Summer Reads

TGIF! The work week is coming to a close which means its time for one of my favorite summer activities…hitting the beach and getting lost in a great book! Reading, especially while at the beach hearing the wave’s crash in the background, is very relaxing and the perfect way to wind down from the office hustle and bustle. This summer there seems to be tons of great novels I’m finding it hard to pick just one. Currently, I have two lists that I’m slowly picking my way through the “must read list” that features more hard hitting serious novels and the “beach read list” which as you can imagine highlights chic lit at its finest.

I’ve included my lists below and would love to hear what’s on your lists. Do you have any great novels you can recommend? What’s on your summer reading lists? Oh and if you’re a book-alcoholic like me check out www.goodreads.com it’s a great site for book-lovers!

“Must Read” List:

1. Tinkers – Paul Harding
2. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake – Aimee Bender
3. The Help - Kathryn Stockett
4. Still Missing – Chevy Stevens
5. Innocent - Scott Turow

“Beach Read” List:

1. Heart of the Matter – Emily Giffin
2. One Day – David Nicholls
3. Best Friends Forever - Jennifer Weiner
4. Belong to Me - Marisa de los Santos
5. A Vintage Affair - Isabel Wolff

Comfortable Chic

I love summer, I love the outdoors and I love staying active BUT I despise the heat and humidity. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the nice weather and everything summer brings but I have trouble trying to not break a sweat just by walking from my front door to my car. Trying to beat the summer heat, while staying comfortable and chic can be achieved (if I can do it so can you!). Follow my tips for simple and chic summer styling; hopefully they will help you stay cool, comfy and fashionable all summer long!

1. Wear light colors – they reflect heat while darker colors will absurd it.
2. Try a jersey dress – lightweight and breathable fabric is key!
3. Invest slightly above knee length skirts – East, breezy and well beautiful!
4. Rock the boyfriend shirt – Over sized clothing is less restricting.

Do you have any advice? Share you tips for comfortable summer fashions below.

Summer is a wonderful thing!

I just had a fantastic week off. I really love summer. I spent a lot of time at the beach as the weather here was 90+ degrees and very humid. Everything about the beach is great in my eyes. We visited three different beaches so far. Two I had never been to. Old Silver Beach in Falmouth is my all time favorite. It has white soft sand, warm clear water and fried dough. You cannot ask for more than that! The first time I go to the beach each year brings the same feeling for me. Apprehension. How am I going to look in my bathing suit this year? For some reason I didn’t have that feeling this year. Gone was the feeling that I am not good enough or that there is something inherently wrong with me. I was very comfortable in my skin. (Though far from perfect) What I have found is that most people at the beach are just like me. They do not have the perfect body and wear bathing suits that cover most of the things that need covering. Who said we had to look like models to enjoy the beach. Yes, there are some young people in the little bathing suits getting their summer tan. (See me when you are 50 after all of that sun). For the most part it is the average mother and father with their kids or grandparents with their grandchildren just enjoying the beach. Everyone with the pails and shovels, cooler full of goodies and of course the big umbrella for some much needed shade. I am planning on taking advantage of every opportunity to visit new beaches this year. Once summer is gone I want to feel like I didn’t miss a thing. Check out these bathing suits on the Chadwicks of Boston Website. All on sale!

Jeans, Jeans - Bring them On!

Whether it's Summer or the start of the Fall Shopping season, jeans know no season! Jeans are like a part of your daily diet, you just have to have them or you cannot survive. They go great with a cute summer tee or a colorful Fall sweater. You can dress them up or down to fit your every need or desire and you have an instant outfit for working all day or playing all weekend. After all, who doesn't love a great pair of jeans that feels and looks good. I say bless the person who invented stretch denim too because that's the ultimate in a comfy pair of jeans. The great thing about jeans is that they have different washes too like dark, medium and light so you can get them all and create different looks. Chadwicks has a great denim collection to fit your style so why not try on a pair today. What's your favorite fit jean? I like bootcut and sits at natural waist.

Accessorize!!

