Day 306 -- Fashion Crime

When: Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013

Where: Studio

On my first day back from vacation, I committed a fashion crime.  I picked out the most boring, sloppy look I could find in my closet and foolishly thought dressing it up with a hair clip would keep my off my own worst dressed list.

Shirt: Truly Madly Deeply via Urban Outfitters | Skirt: Ellen Tracy, gift from mom

Shoes: Topshop | Hair clip: Jane Tran via Alexis Bittar Store

Day 305 -- Boomerang

 When: Monday, July 1st, 2013

 Where: Shopping at the Pru, BOS --> LAX

Before we had to catch our flight, Alex and I went out shopping and lunching with his mom and grandmother. It was such a nice relaxing end to our trip. Jamie even treated me (again!) to a new purse. Stay tuned to see that. It was so nice to scoop up some new wears while I was on vacation, but even better to spend time with family and family-to-be.

I knew we would be heading straight from the mall to the airport, so a wore a comfy pair of stretch jeans and a loose top. Easy peasy. I'm sad that vacation is over, but excited to launch my new expect website when I get back!!

Jeans and Tank: BDG via Urban Outfitters | Top: Gap | Shoes: Topshop

Bag: Coach | Necklace: Kate Spade | Earrings: Alexis Bittar

Day 304 -- Take Me Out to the Ball Game

When: Sunday, June 30th, 2013

Where: Fenway Park!

When we arrived back in Boston at Alex's parents house, his mom, Jamie, had a whole outfit picked out for me for the game. She handed me this hat and dress and said, "I figured you wouldn't want to wear a baseball hat." So sweet! Since we decided to go to a baseball game once we got to Boston at the beginning of the week, I hadn't packed a baseball game outfit. Jamie to the rescue! This outfit was perfect, so comfortable, and perfectly my style. I'm definitely going to like being in this family! Thanks, Jamie!!

Hat and Dress: Gap | Belt: Industry of All Nations | Shoes: Aldo | Necklace: Maya Brenner

Day 303 -- Farewell, Maine

When: Saturday, June 28th, 2013

Where: Portland, road back to Boston

For our last morning in Maine, I decided to wear the most nautical stripes possible. I also knew I wanted to wear something ultra soft for the drive back down to Boston. 

Our vacation in Maine was incredible, and I'm so thankful for the time I had with my family. We always have tons of laughs when we get together, and I can't wait to see them all again soon! Thanks for a wonderful week, family!

Dress: Gap | Sweater: BDG via Urban Outfitters | Shoes: Topshop

Day 302 -- Dog Days Are Over

When: Friday, June 28th, 2013

Where: Rockland

On our last full day in Maine, the whole family went into Thomaston to shop at the Prison Shop. It was the coolest place ever! It was full of wood furniture, toys, kitchen equipment, and other amazing handmade items that are crafted in the local prison woodshop. My mom was nice enough to treat me to a trivet. Thanks, Mom!

We also stopped in a couple antique stores. My reworked vintage blouse fit in perfectly! When I bought this shirt years ago, I really loved the doggie print, but I never wore it because the fit was so terrible and outdated. I decided to update it by removing the sleeves, fitting the bodice and creating a peplum out of the excess fabric. I felt terrible ripping this piece apart, because it was beautifully handmade. I hope I did it justice in the end!

Blouse: Vintage, reworked | Jeans: BDG via Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Restricted via TJ Maxx | Sweater: Pas Un Ange

Day 301 -- Salty Sea Dog

When: Thursday, June 27th, 2013

Where: Little Rental House

The chilly weather forced me into a pair of pants... Luckily I brought cute ones! We stayed inside most of the day. Dear friends, Chuck and Evelyn came in from Boston and I prepared a huge breakfast with Alex. 

After we ate, we combed the beach for treasures, made up silly games on the couch, worked on puzzles, and laughed a lot. 

We went into down to pick up a second round of lobsters at Jess's Market, and they even had a blue lobster! It was so cool. But, not for sale. By the time we got back, it was time to start cooking again. We brought in sea water to boil to lobster in and the result was incredible! Yummy, salty, buttery lobster meat always hits the spot!

I didn't pack very many warm outfits because I was secretly willing the sun to come out by way of my suitcase, but this sweater jeans combo worked just fine. This outfit definitely leans on the preppy side for me, but it kind of brought the New Englander out in me. And I didn't mind.

Jeans: Rich and Skinny via TJ Maxx | Blouse: Forever 21 | Sweater: Gap

Shoes: Keds | Necklace: Alexis Bittar

Day 300 -- Set Sail

When: Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

Where: Vinalhaven

What an amazing day! We took the ferry out to Vinalhaven, a small about an hour off the coast. This tiny island had the smallest of small town feels, with tons of charm, history, and incredible views. In true Benitz form, as soon as we got off the ferry, we headed straight for lunch. Of course, I had more seafood!

We wandered around the island, up and down main street, and up a hill to the history museum. As we were coming back down the other side of the hill, we came upon this pile of lobster pots. To me, this is the most iconic thing about Maine we kept coming across. I love their bright colors and graphic nature, but it's amazing to think that these we're stacked up here for looks! Fishermen actually use these very pots to make their living. It was fun for me to see something on the side of the road that, if it we're in LA, would have a massive price tag on it, and people would use to decorate their lofts with.

In honor of our ferry trip, I wore my most nautical outfit. We think of stripes as sea-worthy thanks to 17th century France. Mid-century stripes were introduced to the naval uniform for all the sailors in Brittany. The fashion stuck when local workers adopted discarded uniforms due to their ease of wear.

I paired my stripey dress with a yellow sweater with a rope print, and an actual rope belt. Don't I look like I'm ready to set sail?

 Dress: Trollied Dollies | Sweater: Forever 21 | Shoes: Keds | Belt: Self Made | Earrings: Alexis Bittar