FALL IN THE BERKSHIRES

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use “thegirlguide” for 10 percent off your ba&sh purchase

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S T A Y

tourists welcome . north Adams, ma

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V I S I T

THE CLARK INSTITUTE . WILLIAMSTOWN, MA

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The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home . Lennox, MA

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E A T

No Six Depot (temporarily closed) West Stockbridge, MA

Baba Louie's Great Barrington, MA

Bizen Great Barrington, MA

Patisserie Lenox Great Barrington, MA

Prarie Whale Great Barrington, MA

Rubiner’s (for Snacks) Great Barrington, MA

Guido’s (for groceries) Great Barrington, MA

Traveler tip: Know before you go. Because of Covid many of our favorite small businesses have fallen on hard times, are having staffing issues, or have had to limit hours. On our last trip we discovered a few of our favorite spots were closed indefinitely! So call ahead and when you do go, support small!

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this post contains gifted product and affiliate links

ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND IN THE HAMPTONS

p a c k

ba&sh

use code THEGIRLGUIDE for a discount on your ba&sh purchase!

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s t a y

topping rose house

I’ve always wanted to stay here and it did not disappoint! The grounds are beautiful, the rooms luxurious, and the food was incredible. Breakfast is included in your stay and I highly recommend taking advantage (see photograph below). If weather permits, enjoy it out on the wrap around porch of their 19th century mansion overlooking the perfectly manicured grounds. You will find yourself instantly transported! Topping Rose house is centrally located just steps from Bridgehampton town, a 20 minute bike ride to Sag Harbor, or a short drive to East Hampton, making it the perfect spot for a weekend away!

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v i s i t

amber waves farm

I’m always on the hunt for a farmer’s market, farm stand, or farm shop and Amber Waves Farm offers all three! We stopped here for lunch on Saturday and I was in heaven! Highly recommend the summer rolls and the forager salad! Click here for their full seasonal menu. Amber Waves source from and support organic, local and sustainable farmers and makers and the seasonal produce featured on their menu is grown right on the farm! They also have really cool swag:)

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d i n e

pierre’s Bridgehampton

This über cozy and romantic spot was the perfect place to celebrate our anniversary. The food is French American (one of my favorites…think lobster salad and frites) and incredible! Frank said it was one of the best dinners he’s had in years. I highly suggest making reservations as they are a local hot spot and very popular. We ate at 9pm and the place was still packed inside and out!

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WHAT TO WEAR - UNDER YOUR SUMMER WHITES

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Summer is here which means lots of sun, spending time outside, and my favorite, wearing white dresses! I always get asked about undergarments and without the right slips in your closet, getting dressed can be a challenge. This one is my tried and true go-to for myself and my clients. Treat your undergarments very well and they will last for a long time (I’ve had this one for 5+ years). I wash mine by hand and always hang to dry!

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dress slip

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skirt slip

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blouse slip

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shape wear

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

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I can’t tell you how excited I am to start digging into this topic. To be honest it felt a little overwhelming at first but once I started doing research I realized so many of the brands I wear and love already practice sustainability. For the last three years I’ve been doing my best to use only natural, organic, and/or sustainable brands when it comes to my beauty routine. For two reasons: 1. I care deeply about what I put on mine and my family’s skin and 2. I don’t want to support a brand that tests on animals or is harmful to the environment. Practically speaking, the cost of these products is more, but the results have been worth the investment: I look better and feel better knowing I’m doing what’s right for myself and the planet.

This year I want to take the next step and add another layer of sustainability to my life by paying more attention to the clothing and accessories I’m wearing (this includes jewelry). Additionally, it means supporting brands that focus on sustainable packaging (I’m currently testing out a new deodorant that sells refills and reduces plastic) and creating less waste. As I’ve been researching the topic, the same notion keeps coming up, buying less is part of living a more sustainable life. Fewer and better has always been important to me and I think I’ve found a balance that works - 1. invest in luxury items that will last and quality craftsmanship like this sweater for example which is made of 100% natural yarn, and 2. fill in the rest with less expensive sustainable brands like Everlane and H&M.

Tip: Give yourself a break! The fact that you’re thinking about being more sustainable is a step in the right direction. If we could get the whole world thinking this way we’d be in much better shape. Small steps are better than no steps! I found this article to be very helpful as a baseline for understanding sustainable fashion.

