Pinterest finds: 10 end-of-summer goodies

With September here, it looks like summer 2014 is officially over! Goodbye, lazy days! Goodbye, refreshing treats on a sunny afternoon! And soon enough, goodbye, polo shirts! To give summer the proper send-off it deserves, I turned to Pinterest for some last-minute inspiration, like this tire swing in the middle of the lake…

Lots of quality beach time…

Never-ending sunsets…

Delicious desserts…

Marathon bike rides…

Colorful nail art…

Light-up-the-sky fireworks…

Refreshing drinks…

Laid-back fashion (look, it’s denim shorts again!!)…

…and a print for your home, so you can have those summer memories with you all year long!

Here’s to those wonderful summer memories!! Now, bring on the cool days of fall… xoxo

Savoring Summer #1: Anchor bracelets

This summer, I’ve been completely obsessed with all things nautical. We’re talking stripes, sailboats, lighthouses, sneakers. I’ve even found myself clipping inspiration from magazines for an actual, real life, in-the-flesh pinboard — yeah, I’m that obsessed. But at the top of my nautical wishlist? Anchor bracelets! They’re simple and delicate with just the right amount of flash and pop to make them the perfect piece of arm candy. Plus, I love the symbolism behind them — having something that anchors you down and keeps you grounded.

I’ve spent many an evening scrolling through all the pretty possibilities on the good old Internets. Here are six of my favorites…

1. Anchor bracelet in grey, $14.99
2. Jack and Bobby rig, $38
3. Navy leather wrap bracelet, $58
4. Peach/gold anchor bracelet, $26
5. Silver anchor rope bracelet, $60
6. Nautical gold anchor bracelet, $11.92

Are you a big fan of the nautical trend, friends? Any favorites? Now all we need is a giant sailboat and an open sea. Who’s with me? xoxo

How are you savoring summer?

Allow me to put on my beatnik hat and wax poetic for a moment: The end is near. Like those beautifully white puffy clouds, the summer is drifting away. We walk a little faster as we feel the brisk chill in the air. We watch the glow of the sun as it sinks deeper and deeper into the crimson sky. And we might even lather up on the sunscreen just so we can carry that beach smell with us all day long.

Yes, friends, now more than ever, we’re looking to savor those last few sips of lemonade! So, I thought it would be fun to celebrate summer’s last hurrah this week with some fun themed posts. Look for lots of inspiration on savoring these dog days of summer…

But, first, I’d love to hear: how are you savoring the summer? Doing anything to celebrate? Long walks? Ice cream runs? Nightly bonfires? Let’s chat, shall we? xoxo

P.S. More simple summer pleasures, like sun rooms, flowing dresses, popsicles, glamping, temporary tattoos, baseball tees, fruity ice cubes and road trip essentials! :)

[Photos via We Heart It]

Sponsor Spotlight: Olive Yew

One of my favorite things about summer fashion is the dainty, delicate vibe when it comes to jewelry. There’s just something about the laid-back beauty of summer that really makes a statement when it comes to some summer trends. One of my new favorite examples? Olive Yew, the North Carolina-based jewelry line from designer Angela Parker-Kennedy. Angela is inspired by the stylish women from her childhood and a never-ending fascination with jewelry. Her pieces, she says, embrace a design that is as timeless as it is versatile — everything from necklaces to bracelets to rose gold rings to earrings! Read on for more of Angela’s inspirations and her tips for finding good deals online! xoxo


Keep in touch…
Official Web site: Olive Yew
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Tell me about Olive Yew. What’s the inspiration behind its launch?
I always like simple, petite jewelry (and things in general), so it made sense to me to focus on petite jewelry when I began learning how to make it. I was phasing out of a contract position in corporate and I just couldn’t fathom going back into a cubicle environment. I decided to take a local jewelry making class and really enjoyed it. I’ve always made stuff and I majored in art in college. I didn’t expect this to take off the way is has, but I was pleasantly surprised. Olive Yew has allowed me to remain out of a cubicle since 2011.

Your shop features so many inspiring finds. What inspires you the most?
I get inspired by the smallest things and sometimes it comes from seemingly nowhere. I always try to boil everything down to simplicity. I can let a design get a little crazy, sleep on it and strip it down to the basics…but it’s way easier when I know when to stop.

What are your top tips for shopping online and finding great deals?

1. Google is your friend. I Google almost every item I purchase online to make sure it’s not on sale somewhere else.
2. Check shipping costs too. I hate finding a lower price only to find out that I have to pay a ton in shipping or that I have to pay shipping per piece. At Olive Yew, we have a flat fee for shipping no matter how many items you purchase, and we offer free shipping days often (and promote them on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr & Facebook).

What are some of your favorite fashion and jewelry trends this summer?
I love the orange and florals this season. I also appreciate that heels are getting thicker so I can walk in a pair! As far as jewelry, I prefer timeless pieces over trends.

What is your favorite piece in your shop and why?
This changes often, but right now, my favorite piece is our name bracelet. It works so well with numbers, letters, Roman numerals or symbols. It’s really the perfectly personalized piece.

Wednesday Giveaway!

Today’s giveaway is from Michelle from Mischka Boutique, the Sydney-based jewelry designer of eclectic, beautiful and one-of-a-kind pieces — everything from rings to necklaces to bracelets to earrings. Not only does Michelle feature her own unique designs, but she also feature the work of local and international designers. “We search far and wide for those stunning creations that add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit — so you don’t have to.” How cool is that? I love the marketplace feel of her shop!

She’s giving away this sparkling LOVE necklace in rose gold ($99) to one lucky reader. The necklace is rose-gold plated with high quality cubic zirconia crystals and sterling Silver. The chain length of the necklace is 42cm. It would be fun to add a little bling to your summer wardrobe, don’t you think, friends?

For your chance to win, simply visit Mischka Boutique, and leave a comment below, along with how you’d style the necklace if you won. You can also LIKE Mischka Boutique on Facebook and FOLLOW on Twitter for extra entries — just make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry and include @melissablake in your tweet. A winner will be chosen at random next Wednesday, July 23rd, so you’ve got a whole week to enter! Good luck, friends! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Courtney! Thanks so much! :)