[preppy kid's birthday wish list]

[Southern Proper pullover: $125] [Hudson Sutler dopp kit: $60] [Smathers & Branson belt: $165]

[Daniel Wellington watch: $195] [Austen Heller loafers: $195]

[CB Station monogrammed weekender: $110] [J. Crew wallet: $25]

Birthdays are a good opportunity to splurge without feeling too guilty. Whether it's for yourself or for a significant other/family member/friend, it's fun to get/give something special that you/they might not typically buy.

Even though our birthday was yesterday (24), we'll be seeing some family members this weekend for one last long weekend at the beach, so here are some ideas for them (wink wink)!

[summer in the city outfit ideas]

[Brooks Brothers shirt] [Duke & Winston hat] [Vans for J. Crew sneakers]

[Ray-Ban sunglasses] [KJP belt] [Southern Proper shorts]

Summers in DC are great. Whether walking on the Mall, visiting the monuments/museums, or just eating/drinking outside, here are some of the items I wear on a typical weekend in the city.

Some of my favorite things to do in the city: stroll through the food and art vendors at Eastern Market, go to the Newseum (definitely worth the admission fee-plus your ticket lasts for two days so you can go back the next day) and go shopping in Georgetown by the water. What are your favorite spots?

[j.crew anchor print shorts]

Finally, spring is here! Which means, soon enough, it will be shorts season. While looking for a new pair of shorts to throw into our warm weather rotation, we were instantly drawn to this pair from J. Crew.

Last year, the 9" Stanton short from J. Crew was our go to pair of shorts, and we grabbed them in a bunch of colors (bright blue, yellow and orange). New this year is The 9" Stanton short in anchor print ($69.50), which has everything going for it (navy- check, nautical- check, great fit-check). As for the price, it's higher than we usually like to pay, but J. Crew has plenty of sales, so you should be able to get it for less if you keep an eye on your inbox. For example, you can currently get 25% off your purchase by using the code HEYSPRING.

The 9" length is a great length for everyday wear (at 6'1" shorter shorts can sometimes be too short, not that we don't push it, like here and here). These shorts are also lighter weight than the traditional Stanton short, which makes them perfect for those especially warmer days. The fact that they're currently on backorder online proves that these shorts are definitely going to be popular this spring. Good luck getting your hands on a pair!

[nautical sock options]

[Gap mini anchors] [J. Crew lobsters] [Banana Republic anchor] 

[Ralph Lauren sailboats] [Sperry Top-Sider plaid]

As the snow continues to fall outside, it's clear that boat shoe weather is still far off. In the meantime, these nautical socks keep you warm and add some prep in your step (see what I did there?). Of course, when it does finally get nice out again, please don't wear these or any socks with your boat shoes.

[valentine's day gift guide for her]

[Lilly Pulitzer bangle] [Kate Spade heart earrings] [C. Wonder monogram jewelry box]

 [J. Crew necklace] [Kate Spade watch]  

Pink, gold and monograms- that pretty much sums up this Valentine's day gift guide for her. No matter how long you've been dating or been married, every woman loves to receive a special gift that shows thought. Here's a couple gift ideas to consider, but remember- focus on the love, not the gift. And chocolate, never forget the chocolate.