Being More Adventurous

Since I moved to Massachusetts, I have become more adventurous. Back in my Kentucky days, I would definitely say that I was a more cautious person that did not take a lot of risks. I      studied in college rather than partying too much and worked to keep myself busy (and fund my closet...but that's a different story). I wanted to explore New England the second I moved into my new apartment. My husband and I began exploring the different historical places of Boston and the surrounding towns, but being the very active person I am, I needed a challenge. I have found that challenge in horseback riding lessons.

Growing up, members of my family owned horses on our historic family farm, but since I lived in Louisville almost and hour and a half away, I never took lessons except for maybe two times with a friend. When I moved to the North Shore, I needed a physical challenge. I decided to start riding lessons over tennis lessons and I am sooooooooo happy with my choice. Riding is quite fun and I've only just started.

As I have been getting into riding lessons, I have been adoring all equestrian themed items that have crossed my path...I am crushing on those Aigle riding boots and they're going to be added to me Wish List for sure.

Riding Lessons by theconservativeprep featuring ray ban

What fun activities do y'all do to challenge yourself??

Strolling Down Newbury Street

Yesterday, my mom, Caroline, and I were supposed to go on a whale watch, but it got cancelled at last minute. My sissy and I decided to make a trip down to Newbury Street instead!! Newbury Street is one of my favorite places to go shopping. There are so many different kinds of shops from vintage book stores to Chanel before the street reach the Boston Commons. When shopping down Newbury Street in the summer, I suggest a nice pair of flats because it is quite a walk down that street. I wore an athletic outfit yesterday (the No Limits tank and Groove pants from Lululemon), but I wish I had this J. Crew denim dress to beat the heat that has blanketed the Bay State this weekend.

Strolling Down Newbury Street by theconservativeprep featuring diamond earrings

                         

While down on Newbury Street, Caroline and I shopped for cute decorations for my apartment. (Decorating is not my forte...) We found some cute bowls to display my earrings at Anthropologie and a cute peplum top from Madewell. On Newbury, there are three Second Time Around stores, which are upscale consignment stores. While I looked through the racks, I found this vintage Lilly in the print Chow Wagon with its original tags!!

What are some of your favorite places to shop?

Weekends in Cape Cod and Maine

Hello my lovely readers,

My Mom and my sister Caroline are visiting me in Massachusetts!! I have been waiting since January for them to visit and couldn't wait for them to get here. While they are here, we have been traveling down to the Cape all the way up to Kennebunkport, Maine. I recently have bought a one piece for the first time in years from J.Crew. I am so excited to wear it!! I am glad that one piece suits are making a comeback because I've always hated bikinis due to my long torso. I didn't bring my seersucker suit down to our day-visit to the Cape, but I am definitely breaking it out when my sister and I lay out on Devereaux Beach in Marblehead.

Weekends at Cape Cod by theconservativeprep featuring a seersucker swimsuit

                                  

My mom, sister, husband, and I have had one amazing weekend. As everyone has been traveling back to the real world this weekend, we decided to head out of town. While down around the Cape, we went outlet shopping (I picked up a pair of Prada Baroque sunglasses) and visited Hyannis (The John F. Kennedy Memorial) and Mashpee. After visiting with a family friend this morning, we decided to explore Kennebunkport, Maine. There were cute shops and great seafood places. The Bush Family's Summer house overlooks the Atlantic Ocean in Kennebunkport, which was an awesome site to see.

Caroline and I wore older Lillys all weekend!! Two of my favorite prints that I never got the chance to wear before. Prints: Aquamarine In The Slim and Hen House.

     

Until next time,

Good Reads and Vintage Finds

Hello my lovely readers,

I hope everyone is doing well!! On rainy days like this (Tropical Storm Andrea is heading towards Salem/Marblehead), I like to go vintage shopping. My parents typically stick to Estates Sales, which is where a good majority of my jewelry collection is from. Recently, I have been looking for winter items as New England weather has been unpredictable. On eBay, I found this red and navy Patagonia Synchilla pullover that I have become obsessed with. This pullover was made back when Patagonia manufactured in the USA before they outsourced to Asia. Has anyone else had any awesome vintage finds??

Quick Review: Patagonia is warrrrrrrrrrrmmmmm.