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t h e b r a n d s

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all birds

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dudley stephens

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cuyana

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everlane

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h&m conscious

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levi’s

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reformation

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sezane

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veja

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wearing the boss boot c/o everlane

MEMORIAL DAY

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I love Memorial Day! Not only is it my wedding anniversary weekend, it also kicks off summer and thats always something to celebrate. This year we’re staying home and we don’t have any major plans. I talked to a few friends about it and they all agreed that most of the people they know are staying local too. I’m kind of excited to just have a long weekend with the family to lay low and enjoy the sun. Today’s roundup is perfect for casual barbecues, trips to the farmer’s market, or hanging by the pool. Happy short week everyone!

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A C A S U A L H O L I D A Y

DRESSING FOR SPRING WHEN IT STILL FEELS LIKE WINTER

NEUTRAL COAT

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TOPS

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LIGHT DENIM

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STATEMENT EARRING

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3 MUST HAVE DENIM STYLES

These days shopping for denim can de overwhelming but it doesn't have to be. Clients always ask me, "Are these out of style?". My answer is this - at this point pretty much every style has come full circle and nothing is in and nothing is out. Of course there will be a trend every season but if you style them right, you should be able to wear almost ever jean in your closet and still look current. Sharing my top 3 styles for this Fall that I also consider classics and staples in my wardrobe. 

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THE WEDGIE

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THE STYLED JEAN

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THE IVORY JEAN

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WEEKEND RECAP - A DAY IN SAG HARBOR

THE WANDERER DRESS

I had the loveliest weekend celebrating my sister's bachelorette in the Hamptons. Her friends organized an Airbnb in Southampton that was gorgeous! It comfortably fit all ten of us and included a pool and lovely gardens. On Friday night we went to Wollfer Kitchen and Saturday drinks at the Wollfer wine stand followed by a restaurant called Calissa. Both were great! Call me crazy but my happiness on vacation usually revolves around food. Most people would say the beach or pool but nope, not me! Give me a delicious lunch followed by and iced tea and I'm at my happiest.  

I brought two bags with me this weekend: this one and this one. It was the perfect combination! Also lots of questions about the dress I wore out on Saturday night in blush - only found it white and black here. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday week!

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SAG HARBOR

Breakfast at Provisions : When I discovered this place about 7 years ago it was love at first sight. As you know I have a serious love for healthy foods and even more so organic and dairy-free options. If you're heading to Sag Harbor or just passing through, stopping here is a must. I recommend the watermelon juice and my absolute favorite thing to eat is the baby buddha (ask for both the tahini and green herb dressing. 

Lunch on the go at Harbor Market & Kitchen: Last summer we rented a house in Sag Harbor and Frank and I stumbled upon this place while on a morning bike ride. Everything is delicious! They have vegan and gluten free options and will also happily satisfy a carnivore:) You can eat in at their communal tables or pack a to-go basket for the beach. My favorites are the salmon cakes, tahini brownies, and jasmine iced green tea. 

Coffee/Tea and a cookie break (while shopping) at Sylvester & Co.: Lynda Sylvester starting making cold brew 20 years ago. You can drink her now famous coffee here on tap along with a delicious homemade dark chocolate peanut butter cup. Yes I was a little bit indulgent on this trip! 

Frozen Yogurt at Buddha Berry: Every time I go here I beg them to open in Connecticut. Their frozen yogurt is delicious and they have the most amazing dairy-free options that are coconut milk based. This weekend it was match (obviously I was in heaven). 

Shopping at Goop: I loved last years pop-up in Amagansett and this one doesn't disappoint! Don't miss the beautiful outdoor garden in the back! I treated myself to this diffuser that has been on my wishlist for a long time. Last night we diffused this oil and my bedroom smelled amazing!

For buried treasure stop in Bloom: I couldn't find a website for this gem but trust me, its a must visit. The picture above was shot in the back cottage. BLOOM 43 Madison St, Sag Harbor, NY

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IN MY BAG

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HOW I GOT INTO BLOGGING + UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE

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Hi friends! You may have seen bloggers posting their 5 things you may not know about me over the last couple weeks. Personally I loved learning more about the ladies I follow and after I did it on my Instagram stories I realized there was an opportunity to share these things with my blog readers as well. I receive a lot of questions on Instagram about how and why I started my blog so I wanted to share that too!

