Nautical Baby Clothes: Etsy

Of course I've already started thinking about what to buy for my little niece or nephew. I think Etsy is great for finding unique things for an even better price. I love supporting small businesses and I've only had positive experiences with Etsy sellers.

Seersucker Jon Jon Shortall with Anchor Applique:


Onesie:


Anchor:


Applique Anchor Romper (with Lilly Pulitzer fabric):


Applique Anchor Romper (with Lilly P fabric):


Applique Anchor Romper:


Applique Boat Romper:


Whale Onesie


Seahorse Shirt:


Lobster Onesie:

Fall Trend: Mustard

I mentioned in this post that I don't think mustard is a good color for me. I might try a a skirt or top and see how it goes, purely because I've seen some really cute pieces that don't come in other colors. I am seeing it everywhere so if it works for you, you're lucky! I especially love the navy and mustard dress.

Fall trend: mustard by nauticalbynature featuring embossed handbags

Shabby Apple promotion

Receive 15% off all orders with code: IVY and right now Shabby Apple is offering free shipping (on standard domestic orders).

I am loving the Academia collection for fall!

This top is a must have! Nautical and has a bow! Dorm room blouse:


The pinstripes paired with the brown belt and red coat is a fall look I am on board with! A+ dress:



I could totally see Blair Waldorf wearing this to Thanksgiving dinner! 4.0 dress:


Love the ruffled white top and navy shirt (not a fan of the orange hat)
Co-ed skirt:

Preppy Look for Less: Forever21

Some of these pieces are not necessarily "preppy" but more classic, traditional, etc. I created a polyvore set(see below) with all of my picks but I thought I would include a few highlights here too.

This bow sweater is so Rachel Berry from Glee! I'm pretty sure we'll see her in it this season


Mock collar sweater with navy shorts:


Pink blazer, striped top, navy skirt, brown belt:


I've seen this mustard color everywhere-very in for fall I guess. I don't love it (not my color) but I just love the bows on this dress (available in other colors)!


Pink jeans with chambray shirt and brown loafers/moccasins (I know the pants are more pastel spring but I think a darker top could make this more fall):

Preppy look for less: forever21 by nauticalbynature featuring a one button jacket

Fall TV: The most wonderful time of the year!

I love TV. I love coming home from work and turning on a favorite show. I love having friends over to catch up on Gossip Girl or Modern Family. I think there are so many great shows out there. Of course there are some awful reality shows, etc but I try to focus on the ones with a bit more substance. DVR=best invention ever! I rarely watch live TV. I think I have actually cut back on my TV watching because I am not turning on the TV and channel surfing. I go immediately to my DVR and catch up on favorite shows. There will be some shows that I stop watching mid-season (because they get canceled or just plain suck!). OR I will have them all on my DVR until winter hiatus and then catch up when nothing else is on. I do not have time to watch all of these shows every single week! Let me repeat: I do not watch hours and hours of TV every night! (considering I work from 8-6:30 it just wouldn't be possible).

This year I am pretty unsure about new shows. I am excited about a few but not sure if they are going to be as good as the hype. I'll watch the first two episodes and then decide if I want to continue watching. I have bolded new shows.

Which new shows are you most excited about???? Which shows will you miss (why did they cancel L&O:LA and Hellcats?!)?

What I plan to record this fall (again Thank God for DVR!):

MONDAY:
Gossip Girl (CW), 9 p.m.
Hart of Dixie (CW), 9 p.m. (really hoping this will be cute-reminds me of Everwood)
Castle (ABC), 10 p.m.

TUESDAY:
Glee (Fox), 8 p.m. (didn't like last season so the writers better step it up this year!)
NCIS (CBS), 8 p.m.
NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS), 9 p.m.
Ringer (CW), 9 p.m. (have yet to see a preview but sounds promising)
New Girl (Fox), 9 p.m. (I love Zooey but her character might annoy me. Anyone else agree?)
Body of Proof (ABC), 10 p.m.

