travelogue: charleston, south carolina - part 4 - sullivan's island

My #1 criteria for our vacation spot this summer was that it had to have a beach. I needed the ocean. One of the reasons Charleston was so appealing was because it was surrounded by beaches - there's Seabrook Island (private and serene), Kiawah Island (pristine and luxurious), Folly Beach (young and eclectic), Isle of Palms (family friendly), and Sullivan's Island. Since we stayed in Mount Pleasant, we were right between Charleston's historic downtown and Sullivan's Island, and we visited the beach almost every night of our stay in the Lowcountry. From our first drive through the pastel houses Mount Pleasant's historic district and out to the island, we were in love.

My travel outfit: Ann Taylor tank, handmade necklace with 

charms from Michael's, and olive shorts. Love this color combo!

This beautiful coastline was our first taste of Sullivan's Island after arriving in Charleston - quiet, serene perfection. The island is just 3.3 square miles with more homes and rentals than businesses - Middle Street just a few blocks, is home to quirky restaurants like Taco Mamacita (which we loved) and the famous Poe's Tavern (Edgar Allan Poe was stationed at Fort Moultrie during his time in the Army).

Sullivan's Island has a vibe that reminds me of the Outer Banks - laid-back. One of the most interesting things we saw on one of our visits there was a group of volunteers working in shifts to monitor a sea turtle's nest.

Sullivan's Island offers a great view of the Charleston skyline and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. bridge, which connects downtown Charleston and Mount Pleasant.

Most of the beach houses on Sullivan's are quaint and unassuming - I think this one is my dream house! I love the tin roof and double porch but I'm pretty sure the string lights were what really did it for me.

A newer Sullivan's Island beach house - I loved the teal color and the construction is a modern take on traditional Charleston style, including the great plantation-style staircase.

A casual night out: T.J. Maxx lace tank, handmade tassel 

necklace, Jessica Simpson clutch, StitchFix striped skirt, 

and Old Navy flip flops to survive the sand!

On our last night in Charleston, we had dinner at Shem Creek Bar and Grill, which was highly recommended by friends. It's a local favorite and the seafood did not disappoint. Afterward, we headed over to Sullivan's for one last beach walk before saying goodbye to the Lowcountry.

Linking Up With:

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat

Summer Style: Off the Map

One of this summer's biggest trend is a tropical spin on safari-inspired colors: olive green and toasted almond paired with fun pops of magenta and tribal-style prints. It's a great place to start a warm-weather capsule wardrobe or vacation packing list!

Disclaimer: Amazon and ModCloth links contain an affiliate code. Thank you for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

1. Old Navy crossbody purse 2. LOFT henley shell 3. Essie nail polish in "Flowerista" and "Picked Perfect" from Amazon  4. The North Face linen shorts from Moosejaw 
5. Chanel nail color in "Alchimie"  6. ModCloth wedge sandals  7. Ruche heel-strap sandals  8. Old Navy canvas tote

Need some outfit inspiration? Here are a few models and fashion bloggers rocking these summer shades (along with staples you probably have in your closet already!)

Styletracker | Damsel in Dior

Damsel in Dior | Twist Me Pretty

Have you ever experimented with a capsule wardrobe?

Linking Up:

Manic Monday at More Pieces of Me and The Daily Express

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Let It Shine at Still Being Molly
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat
Color Me Tuesday at Undergraduate Style

Fall 2014: Navy and Cypress

Today's color combination reminds me of coming home for the holidays: it's classic, cozy, and welcoming.  Navy and cypress home decor and wardrobe pieces are perfect for fall, but will look sharp far into winter - they look great layered, too, whether the pairing is a sweater and scarf for a cross-country airplane ride or a duvet and blanket for the guest room.

Disclaimer:  Amazon and ModCloth item links contain affiliate codes.  Thanks for supporting Beyond the Aisle!

