It’s About {Mari-}Time!

Has anyone else noticed a distinct nautical theme in the most recent runway collections?

{anchors away at YSL}

{nautical by nature in the J. Crew catalog}

Can’t say I’m disappointed.  Growing up on the Chesapeake, having a hubby who sails, and being lucky enough to have friends who own boats means that the whole nautical look is more than costumery for me.  Let’s start with this darling dress ($365, Steven Alan).  I know I featured its skirt counterpart in yesterday’s post, but I love the texture too much not to include it in dress format.  I’d wear it with this rope-accented necklace ($230, Ben Amun):

Perfect with these sailor-stripe heels (O.M.G. — $258, J. Crew):

Finish the look with a pop-o-red clutch ($72, K. Slademade) and this anchor-accented insta-heirloom charm bracelet (YSL, $695, Net-A-Porter):

Meanwhile, how darling would this slightly off-kilter sailor stripe jacket (Opening Ceremony, on SUPER sale for $375, MyTheresa) look?

Imagine it over a simple polka dotted top ($250, Net-A-Porter) and some red skinnies capris (I know I may be going overboard – hehe, pun intended — with these, but they are too perfect! — $79, J. Crew) with an anchor-accented necklace ($909, Everything Begins) and some white driving shoes (if white shoes terrify you, try a blush or nude flat instead — Tod’s, $439, MyTheresa):

If it’s not too over-the-top for you, finish with this anchor-accented Balenciaga clutchski ($1,1,25, Balenciaga):

Or — how BEYOND is this bow-backed stripe blouse ($56, TopShop)?!  I mean.  SO ADORABLE.

Imagine your cute little bronzed shoulders in that top!  Eee, this makes me excited for summer.  I’d wear with red skinny jeans (mine are by J. Brand, and I’m obsessed; I wear them with everything from polka dots to oxford stripes) and some unfussy sandals (Zanotti, $595, Forward Forward — or, get the look for less with these $100 Sam Edelmans):

And clean white clutch in a modern shape (Maison Martin Margiela, $172, Farfetch) finishes the look and staves off the “cutesy” vibe:

Of course, if cutesy doesn’t bother you, there are lots of options, including this kitschy-cute ship clutch by — who else?! — Kate Spade ($358, Zappos):

Love the lining — Kate Spade just rules it when it comes to details.  {And check out that anchor accent!}  While we’re talking anchors, you may opt to introduce just a smidge of the maritime look by snagging a accent piece with a nautical theme and working it into your wardrobe.  Options abound at the moment.  First up: Ben Amun’s pendant ($170) — or get the look for less with this $38 style from Nordstrom’s.  Would look great layered over a simple white button down with jeans and boat shoes.  Or snap up a rope-detail sloafer from esteemed line Stubbs & Wootton ($400), or this simple white tote, which is made of recycled sails ($105, SeaBags) — although I personally prefer this one with the gold lobster claw on the side ($165).  Yummy — lobster!

 For more nautical stripe action: I’m just smitten with this simple striped pull-on dress (Juicy Couture, $140, Net-A-Porter), which I’d pair with a simple knot necklace ($245, Jaclyn Mayer):

Love the gold zipper pockets.  I’d wear this with these metallic-accented wedge espadrilles (on sale for $206, MyMu):

And this metallic woven roll clutch ($100, Supertrash):

Or take the look super-bold with this anchor-print blouse (Equipment, $323, Coggles), worn with this sweet little wool wrap skirt (on sale for $130, La Garconne) and a gold collar necklace ($128, Henri Bendel):

To cut-down on the cutesy factor of the blouse, pair with simple, neutral heels in a grown-up cut ($262, Be & D) and keep add-ons to a minimum.

For example, the only things I’d add to the above look would be this gleaming gold watch (Nixon, $100, Shopbop):

And this mini cross-body ($290, Raoul).  Simple, unfussy, and grown-up to balance out the kiddiness of the printed blouse.  Loves.

If you’re really “all aboard” with the style, blow your budget with these anchor-print YSL wedges ($839, MyTheresa):

Wowza.  Of course, the traditional footwear of choice is the Sperry boat shoe ($90, Piperlime — order today and get 20% with coupon code NEWYOU!!!  I had to take advantage of the special to snag this bold little color-blocked number for my bestie’s bachelorette festivities!):

And, finally, no nautical post is complete without a simple striped shirt.  I discussed this classic article of clothing in my “Fail-Proof” post earlier this month, so check that out if you’re looking to invest in the industry-standard St. James brand style, but if you’re looking for the down and dirty (??), snap up one or several of these affordable Uniqlo styles ($23, Uniqlo).  I’m especially loving the navy and green.

Are you into it?