Celebrating 5 Years of Navy Bleu in Watch Hill: A Perfect Coastal Getaway with Friends
Navy Bleu just turned five, and what better way to celebrate than with a close-knit group of friends and influencers in one of the most beautiful coastal spots in New England? Founded by our dear friend and original NECC member, Erin Hornyak, Navy Bleu isn’t just about coastal style—it’s about building a community of women who support each other, inspire creativity, and celebrate the coastal lifestyle we all love.
We marked the occasion with an unforgettable day in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, with a stay at the gorgeous Margin Street Inn, a scenic boat ride to Mystic, and an elegant dinner at the one-and-only Ocean House. It was the kind of day that reminds you of why we all love being part of this community—full of fun, friendship, and beautiful memories.
The Charm of Margin Street Inn
We kicked off the day at the beautiful Margin Street Inn, a place that feels like it was made for celebrations like this. Nestled on the Pawcatuck River with gorgeous grounds and river docks, the Inn immediately made us feel at home. It was the perfect spot to gather and connect, setting the stage for what turned out to be a magical day.
Our group of amazing women included Megan Schinella, aka Camp by Mama, Nina Clarke, Jen Fogelson (who you might know as Preppy Francophile), Diane Rose Spier, Mary Alice Waters, Jackie Ignall, Kayla Mandeville, Navy Bleu’s PR manager Patricia Mae Olson of Piqued PR, and yours truly. It was such a joy to be surrounded by like-minded women who have been cheering on Navy Bleu from the very beginning.
Hitting the High Seas to Mystic and Red 36
After some time soaking in the beauty of the Inn, we made our way to the docks in downtown Watch Hill for a private boat ride to Mystic. There’s something about being out on the water that just feels so Navy Bleu. The views, the breeze, and that carefree coastal vibe—it was all there.
We docked in Mystic and headed straight to Red 36 for lunch. If you’ve never been, it’s a must. The waterfront views and fresh seafood are exactly what you need on a day like this. The food was delicious, and the conversations were even better. We all laughed and shared stories about how Navy Bleu has brought us together over the years, and it reminded me why I love being part of this incredible community of women.
A Fun Shopping Stop at Island Outfitters
After lunch, we headed back to Watch Hill for a little shopping in town. Our first stop – Three Islands, a local boutique that specializes in coastal-inspired fashion, home decor, and accessories, including resort wear, jewelry, and nautical-themed gifts. Justin, the owner, is actually the brother of Sarah Cooper, who owns the Margin Street Inn, so it felt like we were keeping it all in the family! They treated our guests to a choice of outfits from their store, which was such a fun and generous surprise. Everyone left with something special to remember the day by.
Touring Ocean House and Dinner: The Perfect End to the Day
The day wrapped up with an incredible experience at Ocean House, starting with a quick tour of their luxurious penthouse suite. If you haven’t seen it yet, the views and the elegance of the space are absolutely breathtaking. We were also treated to a tour of the Ocean House’s collection of works by famed artist Ludwig Bemelmans, best known for his Madeline children’s books. Bemelmans‘ playful and whimsical style captures the spirit of adventure, making his work a perfect match for the Ocean House. The hotel proudly showcases a range of his pieces, which beautifully complement the grandeur and history of the property.
Finally, we gathered for dinner at the deckside Verandah restaurant Ocean House, where we enjoyed an incredible meal filled with fresh, local flavors. We toasted to Navy Bleu and all the friendships that have blossomed over the past five years. It wasn’t just a celebration of a brand, but of the community of women that has grown around it—women supporting women, sharing ideas, and lifting each other up.
It was a day that reminded us of what makes Navy Bleu and the New England coastal community so special—great style, yes, but also the incredible friendships and support we’ve built along the way. Here’s to the next chapter for Navy Bleu and all the exciting things to come!
