Man Crush Monday: Tropical Punch

Photo // Men In This Town

Happy Monday, fashionistas! And fashionist-o’s, I should say. I’m launching a new column on the blog to explore waters previously uncharted on New England Romance: men’s fashion. About this time last year, I noticed a ton of guys rocking thrifted Hawaiian shirts, and my first reaction—admittedly—was, "Why?" But a new take on this fad is decidedly more put together, and a lot less cheesy...And I'm sort of digging it, a lot. Palms, hibiscus, pineapple: Tropical-inspired patterns (on black or in neutral color palettes with subtle shots of color) can be surprisingly cool. Fashion beans lists bucket hats on its controversial trends for summer, and I think it goes with the whole drifter vibe, especially emblazoned with palms. Patterned sneakers are also huge right now, and what better than palm trees? The key is to chose one statement piece and keep the rest of the look neutral. I'm also loving how the gents in these street style shots sported an open button-down over a plain tee. Bottom line: It's summer and time to let loose. Put a little vacation in your life, Hawaii Five-O style. 

Photo // The Sartorialist

Hump Day Favorites: Très Chic

Hey there, fashionistas! I know, I know, long time no talk...But after the winter we had in this neck of the woods, I think everyone deserves as much outside (i.e. not in front of the computer) time as they can muster. I've been filling my weekends with outdoor markets and nights with friends, and squeezing in walks with Monti to the beach after work. 

For me, summertime is about being gloriously underdone. My style usually errs more to the side of boho in warmer months, but now that I'm getting older, I'm craving a more put-together version of laid back. Enter: French style. Neutral colors, flat shoes and minimal accessories form this effortlessly chic aesthetic. In the following links, Who What Wear lists some secrets to French dressing and style mistakes to avoid. And All Women Stalk has a seriously covetable gallery of street style examples. 

I styled some looks involving horizontal stripes, flowy skirts and loafers with a mix of affordable and splurge-worthy items. Nails should be neutral and hair is natural. And the ultimate accessory? A box of macarons. Swoon. 

Photos via Street Style

Sartorial Sunday: Yes Way Rosé

Head to Toe: Blouse, Marshall's // Blazer, Zara // Jeans, J. Brand // Heels, Payless // Bag, Steve Madden

I had to get at least one more round of shots on my office's boardwalk before we move spaces in a few weeks. You've probably gathered from my past Sartorial Sunday's that this is a summer of black for me. No, I'm not having an emo existential crisis—it's just chic and slimming and flattering with or sans a tan. But I was craving a little color this week. Everything is blooming, and I couldn't help but celebrate by piling on shades of my all-time favorite color, pink...paired with black. I hope you're having a lovely weekend!

#TGIF: Off to the Races

Happy Friday, fashionistas! This weekend, I'll be attending the Belmont Stakes for my first time ever, so I thought it only fitting to create an outfit inspired by the event. The fun part is, you can totally rock this look to a bar that's playing the race or throw a party of your own. Southern Living has a great write-up of the best Race Day Cocktails (a mint julep is a key accessory in my look), along with a fashion guide and race-day checklist. 

For the outfit above, I didn't give myself a spending limit, but for my actual ensemble, I grabbed a funky hat at Burlington Coat Factory and am wearing a dress and shoes I already have. Keep an eye on my Instagram for a snap. Now, only time will tell if American Pharaoh can make history and become the first horse to snag the Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978. 

Until then, I leave you with my favorite scene from Audrey Hepburn classic, My Fair Lady: