Style
When traveling to the British seaside, especially in unpredictable weather, it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right gear. I’ve put together this Yorkshire Coast packing list for the hiker and the sightseer alike, based on what got me through our recent trip. Martin and I (plus Tucker and Grace, our rescue dogs) just returned from the most amazing holiday to the North Yorkshire Coast. We rented a National Trust dog-friendly cottage near Ravenscar and spent hours upon hours hiking along the Cleveland Way, played on the beach, ate tons of fish…
Moving abroad has given me the joy of discovering some new British clothing brands that I wasn’t exposed to in the states. I’ve always been drawn to classic style – the likes of J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, and Kate Spade (luckily, all three are in the same two blocks on Regent Street, so they’re never too far away). But the Brits have classic style perfected. Think tweed jackets for the country, Breton tops for the seaside, wool sweaters for the winter, and wellies for the rain – all with the tailoring and fit that makes it polished. I’ve…
When it comes to classic style, you can’t beat a Breton shirt. They can suit every style and have been seen on the likes of Bridgitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, and Duchess of Cambridge (aka Kate Middleton). Rumor has it Coco Chanel brought this iconic garment straight from the French Navy into her fashion collection. It’s literally been in style since 1917, so I have a feeling that it’s style will endure at least another hundred years. If you’ve followed my style for a while now, you know I’m obsessed over navy, white, and stripes…
Last week was a great one, but so SO busy. I ended up getting pulled into a last-minute meeting in London on Thursday, which completely disrupted my work plan for both Thursday and Friday. But it was totally worth it – 1, because LONDON. And 2, because the meeting was really productive and completely worth the trip. We got to stop by Elan Cafe (where this photo is from), and it was everything an Instagrammer could dream of. I loved their “definition” of Elan – (n.) distinctive and stylish elegance; impulsive, confident ardour. I’ll be…
What I love most about September is this feeling of new beginnings. It’s like a second round of New Year’s Resolutions. I’m sure it’s stemmed from all those “beginning of the school year” feelings, where you get to reinvent yourself each year for your new classmates. Moving to a different country has given me many of these same feelings – a new beginning, a fresh start, a slate wiped clean. And yes, I know I’ve been here for 7 months technically, but I suppose I feel like I’m at the point now where it’s…
The weather in England has turned from summer to fall. It’s that beautiful and perfect weather where it’s sunny and beautiful during the day, and crisp and cool in the evenings and mornings. I’ve always appreciated the cooler weather, and about suffocated this summer when we had about a week of 85 degree weather. Most places in England don’t have air conditioning because you only need it about two weeks a year, which makes those two weeks absolutely miserable. So these cooler days are more than welcome! Fall has always been my favourite season, with the…
Martin and I were finally able to celebrate our first anniversary last week with a trip to my favorite city in the world, Paris! Our anniversary is actually January 16th, but due to work obligations, we spent the day apart. Instances like this are a huge reason we moved, as we’ve missed so many big days together over the years due to travel and work. Relocating to the continent Martin will have most of his work in makes a big difference in how much we’ll see each other! Though we had to spend our anniversary apart…
At last, I’ve found time to sit down to write and update you all on our move. We’ve been pedal to the metal checking items off the list, like picking up my Biometrics Residence Permit, applying for a National Insurance Number, overseeing a kitchen extension and renovation, and learning to drive and gathering some independence here. The dogs have been adjusting well. We’re currently staying at my in-laws’ home while we wait on the shipping container with our belongings to be delivered. They have a good bit of land and several…
Our Wedding Vows Martin, of all the blessings I’ve been given, you are by far the best. The last six years, four months, and fifteen days have been the greatest adventure of my life. We’ve celebrated the highest of highs, consoled each other in the dark days, and encouraged each other as we’ve pursued our dreams. We’ve traveled the world, and we’ve found our home. I believe at the very core of my soul that God created us for each other. As your wife, I promise to respect…
An overcast day in Florida can only mean one thing: exploring the hidden treasures of bookstores, antique stores, and art museums the Tampa area has to offer. Martin and I found a gorgeous gem adjacent to the University of Tampa, a bookstore/restaurant/gift store/event space combo called the Oxford Exchange. I’m the type who romances a bookstore, that nerdy comfort of diving into a story and emerging in an Indian jungle or at the base of the Eiffel Tower or aboard a west-bound train. To read is to export yourself, expand your knowledge of the…
