Mermaid Material: Americana

I saw a tweet the other day that stated “The only thing you can count on in this life are those yearly Old Navy American flag t-shirts”.

It’s funny, but also indicative of the fact that many people simply flock to purchase a mass produced American flag t-shirt because they're so pressed for time around the 4th. As one of the Mermaid mantras says in my book, part of creating a great party atmosphere is setting aside time to dress up yourself, not just your table.

And because I am a huge fan of finding creative solutions that are affordable and time-efficient (and really, who isn’t?). I wanted to share a few inspiration pieces with you that will save you time and protect your savings, in the chicest way possible!  How is that for Patriotic?

Rock Star Romper. Oh, how I love you.  It cinches at your waist, it flutters in the wind, the only thing it doesn’t come with is a 1950’s pin up poster. Slip on a printed romper and go minimal on the accessories, or go for a simpler one and pile on the gems. Complete this adorable look with a pair of espadrilles or wedges. Stuart Weitzman's "Alex" style are a personal favorite (and apparently Jennifer Aniston’s too!)  

This entire look (from her head to her toes) hurts my feelings I love it so much.  Moving on...

Flag Inspired Fingertips.Your nails are a great place to make a bold statement. If you have a steady hand, challenge yourself with a DIY manicure, like the one below, courtesy of fellow blogger heartnat.blogspot.com!

But, in the end, the 4th of July should showcase things that are distinctly American, which is why I just have to pay tribute to the classic soft T-shirt. And if this American staple is going to be your clothing item of choice this holiday, make sure you find one with personality and edge. I'm a big fan of this weathered Haute Hippie style, which I've already purchased in the T-shirt version and yes, I will be wearing it tomorrow. 

Have a great holiday, I'm off to make my Flag cake.  ;-)

PS: For more 4th of July inspiration, check out my pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/mermaidhil/4th-of-july/

Raise the Flag, Raise a Glass.

Burgers, Budweiser, BBQ's...just a few celebratory things that America can entirely call its own.

The big event of the Summer is almost here, the fourth of July.  A day to celebrate all things distinctly American. Nothing says this better than a backyard BBQ or shore dinner, complete with a patriotic menu, signature cocktails brimming with red, white and blue, and of course - flags and fireworks!

With this in mind, here are some Mermaid tips on hosting an effortlessly charming soiree - even though the holiday falls on a plain ole Wednesday this year - we believe every day is a good enough reason to raise a glass. 

Festive flatware housed in mason jars with colorful ribbon...

Berry up.  You almost have to wonder if the Founding Fathers themselves were on a berry bender when they chose to declare America's independence in the sweltering month of July. Strawberries, raspberries, bluberries and blackberries are in peak season and the perfect low calorie addition to brighten up anything from cocktails to desserts.

Serve some savory with the sweet.  How great are these patriotic cones filled with chips?

Don't love all that tradition?  Move away from the grill and set your alarm clock.  My friends, the Mulberry Sisters recently did a segment with me on their radio show about hosting fourth of July fetes. Their family hosts a big pancake breakfast every year! How cute is this idea to dress up your waffles?

A fun idea for the kiddos is to set up a red Radio Flyer wagon in the yard and fill with ice, drinks, candy and tie a few red, white and blue balloons to the handle. 

Kids and adults will love these cones to cool down.

End your party with sparkling send-off centerpieces that can double as party favors and you will have officially earned your host stripes (and stars.)

For more inspiration, check out my fourth of July pinterest board:  

http://pinterest.com/mermaidhil/4th-of-july/

XO

Girls (and boys and Mermaids) Just Wanna Have Fun!

As we head into this weekend, I have been told by quite a few friends that I missed a very lively time LAST weekend--between the Mermaid Parade in Coney Island and the Pride Parade in Manhattan, there was cheer and revelry around every corner.  Since this is still officially Pride Week - us girls wanted to share some of our fun.

Our Mermaid Intern Linda headed to the Pride Parade last Sunday afternoon where Cyndi Lauper, a devoted gay rights advocate, kicked off the LGBT Pride festivities in fashion. The Pride Parade, never short on extravagance and color, dazzled in Sunday's sunny temps. Neon short shorts and ankle breaking rhinestone platforms were among the more conservative pieces donned at the occasion. But this year's parade had far more significance for marchers, because it marked the first year anniversary of the legalization of gay marriage in NY. It's hard to imagine that less than 2 decades ago the Pride Parade was more of a political protest than the celebratory parade it is today.

Meanwhile, on the coastal end of Brooklyn, Coney Island's annual Mermaid Parade set sail last Saturday. The Mermaid Parade originated in 1983, as both an homage to the early 20th century Coney Island Mardi Gras parades and as a celebration of the beginning of summer. Whatever the occasion, we are always on board for a Mermaid get together. :)

Whatever you have planned for the weekend, we hope you celebrate and swim lightly!

XO

Fin-tastic Finds of the Week.

