Summer Stylin': Classics

As promised, with summer here, I've returned to the blog-o-sphere!

I'm starting to realize that I've been a little print crazy lately-- not that there's anything wrong with that! But sometimes it's nice to just go back to the basics: a solid summer dress in a vibrant color paired with some chic sandals, a classic straw bag and a fun hat to keep the sun away from your face. 

I've loved Jessica from What I Wore's "Coral Crush" look for a long time and when she posted it as a "Ready to Repeat" on Pinterest I definitely agreed!

check out What I Wore here!

And here are a few other ways to style this look:

Vero Moda mini dress, $33 / Pull&Bear coral dress, $39 / Merona Women's Button Front Shirt Dress Stripes / Tory Burch patent leather shoes / Talbots ankle tie sandals / Miss Selfridge jeweled sandals / Pepe Jeans London , $36 / Kate Spade straw bag / Kate Spade bag / Wet Seal band hat / John Lewis crochet hat, $33 / Goorin

Spring & Summer Style: Maxi Skirt Maven

Maxi Skirts. I feel like maxi skirts and maxi dresses carry with them the ultimate 'this is so cute but can I pull it off???' feeling. I've decided that I can indeed pull them off and now I want all the maxi skirts and dresses. 
They are the epitome of effortless summer, easy breezy and super cute!

I've always loved stripes (but really...) and when Krystal of This Time Tomorrow wore this casual-chic outfit last summer I instantly loved it. Well guess what? There is a very very similar skirt online at Target right now! Go, go get it! 

photo via This Time Tomorrow Blog

American Eagle Outfitters american eagle outfitter / Alternative Apparel / Tory Burch patent shoes / Slide sandal / J.Crew evening clutch / ALDO clutch / Jenny Bird / Orelia swarovski crystal jewelry / Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Maxi Skirt - Assorted Colors

(Winter) Wardrobe: Vacation Anyone?

On Saturday in Des Moines it was in the upper 50's for weather. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday is was barely above freezing. Literally, barely above freezing with negative wind chills. Now, normally I'm a solid four season kind of gal, I even like winter--wearing layers, boots, snow even. But this cold is about 20 degrees too cold and my chilly toes are craving a nice warm spot somewhere with a margarita accompanied by a good book under the shade of a floppy hat. Is anyone else with me?

Here's what I'd pack for my (imaginary) tropical getaway.

Rare London bandeau dress, $24 / Rebecca Taylor silk top / H&M jumper sweater, $24 / Witchery slim jeans, $53 / Aaiko white shorts, $40 / J.Crew underwire bandeau bikini / J.Crew beach bikini / Superga lace up shoes / Vince Camuto buckle shoes / Kate Spade / J.Crew flower jewelry / Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses / Floppy hat, $150

Fall Fashion: Mix & Match

I love this look because it pairs the best of summer-- white jeans, strappy sandals, your favorite tank--with the best of fall--cozy wrap sweaters, warm colors, graphic prints--to make an effortless mix and match look. I would consider this look perfect for everything from class during the day to a bonfire at night and everything in between.

POL knit cardigan, 125 AUD, T Bags sleeveless tank top, £39, Hudson Jeans slim jeans, $176, Tory Burch leather sandals, $225, Oasis leather cross body handbag, $40, Lauren Ralph Lauren ralph lauren earrings, $38

Summer Style: Fun in the Sun

Hoping for one last day filled with summer fun before everyone heads back to school and work? Here's a look to take you through your last few summer flings, where ever they may take you!

http://www.polyvore.com/summer_sun/set?id=50451664

Summer Style: Color Bright.

Looking for a new, fun way to wear that perfect green tank you bought this summer?

Here are four of this seasons favorite ways to style your new top! 

1. Make Cool Color Tones by paring this jade tank with jazzy blues.

2. Go Monochromatic by paring this green tank with a structured skirt in a similar (but not identical) shade of green, add neutral accessories to keep the green in check.

3. Everyone loves stripes! And this outfit idea is no exception.

4. Continue the Color Blocking brought out by this vibrant skirt by pairing it with the contrasting tank.

Color Bright by heatherleeboone featuring a pleated skirt

J.Crew polka dot shirt / J.Crew long skirt / Roksanda Ilincic colorblock skirt, $420 / Oasis pleated skirt / Reiss striped skirt / Wedge sandals, $310 / Jimmy Choo platform heels / Christian Louboutin shoes, $660 / Kate Spade platform shoes / Nautical jewelry / Diamond earrings / Kendra Scott earrings

Summer Style: Wedding Looks.

