WARDROBE 101

All year long we anticipate our summer wardrobe and look forward to pulling out our favorite lightweight staples, as if they were old friends. Linen suits, loafers with no socks, seersucker, sandals, white jeans, and white dresses. There are so many choices it can be overwhelming! In light of this, we narrowed down the options to the absolute essentials. Presenting the TSG Summer Uniform for women, kids and men.

summer uniform for Her:
All white paired with colorful accessories

OK, before we get accused of being anti-color when it comes to fashion (and interiors, for that matter), consider this: have you ever seen a monochromatic outfit that looked overly trendy or out of style? Chances are the answer is no. Keeping your wardrobe within a neutral color palette ensures a timeless aesthetic. In the summer, the chic color to wear is white. And we say wear it from head to toe! Add color via bags, shoes, and exotic jewelry.

A white tunic should be your go-to for the summer. We’re fond of this Étoile Isabel Marant top because of its Bohemian vibe. You can buy it here from Haven in Nashville, founded by celebrity stylist and fashion expert Claudia Robertson Fowler. In addition to of-the-moment clothing lines, Haven sells great jewelry, shoes, bags and housewares. This Erickson Beamon Schiaparelli cuff is sure to add a punch to any outfit, as are these heels.

Haven: 615.790.7954 for details.

Some important pieces worth investing in are a white blazer, good quality denim, a ladylike structured purse, and the perfect white t-shirt. The quest for the perfect white t-shirt, by the way, is ongoing but we think we’ve found the winner: J Brand’s ready-to-wear collection includes these denim shorts, blazer, and white t-shirt.

The high price point accurately reflects the quality of this line and the fit of the clothes will last. Mimi in New Orleans carries a lot of the tops and blouses from J Brand’s new line, in addition to their denim. They also carry designer shoes and bags via CeCe shoe. We think these Coye Nokes sandals are sharp, and love the Loeffler Randall “Rider” Bag in natural vachetta leather.

Mimi Boutique and CeCe shoes. 504.269.6464 or visit their active facebook page.

Your absolute summer essential that you’ll wear all the time: The Little White Dress. We found these LWDs from Richmond store Frances Kahn. The Elizabeth and James shift and Alice + Olivia long sleeved dress are among their vast and ever growing inventory of designer pieces. The trick is to call them, as they are always having secret sales. Frances Kahn: 804.288.5246.

Pair your white dress with statement pieces like these incredible Coclico “Karmina” wedges and snakeskin purse from Phoenix, located in Richmond, VA. Phoenix is one of those stores that inspires you to take risks, in a good way! Pheonix: 804.354.0711.

SUMMER UNIFORM FOR THE KIDS: NAVY STRIPES

It’s so nice that during the summer, you don’t have to worry about bundling up your kids in cumbersome layers. Sundresses, tunics, shorts, rompers, and t-shirts are your staples this time of year. The color for kids this summer is navy, and putting them in stripes is so fun!

A great color combination, this navy sweater by Petit Bateau paired with these gingham gray shorts are perfect together or apart. Based in Princeton, NJ, Luxaby sells basics like these for babies, toddlers and older children.

For all the little girls out there, the news is good: the old fashioned Mary Jane t-straps come in gold now! How chic and grown up. In addition, the newest creations from legendary children’s designer, Florence Eiseman, are now available at Luxaby. We can’t get enough of this navy and white striped dress, or the blouse. Call the Princeton store for more details: 609.921.0065.

This is a real discovery: Leta Austin Foster Boutique located in Palm Beach, FL is one of the only shops in the USA to carry the European brands Loppi and Patricia Smith. Patricia Smith designs classic, beautifully crafted dresses and rompers, like the navy pique dress and sailboat outfit shown above.

For the boys, Leta Austin Foster Boutique has lots of custom shirts from Italian companies and European polo shirts on offer. Call for details and current sale listings: 561.655.7367.

SUMMER UNIFORM FOR MEN:
MUTED PASTELS and natural fibers

All of the stylish men we’ve ever known or looked up to aren’t scared of pastels. This summer, we suggest dressing in some of the popular muted pastel shades present in many menswear lines. And don’t be afraid to dress up. There are no rules anymore when it comes to blazers; wear them to any occasion and always include a fun pocket square.

Bills Khakis has a cult following at this point. The word is out about how comfortable, good looking and well made their clothes are. We love these linen pants and faded plaid shirt. The clothing boutique Sherman Pickey in Washington, D.C. has many more plaids, ginghams and chambray shirts to choose from. Contact: 202.333.4212.

Sherman Pickey also carries the popular swim-trunk line Vilebrequin, in addition to Peter-Blair pocket squares.

