Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks

"Take me out to the ball game, take me out to the crowd"

There is nothing more symbolic of summer than a warm summer afternoon at a baseball game.  For some, the perfect summer day includes a day at the beach or on a sailboat, a round of golf, or a tennis match...For me, it is sitting behind home plate with some Cracker Jacks and a lemonade watching America's Pastime.  The pinstripe uniforms, the smell of the grass, the 30,000+ people enjoying the same game our great grandparents enjoyed a century ago! 

For many, the biggest dilemma is deciding what to wear.  You don't want to be too dressy or too casual.  It has to be something that is comfortable for walking and sitting for three hours but chic at the same time.  Below are a few suggestions of proven to be comfortable, baseball appropriate outfits!

Monogram Monday!

The weather is finally heating up marking the beginning of summer entertaining.  These preppy monogrammed acrylic tumblers and cups are great for summer barbecues, pool parties, and picnics-without the mess of broken glass!  Buy yours at The Pink Monogram.

Monogram Monday!

I will always remember my first Louis Vuitton. It was a mini Speedy passed on to me from my mother at the ripe age of five. From that day on, I have always loved that monogram print...until a few years ago. Trying to maintain some sense of individuality, I retired my Vuitton bags. Over the past couple years, it seems like every other person in America carries a Louis. Some are authentic, some are knock-offs but either way, everywhere from Rodeo Drive to Madison Avenue is littered with the LV print.

In an attempt to keep up with competitor Goyard's personalized service, Louis Vuitton has introduced customized painting to their repertoire. For an extra fee, one can get their initials, crest, or other symbol hand painted on their Louis Vuitton. It may seem frivolous, but it will add a personal, preppy flair to the old LV sitting in your closet. Check it out at www.louisvuitton.com

East Coast prep with a West Coast flair

After a few seasons of boring collections, Tommy Hilfiger puts the wind back in our sails with his genius Spring collection. The "West Coast Cool" collection features preppy basics with an edgy nautical flair. My favorite is the Sailboat Print shorts! Check out the full collection at Tommy Hilfiger.

Charmed by Tiffany's Legacy Collection

Tiffany & Co. introduced its new Legacy Collection and it is fabulous! 

 The elegant key pendants/charms are fresh and elegant with an old school luxe.  The keys (which come in sterling silver, gold, and diamond pave) conjure thoughts of secret societies and mysterious doors.  The keys come in different sizes and detailing.  A variety of matching chains (16", 18" and 20") are sold separately.  

I am currently wearing the 18k gold Oval Key pendant and the vintage oval key charm with diamonds on an 18"gold beaded chain.  Although I purchased the pendants to wear separately, they look great together!  Check them out at Tiffany and Co.

Monogram Monday

It's just another Monogram Monday...wish it was Sunday!

Even the most organized of us have random piles and stacks lying around the house.  Finally, we can display our stacks and piles in cute buckets, trays, and boxes from the Macbeth Collection.  With over 15 sizes and 150 prints, all items in the Macbeth Collection can be monogrammed .  

Monogram Monday

Inherited from my mother, my obsession with monograms and embroidery began years ago with my navy blue school sweaters and fold-over socks.  For my sweet sixteen,  I received the Tiffany and Co. monogrammed necklace, ring, and key chain. Throughout high school, I went through numerous L.L. Bean monogrammed totes and pencil cases.  In the college dorms, each and every one of my towels and linens were simply monogrammed.  During graduate school, I made the two most brilliant discoveries of my monogrammed life- Goyard monogram bags and J.Crew monogram cashmere sweaters.  Since I am always scouring for new and fabulous monogrammed products (and abhor Monday mornings), Monogram Mondays was born.  Enjoy!

THE INAUGURAL MONOGRAM MONDAY

For the inaugural post for "Monogram Monday", I thought it would be appropriate to share my TOP 5 Monogram Must Haves.

5)  Custom Stephen Bonanno/ Jack Rogers sandals

With over 300 color combinations and 5 monogram options, these sandals are great for a casual day at the beach or dressed up with skinny cropped pants.  To experiment with different 

combinations and monograms, go to the Stephen Bonanno website.

4) J. Crew Monogram Sweater   

Ever since J. Crew opened its online Monogram Shop, I have been a fan of the line.  Almost 

all basics in their line can be monogrammed including cashmere sweaters, polo shirts, twill shorts, and other knits.  www.jcrew.com

3) L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bags

A staple for over 64 years, the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bags have stood the test of time and durability.  At an extremely affordable price-point, this bag is definitely preppy protocol.  

2) Initial Flat Cards with matching lined envelopes.  Although e-mail and text are our daily means of communication, personalized

 cards and envelopes add a nice touch to a gift or a thank-you card.

1) Gold Monogram Necklace

This monogram disc is the ultimate staple for any monogram lover.  This version by Emily & Ashley is a 14k yellow gold 1" disc with a 17" chain.  Visit linealuxe.com to order.

Tres Preppy!

Hello from Florida!  It would be a sin to travel to the sunshine state and not visit preppy mecca, Palm Beach.   As I was in robin egg blue with yellow trim shopping heaven, I stumbled upon the French boutique Vicomte Arthur.  The Paris-based label's flagship store in Palm Beach is filled with pique polos, rugby shirts, and leather braided belts in vibrant colors with a chic French flair.  The "Polo Manche Courte" comes in lots of great color combinations and classic French fit.  Check out their online store at www. vicomte-arthur.com

Top 10 for Spring

Aside from the beautiful weather, social gatherings, and the beginning of baseball season, Spring is the season for the most fun and colorful fashion.  So, in honor of spring's arrival I compiled a list of my top 10 must haves for spring.  Can't you just picture yourself in these adorable items at a polo game, clambake, or luncheon with the girls!

(Right to left)

1. J. Crew Augusta Ballet Flats $160

2. Tory Burch Classic Tory Jean $175

3. Emilio Pucci Handbag $660

4. Vince Seersucker Shorts $185

5. L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bag $17-30

6. Ralph Lauren Tara Crested Striped Oxford $145

7. AKA New York Paisley Scarf $158

8. Lilly Pulitzer Lovell Shift Jacquard Dress $398

9. Tucker Blair Needlepoint Headband $40

10. Tory Burch Eugene Jacket $525

Spring Has Arrived!

The weather may be a bit overcast but today is officially the first day of Spring! In the name of tradition, I will be heading over to the Container Store to buy the essentials for spring cleaning. More so than the New Year, there is something about springtime that makes me want to clean and organize!

These adorable storage boxes found at the Container Store are perfect for storing your winter sweaters in style! The Rococo Fabric storage boxes come in two sizes and at the sale price of $11.99/$15.99, they are very recession-friendly!

Another purchase at the Container Store will be a few paper-towel holders and a kitchen-utensil rail. That may sound a bit odd for closet organization but when mounted on the inside of one closet door, they can be used to organize scarves (wrinkle-free). For belts, a kitchen-utensil rail works! (Courtesy of Martha Stewart Living)