I Split My Time Between NYC and Cape Cod—35 Picks That Scream "City Meets Coastal Chic"
The minute I scrolled across my first TikTok from Martine Lavelle, I was hooked. The stylish social media coordinator and content creator regularly shares a glimpse into her thoughtfully curated life, her focus spanning from fashion to beauty to home décor. During the summer months, there is one clear way to describe Lavelle's aesthetic thanks to her splitting time between New York City and Cape Cod: city meets coastal chic. I recently reached out to the undeniably cool girl to see if she would be down to share her must-have list for achieving this look, to which she happily agreed.
Spending time between the NYC and the iconic New England coast makes Lavelle uniquely qualified to master a mix of preppy Cape Cod style with a signature touch of city edge. This is clearly evidenced in the stellar roundup she put together for this story. Think of-the-moment dresses, striking jewelry, sleek shoes, and elevated basics as well as some of her go-to beauty picks, including a blush that creates a "perfect sunburn" effect. Scroll on to discover and shop Lavelle's top picks alongside some of her greatest Instagram outfits to get you inspired.
"I'm the kind of girl that can wear a T-shirt every day, but why not make it cute? This Pamela Anderson x Re/Done collab speaks to my soul."
"A little kitten heel is a really fun addition to a 5'3" girl's wardrobe. Just a little extra fun."
"The timeless bag is so functional and always reminds me of being on the Cape packing your bag for a boat day. It's perfect for weekends away or just your daily bag."
"These Still Here jeans are so soft. As someone who passionately hates hard, uncomfortable denim, I greatly appreciate these."
"This dress has easily become a go-to. You feel like Gigi Hadid walking to L'Artusi yet Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy getting off the boat all at once. It's the perfect dress for summer nights."
"I live in this denim shirt. It's timeless and effortlessly cool over a bathing suit with jeans or my Nili Lotans. A denim shirt is perfect for every occasion."
"There is no better feeling than throwing on a Dôen dress. It feels like pajamas, but somehow, you look like Cami Morrone at the same time. After a long beach day, I throw this on with my beachy hair, sunglasses, and a nude lip. It really can be that easy."
"My favorite thing about jewelry is that it can elevate any look. A pair of white jeans and a white top is clean and cute, but add this pendant in and you are immediately the cool girl at the function. Who doesn't love a little spice?"
"This is the most perfect blush. Perfect sunburn in a bottle."
"Am I the only one who thinks about the movie Aquamarine on a weekly basis? Specifically, the turquoise dress in it? Reformation makes this dream a reality, and maybe you'll even have the summer fling with the hot lifeguard too."
"Eat, sleep, breathe, bangles. I'm obsessed with these. The combination with the wood is so stunning and can literally transform any outfit. Simply a must."
"I seriously live in these J.Crew oversize cashmere sweaters. This one is so cozy and perfect with jeans or with sweats. The coziest staple."
"Maison Hotel creates the most gorgeous pieces. I love this dress—it can be dressed up or dressed down. It's like wearing pajamas except you look fabulous."
"You know I love a huge necklace. This Éliou shell necklace is such unique piece to have in your wardrobe."
"I can't tell you how many days are spent in all of these Camille & Company dresses. I love this small brand so much from Greenwich, Connecticut. The owner is so lovely, creating these amazing, unique dresses. I will always support this woman-owned business."
"I'm obsessed with a fun flat. These are so comfortable for walking around NYC and still looking cute."
"I love a tank. Perfect for bed, perfect with jeans, perfect with sweats. Kind of just a must?"
"There's no one else that makes a better bikini than Frankies. My summer uniform."
"This leave-in conditioner is essential. This leaves my hair so hydrated and soft."
"If you know me, you know I take my pajamas very seriously. Donni has created the perfect pointelle pants that are so cute and so cozy. I live in these."
"This dress is perfect for nights in the city or barefoot on the beach. Dress it up with my RDR bangles to add some fun, and you're now effortlessly chic."
"Since I discovered Roz, my hair has never felt better. It's so hydrated, soft, and healthy. I cannot recommend this shampoo and conditioner enough. From swimming all day on the Cape or walking around NYC, showering with this combo will guarantee a good hair day no matter where I am."
"I love this Reformation top. It's so flattering and gives amazing support. With jeans and a kitten heel, this top is a go-to for a night out with friends."
"These are my go-to pants. They are so flattering, and the material is amazing. With flip-flops or kitten heels, they're so cute."
"I'm in the market for a new bag, and I love this leveled-up tote bag. The brown is gorgeous and timeless."
"This Réalisation dress is so flattering, and the print is just so fun."
"This color is stunning. Throw this on over a bathing suit or pair with pants. It's so versatile and can make any outfit."
"I have worn these Gimaguas pants almost every day since I got them on sale in June. I recently wore them to Lilia in Williamsburg with a top from Miaou and also just wore them to the beach yesterday with my bathing suit."
Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.
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