Last call for summer clothes…

Well, I think it’s last call, maybe not as the forecast calls for the high 80’s here this weekend.

Anyhoo if you’re anything like me, you may have a few summery favorite frocks you still want to rock.

I almost didn’t buy this vintage number (from my favorite store in Nantucket, Current Vintage) as I wondered how much longer I could still wear it?

Have no fear, just add tall boots or booties and a jean jacket topper…

(I  mean, the hydrangeas are still in bloom in my garden, just as they are here on my back side, so I see no problem with this summery floral in September!)

A perfectly sensible bridge to the two seasons and savoring the outdoors for as long as possible.

So summer on (and don’t worry, those cute flannels and cozy knits will soon have their moment too) everyone and enjoy the weekend!

Finding myself in a sweet spot– the kids are back to school, all the forms have been filled out, slowly adjusting to our new schedule and by now, all the Back to School nights have been handled like a boss (not to brag).

All this and the weather is still nice as summer appears to still be hanging on.

But what do you wear? It’s still kinda hot, but definitely not summer.

How bout a little royal blue leather (ok, ok pleather!) and a flutter sleeve sweater?  May I just add that the flutter is really forgiving for middle age arms.  And isn’t a skirt with pockets just everything?

I anchor the look with suede booties as I seem to be wearing with all my transitional outfits.

Happy Back to School, Happy Humpday, Happy Still Summer and Happy New Year to my Jewish friends–no school for us tomorrow, come back as I post my “puttering around NYC” outfit.

Hey Everyone!

Hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend.

Such a good time to be with family, friends and put into focus the things that are most important in our lives.

With that in mind, many of your know, I’ve dedicated my career (this blog is good fun for me, but not exactly my “career”) to philanthropy and fundraising.  Wanted to share with you my new Website:

www.clillyllc.com

Would love to hear from you if there’s a non-profit doing work you find important and I can help.

Have a great week!

Among the photos in my folk’s albums, some of the images I treasure most are retro 80’s photos in Bermuda of my parents looking young, relaxed and tan.

These photos (including a fantastic one on a moped that I couldn’t find) provided the first of many motivations to travel to Bermuda.

Second being, suddenly Bermuda was listed in every travel publication as must-visit destination and back on the rise (from 80s grandeur that seems to have slipped until just recently).

This recent must-visit status I’m sure is also due in part, to Bermuda hosting the 35th Annual America’s Cup

The countdown was clearly on as well as the whole island being a-buzz and sporting America’s Cup T’s, hats, and garb of all kind in support of the big event.

We loved watching the boats practice on the Great Sound and look forward to the big event May 26th, it better be televised! Or we could go back…Go U.S.A.!

Another key contributor to the re-bound in destination attractiveness is the recently renovated hotel Hamilton Princess

The property is pristine and full of fantastic art and sculpture-

works by Matisse, Haring and Rene Margritte and more

grace the interior and exterior–with so many whimsical surprises around every corner–it feels like MOMA meets Bermuda

Marcus Samuelson’s namesake restaurant, Marcus, is nothing less than gorgeous and is the place to see and be seen

and of course eat delicious local fare.  Tip: don’t miss the Sunday brunch here.  Food and drink(mimosas) for days…

We couldn’t get enough of the place

and the beautiful infinity pool

overlooking the harbor

Ginormous yachts also anchor here

for some delectable dock-side fare

We visited the bar/restaurant 1609 three times.  A. was quite fond of the Bermuda Old Fashion.  Of course a dark & stormy is required at some point during your trip.

We also caught a few show-stopping sunsets here.

Another mandatory Bermuda beverage is a Rum Swizzle from the Swizzle Inn.  Just one of these pineapple rum concoctions was enough for me as I’m not quite the fruity drink girl, but when in Bermuda…

For fine dining and local favorites such as fish chowder (spiced up by Sherry Peppers) is Waterlot, a classic spot that has been there forever.

located right next to our hotels ferry

A visit to one of the 9 parish’s called Dockyard is a must

We grabbed a bite at Frog and Onion Pub
A traditional Ploughman’s lunch, remember, Bermuda is a British Colony so pub type items are typically seen on menus.

The Royal Naval Dockyard (formerly the base of the Royal Navy in the Western Atlantic) is now the base of all the America’s Cup activities

But Bermuda’s luscious beaches are always calling

the Fairmont’s private beaches are very cool
though there are warning signs for unwelcome Portuguese Man-o-war, even a terrifying name don’t you think?

hotel employees keep a look out and scoop them out of the water and then “pop them” like balloons and bury them?  Crazy huh?

Every water sport is available here, from snorkeling, scuba, paddle boarding, glass bottom boat tours, every possible water related activity imaginable.

P.S. the water was a little chilly still.  I hear June-Sept. is best water temp., though don’t get wrong, there were plenty of folks in the water.

We visited downtown Hamilton daily
Hog & Penny has been there forever, perfect spot for a dark and stormy.

But alas, none of our days there were dark and story, more like bright and clear–with abundant ways to relax and recreate such as golf

and tennis.  Our hotel even offered beach side yoga.

Or perhaps just a snooze skimming the water is all that is needed.

Can’t wait to go back to Bermuda again.

Special thanks to S.S. on all her great recommendations.  

We all have the list right? The travel list or some may call it The Bucket list.

Whether it be a family or friend’s recommendation or an inspiring photo shoot in a magazine, something has your juices flowing about a destination and you dream and scheme about getting there.

Bermuda was on such a list.

Located about 700 miles off the coast of  Cape Hatteras, N.C. is the gem of an Island called Bermuda.  Turns out, I have this thing with Islands (Nantucket, Manhattan, San Juan’s and others)but that’s another post…

An easy peasy 90 minute direct flight from NYC, and hopefully quick trip through Customs (Bermuda is a British Colony, so don’t forget your passport)and you have arrived.

Bermuda was formed by volcanic eruption.

Those quintessential pink sands that we associate with the beaches occur by coral being crushed finely and washed ashore.

While, speaking of color, the fantastic blue of the water is some of the most striking you will ever see.

OK, so geography lesson now covered, let’s get to “vacationing.”

From the airport we hopped into a taxi (plan on taxis being a significant expense of your trip as car rentals are not permitted, unless you are a brave soul and moped, we weren’t feeling so brave.  p.s. the taxis only take cash, luckily U.S. currency is accepted) to get whizzed down the left side of the road by a friendly and knowledgeable taxi driver.

Bermuda is composed of 9 Parishes.  The island is narrow, but long and you will want to be traveling to many of the different locations on the island.  As the airport is located in St. George’s Parish and we stayed in Southhampton, we had a fairly long, but informatively delightful taxi ride choc full of eye candy.

I immediately noticed a series of light horn taps by our driver as we made our way, and learned this is the way that Bermudians say hello to each other.  Our cab driver said that 85% of people who are native to the Island stay.  The more time we spent, I soon discovered why.

We observed the pristine white roofs and learned they are used to collect rain water, which is the primary source of usable fresh water on the island.

I mean aren’t these brightly colored buildings everything?

And must mention the iconic Bermuda shorts–worn by business men with knee socks.  I found it adorable.  Bermuda is the perfect mix of formal and casual in one.

Moongates are spotted everywhere on Island and according to locals, it’s considered good luck for Newlyweds to walk through–

Considering we were also celebrating our 15th Wedding Anniversary, I thought it certainly couldn’t hurt;)

Next post will include details about where we stayed, played and fed.

Stop back for more.