Nautical by Nature

I have an affinity for the water, how it feels (salty air, sandy hair, the sound of seagulls, tepid water) and how it makes me feel (reflective, hopeful, balanced, part of something much bigger than myself.)

I crave days defined by tan lines, bowls of blueberries, and oysters on the half shell.

The most vivid days, the ones I could relive over and over, are the ones on the water. The sleepy beach towns in Michigan that come alive in the summertime, the cliff walk in Newport, R.I. followed by a kale salad and a crisp prosecco in the harbor, skipping rocks in Cape Cod while watching extravagant sailboats glide effortlessly through the ocean. I love the feeling of intense, throw your head back laughter when you get caught in a nor’easter biking between towns on Martha’s Vineyard and have to seek refuge within a beach bar and a bucket of beers.

 I relish the ease of my time living in Chicago, grabbing my mint green beach cruiser and traveling the familiar path: down Lincoln Ave, past the zoo, through the soccer fields, over the bridge, and straight to the bike rack at North Ave beach, a 5 minute journey in all. I can almost taste the freshness of my favorite mango smoothie on Manly Beach in Australia, the thrill of the hunt in searching for beach glass off the coast of Florida at low tide, the beauty of discovering a hidden beach to enjoy yourself (re: Top-tional) after walking through the lush foliage on St. John. I love the feeling of the sand on Whitehaven beach in the Whitsunday archipelago, the best exfoliant you can never buy. I crave the excitement of climbing boulders in the Baths on Virgin Gorda and jumping off just in time for a wave to send you back to shore.

I dream in navy & white, in stripes, and in sailboats. My longest standing dream is to learn to sail & the thought of a life with someone that knows how and shares my passion for the water is exhilarating. Of course, what I lack in any sort of relevant experience, ownership of a boat, and general fear of fish, I’d like to think I make up for in passion, charcuterie boards, competitive swimming skills, witty boat names, & a nautical wardrobe ready to set sail at a moment’s notice.

Top: The Limited Skirt: BCBG Belt: Australian boutique Sunglasses: Ray Ban Sandals: Tory Burch Thora Wedge

Shirt: Forever21 Sweater: Nautica Shorts: The Limited Belt: Target Shoes: Sperry

Sweater: J.Crew Skirt: Express Belt: Australian boutique Purse: Chanel Shoes: Tory Burch Amanda Wedge

Jacket: Murmur Dress: Target Necklace: H&M Wellies: Joules Umbrella: Tory Burch

Shirt: J. Crew Belt: Australian boutique Skirt: J.Crew Shoes: Tory Burch Thora Wedge

Shirt: Halogen Sweater: Charlotte Russe Pants: Joe’s Shoes: Splendid

Shirt: The Limited Pants: Joe’s Shoes: Tory Burch Chandra Tweed Loafer

Hat: Target Dress: Victoria’s Secret Wine Tote: Vineyard Vines Sandals: Tory Burch Thora Wedge

Shirt: Banana Republic Skirt: Forever21 Pumps: Tory Burch Maison Pump