When The Sun Dances
Summer in the South…it’s been hot! Taking pictures in the heat of the day isn’t even an option right now because it’s been so crazy hot. We actually had a brief two day reprieve and then…the heat was back with a vengeance - no breeze and 7000% humidity! It’s worse here than at the beach because the air has been so still! I feel sorry for the dogs when I let them out! They come back inside and guzzle water like they’ve never had any!
Today, I wanted to showcase this gorgeous dress from Spartina 449 and I thought I would also answer a few questions that I’ve been asked by different people over the last little bit…such as what’s your favorite book or who is your favorite style icon? So today, I’m answering those questions and a sharing a few things about me and the things I love!
You know I love fashion, but also…I love to read, I love decor, I love scented candles, I love good food…the list goes on! In this post, I’ve narrowed down my favorites list so keep reading for some of my favorite things and for the details on this gorgeous dress and more from Spartina 449!
Favorite Style Icons
I said in my last post that I have lots of style personalities, but when I think about the women I’m so drawn to because of their style, they are definitely on the boho side!
Stevie Nicks, Kate Moss, Rachel Zoe, but also…when I want a classic and timeless look, of course, Jackie Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette! It’s fun to mix things up a bit!
Signature Scent
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you probably know that I’ve been wearing Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir for as many years as I can remember! I used to mix it with the Amber & Lavender which is an intoxicating mix for fall! I love so many scents from Jo Malone…Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Grapefruit, and for my birthday this year, Baldy gave me the Frangipane Flower Cologne (the bottle is so pretty) and I’ve added that to the mix. I also have fallen in love with Victoria Beckham’s Portifino!
Favorite Book
Wow that is a hard one! First of all I want to hold a book…not a Kindle! I have loved so many books and here are a few that top my list…
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Rules of Civility and A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Nearly anything by Hannah Kristen, but I particularly loved Firefly Lane, The Great Alone and The Nightingale. Right now I’m reading The Women and it’s so good!
Travel Destinations
I have not traveled in my life as much as I would have liked, but a few of my favorite places have been…
Paris (of course) - I have been about 5 times, the last time being in 2022 but I can’t seem to locate a post…guess it’s time for another trip!), Prague - such a beautiful city, London (I’ve been twice but that was pre blog days), Provence, and always NYC!
Favorite Quote
"It's ok if you fall down and lose your spark. Just make sure that when you get back up, you rise as the whole damn fire." - Unknown
Favorite Drink
I’m a wine drinker and very rarely drink anything other than wine. I’ll have an occasional margarita (fresh lime juice and salt please). I love a good French rosé, or a Sancerre. I get a lot of wine from Dry Farm Wines because it’s all natural, biodynamic and/or organic. I would rather not have a headache! Most afternoons lately, I’ll have a glass of wine with a handful of potato chips. I like a spicy chip or these Torres Iberian Ham Chips that I discovered on TikTok.
Favorite Beauty Products
There is an ever rotating list of products that I’m trying but these are my tried and true favorites…
Sisily Paris foundation, YSL Touche Eclat concealer, Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick and Baby Cheecks Blush Stick, LYS Bronzer Stick, Virtue hair products, Buxom lip plumping gloss
I also just purchased a new cream eyeshadow stick from Laura Mercier. I’ll keep you posted!
Best Piece of Advice
My mom always said “this too shall pass” and she was right! Nothing in life stays the same, so there’s no point in stressing too much!
Favorite Candle
When it comes to candles, it depends on the season! I love a pumpkin scented candle in the fall, around the holiday season I love Jo Malone Roasted Chestnut, and the Nest Grapefruit candle is a year round favorite! I’m always open to trying, and buying new candles and want to try the Salt & Stone.
Laundry Products
I know it sounds crazy to have favorite laundry products, but I’m totally obsessed with Laundry Sauce French Saffron products! They make my laundry smell like heaven and the fabric spray even makes ironing more fun! I use the laundry detergent pods, the fabric refresher spray, the scent booster and the dryer sheets. These products are non toxic and addictive and they come in other scents! I have a subscription so I never have to worry about running out!
Favorite Food
I’m not sure how anyone could love to eat and have one favorite food! Baldy jokes and says that every time I have a great meal, I say it’s the best thing I ever ate! Having said that…I love good, crispy thin French fries, oysters any way (really most seafood), okra (roasted and fried), coconut rice, salmon, a really good hamburger, a garden fresh tomato, watermelon (I’m not much of a fruit lover), homemade pizza, homemade pound cake and avocado…not necessarily in that order. I’ve been fortunate enough to eat in the most amazing restaurants and really do have a broad pallet! The only foods I do not like (that I know of), are sea urchin and eggs (gasp…I know)!
Favorite Flowers
Peonies and Gardenias - I look forward to the blooms every year!
My Mantra
“Everything is working out for my good and in my favor”
Random Things About Me…
I do not like small talk or crowds…I prefer good conversation in a small group. I would rather take a bath than a shower but rarely take the time for a bath. I love to travel, but never for less than 3 days…it’s too much trouble. I prefer the ocean over the mountains. I would rather sit by a fire in the back yard with a delicious homemade meal or a charcuterie board than go out to dinner. I hardly ever watch television…but I do love a good series (excited for the new season of The Gilded Age). I love to go to lunch alone in NYC and people watch. I have a small addiction to shoes (just purchased this pair and need to plan to go somewhere in them). My daughters are my best friends. I am very much a homebody but always say I need somewhere to go because I want to wear my closet full of clothes. I get up very early and like to go to bed by 9 but that doesn’t happen often. I am a maximalist and I love beautiful coffee table books. I have surrounded myself with books in every room of our home. The latest ones that I’ve purchased are by Sig Bergamin. It is one of my greatest pleasures to sit and look at a beautiful book and be inspired! I also love original art…it doesn’t have to be expensive as long as it speaks to me! And…as you probably know, I live on the same street I grew up on!
I could go on forever…I just thought to share some of my favorite Instagram accounts, but I think I’ll save that for another post!
And…about this gorgeous Spartina 449 dress! It has a very Summer in the South feel and it’s absolutely one of the most comfortable dresses ever and so girly. I styled it with Marc Fisher sandals, Julie Vos Jewelry (truly one of my favorite brands) and a bag from Hat Attack. It’s all linked below along with some other Spartina 449 favorites. Just click on the picture to shop and keep scrolling for some close ups of the bag and jewelry!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post! What are some of your favorite things?
Happy Sunday and thanks so much for reading today!
~XOXO Suzanne