1. H&M cable knit sweater  2. Faribault for Target backpack  3. Terrain cypress topiary  4. Pottery Barn palampore bedding  5. Merona tote from Target  6. J. Crew No. 2 wool pencil skirt  7. J. Crew Factory straight and narrow corduroy pants  8. J. Crew Factory crystal necklace  9. Zoya nail polish in "Hunter"  10. ModCloth messenger bag

Inspiration:  1. Home via Houzz  2. Outfit via Cabins for Everyone

Linking Up:

Passion 4 Fashion at Rachel the Hat

Style Sessions at Style Elixir

Fall Must-Have: Utility Jacket

The second item that seems to be literally everywhere this fall is a utility jacket in this season's popular military-inspired olive green.  These jackets are perfect for layering, and available at different price points.  Would you save or splurge on this classic jacket?

View this set on Polyvore

Fall Color: Olive and Pumpkin

Autumn seemed very late in coming this year - up until this week, my students were still wearing shorts and flip-flops to class (either it was still warm outside or middle school is the new college).  Then, all of a sudden  - the trees started to slowly change to red, chrysanthemums started to bud, and the first frost hit yesterday night.  It's finally here, and fall color finally seems appropriate in all its cozy, warm familiarity.

View this set on Polyvore

Look #1: Old Navy khaki scarf, LC Lauren Conrad lace sweater from Kohl's, H&M boyfriend jeans, Herschel toiletries case from Zappos

Look #2: Tinley Road stud earrings from Piperlime, Sonoma chambray shirt from Kohl's, Banana Republic hobo-style handbag, LOFT skinny cords, Banana Republic bow ballet flats

Look #3: Mango polka dot sweater from John Lewis, J. Crew chinos, Mossimo ballet flats from Target (similar from Body Central)

clicks of note: all kinds of kinds...

get your week off to a colorful start...

• Today is the first day of school for my students, so I'm off early this morning to work on seating charts, finish my bulletin board, and make copies before they arrive.  I'm praying that the air conditioning in our building got fixed over the weekend! I'd really appreciate any positive thoughts and good vibes you'd like to send our way.

LISTEN. 

• My current favorite song is Miranda Lambert's "All Kinds of Kinds" - it's cute and quirky.  The CMA Music Fest airs on ABC tonight and I can't wait to kick back, relax, and hear a few of my favorite performers!

SWOON.

Archetype Studio via Style Me Pretty

• Style Me Pretty Texas features a stylish camping engagement session.
• This bright townhouse tour at Design*Sponge is full of budget-friendly ideas for getting modern style.
• Emmaline Bride features a round-up of ways to style birdcage veils.
• Photographer Jennifer Blair shares a classic navy wedding with a crazy-beautiful bride.

SMILE.

• I might be able to remember how to set a table with this guide from Antiquaria.
• Emmaline Bride features a clever mad lib-style RSVP card idea.
• A round-up of wedding guest fashion ideas at different price points from Molly.
• A friend's parents were featured on NPR's StoryCorps about their unlikely relationship.

FLASHBACK.

• Last year I reflected on this in-between season, shared coral, peach, and teal wardrobe inspiration that's perfect for vacation, recapped Kate Midleton's Olympic wardrobe and came up with budget-friendly versions of her outfits.  Two years ago, I shared ideas for honeysuckle pink wardrobe and home decor.

fall color: oxblood burgundy

The next color trending this fall has a sort of gross name, but makes a major statement...

1. LOFT skinny cords  2. J. Crew striped peplum top  

3. DSquared leather python print bracelet  4. J. Crew leopard print bracelet  

5. RGB nail polish in Oxblood from Otte  6. Mossimo ponte pencil skirt at Target  

7. GAP leather tote bag  8. Merona riding boots at Target  

9. J. Crew patent leather skinny belt

I've paired oxblood burgundy with camel, but it also works well with navy, olive, gray, black, and nude accessories.  Keep reading for styling inspiration!