This is a statement skirt if I’ve ever seen one.  The beige color is offset with a bright, colorful yarn stitched in a stripe pattern.  It wraps around your waist with a side tie closure and features an asymmetrical ruffle hem along the bottom.  I can wear this skirt with a number of tops in my closet, and may just pair it with a swimsuit top on an upcoming beach weekend getaway.  Here, I chose to pair it with a cotton magenta tank top.  Very simple, effortless, and cool for a hot summer’s day.

Tularosa makes beautiful designs, although sometimes a little pricey.  Pick pieces that can be worn over and over again.  This is probably my favorite summer wardrobe purchase so far this year.  I’m also loving stripes.  You can wear these midi length wrap skirts with flat sandals, like the ones I’m wearing here to dress it down, or dress it up with some espadrilles.  I’ve said it before, espadrilles are the quintessential summer shoe.  See this post for a perfect black leather pair by Michael Kors.

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photography by Paprika Southern Studios

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The Dress

It’s been over 40 years since Diane Von Furstenberg invented the infamous wrap dress.  It’s no wonder why it’s still as popular as ever. I believe that this style dress will compliment any body type.  This classic polka dot wrap dress is a timeless print and style.  I found this at DressUp Boutique for less than $50!  If you’re looking for special occasion outfit, or just wanting to spice up your wardrobe for summer, DressUp stocks new styles every week at very affordable prices.  This post features several dresses from DressUp that I wore in Greece last summer.  Unfortunately, the above is no longer available (again, styles come and go weekly), but I’ve linked some very similar ones below.

Accessories

Yellow is definitely one of the “it” colors this year.  These neon hued earrings punch up the classic black and white print to give it a funky twist for summer.  Of course, this style is sold out but Baublebar has some great alternatives at comparable prices.  The sunglasses are by Tiffany & Co. and the watch is by Kate Spade NY.  Linked below…

The Bag

Straw handbags are all the rage this summer.  It’s a great way to accessorize an outfit when at a tropical location, or bring that festive summer look to you.  This eyelash straw clutch came from Francesca’s for $38 – the eyelash design is sold out, but there are actually some prettier ones with color and the same zipper tassel still available (linked below)…

The Shoes

Similar to the dress, these Michael Kors black leather upper espadrilles are classic and could go with just about everything in my closet.  I think that these shoes are definitely a staple that you can wear for most of the year (or at least you can here in the south). Espadrilles are the essential summer shoe, laid back and comfortable enough to replace heels when you plan to do some walking.

Whether you’re shopping for resort wear, or just looking for a fun summer outfit, this ensemble can be worn for years and won’t go out of style.  The best part is that all of these pieces can be mixed in with what you already own.  What destinations are you heading to this summer?  Maybe I should pull together a beach themed shopping guide(??)  Comment below!

 

Cheers!


photography by Paprika Southern Studios

 

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Thank you, Karl Lagerfeld for creating a line of clothing and accessories that are affordable!  For those not familiar… Karl Lagerfeld is a photographer and the Creative Director for Chanel.  He has worked with many fashion houses throughout his career.  He has been loved, as well as hated by many.  He continues to lead not only Chanel, but Italian brand Fendi, in addition to curating own designs, including this coat that I picked up for $100 (can you believe it?) from his Karl Lagerfeld Paris collection.

Fashion icon, Jackie O… Quite possibly one of the most memorable fashion ensembles in American history, the pink suit that Jacqueline Kennedy wore on the day that President Kennedy was assassinated, was indeed a Chanel.  She was the epitome of a Chanel muse.  Her signature oversized black sunglasses and timeless chic style will be mimicked by inspiring fashionistas for generations to come.  Here is my stab at a 2017 version of a Jackie O inspired look that works well for work or play.  I wore this to an early morning meeting and then to a champagne brunch at Atlanta’s most fabulous french cafe, Le Bilboquet.  I want to think that both Karl and Jackie would approve.

