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Sunday, May 19, 2013

Anchors Aweigh

by Heather

I love nautical-themed attire.
This isn't my first time with "nauti" style and probably won't be my last.
The disconnect is that we don't live near a lake or the ocean.
So, is it still okay to sport this look?
 Navy and white jacket - Macy's
Sequined navy and white anchor top - J Crew Factory
NYDJ denim crops - Nordstrom's
Michael Kors navy and white purse
Sperry navy and white polka dot wedges

I come by my love for water and all things nautical naturally.
My mother, who was born and raised in Whitley Bay, England, regaled us with stories of life along the coastline of the North Sea. When we visited family there, it became our favorite playground, too.
My dad spent his early years along the Massachusetts shore and joined the Coast Guard which is how he met my mother during WWII (the American Coast Guard was in England guarding their shores).

 Juicy Couture anchor necklace

When Tom and I started dating in high school,
we'd spend every waking moment of the summer on Lake Minnetonka
(in Minnesota -- Land of 10,000 Lakes)
water skiing and playing as only teens can do with his parents' speedboat.
With twin outboards -- two of the largest you could buy at that time -- and a cuddy cabin, we had a lot of freedom and speed. What were our parents thinking??
As newlyweds, Tom and I spent four years in the Navy. 
Well, he was in the Navy; I was a Navy wife on a very small base in northern California, and then at Alameda, the naval air station in the San Francisco bay. 
Again, our lives revolved around the water. 
My heart still beats a little faster when I hear "Anchors Aweigh" or see a sailor in his Navy uniform.
Juicy Couture ring, white and gold bracelet, gold bracelet with bling anchor; 
Coach navy and gold anchor bangle; Michael Kors gold watch

When we moved back to Minnesota, we kept a sailboat at the Shorewood Yacht Club on Lake Minnetonka. Our weekends were spent living aboard the boat throughout the summer and autumn months. It was only 20 minutes from our home but it felt as if we were hours away from high pressure jobs and the related stress. Remember, this was before cell phones kept people connected 24-7.  Although we had a ship-to-shore radio, it was only used for emergencies.
Even today, if I'm having trouble sleeping, I just imagine myself in the v-berth feeling the gentle rocking from the waves and it puts me right to sleep.
Bayfield 25

Also, during this time, I got into windsurfing. Great fun to do, and when my arms got weary, we'd attach the board to the sailboat with a length of rope and "surf" the very small wake of the sailboat's diesel engine. I think the fastest we could go was five knots!
 Macy's jacket complete with epaulets
Ann Taylor white and gold earrings

Our move to Arizona in the mid 80s brought a halt
to all water--related activities.
Our new hobby was flying (he flew; I navigated)
and then we switched to motorcycles.
But the love for water is still there and maybe when we both retire,
we'll get back into boating.
Meantime, I'll assuage the longing with nautical-inspired clothing.
And I think that's okay.

Love,
Heather


51 comments:

  1. One of the best nautical look I've seen on Blogsphere.. the jacket is the key piece, fabulous find! What a stunning wife, your sailor boy is one lucky man ;)

    GREETINGS FROM DUBAI
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES (a fashion and life-style blog)
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.ae/

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  2. You can do nautical wherever you like, you look awesome! And what a sea-worthy history you have : > Thanks for sharing with Vis Monday.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Patti. Always good to link with your site!
      Heather

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  3. Wow glad to have found you & your awesome style via Patti's linkup.....you truly have mastered the nautical look with all the lovely mix of those fabulous stuff from head to toe!!!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for finding us and leaving such a nice comment!
      Heather

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  4. What a great look, Heather - you paid so much attention to all those cute details.
    I love your earrings and your bag is awesome too!

    xx
    Annette
    Lady of Style

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  5. I love that purse!! I'd love for you to link up to My Style Monday. http://fashionsgreatesthits.blogspot.com/2013/05/my-style-monday_20.html

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kayla. Will link up to your My Style Monday right away!
      Heather

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  6. Yes to nautical! You look FANTABULOUS! It sounds like you lead an active and interesting life. Good for you!
    I was an Air Force wife for 5 years, and I love being around water, too!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jeannie. Did you like being an Air Force wife?
      Heather

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  7. It's always fabulous to wear nautical attire!

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  8. Gorgeously put together as usual Heather. I swear, you can run a theme like nobody's business!! I think you need to host a jewelry swap in which I am the only guest and I don't actually "swap" anything but just procure all of your great castoffs. Sound good?! LOL

    xo,
    Alyssa

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    Replies
    1. Oh, Alyssa. You made me laugh out loud! Too funny.
      Heather

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  9. you always have the BEST bags....LOVE that nautical stripe handbag!

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  10. Clearly it's a nautical fantasy, but that in itself is a good reason for wearing it with all the confidence it deserves.
    Pretty darned cute, Heather!

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  11. I'm dying to own the red and white version of the Michael Kors bag you're rocking. Love the Hamilton tote - especially the ones in nautical colors!

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    Replies
    1. You deserve that red and white Michael Kors bag. Just buy it!
      Heather

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  12. Hello,
    Very nice take on nautical,the jewelry really sets off the outfit.

    Found you on My Greatest Hits

    http://www.robincharmagne.com/blog

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by! I'll swing by and check out your blog.
      Heather

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  13. I LOVE the nautical look! AND I adore the J. Crew top! Thanks for linking up this fabulous look!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Sherry, for stopping by and leaving a comment.
      Heather

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  14. Replies
    1. Thanks,Kristin. I had my eye on that top when J Crew was carrying it, but didn't make the purchase. When I saw it again at the J Crew Factory, I knew I had to have it.
      Heather

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  15. I recently purchased the same top and I love it.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Iva. You'll have to let me know what you're wearing it with, okay?
      Heather

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  16. You did the nautical look to perfection! Thanks for sharing about your love of water! Your so personable and so stylish! Love your blog and all your outfits are just stunning! Ana

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    Replies
    1. Ana, thank you for your very sweet comments. You made my day!
      Heather

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  17. Loving the nautical theme!!

    www.satinandscotch.com
    https://www.keatonrow.com/stylist/lalili

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  18. love the sailor outfit! so cute! you rock it!
    kelseybang.com

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  19. I love how you always have a theme to your outfit and take it the whole 9 yards! You make getting dressed seem like so much fun :) Love the look and completely jealous that you can windsurf - tried once, and dying to try again!
    XO ~Kim @ popcosmo.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kim. I'm not sure I can windsurf anymore; I was much younger when I was doing that! Would like to try it again, though. Wonder if my old back could withstand the pull?? You'll have to let me know if you do it again; perhaps I can live vicariously through you.
      Heather

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  20. What a great outfit! We love anchors especially That BAG!
    www.SexyModest.com
    www.sexymodeststyle.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mariel. I'm going to have to check out your blog with that title "Sexy Modest Sytle."
      Heather

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  21. Love that jacket!

    Thanks for linking up please grab the badge/link and comment and you are good to go!
    ✰Transatlantic Blonde✰

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  22. I love nautical themed accessories too! Thanks for linking up.
    Tara
    Penniless Socialite

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  23. Great bag! Love the nautical look!
    Lori

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  24. Perfectly Nautical and as usual extremely nice.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Antionette, for visiting us and leaving a comment!

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  25. Thank you, Elle. I checked out your pink and navy -- darling!
    Heather

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