Our first week back in Vancouver has been chock full of coastal activities. Earlier in the week, my husband and I motored our new sailboat to the boatyard to get it hauled out for maintenance. It was the first time either of us had been out on it, so we had fun. It needs lots of work because it’s very old, but my husband is loving it all.
As many of you know, I’m not much of a water person (putting it mildly), but I’m surrounded by the beauty of the northwest coastlines, and my husband is a lifelong sailor, so I spend a fair amount of time near the water. Our first day working on the boat was exhausting. We scrubbed moss off as many surfaces as possible and generally exhausted ourselves. My back hurt for 3 days, so I quit, but my husband has been there every day working, and frankly, he loves it! He should have it in shape for the water pretty soon.
Outfits of Week
Being along the shore has me thinking of how much I love the coastal grandmother style. It was hugely popular several years ago and is back for the summer of 2025. It has nothing to do with being a grandmother, but it’s a style coined a few years ago that describes a relaxed, timeless look inspired by beachside living and classic elegance. It makes me think of Diane Keaton – all those Nancy Meyer movies from the early 2000’s.
The look typically features soft neutrals, natural fabrics like linen and cotton, and effortless pieces like button-down shirts, wide-leg pants, and cozy knits. Think beach-living with a pulled-together, unfussy, and quietly luxurious look. It’s exactly how I love to dress in the summer, so I guess it’s fitting that I am now, in fact, a coastal grandmother.
Here’s a classic beachside or deckside look for the summer featuring an L.L. Bean classic cotton polo, with Eileen Fisher organic linen shorts (on sale at Nordstrom Rack, and comfy Keds, topped with a soft, slouchy cotton cardigan for the ocean breezes, which always show up. I accessorized with added Ralph Lauren simple knot earrings, a Madewell wide-brim raffia hat, an L.L. Bean boat tote, and classic Wayfarer sunglasses. This is perfect for a day at the beach, a picnic in the park, or a farmers market run.
My daughter and I spent the weekend perusing furniture stores because she’s on the hunt for some pieces to add to her new home. We spent a fair amount of time in the big box stores, looking for some modern inspiration, and then eventually made our way to a large antique store in the City.
There were some real treasures in there! I saw versions of chandeliers I have owned (and paid way more for…) and dining room tables with carvings so familiar I’m racking my brain and phone for photos of my old tables and armoires.
She ended up buying a beautiful antique Louis XVI style oval-shaped table, with leaves, from the late 19th century. Now we’re on the hunt for some modern chairs to help it fit in with her overall decor. We spent some time scouring Pinterest for ideas, maybe a ghost chair or a chunky boucle rounded chair.
Back to the Forest
One of my favorite places of all is the forest, and we had some time to wander through it this weekend and the fresh air was intoxicating. I’m trying to be consistent with my fitness routine for the summer, and these weekly walks are a great way to get me out and moving.
It was chilly in the morning, so I wore a knit beanie and layered up with my navy sweater and a light rain jacket. My shoes left something to be desired, but I needed to be able to trudge through the mud in my happy place.
Looking back at my last week of outfits, it seems so clear that I am a coastal grandmother through and through! Soft knits, neutrals, coastal colors…
Are you a fan of the coastal grandmother style? You’ll be seeing me wearing the look often this summer.