Dont you just love summer accessories? There are so many great ways to update your summer look without spending lost of money just by changing up your accessories! Jewelry pieces in silver, wood or even colorful plastics are inexpensive, but add a pop to your wardrobe. Straw bags and totes are another inexpensive but fun look for the summer. And a great belt is always an easy way to change up your look. Check out all of the great accessories at Chadwicks!!

Summer Fashion Statements

I find summer to be a relaxing and fun season. There’s nice weather, family BBQ’s, vacations and playful yet classy summer clothing. For me, summer is a time to make bold fashion statements the best way I know how…with an amazing accessory! I like to make sure that my accessories can go with any outfit, transition from day to night and carry from the beach to a backyard BBQ or possibly a fancy night out! My top choices are large (and numerous) bangles, over-sized sunglasses, cute sandals and big floppy hats. Each has their benefits from sun protection, to comfy footwear to classic chic style. So how do you accessorize in the summer? Do you have a favorite piece or must have fashion accessory?

CHADWICKS Celebrates Successful Partnership with “The Balancing Act”

CHADWICKS and “The Balancing Act”, a weekday morning show exclusively for and about women airing on Lifetime, are pleased to announce their recent success. Three segments focusing on fashion and featuring CHADWICKS clothing won Telly Awards! What are the Telly awards you ask? Well, these awards specifically honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, including film and video productions. In fact, they are a highly coveted industry award!

It has been an honor to work with and be featured on “The Balancing Act” a morning show the both inspires and empowers women. If you haven’t already please be sure to watch the three segments “Dressing For Special Occasions”, “Changeover Fall Fashion Makeover” and “New Host’s Stylin In Boston”on our YouTube channel now.


So commemorate this special occasion with us. CHADWICKS is now offering 30% off one item with code CHBA. You must act fast because this offer is only valid through 7/22/10. Shop us today.

It's Like Riding a Bike...

You know the phrase "it's like riding a bike, you never forget!" well it's not entirely true, you're a little nervous and shaky at first, but you will remember eventually. Lately, I've been really into bike riding - I've been going so often, I outgrew my cute little beach cruiser and bought a real (grown-up) road bike. There are a number of bike-friendly trails all across Massachusetts and New Hampshire that make for a great leisurely ride, a good workout and all around good time! We went on one trip - it was 14 miles of paved, flat, shaded bike path that ended near a lake and had a little picnic lunch, totally beats sitting in the hot car waiting in traffic to go to the beach!
I'm no 'Lance Armstrong' but I do enjoy a 10+ mile ride every once in a while, but I'm not really sure about the cyclist fashion style - tight spandex shorts and lycra, form-fitting shirts, soccer cleat looking shoes - I'm sure all that fancy clothing makes for a more aerodynamic, smoother ride - but I just don't have the figure to wear spandex all over! I think I'm going to opt for a casual pair of shorts, t-shirt and a hoodie - this terry set from Chadwicks is already sitting in my cart :) Because in the end, it's really what you're comfortable in. The most important bike riding gear is a proper fitting helmet: You always want to protect your head in case of anything!

So, pack a picnic lunch, ditch the car and bike ride somewhere!

Exclusive Friday Free 4 All Contest via Twitter

To celebrate the enjoyment of Friday’s we are launching an Exclusive “ Friday Free 4 All Contest” via Twitter. Starting today and continuing through the rest of July we will be tweeting one question related to CHADWICKS every Friday at 12pm EDT. Tweet us your answer by 3pm EDT that same Friday and you could win FREE CHADWICKS merchandise of your choice!

We will choose 3 random winners from all the correct answers. The winners will then be able to choose one free category item (related to the question) as their prize. Please know that it may take 2-3 weeks to receive your prize.

So now is the time to find and follow us on Twitter, CHADWICKSDOTCOM, because you don’t want to miss your chance to win free merchandise!

Show your 4th of July Colors!

4th of July is one of the best days of the summer, especially if you live near the Boston area. The city is filled with festivals, parades, historical tours, Fireworks, and of course the Boston Pops on the Esplanade. Make a splash with your wardrobe this day and show your American pride, without having to wear funny hats or Abraham Lincoln paraphernalia. Here is a great simple dress, pair it with a denim jacket and some colorful shoes, and you look stylish and festive!