Lately I’ve been daydreaming about buying a house in the traditional Virginia style — a mini Monticello if you will. This is probably because I attended UVA (and consequently have the requisite fascination with all things Jeffersonian), grew up spending long weekends down at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA, and spent the weekend of my proposal at the classic Virginia getaway Keswick Hall. I’m particularly drawn to awning stripes — so graphic and vintage at the same time — which are all over the place in classic Virginia resorts, showing up in the form of wallpaper, upholstery, bedding, and — yes — awnings themselves.
The Great Hall at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA
A Suite at the Homestead
In particular, I’m coveting a lovely little garden out back with this gorgeous wrought-iron backyard seating ($1,450, Garden House Decor):
The striped pillows make the look — and you can get the same look inside by jazzing up your couch with these awning stripe pillows from Restoration Hardware (on sale for $15.99 apiece):
And even those these awning striped lamps are made for kiddie rooms, I just may have to snap up a set to spruce up my soon-to-be-nautical-inspired living room in the newlywed nest ($62, Cheeky Little Munchkins):
The items above remind me of my absolute favorite tote of the summer, to be worn with the same laid-back, easy-breeziness that I affiliate with traditional Virginia style: The Tory Burch Stripe Canvas Tote (on sale for $136, Tory Burch):
Perfect for toting to the beach for a day in the sun, especially with a simple white or navy bikini — these days, I’m obsessed with the simple, flattering stylings of NYC-based Palma Swimwear ($65 for top and $65 for bottom, Palma NYC):
Of course, if you’re willing to take the bold stripe look a few steps forward, try this French Connection one-piece on for size ($76, Bluefly):
Perfect with an easy-on white caftan and a big canvas tote — and so is this two-piece version from TopShop ($50):
This pricier Undrest version is beyond precious…if only I hadn’t already sprung for five new bikinis for the honeymoon, I might make an exception and snap these separates up ($85 for top, $90 for bottom — Undrest):
Love the ruffling around the edges and the almost-bow shape of the bandeau. Strike a similar (striped) pose by pairing a simple white sundress with these Burberry striped espadrilles ($395, Zappos):
Or really go for the bold with this ribbon striped Alice & Olivia frock ($396, Alice and Olivia):
For something a bit less formal, I’m absolutely bananas over the interesting open-shoulder design of this Ella Moss “Liberty Dress” (also love the navy-white contrast — $162, Revolve Clothing):
Love it with this gilded clover necklace by Tory Burch ($195) —
Although I got my clover necklace for far less from Stella & Dot and wear it constantly (it’s long enough to loop around your neck twice for a different look — $59, Stella & Dot):
As an alternative to the Ella Moss dress above, this ALC striped number is perfectly on point for this season ($295, Barney’s):
Layer on this “clover beaded” necklace ($145, Tory Burch) and pair with these perfectly summery Tila March sandals (around $220, Tila March)
Or maybe this slightly more offbeat Bernhard Willhelm cowl neck striped dress is more your speed — still getting the awning stripe vibe, but without the crisp and potentially stuffy preppiness of it all ($768, Farfetch):
As we inch towards fall, I’m thinking it’d be the perfect transition piece — just throw on some opaque black tights and a greige leather hand bag. Anya Hindmarch has some unbelievable versions in the perfect greige color out — I saw her “Leland” style at Sassanova last weekend (one below on the left) and drooled over its soft leather perfection for a good ten minutes:
Before I get ahead of myself by leaping full force into fashion for fall (it’s far too hot outside to think seriously about autumn), let’s consider some additional summer separates featuring what I’ve dubbed the Virginia Stripe. How perfect, for example, is this “Cricket Match Skirt” from ModCloth ($41.99):
Adore the bow — feminine without being TOO fussy. I’d wear it with a simple black tank and some black flats for work (Lanvin’s classic ballerinas are on my lust list — $495, Net-A-Porter):
Pair with simple pearl studs for easy elegance. Or wear the skirt above with these killer Kate Spade pumps — ay yay yay, I want these so badly. The chiffon-esque fabrication leaves me drooling, while the stripes make for a perfect match with the skirt ($325, Nordstrom):
Or just punch up an otherwise straightforward outfit (I wear a breezy white dress once or twice a week, switching in bold statement jewelry to make it fresh) with these striped baubles from Kate Spade ($45 for earrings, $65 for bracelet — Nordstrom):
And though I’m admittedly not a fan of Tom’s footwear (sorry — love the cause, bud), I lingered over these Roxy Tortola shoes for awhile, captivated by their simple charm (on sale for $16.99, Roxy):
I think you might be able to pull them off if you keep the rest of your getup extremely tailored and borderline over-the-top preppy (I’m imagining crisp white shorts, an oxford, oversized pearls, and a structured Kate Spade tote). And until I can afford to outfit my home a la Sara Gilbane (interior decorator extraordinaire — see below for pictures), I’ll just have to stick to awning striped accents and fashion pieces.
(Hopefully won’t be needing the nursery for awhile, but adore it nonetheless). In the meantime, I can still show off with these awning striped, letterpressed calling cards ($171, Crane’s):
Striped perfection!
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