SAM and lilli is one of the few stores to carry the new men’s line, Life Beyond Denim. Based in Houston, TX, this boutique offers their entire line of multi-colored chino shorts, slacks and shirts. We like the funkier stuff they sell, like these printed shorts and retro-inspired plaid shirt. They also carry Frye boat shoes, which are essentially a hipster take on Sperry loafers. Contact: 713.942.9520.

RETAIL RECAP BY CITY

• Nashville: Tunic, bejeweled cuff and leather heels from Haven (615.790.7954)
• New Orleans: JBrand white denim, blazer and t-shirt from Mimi (504.269.6464)
• New Orleans: Loeffler Randall “Rider” Bag, Coye Nokes sandals (504.269.6464)
• Richmond: White designer dresses from Frances Kahn (804.288.5246)
• Richmond: Wedges and purse from Phoenix (804.354.0711)
• Princeton: Baby and toddler clothes from Luxaby (609.921.0065)
• Palm Beach: Custom made baby dress and romper from Leta Austin Foster Boutique (561.655.7367)
• Washington D.C.: Bills Khakis, Vilebrequin, Peter-Blair pocket squares from Sherman Pickey (202.333.4212)
• Houston: Colorful chinos, shorts, and shirts for men from SAM and lilli (713.942.9520)

Visit them or call.
Tell them SCOUT sent you.

(Image sources via our Pinterest Boards)

Bold, abstract, exotic fine art photography from Leidy Images.
Christopher Pulitzer Leidy (grandson of Lilly, R.I.P.) loves the life aquatic.
Vivid, unstudied documentation of oceanic scenery most people are never privy to.
Perfect for the photography lover or collector of contemporary art.
For details about what images he has available, see our Palm Beach blog.

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FOUNDER’S NOTE

With warmer weather comes less clothing, exposing what was hidden under cozy winter threads. Time for a health kick! To help point us in the right direction, we called on our founders, Susie & Christy, for some common sense lifestyle choices that can make a big difference when it comes to food. And get this: it doesn’t have to be hard. With a bit of intentionality, you’ll be on your way to feeling healthier. Tips for the whole family included.

“Lemon is alkalizing, helping to balance your ph levels. Apparently, disease thrives in an acidic environment so alkalizing foods are especially good. we add it to our water and drink it warm. it’s so easy.” -Christy

“We’ve been doing this blueberry shake every morning for the past three months. It’s delicious and a great way to get the kids to eat greens. The best part is that it holds you until lunch.” -Christy

Spinach, Blueberry, Cacao and Almond Butter Smoothie
(Serves 1 to 2)
- 1 large handful frozen blueberries
- 1 to 2 tightly packed cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
- Dash of cinnamon, to taste
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup coconut water, or purified water

In a blender, puree all the ingredients until smooth and creamy.

“EVERY WEEKEND I MAKE A HUGE FRUIT SALAD WITH MINT. I also HARD BOIL A DOZEN EGGS which LASTS US THROUGH THE WEEK. I feel this is an IMPORTANT and healthy way TO START THE DAY.” -SUSIE

How to make the perfect hard boiled egg:

STEP 1
Place eggs in a large saucepan. Cover them with cool water by 1 inch. Slowly bring water to a boil over medium heat; when the water has reached a boil, cover and remove from heat. Let sit 12 minutes.

STEP 2
Transfer eggs to a colander; place under cool running water to stop the cooking. Eggs can be peeled and served immediately.

TSG Tip: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water for shells that peel right off.

“My Mom always says, ‘When you grocery shop, stick to the outside aisles and avoid the middle’ which is usually where all the packaged and processed food is sold. we’ve been doing this now for a couple of years and have enjoyed the challenge.” -Susie

“Every so often, I will get the urge to detox. I never do it for long, just a few weeks. I do Dr. Axe apple cider vinegar drink which I usually mix in a mason jar and drink in the morning.” -Susie

Dr. Axe Detox Drink
- 1-2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Dash of cayenne
- Stevia
- 12 oz water

Stir together with a whisk or spoon. Chill in refrigerator for better taste.

“You don’t have to do a full workout or go running every morning to be healthy. (confession… I’ve never been a runner!) Instead, just do a few sun salutations. It will help center you for the day.” -Susie

For the steps to Sun Salutation, we usually look to TSG studios Inside Out in Charlotte and Ashtanga Yoga in Charlottesville.

(Image sources via our Pinterest boards.)

Love her work and her sea-adorning creations. Check out more of Melissa’s work on her website and enjoy!

Have a great weekend.
-TSG team

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Exclusive Charlotte Moss Interview + Giveaway
Gift Guide: Unique Father’s Day Finds

Perfect for the Father’s Day Feast!
A seriously delicious, high quality, certified humane, marble cut of beef.
Called the “king of all steaks” because it’s two top cuts of meat in one steak.
On one side is a bone-in strip steak; the other side is a portion of tenderloin.
Call 703.790.8300 for details; Cooking recommendations available.

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