Sweet Summer

Ever buy a piece even though it's too small? I'm 100% guilty. Meet the well-loved skirt that had no fitting chance.

The odds are never in my favor but with all the classpassing and races I've been partaking in this summer I've somehow managed to get this skirt on! YAAAS!

I wouldn't recommend buying a piece and hoping that it'll one day fit. But hey, I obviously do it so no judgement from me. Also, tailors can work wonders.

Ahh, there's nothing like these small victories that make summer a little bit sweeter.

Side note, these double drop earrings are from Gemma and Gage. They're handmade and made with love right here in Brooklyn. We all know how much I love discovering new Etsy shops and how much my bank account hates it but make sure you all stop by her shop's page.

Earrings: c/o Gemme and Gage  Necklace: La Soula  Top: Viva Aviva (similar here)  Skirt: Zinke (on sale!)  Heels: Swedish Hasbeens  Lipgloss: Buxom Lipgloss in Megan

Another amazing thing making my summer a little sweeter. These T-Straps from Swedish Hasbeens. Their quirky clogs have captivated me since college. Back then, they were sold in small quantities at my favorite boutiques and almost never in my size (#bigfeetprobs). Finally after detoxing my closet, figuring out what high quality staples could work year round, and fit my personality I decided to go with these (my first love). I mean if I still love their design after all these years then it's just meant to be. Right?

P.s. If you haven't already heard Zinke has gone out of business but their amazing designs can still be found here and for CHEAP. Happy shopping!

Photos by Victor Cerejo.

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Adjusting Expectations

Doesn't August feel like the Sunday of summer? I have yet to hit the beach which kind of makes me sad and only acts as a reminder that I've been working entirely too hard all summer (le sigh).

On the bright side my airline tickets have been booked and in four short weeks I'll be halfway around the world with my seester. Last time we traveled was 10 years to Australia AKA we're long overdue for this trip. 

I haven't said much about the trip before (didn't want to jinx myself) but we'll be in Lebanon for two weeks and then Paris for a weekend. This might be a good time to start following me on Snapchat if you haven't already - I'm predicting lots of Middle East adventures (search: thestyleboro). Until then let's put the vacation talk on hold - way too early to get excited.

Instead let's talk about staying fit when abroad. I'm going to be completely honest and tell you that my intentions when I pack my sneakers are in good faith but once I touch down - the jet lag and vacation vibes set in and "exercise" becomes a foreign word. Am I the only one? 

Lipbalm: EOS  Tank: c/o Lucy  Yoga Pants: c/o Lucy  Sweater: Flint & Tinder  Sneakers: Saucony

Instead of packing sneakers and feeling like a loser for not working out, I've decided to simply do what I can now (while in the States) and plan ahead for fall. The next season (my favorite for running) tends to be a mix of chilly mornings and warm afternoons so I picked up this incredibly soft 10-Year Hoodie to layer over my Lucy workout gear. It's meant to last a full ten years so this won't be its first appearance on the blog. I also hate sweating in my makeup so I've stocked up on Dickinson's Cleansing Cloths - it's really gentle on my skin and the Witch Hazel soothes and depuffs.

P.s. If you haven't caught on by now I am absolutely obsessed with Lucy's line and can't wait for their fall collection!

Photos by Victor Cerejo.
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Visiting the Saratoga Race Course

Last month I spent an amazing (!!) day at the races. If you follow me on snapchat you may have seen me get pretty close to a few majestic horses - last time that happened a horse bit me. Yay for nice horses!

America's Best Racing invited me and the boy up to the Saratoga Race Course to immerse ourselves into the sport. It would be our very first introduction to horse racing but with two amazing hosts (hi Dan & Victoria!) by our side, we left leaving like pros. Well, almost.

Saratoga, a gorgeous suburb three hours (two if you decide to pay the tolls) outside of New York City was a refreshing breath of air and will most likely be our only escape from the city this summer. Some of the residents there seem to have a second side hustle (I'm all about that!) and so we were able to quickly find relatively close parking on someone's yard. When we walked into the venue I noticed a few people were tailgating - I only thought they did that for football, so of course my mind was blown.

Once inside our gracious host Dan & Victoria quickly greeted us and gave us a tour. Outside the grounds there were quaint shops to get your shopping on, the famed Hattie's Chicken Spot, and a live band that kept the energy high all day long. I could've stayed out there listening to good music and eating to my heart's content but alas we came to see the horses and hopefully win a little bit of $$$.

We went up to our seats and had a fantastic view even with all the spectators wearing their gorgeous hats. Dan taught us how to read the scoreboard and the racing program which came in handy for when I placed my first bet. Did I mention I won my first bet and promptly got the boy a refreshing beer. I would've gotten him a new pair of blue suede shoes but that was my last winning bet of the day (sigh). Oh, and after the first race I got really really into cheering on the horses - when in Rome right!

After a few losses (sigh again) we went over to the Paddock and got to meet a few jockeys and trainers and see them prep their horses. This was pretty epic because I got to go behind the velvet rope, so to speak, and get really close to the action. In case you were wondering (cause I was too) the Paddock area is where the trainers and owners give instruction to the jockey on how to ride the horse. This is also were the horses are given a walk about to warm up their muscles and spectators can catch a glimpse of the horse's energy before the race.

After a full day of races we contemplated staying an extra night or two - but life summoned us back into the concrete jungle. The very next day (and sadly) back in New York City I found myself on a train that with ads spotlighting Saratoga. Might be my luck but also a sign to get my butt back up there and SOON.

If you're near the Saratoga Race Course I totally recommend it as something to add to your bucket list and if you can take someone a horse racing aficionado with you. Saratoga too far? Try visiting another one of their racetracks by clicking here.

Photos by Victor Cerejo.