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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If you’re hosting a girls night, bridal shower, cocktail party, or perhaps it’s a Thursday night and you need no reason to be fancy (isn’t  that why you’re here?), this champagne punch is the perfect summer libation.

Enter our guest stars, Madeline and Nikki.  Earlier this month we were all in Savannah for a wedding and I invited them to stop by our cozy little airbnb apartment for some pre-wedding cocktails.  I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to get some styled shots of these girls in their pretty spring dresses (and of course share it all over the internet).  It’s not every day that they will succumb to my shenanigans. And so, we mixed up a lovely champagne punch.  I won’t lie, I made it up on the fly because I wanted to use this beautiful punch bowl set.  Here’s what I’ve decided the measurements should be, of course alter to your taste:

1 bottle of champagne or prosecco (in this case we used La Marca)

Grand Marnier – 1/2 cup

Pineapple juice – 1 cup

Gingerale – 1 liter

Sliced wheels of lemon and lime for garnish

Although I did not prepare any food for this particular occasion, I would suggest a brie and fruit plate, cheese straws, or finger sandwiches (cucumber, pimento cheese, or chicken salad).  All of which are pretty, delicious, and can be made ahead.  Most importantly, they are served cold/room temperature, so you have more time to do your hair and makeup.  Lord knows I need extra time get beautified.

Here are some of my picks to adorn your own Champagne Punch Party:

photography by Paprika Southern Studios <3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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