What are summers like in coastal New England? They’re the best! Beautiful, sandy beaches beckon from Cape Cod to Newport to Block Island. Temperatures are ideal for boating, swimming, and living the easy life, sunrise to sunset (and later). Then, there’s the delicious fresh seafood, laid back yet lively atmosphere, and charming New England architecture to top it all off. Ahhh… perfection.
We wait all year for these perfect few months, and when they arrive, we can’t wait to make the most of them!
In fact, we love summers so much that I started an annual tradition of “summer Fridays” at Blakely. Our team works longer hours Monday through Thursday so that every weekend is a three-day weekend. (The perks of CEO life…*wink*)
But enough about us. To help you live vibrantly this summer, the Blakely team has pulled together a collection of our favorite finds, along with not one, not two, but three weekend itineraries to help you enjoy all that a Rhode Island summer has to offer.
Grab your Ray-Bans (it’s going to get bright!) and get inspired for your most vibrant summer yet…
Blakely’s Picks for Vibrant Summer Looks
Interiors and fashion go hand in hand. Your environment — including what you wear — influences how you feel. Here are our top picks for confidence-boosting summer attire, from top to bottom, beach-side to cocktail hour.
- Everyday Essentials Pouch $75
- Pineapple Pleated Midi Skirt $119
- The Sidestroke Swimsuit $95 Bow-tie one-shoulder one-piece swimsuit $110
- Cleo Colorblock Tiered Midi Dress $315
- Beek Parakeet Slide Sandals $290
- Striped Tortoise Drop Earrings $48
- Poplin Mini Dress $88
- Woven High Heel Side Sandals $150
- Blakely Top $168 (had to include this one for obvious reasons 😉 )
- Lizard Cuff Bracelet $95
- Sailor Wide Leg Crop Pant $98
Blakely’s Picks for Bold Outdoor Living
New England summers mean as much time spent outside as possible. Pair the sunshine and salty sea breeze with these vibrant finds, and your outdoor living space will be impossible to resist. Just be warned… you may discover that neighbors and friends won’t be able to resist it either… 😉
- Schumacher X Matouk beach towels $99
- Customizable Bean Bag Toss $399
- Tortola Lantern $198
- Chen Bamboo Garden Stool $275
- The Beach Toile Pillow $99
- French Blue Umbrella $214
- Rory Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug $166+
- Teak camp stool $298
Blakely’s Picks for Fearless Summer Entertaining
For some, hostessing comes naturally. For others, it takes work and maybe even some courage to take the plunge and entertain a group. Either way, stocking your sunroom, bar, or outdoor area with these beauties will add life to the party and confidence to your stride! P.S. It gets even easier if you spike the punch with Prosecco… just a tip. 😉
- Peacock Tablecloth and Peacock Placemats $60
- Ginger Jar Party Bucket $299
- Estelle Colored Wine Stemware $175
- Priano Coasters $48
- Laquered Scalloped Serving Tray $266
- Banana Leaves Ice Bucket $88
- Woven Chip and Dip Bowl $69
- Sonos Speakers $799
- Boozy Brunch Set $34
The Perfect Rhode Island Weekend: Block Island
Block Island is one of our favorite spots to feel like you’re on vacation without even leaving Rhode Island! With incredible beaches (try Mansion and Fred Benson Town Beach), good eats and drinks, and plenty of summer activities to do, a day on the island will keep both kids and adults entertained. Here’s what we suggest…
The Perfect Rhode Island Weekend: Newport
There’s a reason Newport attracts a global crowd — it’s picturesque, perfect for boating, and filled with some of the best seafood restaurants this side of the Atlantic. (Tip: Pair oysters and champagne, and you’ll feel like you can taste the ocean.) Our top picks for the area include…
The Perfect Rhode Island Weekend: South County
South County consists of quite a few New England gems, including Narragansett, East Greenwich, North Kingstown (our neck of the state!), and more. There is so much to do in the area this time of year, from beaches and great shopping to unparalleled dining and cute downtown areas. Pick a spot and explore!
A heartfelt message from me to you…
Before I wrap this up, I want to share some final encouragement. I know how busy day-to-day life can be, especially if you’re running a business, raising kids, or have other important time commitments and responsibilities. I also know that it is easy to feel stressed by everything, almost like you have to physically hold it all up. Have you felt this way, too?
However, if there’s anything life has taught me, it’s that living vibrantly is a choice that starts with YOU.
If you never choose to put yourself first, to fearlessly be the person you know you can be, you miss the opportunity to fall in love with your life… and the people in your life miss the opportunity to know that wonderful you!
To me, living vibrantly is having so much fun with my kids that I completely lose track of time. It means feeling completely at ease entertaining a crowd, suiting up for a swim, or enjoying date night with my husband. But living vibrantly might mean something completely different for you!
Can you name those feelings and activities that bring you joy? What do you love? What makes you feel most alive? How can you make time for more of it this summer and beyond?
I hope these words inspire you to seize the summer, and as always, if you need help on the home side of things, you know where to find us… when we’re not on the beach, of course. 😉
Xoxo,
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