As for the good reads, I have been re-reading True Prep by Lisa Birnbach with Chipp Kidd, which is a tongue-in-check guide to all that is preppy. The book lays out all the information that good preps, like myself, already know, such as the not talking about money (it's rude and tacky), the power of private education, and prep style. Another book I've been reading recently is Inferno by Dan Brown. Brown added another historical drama to the Robert Langdon series. I loved the first two books in the series, Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code. I have had trouble starting this book as summer is very busy for people in the aquatic industry such myself, but I'm glad Brown decided to bring Langdon back to Europe. What is everyone else reading??

xoxo,

Summer Days Off of Work

Summer Days Off of Work by theconservativeprep featuring kate spade watches

Summer on the North Shore

Summer starts this Memorial Weekend and always typically very busy for me. I work in the aquatic industry, which goes into hyper drive from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day, but this summer is different from the previous summers as I now live in Massachusetts. My husband and I have planned many excursions around the area to places such as Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. Are you feeling a little jealous now? I'm very excited. 

One thing that I have been putting off is updating my summer wardrobe. Last year, neon ruled the fashion world. I have slightly more traditional taste, but I dabbled into the neon jeans trend last summer. While I can probably re-wear the neon jeans, I am going to start moving on to more classic long-wearing pieces. I'll keep neons to fun nail polish colors. I have been obsessing over J.Crew and Madewell's new arrivals for summer. My first purchase of the summer will be the Rugby-stripe dress from J.Crew as I will need comfortable dresses to travel and explore in. I also bought a classic Timex Weekender watch that I can use at work. 

Summer on the North Shore by theconservativeprep featuring leather tote bags

                         

As with any preppy living in New England, a pair of boat shoes must be added to my shoe collection. I wore two pairs off and on during my senior year of high school at Sacred Heart Academy and my freshman year at the University of Louisville, but unfortunately, those pairs got lost in the move. I bought a platinum pair of Sperry Top-Sliders to add a metallic touch to my outfits, but as my platinum Jacks that I can add to any outfit or change into for comfort are quickly wearing down, I bought the cork pair of Jacks to replace them. 

In other news, I was not too impressed with Lilly Pulitzer's Summer Collection so far (SHOCKER). I only plan to add the Sandrine dress in Resort White Pop and Shorely Blue Tossing the Line and the Didi dress in Multi Pansy Dance. Although, I do have to admit I hope the Lavender skirt in Just Add Mint is on eBay next spring so I can wear it for Derby festivites.

It's been awhile...

Hello my lovely readers,

It's been a while...and I am sorry. Life has been incredibly busy this spring for a number of reasons.

1. We went on our honeymoon.

My husband and I decided to go on our honeymoon some time after our wedding...and we went to Disney World. I have been obsessed with Disney World since the first time my family went when I was twelve. My favorite parts of our trip were eating with the Disney princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway at Epcot and my organic facial at Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian Resort. This trip proved Disney is for all ages.

2.  The University of Louisville Cardinals win NCAA Basketball Championship

After we got back from the honeymoon, my Louisville Cardinals defeated Duke (with a tragic injury to Kevin Ware) to go to the Final Four. My husband surprised me with a trip to Atlanta to see my team play in the Final Four and eventual Championship game. While my Cardinals won the NCAA tournament, one of my favorite inspirations passed away. I celebrated her life with the purchase of a new Lilly at the Atlanta store. My favorite part of the trip, other than UofL winning, was my superstition with accessories. I wore the same accessories for all the tournament games.

3. New Addition to Our Family

My husband and I adopted a kitten two weeks ago and named him Mo. We were going to wait to adopt a pet in September, but I randomly walked into PetSmart and couldn't resist that face. He is becoming quite the snuggler.

This spring has also brought up some interesting events in the political world as well. This IRS scandal is becoming quite hilarious for me due to the media. Liberal outlets trying to brush it "under the rug" while conservative outlets are blowing it more out of proportion than it needs to be. Did the IRS target Tea Party groups who applied for tax exempt status? Yes. Conservatives need to stop acting so shocked (since it actually came out a year that the IRS was doing this) and just keep investigating. As Lois Lerner keeps pleading the Fifth Amendment, those responsible will incriminate themselves. Just be patient. Let's remember what happened when the Republicans went after President Clinton during the impeachment process.

One blog post and an article on Politico I suggest:

http://www.politico.com/blogs/joe-scarborough/2013/05/how-not-to-handle-the-scandals-164786.html?hp=l1

http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/what's%20next%20for%20the%20IRS-91880.html

On an ending note, I have to say that I am very proud of Senator Rand Paul for his defense of Apple during a Homeland Affairs and Government Affairs Subcommittee hearing concerning how Apple files its taxes.

Hope this is a great start to the summer,