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.
I feel like I see people wearing watches less and less these days, mainly because they have been replaced with smart phones, glued to everyone’s hand. I think it’s a shame. I love watches and have a wide variety: silver, gold, leather, and now WOOD. When JORD reached out to me for a collaboration right before I left for Bora Bora, I thought ”now this would be perfect to style with resort wear”. The watch arrived in a dark wood box and was engraved with the words “Eat Well, Dress Well, Travel Often”… my mantra, you might say.
I typically see these watches styled in a more classic, preppy kind of way. But I took a different route. I chose the Olive and Aegean watch (a light olive wood with a deep blue face) and layered it with gold bracelets. I styled it with several outfits including linen dresses and a blue and white jumpsuit, shown here. This watch is very lightweight and can be dressed up or down, worn alone or layered with other jewelry. I have received SO many compliments on this watch. They make a wide variety of sizes, colors, styles, many for men and women that can be worn interchangeably. JORD also offers free worldwide shipping and the watch comes sized for your wrist perfectly. I believe this would make a unique gift due to their engraving capabilities (the face is large and can fit quite a bit of text), as well as a great addition to your wardrobe.
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!
Summer is the season of parties, festivals, and barbequeing. Sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect dress that can be re-worn for multiple occasions. These long maxi dresses are effortless (although they will not look that way) and can be worn just about everywhere. After all, in the south we wear maxi dresses to even the most casual low country boil…
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite floral prints below. These dresses can take you from a music festival to Sunday brunch. I love a well made, intricate print that resembles a drawing or work of art. The above dress is part of the Asher Collection from fab’rik boutique. I love the detailed pattern of the poppy flowers as well as the darker color palette. Dress it up with strappy heels, or down with a denim jacket and sandals. Unfortunately, this particular dress is no longer available. However, there are a few dresses linked below with similar color palettes, priced under $100.
I wore this dress to dinner recently at The Olde Pink House with friends in Savannah, Ga. The rich colors, beautiful architecture, and blooming magnolias set the stage as a perfect backdrop to shoot this look. Especially because we were able to order to-go daiquiris just a few feet from this spot.
“This place is fantastic; it’s like Gone With the Wind on mescaline.” – John Kelso
What are your favorite things to do while in Savannah? I should probably dedicate a post specifically to that. If you find yourself traveling south this summer, be sure to pack light and flowy maxi dresses because it’s a buzzkill to say the least when you have to pause for a wardrobe change between brunch at Huey’s on the River and dinner at Alligator Soul. Find something transitional and more time can be spent strolling the most beautiful streets in America.
Are you all over the place when it’s time to shop for clothing? Here are a few thoughts to help you define your style and curate a closet that’s all YOU…
Your Brand
It’s who you are and what you’re known for. You can read books and articles all day long about developing your brand personally, professionally, etc, but we are talking fashion on this blog. What are you known for wearing? When you think of your favorite outfits, or what you will be looking for on your next shopping trip, what does that entail? What does that say about you (aesthetically)? Decide what that is, and embrace it.
“On trend”
Just because something is on trend does NOT mean that you should wear it. Find inspiration from current trends and classic staples. When you find items you love, buy more of it. Pick and choose what trends fit your lifestyle. That sounds ridiculous to even have to mention, right? But people try to conform to what’s popular, and it ends up looking very random and ultimately uncomfortable. If Louis Vuitton himself gave me a pair of his Archlight sneakers, I wouldn’t wear them (albeit their current status in fashion).
Evaluate your closet.
Throw out clothing that you don’t like. Do you wear things to work that you don’t necessarily like? Items that make you feel “blah”? Get rid of them. You don’t need all new clothes. Buy a few new pieces that can be paired with what you already have. Don’t be discouraged when you don’t buy new things each season, mix and match, add a pair of leggings under a favorite dress, switch the heels for casual boots (something like this, perhaps?), add a pair of Spanx arm tights to a summer dress, and suddenly you a brand new look for Fall. These boots, for example, are obviously intended for winter, but I think I’m pulling off this spring look pretty well, don’t you?
Have a couple of go-to outfits.
Ones that you know you love, and you feel 100% comfortable in. Whether that be a little black dress, or that perfect pair of jeans & top… also know what accessories you love to pair with it. This will ensure that you never find yourself with “nothing to wear” or going out in something that you experimented with, and then regret as soon as you leave home. Don’t have time to shop for that wedding? Have a go-to dress. If you feel that it looks good on you, it will show.
“Repetition is reputation” – Aliza Licht
Take note of favorites on repeat and buy more of that style/cut/fabric/color palette. Stick with what you love. Perhaps one would think that I should experiment with athleisure. It’s super popular right now. All the fashion bloggers are wearing it. But is it me? Does it align with my brand? Nope.
If you like to dress in all gray, but you feel that you should try to switch it up and wear more color, not because you like color, but because you feel that you’re being boring, screw that. Wear gray every damn day and revel in it. Wear gray from head to toe. Be “extra” about it.
And add a signature touch. Are you known for your classic black pumps, red lipstick, or one necklace that you wear with everything? Keep it up.
Comparison is the thief of joy.
I have no idea who coined that phrase but it is more true than anything I’ve ever heard. Live by it. That being said, it’s okay to have role models or something to aspire to. Have goals. Have goals that are higher than anything you think that you could ever achieve. That way you’ll never get bored. And make sure that you dress the part to achieve said goals, making sure to curate the look to your individual style.
Who do you want to be that day?
Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. I can honestly say that I’ve looked around the room during a meeting and noticed that I am the only person wearing a statement necklace and stilettos, amongst a sea of suits. An oxford and black pants (although I do own many of each), just isn’t me. If an oxford with black pants is you, wear it well. Starch that shirt, buy it in every color, and make sure to find a brand that fits your body well. If you are confident, look the part and believe in who you are, or who you believe you should be, others will believe it too.