The sun is shining on a few cool finds today.  How great is this compass necklace by J. Crew?  I especially love the tiny diamond detail sitting next to a brass anchor. This piece is a great way to dress up a simple outfit. I layer mine over a tiny rose gold cross and Turkish eye charm.

These little soaps in my bathroom put a smile on my face.  They also make the perfect hostess gift.

I loved this nail color by OPI called "Lucky, Lucky Lavender".  A friend of mine commented that the color pairs quite well with a favorite champagne label.  Coincidence?  I think not!

I'm always on the hunt for more Fin-tastic finds and please share any of yours!  Tomorrow, we will be prepping for our event this Saturday at the fabulous C. Wonder store in Southampton. Join us from 3-5PM if you are in the hood!

XO

Mermaids On The Town--The Maidstone!

Do you think The Maidstone would let me move in?  

After driving by this beautiful hotel and restaurant many times on the way to East Hampton, a friend and I spent some time exploring the grounds.  Hey, if I can't move in, at least I have Instagram.

The porch welcomes you with a surfboard sign and lots of little nooks to sit and enjoy a tea or a cheese plate.  Or, you can load up your very own bicycle basket with a mini picnic and hit the road.

If The Maidstone would ever consider letting me move in...I'd curl up by this window...in that chaise lounge...and pull book after book off of their beautifully painted shelves...

...and, it would probably take at least a week to view all the cool photographs on the walls.

My friend and I camped out in their 'Living Room', poured ourselves a drink, and chatted for hours like it was our own living room.

I'd like that ottoman and tray wrapped up 'to-go', please.

After an inspired chat (surrounded by photos of the Mets, Andy Warhol and the Kennedy's--compelling conversation is bound to happen!) we took a stroll through the back garden, which had plenty of well designed places to lean back and enjoy some beautiful art and sculptures.

A little romance in the grass...and, bringing a City skyline to the Country...

Afternoon meditation with Buddha.

A luminous piece of art shining on the back of The Maidstone.

To wind down a day, how inviting are these shearling throws?  Tuck into one of these and enjoy the view of the pond across the way--complete with Mama swan and babies!

At a memorable place like this, you have to bring a souvenir home. Of course, they already thought of that...

I mean...who wouldn't want to move to The Maidstone?  (http://www.careofhotels.com/maidstone/) 

XO

Mermaid Material - Oh Yeah, That Shoe Fits.

Occasionally, a Mermaid will hang up her fins and indulge in a pair of shoes.  Really. Great. Shoes.  In honor of such momentous occasions, I wanted to spotlight my intern Linda's HOT pink suede shoes by Cristina Florea (which she picked up for 15 dollars!) at a vintage store in Copenhagen.

Tangent Alert:  Upon learning that Linda studied abroad in Copenhagen, I immediately said, "That is so cool...now tell me about the Mermaid statue."  The statue was inspired by the famous fairy tale The Little Mermaid, written by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen. He also penned The Princess and the Pea and The Ugly Duckling, just to name a few. The statue sits on a rock along the scenic coast of the Copenhagen harbor.

Anyhoooooo, back to the shoe.  So, Linda stumbles upon these Marie Antoinette-esque creations in a small vintage store in the heart of the city. The pointed toe and sassy pink hue are softened by large pink bows that top off the shoes. Admittedly, this is not a shoe you would call a closet staple--but a fun little pair that would serve just as well as a conversation piece on display in your bookshelf (maybe sitting atop an H.C. Andersen Anthology?) or to brighten up a Sunday brunch outfit.

Most importantly, this is yet another Mermaid case study proving that hunting and gathering can reap the biggest rewards.  Most of the noteworthy items in my closet, on my walls or shelves have arrived there from a former home at a flea market, vintage shop or even a yard sale.

So, the moral of our little tale is: Happy Hunting!

PS: Send us a pic of one of your fabulous vintage or flea market finds--we will post and share the love.

XO

Mermaids at Home - Decorating a Memory.

I've always loved to bring something of sentiment back with me from a memorable trip. Even something as small as a box of matches from a well-loved restaurant and celebratory dinner with friends can make lighting a candle at home a little more fun.  The trick to living with everything you love, is finding a way to organize it all!  You don't want your home to look like an overflowing box of trinkets and photos, but rather a beautifully appointed and designed space filled with just the right amount of objects and treasures. 

A weekend or vacation near the beach is a great reason to pick up some unique shells and rocks.  I love these little glass jars (easily found at the hardware store or craft shop) and filling them with the very best beach finds.  Try affixing a clear label or piece of craft paper to the top or side of the jar and hand write a label reminding you of the place where you collected them.  This particular jar is a memory box of time I spent in the Hamptons, New York.  Filled with beach glass, shells, a cool hermit crab shell and even a subway token from my ferry ride to Shelter Island.

Speaking of Shelter Island, I am loving this candle by Jonathan Adler.  He has also created other scents inspired by some of the most beautiful places like Lake Tahoe and Big Sur. (www.jonathanadler.com)

Wherever your travels take you, even just down the street to your favorite dinner spot--bringing something small back to your space may bring a smile to your face when you are having a not-so-relaxing day.

XO