Details:  Sunglasses by Tiffany & Company | Black distressed jeans by Nordstrom | white shirt by Calvin Klein | black patent heels by Steve Madden (similar style here)| handbag by Kate Spade (similar style here)| black bow bangle bracelet by Kate Spade (similar style here)| gold chain bracelet from Woo Skincare & Cosmetics (similar style here) | Rose gold crossover ring from Nordstrom | black earrings by Baublebar

crisp white shirt, career wear, black mary jane heels, patent leather, tiffany sunglasses, chic fashion, jackie o, fall fashion, winter fashion,

crisp white shirt, career wear, blonde lob, icy blonde, tiffany sunglasses, chic fashion, jackie o, fall fashion, winter fashion,

bauble bar black earrings

 

chunky gold bracelet

crisp white shirt, career wear, black mary jane heels, patent leather, tiffany sunglasses, chic fashion, jackie o, fall fashion, winter fashion, tweed coat, karl lagerfeld

tiffany and co sunglasses

white long shirt - calvin klein

chanel inspired coat - karl lagerfeld

chic black and white - karl lagerfeld

patent leather pumps - steve madden

french bistro, champagne, chanel, karl lagerfeld

karl lagerfeld coat

Photography by KVC Photography

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As if one would need a reason to buy anything in lace…  Lace is a timeless material, classy and chic.  In my opinion, it never went out of style (and never will).  But lace is definitely “in” right now and a staple that you should add to your closet.  I’ve always loved tulle, sequins, sparkles, and lace.  It’s just a girly-girl type of material and I can never get enough of any of it.   I love this top in particular because it can easily be dressed up or down.  I have tucked it into a pencil skirt to wear to the office, and I’ve dressed it down, like you see here.  I paired this ivory top from fab’rik boutique (currently unavailable online, but similar style here) with jeans and nude pumps for a day of shopping and it was comfortable, not too “dressy”, yet still chic.  No, I did NOT hit the stores for Black Friday shopping. However, I did venture out on Saturday and Sunday to a couple of home stores for holiday decor.  The crowds were still awful.  Stay tuned for some glam decorating ideas for the holidays.  This top, by the way, would be perfect for a Christmas party.  I would wear it with a bold red lip (I love the classic MAC Red) and either a black skirt or black moto leggings from Spanx (also available at fab’rik).

Happy shopping!

 

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bag by Kate Spade – jeans by Hudson Jeans – shoes by Jessica Simpson – earrings by DressUp Boutique – top by fab’rik 

 

Photos by KVC Photography

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If you watched any of my InstaStories, then you would have met Erica.  Erica is my sister-in-law and NYFW partner in crime.  She was a trooper and marched through the city in these 6 inch boots until she almost passed out.  On day three, we made our way to Skylight Clarkson Square and after waiting (standing) for almost two hours, we were invited into the Namilia runway show.  Once we were in (standing room only), I looked over and Erica was on the floor.  My feet, however seemed to have went numb and the pain dissipated as the Disney music came on and the models walked down the runway in the most outrageous designs that I have EVER seen in person.  Just take a look here.  Worrrrth it. After all, standing is the new sitting.

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I wish I could say that I were wearing these Jessica Simpson booties (similar style here) that night.  They are super comfortable.  Below is my daytime glam look.  This would work nicely for the office, daytime shopping, or a night out.  It’s all about versatility.  I wore this to DUMBO on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to take in the view of the city and then we went for cocktails at a speakeasy called Bathtub Gin, cleverly hidden beyond a secret door in a coffee shop located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.

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This Express dress (now on sale 40% off!) is a classic shape sheath with small balloon sleeves and a simple bow belt.  You can take a classic style (look for a cocktail dress at your local consignment shop) and make it new by adding accessories, and mixing patterns and textures, like I did here with these Simply Vera by Vera Wang polka dot tights.  Then, I glammed it up with a glitzy statement necklace and earrings from Sugarfix by BaubleBar (this is Baublebar’s line for Target!), cocktail ring from Tiffany & Co and my favorite black go-to bag for Fall/Winter by Kate Spade (similar style here, no tassel).

 

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Erica’s Look:  boots Steve Madden – purse Kate Spade – necklace Sugarfix by Baublebar – top and glasses OOTD Boutique

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photos of me by KVC Photography

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