsey Lohan there was this delightful film with 60s teen darling Hayley Mills. The plot is very similar to the remake, but there are distinct lines and scenes in the original that are too good to pass up even if you've seen the new one (the pranks!). My sister and I also used to practice the "Let's Get Together" duet. Either way both films start with one of the main staples of the American summer: summer camp. Summer camp movies could probably be a whole sub-genre (although the closest I ever got to one was choir camp)! Randomly, this is also the third film with Maureen O'Hara in it on this list! She is one of my favorite old Hollywood actresses...
Bonjour Tristesse (1958): Unlike the other films on this list, Bonjour Tristesse is not light-hearted or a comedy (as the title "Hello Sadness" might imply), but it is a summer film that gets under your skin and sizzles. Like so many summer films it's a coming of age story starring Jean Seberg as Cecile. Cecile previously used to an irresponsible and carefree father watches as a more mature relationship for him means growing up for her as well and she rebels to disasterous results. In between the drama enjoy scenes of the sun-soaked French Riveria and lifestyles of the wealthy and frivolous. The costuming is very covet worthy and might inspire your next holiday look.
Belles On Their Toes (1952): Belles On Their Toes is the sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen, the film based on the real-life of efficiency expert Frank Gilbreth and his twelve children with wife Lillian Gilbreth. While the first film is also fantastic and hilarious, the sequel might be my favorite as it follows the slightly older children through a transformative summer as they creatively struggle to make ends meet and find romance at the beach.
Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation (1962): This is perhaps my favorite summer comedy movie! It stars Jimmy Stewart as a beleagured dad (Jimmy is probably my favorite movie dad) just trying to have a good holiday with his family at their beach house but things keep going wrong. The house is dilapidated, the neighbors are nosy, his teenage children refuse to go outside, and unwelcome in-laws come to visit. Mr. Hobbs tries to solve each crisis sometimes to hilarious results, but unlike a lot of modern comedies made in the same vein Hobbs is endearing; it's clear how much he loves his family and wants what is best for them. A perfect flick for everyone who's survived a disaterous family vacation that ended up being one of their best/most memorable summers; afterall the worst trips make for the best stories and laughs later on.
Roman Holiday (1953): Audrey Hepburn's first film was undoubtedly one of her best, if only all of us could make an equally brillant entrance to the world! This film embraces all of the tenants of a good summer adventure as a wayward princess impulsively runs away from her guardians for a few days to have the week of her life running around Rome with a handsome and charming stranger. Gregory Peck is delightful as a reporter torn between his admiration for the young princess's audacity and his cynical side trying to capture her antics for his newspaper. I also recently learned that Hepburn was given her costumes in this film (which would look as chic today as they did in the 50s) at the end of filming, which really is the icing on the cake of this delightful movie that launched her career.
The Black Swan (1940s): Not to be confused with that Black Swan, this one is named after a pirate ship and was made in the 1940s. I have a weakness for cheesy pirate movies and The Black Swan is one of the best of that genre. All of the good swashbuckling goofy-romance of your favorite guilty pleasure chick-lit in visual form with fiery Maureen O'Hara as the damsel (not in distress) who gets kidnapped by pirates. A former pirate is made Govenor of Jamaica and given the task ridding the Carribean of other pirates; some like Captain Jamie Waring decide to go straight as well, while others refuse to give up the pirate lifestyle (because why would you?). It's a charming, silly, romantic-adventure film that perfectly suits this hazy season.
The Parent Trap (1961): Before the remake starring Lindsey Lohan there was this delightful film with 60s teen darling Hayley Mills. The plot is very similar to the remake, but there are distinct lines and scenes in the original that are too good to pass up even if you've seen the new one (the pranks!). My sister and I also used to practice the "Let's Get Together" duet. Either way both films start with one of the main staples of the American summer: summer camp. Summer camp movies could probably be a whole sub-genre (although the closest I ever got to one was choir camp)! Randomly, this is also the third film with Maureen O'Hara in it on this list! She is one of my favorite old Hollywood actresses...
Bonjour Tristesse (1958): Unlike the other films on this list, Bonjour Tristesse is not light-hearted or a comedy (as the title "Hello Sadness" might imply), but it is a summer film that gets under your skin and sizzles. Like so many summer films it's a coming of age story starring Jean Seberg as Cecile. Cecile previously used to an irresponsible and carefree father watches as a more mature relationship for him means growing up for her as well and she rebels to disasterous results. In between the drama enjoy scenes of the sun-soaked French Riveria and lifestyles of the wealthy and frivolous. The costuming is very covet worthy and might inspire your next holiday look.
Belles On Their Toes (1952): Belles On Their Toes is the sequel to Cheaper by the Dozen, the film based on the real-life of efficiency expert Frank Gilbreth and his twelve children with wife Lillian Gilbreth. While the first film is also fantastic and hilarious, the sequel might be my favorite as it follows the slightly older children through a transformative summer as they creatively struggle to make ends meet and find romance at the beach.
CONVERSATION
Outfit: The Princess of Drum Castle
I don't want to be a princess.
CONVERSATION
Outfit: Cycling On
I'm in a wee post holiday slump. Is it really fair to call it a post-holiday-slump when you only got back home the night before after twelve hours of travel (Croatia isn't that far from Ireland we just got unlucky with layovers and buses)?
CONVERSATION
Travel: What To Pack For Ireland
We are off for a week-long trip around some of the islands of Croatia. While my creamsicle suitcase is filled with things for sunshine and sea, I’m much more knowledgeable about what one should pack for Northern Ireland than a country I’m visiting for the first time! Since I’ve been receiving a number of comments and e-mails from ladies planning their own Irish adventures wanting some tips, I thought I’d start off with what to pack. I’ll add to this Ireland travel series as I get more familiar with my new(ish) home with more tips on what to see, eat, and where to stay.
CONVERSATION
Outfit: Family Affairs S/S Lookbook
In the past I used to venture into New York for fashion week. I attended some of the shows, but my favorite activity was to book appointments to visit the studios of independent designers whose worked I admired.
CONVERSATION
Outfit: Fields Of Yellow
When you’re young it feels as if anything can--and might--happen on summer vacation.
CONVERSATION
Outfit: Summer Stripes
We've had the most glorious weather lately.
CONVERSATION
Outfit: Wedding Guest
It is officially wedding season--I can attest to June being a popular month since we got married in June last year and had another wedding to attend as guests as soon as we returned from our honeymoon!
CONVERSATION
Remix: Ruffle Top Two Ways To Wear It
Thief & Bandit recently sent me a couple of her new summer designs and I'm in love with everything!
CONVERSATION
Outfit: You've Got A Fast Car
This spring I've been avoiding dark clothing like the plague.
CONVERSATION
Outfit: Forest Forages & Wild Garlic Pesto Recipe
This summer I'm hoping to make a few meals in my kitchen using things I foraged in the woods near my home.
CONVERSATION
Outfit: Summer Nights Out
I know it's not quite summer but between our long evenings and the good weather we've been experiencing lately it certainly feels like summer--in the best way.
CONVERSATION
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