WEDNESDAY:
America's Next Top Model (CW), 8 p.m.
Up All Night (NBC), 8 p.m. (I hope this is funny!)
Modern Family (ABC), 9 p.m.
Happy Endings (ABC), 9:30 p.m.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC), 10 p.m. (not even excited about it but I am a loyal L&O fan)
Revenge (ABC), 10 p.m. (I saw the preview and am confused but so intrigued!)

THURSDAY:
The Vampire Diaries (CW), 8 p.m.
Charlie's Angels (ABC), 8 p.m. (will give this a shot because I like Minka Kelly but not sure I'll keep watching unless it's amazing)
Secret Circle (CW), 9 p.m. (I LOVE Vampire Diaries and all things Kevin Williamson so giving this a shot. But didn't love the preview I saw)
Person of Interest (CBS), 9 p.m. (LOVE JJ Abrams so trying this one)
The Mentalist (CBS), 10 p.m.
Prime Suspect (NBC), 10 p.m.

FRIDAY:
Nikita (CW), 9 p.m

SUNDAY:
Once Upon a Time (starts in OCTOBER)

Helpful calendar of premiere dates (definitely check because some shows premiere at different times than their regular time slot)

I often go by what Kristin from E! online says. Hoping I'll agree with her picks for this year. E! fall 2011 previews/reviews can be found HERE

ETA: My friend M (who is my TV watching partner) sent me this great guide

How to incorporate nautical into Fall and Winter (part 2)

Part 1 here

This past weekend I did quite a bit of browsing online and started seeing a trend in the new arrivals. I found another easy way to incorporate nautical into your fall looks. Like the navy and brown combination, this is a subtle nautical look (read: I'm not really sure you can call these looks nautical but let's just go with it). I always associate seersucker with nautical because they are both big during summer (think seersucker critter shorts). It looks like you can get the seersucker look without looking too summery. I found the pieces below in the NEW ARRIVALS of J.Crew, Vineyard Vines, and Lilly Pulitzer which means they are supposed to be for fall. I love these looks! The three pieces in the set below are technically pinstripe I think but I admit I don't see a huge difference. Readers please comment with your thoughts on seersucker vs. pinstripe. Do you think it's the material? Width of the stripe? Season?

Nautical Fall 2 by nauticalbynature featuring striped tops

Closeups:
J.Crew, color is baltic


Vineyard Vines, color is Caribbean Blue


Lilly Pulitzer, color is Starry Blue Conductor Stripe

BIG ANNOUCEMENT!

First, I hope you are all enjoying your holiday weekend! I couldn't keep this a secret anymore so today is the day! I made a special vlog to share the news!

Notes:
1. I'm kidding about the accent thing. Obviously I have an accent (I just think it's pretty flat compared to other American accents like southern or midwestern).
2. I tried to look above the camera but it still looks like I'm looking at the screen. Oh well! I've never used a webcam before so I'm still learning how it works.
3. I was having issues with the audio not syncing properly but hopefully that is fixed.

Here's a direct link to the video. I'm having trouble getting it to embed :(
http://youtu.be/uQGPUxPwjGE



If you can't watch the video, I've left a comment on this post so you can read the surprise :)

Thursday's Thoughts

Copying my friend Miss Sweet Tea and doing my first ever Thursday's Thoughts post. Well when you read this it will be Friday but I'm writing it on Thursday night so let's just pretend OK?

1. Today was Baby H's first day of "school." I'll be taking him to a once a week, 2 hour class at the pre-school he'll hopefully go to in the future (fingers crossed). His parents will probably wait until he's at least 3 to start actual pre-school because his birthday is in February and you have to be 2 years and 9 months to start here in California (some are 2.5 I think). Anyway it's nothing too formal but I can tell he already likes his new friends and the 5 million trucks he attempted to steal when we were leaving (HA!). During snack time he sat at the table in a little chair while the adults had a "discussion" in another part of the room. I just can't believe he's not a baby anymore!

2. I am still couponing and trying not to go crazy. My biggest weakness: Target. I pretty much only buy things I have coupons for but sometimes I think I'm buying just because I have coupons. I need to work on that!

3. I have a 4 day weekend. I am excited to get through my DVR, run errands, and just relax! I am definitely a fan of the staycation! Any fun plans this holiday weekend?

