Now that I’m out of school and actually have free time I’ve found myself reading more and more. I always read before going to bed to help me fall asleep, but I also love to pick up a book after getting home from work for some much needed time away from screens. Also, since I’ve been on a bit of a self-imposed spending break after the holidays and my birthday (which, if you follow me on Insta, you know isn't going too well), I figured this would be the perfect time to share some book recommendations in case some of you are also giving your wallet a break ;)
The Swans of Fifth Avenue // I’m going to preface this by saying that while reading this book, although I knew Truman Capote was a real person, I had no idea the plot was based off of a true story. I think had I known this ahead of time I would’ve found the book more captivating and intriguing. That being said, however, I really did like getting a glimpse into 1950s New York City and the lives of various socialities and glitterati and their relationships with Capote. From the detailed descriptions of their glamorous parties to the tense gender relations, I felt like I got an authentic taste of the characters’ world. I also love any book with multiple points of view as that adds another dimension to the story. This was by no means a groundbreaking book for me, but it was a fun read that also offered a bit of history.
Losing It // I forget where I first heard about this book, but I picked it up at the library on a whim thinking it would be an easy and fun read. Maybe it was just the overall plot line - a 26 year-old virgin looking to “lose it” - but I didn’t love the book or the main character. I found the whole plot line a tad ridiculous and the main character to be a bit whiny. Although the plot does pick up a bit in the middle, I still didn’t find myself desperate to keep reading. If you’re looking for a book to breeze through on the beach, though, this fits the bill.
Eden // I actually was introduced to this book on Nantucket, when the author, Jeanne Blasberg, was sitting outside a store selling copies of her novel. Being able to meet her in person plus the fact that plot was right up my alley, sold me. I loved the story line and how it all centered around a beloved beach house in Rhode Island and the three generations of women who inhabited it over the years. The plot is complicated by each of them dealing, in secret, with unwanted pregnancies and it’s fascinating to see the evolution of acceptance around unwanted pregnancies over the course of fifty or so years in tandem with the evolution (or decay) of the beach house.
The Singles Game // So I'm horrible at tennis, but I've always wished I was a tennis player...maybe in another life. Anyways, Lauren Weisberger is the author who wrote The Devil Wears Prada, so I had high expectations for this book. It didn't disappoint once I finally got my hands on it! It was unavailable from every library for the longest time, guess I'm not the only one who wanted it! It's the perfect easy read about a young tennis star getting mixed up in the fame and fortune that comes with success in her sport all while trying to win at Wimbledon. I kept needing to know what was going to happen next, I think I finished it in less than a week, haha. This is the perfect beach read or book for when you're looking for something a little more lighthearted.
Follow along with what books I'm loving on Goodreads!
About ten years ago, while rummaging through the closets at my lake house, I came across my family's personal collection of 80s ski apparel that had been amassed throughout the years. There was an electric rainbow colored cropped jacket, a bright pink one-piece, and a neon puffer jacket (probably with shoulder pads) to name a few. Needless to say a fashion show ensued with all of our finds to the amusement of our family and friends. Sadly, a lot of the jackets were kid-sized so we couldn't wear them on the slopes, but, of course, I ended up bringing one to college with me and used it for Halloween.
Today I learned of Tuckernuck's new vintage ski apparel line and it is just too good not to share. From neon pink and yellow puffer jackets to geometric printed chunky sweaters and purple one-pieces, the items may as well have been pulled from our closet. What goes around really does come back around! Although you'll have to pay to own these fabulous pieces of history, the items range from $80-$180, which isn't horrible for ski gear! I don't know if I should admit this, but I kind of love some of the items and would willingly wear them in public (maybe just around the ski mountain, though). I guess I'm not alone seeing as a lot of the items are already sold out. But, you can opt to be notified when an item is back in stock, so I'm still including them below. Enjoy!
Happy 2018! I hope you all had relaxing rest of 2017 and that your year is off to a great start. After the holidays, and the spending that came along with it, I (surprisingly) have been holding off on shopping, but there are some great sales happening right now! I'm dying over these bow-back heels that are 50% off....early birthday present?? This fringe jacket and this fuzzy coat are also so fun and an extra 40% off. Check out the rest of the sales below:
Aerie // 60% off all clearance
American Eagle // up to 35% off jeans w/code MOREJEANS; 60% off clearance
Anthropologie // extra 40% off sale items; free ship on all orders w/code TOASTY1xY3
Athleta // new markdowns
Banana Republic // up to 40% off select styles + extra 10% off your purchase w/code BRMORE today only; extra 50% off sale items
Banana Republic Factory // up to 75% off storewide
BCBG // extra 40% off sale items
Bloomingdale's // 25% off when you use a Bloomingdale's credit card; 15% off when you shop with a Loyallist ID through tonight; Loyallists get a $25 reward card for every $150 spent
Dagne Dover // up to 45% off select items
Express // additional 40% off clearance; 30% off work essentials online only
Free People // Take $25 off your purchase when you buy the Sculpt Legging today only
Free People // Take $25 off your purchase when you buy the Sculpt Legging today only
J. Crew // up to 75% off sale items w/code SALEONSALE through 1/10
J. Crew Factory // extra 20% off winter faves + extra 60% off clearance w/code CHILLY through tonight
LL Bean // up to 50% off select itemsLo & Sons // up to 50% off select styles + free shipping & returns
Loft // extra 70% off select sale styles online only through tonight
Lord & Taylor // up to 70% off clearance through tonight; 20% off sale items + 15% off regular-priced items w/code NEWYEAR
Macy's // extra 20% off w/code WKND through tonight; $10 off your purchase of $25+ w/code WKND25 through tonight
Neiman Marcus // up to 70% off select items
Pottery Barn // 20% off your order w/code HELLO18 through tonight
Ralph Lauren // take 30% off when you spend $125 or more w/code WINTER
Saks // up to 70% off designer selections
Saks Off Fifth // up to 80% off w/code HOTDEAL
Steve Madden // extra 30% off all sale & clearance w/code EXTRA
South Moon Under // 60% off final sale items
Stuart Weitzman // up to 50% off select styles
Urban Outfitters // clearance items up to 70% off
West Elm // up to 30% off w/code HUGEDEAL through tonightWilliams Sonoma // 20% off one item + free shipping w/code UPICK through tonight
