Wish It Was Friday, Thursday

Nantucket: The Most Patriotic of All

I got carried away in this Nantucket home. The epitome of nautical chic. I believe this could be the most beautiful way to capture the spirit of red, white, and blue. If this doesn't make you excited for the weekend, I don't know what will.

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

Christopher Baker for House Beautiful

The reason this works so well is the balance of rustic and refined. The clean lines of clapboard walls against the exposed ceilings and wood furniture. It's what 4th of July is all about-- no frills, just celebrating the beauty of what's around you.

What Was Sista Thinking? Wednesday

Trendy Trashy: Neon Nausea

I realize it is unwise to take on controversial topics like abortion, gay marriage, tanning beds, and neon nail polish in my infancy stage of bloggerhood. I almost chose a different topic. But then I thought, this is the Blog o' Brad and I get to say whatever I want. Here is my beef with neon nail polish. It got its first big break in trailer parks and for some reason the fashion gods decided it would be good to share the love with runways round the world.  You say to yourself, "But Brad, tons of cool celebs wear neon nail polish. Who do you think you are?" 

Gwennie

RiRi

Kardashian Sisters

Katy P

You use Katy Perry as an arguing point for taste and sophistication? Trend setter, I'll give you that. But here are a few of her other nail mishaps: 

Sushi Nails.

Hmmm... I'm a little hungry. Not to worry, I think I still have some tuna left on my pinky.

Family Tree...Phalanges Style

No more cell phone reminders to tune into the royal wedding. Paint it on the fings instead. Much more festive! 

Oompas

To curb chocolate cravings.

Rainbow Bright

I have a confession. I actually like these. But way too close to a candy necklace. How could you resist not eating a few?

Just. Say. No. 

Some trends are not meant for you or me. Leave it to Gaga and Katy P to do the dirty for us. What are your thoughts on neon nails?

Tuesday Tip of the Day

Primary Rule for Summer Makeup

What do you think when I say "primer?" The white stuff you paint on a wall before you do your real paint? Or, a useless makeup product that those crazy, wild-eyed cosmetic counter ladies try to force you to buy to bump up their commission. Too long has the humble primer been rejected and I'm here to set the record straight.

Most women don't use primers but they're essential in the summer. Think of them as makeup glue. They bond your makeup to your face but are lightweight enough to not be goopy. If you have really oily skin, don't moisturize before you apply your foundation and go straight to primer. I suggest getting one with SPF so you have that extra layer of sun protection under your base makeup. 

Raves and Favs: 

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer SPF 15, $42; sephora.com

This stuff was developed by fashion photographers when they kept getting the "clown face." You know what I'm talking about. When your foundation photographs white, even though in normal light it looks like your skin color. This primer evens out skin, pores, and fine lines all the while keeping you clown face free. And it has SPF. Great for a wedding or special event.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, $30; sephora.com

This primer is always on the "best of" makeup awards lists. If the beauty gurus like it, then maybe you should too. I love this primer because it's very sheer and more of a liquid, than the first, which is more of a gel, making it ideal for everyday wear. 

Monday, Funday

There is something about patriotism that brings out the best in everyone-- kind of like brownies & ice cream, puppies, or an unexpected flower delivery. Pull out the red, white, and blue and just wait for the good cheer to start coming your way. Add a little food, beer, boats and explosives to that recipe. Partay!!! I couldn't decide between giving a nod to our Forefathers via fabulous clothes or party inspiration. When in doubt, I choose both. (Brad Bitt: Use that motto when packing as well. "Curse you, overweight baggage fee! You don't scare me!" When a random red-carpet appearance or a day of bear wrestling get thrown into the mix of your perfectly planned vacation itinerary and you're the one who doesn't have anything to wear, don't blame me.)

Fabulous, Fashionable, Fourth of July!

Glamour 

I love the photography from this spread in Glamour's June issue. Oozing Americana.

Glamour

Glamour

Glamour

Glamour

Why this works and how it works for you: 

Mixing polka dots and stripes
Primary colors always pop
Don't shy away from a throwback
Ladylike silhouettes never fail

Patriotic Party Planning

Veranda

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart

Elle Decor

Martha Stewart

Veranda

Why this works and how it works for you:

Consistent color palate

Ticking stripes. Can I get an amen?

Nothing is too pricey:

Mini flags, mason jars, striped fabric. Done.

Feast Your Eyes On This, Friday

There is something about the 40s-60s that I find so effortlessly chic and glamorous. I know God doesn't make mistakes but we have chatted a time or two about why I wasn't in my youth during that era. The hair, the clothes, the intense cat-eye liquid liner, the fact that guys could dance well and couldn't text you/facebook message you to ask you out, the "it's ok to want to be a housewife and not always be the 'I am Woman, hear me roar,' type of girl." Here are a few lovely things to dwell on before the weekend commences. Just in case you were wondering, I am also writing this to remind Jesus why I would have been a wonderful candidate as a lady of leisure during this time:

Slim Aarons

Because floral swimcaps were another beach accessory option.

Slim Aarons

  And crochet head-to-toe was considered demure.

from Life

 And girls wore red lipstick when they went waterskiing.

Slim Aarons

When working on your tan was considered responsible. 

from Life

Relaxing meant you had a productive day.

Slim Aarons

 Men could wear floral prints crazier than yours and didn't care if your yip-yap dogs sat on their Rolls Royce.

Slim Aarons

 Cocktail hour started at breakfast. And it was normal.

Brigitte Bardot, photographer unknown 

 Big hair didn't conjure thoughts of bump-its or Snooki.

Slim Aarons

 Champagne buckets were part of your patio furniture.

Slim Aarons

And most of all. It wasn't classified as animal cruelty to dye your poodle pink so it would match your pillows. 

Bon weekend!

Wish It Was Friday, Thursday

The Raleigh Hotel, Miami

If I had no job and an unlimited budget, I would be here. Mimosa in hand.

Channeling Grace Kelly.

Miu Miu; net-a-porter.com

Wearing this.

Vix, net-a-porter.com

Or this.

Thayer, shopbop.com

And this.

BCBG, piperlime.com

And definitely this.

If you could be anywhere now. Where would it be?

OMG, What Was Sista Thinking? Wednesday

How Not To: The Tousled Bun

Bless her little bride-to-be heart. She got a bit carried away with face framing pieces, didn't she?

However, it could be great for a beach wedding. Totally says "jellyfish."

Redemption!

Ahh, thanks Jess. We knew you'd pull through. I love everything about this. The size of the bun (bigger is better in the Book of Brad), the messiness factor, how some pieces are swept back and tucked in... I could go on. The only thing i might tweak is that curl right by her left ear. A bit too sizeable for my taste, but the tendril patrol will let it slide on this one.