I officially started my blog in January of 2011 (see archives!). Frank and I were dating and living together in New York and I was working for Ralph Lauren. I loved it! At the time many of today's biggest bloggers were just starting out...my favorites were Man Repeller and Atlantic Pacific. For 9 months I blogged almost everyday! Looking back some months there were 32 posts! I can't even imagine that today. People ask me why I stopped and I laugh out loud (at myself) - I felt like I was too busy! I guess its all relative but I had a fast paced job, a boyfriend, and a social life and it just felt like I couldn't keep up. The follow up question I always get is "do you regret it?" and my answer is no. Seven years later I love the perspective that I have. I've been working in the fashion industry for almost a decade and I have a passion today that I don't think I had then. The funny thing is now I REALLY have no time! But I also really love what I do and I want it. Kids or no kids you have to love having a blog, creating content, styling, etc. because the hours are long and the majority of the time its not glamourous. So here we are today - The Girl Guide is my third baby, my creative outlet, and my passion poured into pictures and posts. I think its also important to say that my favorite part of blogging is YOU! The readers...I live for your feedback, commentary, suggestions, and questions...so keep them coming!

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Update your wardrobe with these three pieces 

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TRANSITIONAL COAT

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NEUTRAL DENIM

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THE UPDATED EARRING

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WHAT TO PACK - BEACH

Anyone else in need of a dose of vitamin D? Why does it feel like the older I get the longer it takes for Spring to arrive? When I looked at the weather report for last weekend and saw 50 degrees I immediately thought of white cotton blouses and my new taupe suede slides. Frank laughed at me when I came downstairs dressed in an outfit I think I wore this summer in Sag Harbor (when it was 80 degrees). 

Have you guys checked out the shop tab yet? I just created a resort section that I'm pretty excited about! I will continue to update it with my favorites for any of you traveling to a warmer climate or dreaming of Spring like me. Here are a few of my favorites:

• THIS DRESS! I have a similar style that I've lived in for the last 5+ years. The silhouette is perfect for a casual-pretty-summer look, love the boho vibes, and for under $100 its a great value
• This strapless black dress is the perfect packable vacation piece. Roll it up and whip out for dinner on the beach with a statement earring. Also this set is on my wishlist!
• This rose water spray is my go-to for warm weather and for flying. Its fully of antioxidants and always helps me feel refreshed

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THE FASHION OF BREASTFEEDING

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Any nursing mom has been there. You're in a restaurant thinking, "Ahhh...I did it. The baby is sleeping, my toddler is coloring, I'm going to actually chew this bite of food, sip my wine, and enjoy this moment of peace." Then it happens...the baby starts whaling and you scramble for that bottle of milk you pumped. Within a second your husband reminds you the baby already finished that bottle and you need to whip it out in the restaurant (your breast that is). You look down at yourself and say "Oh no..I'm wearing a dress, a dress with no buttons. I can't tell you how many times I've had to leave a place to either go home, or hide in a car because I wasn't wearing the right "nursing" clothes. I don't mind nursing in public but pulling my dress over my head is where I draw the line! 

So if you're a breastfeeding mom you know, getting the job done while still feeling pretty and fashionable can be tough. After many mishaps I thought to myself, 'why can't I do both"? I hope this post helps you accomplish that! I rounded up some of my favorites and as always I'm here to answer any of your questions.  Fun Fact: This year world breastfeeding week is Tuesday, August 1st - Monday, August 7th

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SLEEP + LOUNGE WEAR

THE ONLY BRA YOU'LL NEED

EASY ACCESS TOPS (that you can still wear after nursing)

DRESSES

UNDER 100 + HM

Ask and you shall receive! I've had so many requests for an under $100 post with easy to shop pieces that can be returned...so without further ado...I hope you like my first one! I usually always incorporate this price point into my style guides but moving forward I'm going to devote some of my Lust Lists to it as well. I love these looks because they're all styled back to shorts. If I'm not in a dress during the summer you can usually find me in shorts and I'm looking to revamp that part of my closet. Many of my clients are scared of high-wasted shorts but fall in love once I force (gently!) them to try them on. Apres baby they will be your best friend! Trust me:)

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