Last weekend Geoff and I decided to take a spontaneous day trip to Newburyport and Plum Island and it proved to be the best decision. Neither of us had been since we first started dating a few years ago when we went to a wedding at Willowdale Estate (an AMAZING location if you’re located in New England and are planning a wedding). For those not familiar with Plum Island, it’s located just a few minutes from Newburyport. Newburyport is located about 35 miles North of Boston.
I recently announced in this Instagram post that I will be launching a summer series on the blog all about summer day trips you can take from Boston. Every location will be able to be accessed in as much as a couple hours from Boston, some even shorter. I love going on new adventures, but a lot of the time, hopping on a plane just isn’t possible, whether it’s for financial reasons or schedule conflicts. I am a firm believer in the fact that you don’t have to go far to go on an adventure and to discover something new and great. Newburyport will be the first location in this summer day trip series, so stay tuned in the next couple weeks for that post!
Alaina Marie recently reached out to me about doing a giveaway with my followers and I was SO excited (check out my Instagram later tonight for details on how to enter the giveaway). Alaina Marie has been one of those brands I’ve been truly obsessed with since I first discovered them. If you’re not familiar, I’ll do a bit of a backstory. Alaina Marie is a female-owned and operated business located in Portland, Maine that uses the material used to make bait bags into beautifully handmade crafted clutches, wristlets, and bags. Bait bags are exactly what they sound like. They are bags filled with fish and bait that lobstermen then place in lobster traps in order to lure lobsters into their traps. It’s a marine grade mesh that is woven together.
The lobster and fishing industry is a huge part of Maine culture and how many make their living. My grandfather was a lobsterman throughout much of his life and so many of my friends from high school and their families are part of the fishing community. I have so much respect for all that they do. They are incredibly hard working and are often up at three in the morning and working 12-14 hour days throughout much of the year; even through the frigid winters. My best friend even had a lobster boat and lobstered for a few summers… can you say bada$$ chick?! Anyways, next time you’re in a fancy restaurant eating a delicious lobster dinner, I hope your mind thinks of these hard working men and women, even if just for a second.
I love the Alaina Marie brand for so many reasons, but one being that Alaina, the owner, came up with such a creative way to re-purpose material that would otherwise be thrown out or go un-used. Alaina Marie uses only re-purposed material, not used, so you don’t have to worry about it being smelly! All of the bags, clutches, and wristlets are hand-made, and no two bags are exactly alike. However, you can be sure that what you’re getting is a high quality, chic product. Since I’m constantly spilling things, I love that all of the bags are water-resistant and wipe clean. Because of the material they’re made from, they can also be put in the washing machine on cold (gentle cycle). Also, since the material is normally used to withstanding the Maine ocean, it’s incredibly durable and high quality.
I have (almost) one of each of their different styles of bags, so I thought I would go over the difference with you guys in case you’re planning on buying (and you should)!
The smallest size bag. Perfect for putting inside of a purse to keep your cash and cards organized. If I’m in a situation where I don’t feel like bringing my whole purse, I use this wristlet. Also, when I go to the beach, I throw this in my beach bag so that I don’t have to also bring a purse. It’s literally the perfect size. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been so annoyed when packing another brand of wristlet for a night out and your phone won’t fit into it. This clutch fits an iPhone 6! Life saver.
The next size up. Perfect for if you want something a bit bigger than the clutch. This is also great for putting inside a purse to organize the contents of your bag.
This size is probably my favorite and is the one I’m wearing in this Instagram and this Instagram. It’s perfect for making a statement and is mainly what I use as a purse in the summer or if I’m going to a summer event where I want an accessory that stands out. You can fit so much into it.
The largest size bag and the newest addition to the Alaina Marie collection. This bag is the one I’m wearing in the photographs of this post and is the the absolute perfect beach bag. The inside has a key clip which is perfect for keeping your keys in one spot. If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly searching through the bottom of your bag for your keys (which just so happen to always fall into the deepest crack of your bag every single time. There’s also a small inside pocket that’s perfect for keeping your phone in one spot (another item that always seems to go MIA in my bag)!
Next time you’re in Portland, Maine, make sure to stop by the Alaina Marie shop which is located on one of my favorite streets in New England, Fore Street in Portland. The street is home to incredible restaurants and so many cute shops. Also, head over to my Instagram to enter this giveaway and have a chance to win your own tote bag! Giveaway ends 5/31 at 11:59 P.M. If you’re not local to Portland, you can order online or check out a list of boutiques that carry Alaina Marie, here.
This bag is so cute! I love that it is made in Maine and inspired by the fishing industry there! Also loving your day trip idea- we live by so many great places, it’s a necessity!
xoxo, Jenna
Boston Chic Party
Thank you, Jenna! I love supporting local whenever I can, and it’s easy to do so when it’s this cute! Thanks for taking the time to read 🙂
Great pictures! I’ve always wanted to visit this area, it looks really beautiful and picturesque (I live in Barcelona, Spain, so the houses and the atmosphere is very different). Love,
Marta
Thank you, Marta! And thank you for taking the time to write such a sweet comment. I can’t wait to visit Barcelona one day! It seems like such an amazing place. You have to come visit here too! xo