4. I just did my Fantasy Football draft. I was nervous because everyone in my family takes it seriously and this was my first time. This year we are doing a family league so it should be really fun (or at least entertaining). Are you part of a league this year? I've heard that it can be pretty hardcore at some offices!

5. I am currently working on my Fall TV post. I've watched the previews and I am making my list! Stay tuned for that post in the next few weeks.

6. Next week I have a BIG announcement. I am so excited! I will be doing a special vlog on Tuesday so get ready!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Pottery Barn Kids Elephant

I am loving these new elephant items from Pottery Barn Kids.

Ceramic Elephant Bank (great idea for an adorable monogrammed baby gift!):


Elephant Bib and Burp Set (wish this was available in other colors):


Elephant Decorative Pillow (Might have to add this to my apartment! The pink and green matches my current bedding):


Elephant Rug:


Hooks (available as knobs too):


Blanket:


Bedding (I'm seriously considering getting the pillow cases. So cute! Available in three colors):

Anchored Style BOGO Promotion

Today, Wednesday, 24 hour promotion! Buy one polo shirt and get one FREE! Use promo code: BoGoPolo

How cute is the little anchor logo on the left side?

This is my favorite color: sailors' navy! There are three other colors available.


Mens polo available too.
Classic white:

Harding-Lane Hats

Nautical needle-point hats? What more can you ask for?! Harding-Lane's ocean-inspired, needle-point baseball caps reflect the environment while focusing on simplicity. The team behind Harding-Lane give back part of their profits to environmental organizations in order to save the places they love. Cute product and a great cause!

Hats:

Lacoste Fall 2011

Bows, bows, and more bows!

Beanie:


Tie Collar Polo:



Diagonal Striped Polo:


Wool Pleat Sweater Dress:


Cable Knit V-neck Sweater :

PSA

I've read that a few bloggers are having issues with scheduled posts changing over to drafts and then not publishing. I have the opposite issue (and it's my own fault really). I schedule posts for random days and then forget. BAM I have a post on a weekend. Ooops! The post that went up today will go up at another time.

Lesson of this post: triple check scheduled posts!

What I Wear to Work

I've had a couple of readers email me and ask what I wear to work as a nanny. There are a few very different opinions on what nannies should wear (uniform vs. no uniform, sweatpants vs. jeans or khakis, etc). I think it depends on your job (how old the kids are, what the family is like, etc). Some nannies have to wear a uniform (an actual uniform or something like khakis and a polo). I would never wear a skirt or dress (possibly with leggings under but doubtful). I don't feel comfortable in a tank top or anything too revealing (you'd be surprised at what you see at the park sometimes!). I think comfort is most important. I spend so much time playing around on the floor with H, walking, running, etc. I don't want to worry that I'm flashing someone going down the slide! I also understand that being a nanny is a JOB and there should still be some sort of professionalism in the way you dress and represent the family (does that make sense?). I think I would dress differently if I was looking after older kids. I'd probably wear ballet flats, jeans, and a polo.

Here's what I usually wear:
Summer/warmer weather: J.Crew (or similar) 5 inch shorts and a polo shirt (Lands End ruffle neck, Lilly P or Vineyard Vines). I usually wear my running shoes since I do quite a bit of walking. If we're going to be out and about I might wear flip flops instead.
The rest of the year: Lululemon pants, jeans or cords (if it's cooler out). Polo shirt (same as above). Hoodie (I love ones from Old Navy, J.Crew and Vineyard Vines). I love Lululemon pants. I know some people think they look too unprofessional or like sweatpants. But I think they still look put together but casual.

Work by nauticalbynature featuring a jersey hoodie

I know I have a few readers that are (or were) nannies. What do you think is appropriate? If you have a nanny, do you have a dress code for her? I'm curious!

Nautical Photo of the Week: Ocean City Anchor

Jessica from Jes Getting Started emailed me a photo of an anchor she saw in Ocean City, Maryland. This anchor was actually pulled up from a wreck near the island that is referred to as The Sailboat Wreck from the 1870s!