I'll be going to another summer wedding in a few weeks and for this possibly last summer-fling I was craving a new look. I just ordered this dress on major sale at J Crew. Normally I would've bought the more tame/safe blue color but I decided to spice up my wardrobe and go with this vibrant cerise/poppy color. I'm planning on wearing turquoise jewelry with the dress (inspiration via Pinterest) and I always bring a cardi with me in case it's chilly at the venue. But, I can't quite decide how to accessorize the rest of the look, what do you think? Summery wedges, classic nude pumps, or edgier black accessories?  

J.Crew swiss dot dress / Burberry short cardigan, $520 / Diane von Furstenberg strappy wedge / Black sandals / J.Crew leather pumps, $53 / Beige clutch, $155 / Stella McCartney clutch bag / Kate Spade gold handbag / BY SOPHIE pear earrings

Summer Style: Peplum Prep

Peplum tops, dresses and skirts have been a huge trend this past spring and summer, and while the look might seem to dramatic on the hanger, it's so easy to wear and figure flattering once you put it on. 

Here's a cool, summery, and not so intimidating way to wear the peplum trend!

http://www.polyvore.com/peplum_prep/set?id=50342781

                             

Summer Style: Go To Stripes

Stripes seem to always be my go to pattern/look/style when I don't know what else to wear. This JCrew black and white striped dress is the perfect mix of casual and chic and when paried with a simple straw hat, cross body bag, and strappy sandals this outfit will have you suited for any summer adventure. 

Summer Style: Peplum and Prints.

The peplum trend has been huge lately and while it can be very flattering and easy to wear when in a top, I also love the whimsy it can give to an otherwise more serious pencil skirt. 

Here are two fun and fabulous ways to wear a white peplum skirt with two of summer's favorite prints!

Summer Style: Polka Dotted.

JCrew always pinpoints the IT look of any season, and it looks like this year the polka dotted sweater is going to be the big winner. Here are three ways too wear the marvelous dots, with a more porfessional pencil skirt, casual shorts, and in between cropped pant. This sweater is a definite must-have for the transition to Fall. 

Summer Style: Print Mixing.

Everyone on the internet/blogosphere has been wearing the stripes & floral combo. This combination works best when you keep your color scheme simple, your shoes and bags nude or nuetral, and your jewelry and other accessories classic. I absolutlly love Atlantic-Pacific's version of this look  and Kendi Everday's version!

Here are my three ways to print mix your stripes with your florals/abstract patterns. 

Summer Style: Garden Party.

I've already shared my love for prints with you, especially the printed shorts, but another more recent trend is long sleeve silk blouses that are loosr fitting rather then skin tight. I really love the proportions of the look created when you pair something shorter like a skirt or shorts with a top that has long or 3/4 length sleeves. And a great way to do it is with these two fun trends: the silk blouse and the printed short! Check out this outfit idea that includes both:

Summer Style: Red Sundress.

Have you heard that country song that talks about a red sundress? Somethign 'Bout a Truck...

Well there is probably more than one country song that talks about a red sundress, but this post was mildly inspired by that song, or at least by having that song stuck in my head. 

Here are two lovely ways to wear your red sundress this summer.

Summer Style: Screen Printed.

Sometimes screen printed ts can be a little juvenile or immature, but lately I've been loving their potential to add visual interest to a more casual outfit. Especially when paired with other colors or prints. 

Here are two great ways to wear a screen printed v neck for summer! 

Summer Style: Fireworks for the 4th

Check out these stylish options for a Fireworks worthy look on the 4th of July!

J Crew linen cardigan, $60, J Crew cotton t shirt, $40, Vintage tee, $122, J Crew cotton shirt, £14, Vanessa Bruno silk pleated skirt, $118, J Crew striped pencil skirt, $118, Blue Scallop Edge Culotte Shorts, £13, Love Moschino flat shoes, €102, J.Crew flat shoes, $67, McQ by Alexander McQueen genuine leather handbag, £370, J Crew chain jewelry, $150, Heart jewelry, $7.99, Mango sunglasses, £12, Essie nail polish, $8, Essie nailpolish, $8, Essie nail polish, $8

Summer Style: Home Run Fun

Baseball is such a great American, summer tradition.  

The game, the atmosphere, the music, the food--it all adds up to some serious summer fun.

And in honor of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, here's a casual, yet still cute look for any baseball or similarly sporty adventures you may have this summer. 

It's too bad that some midwest/northern MLB teams are having such a rough season...

Summer Style: Casual Cool.

Summer Fun means a lot of activities like going to the beach, a theme park, a pool party, or even a summer music festival, that might require you to be both dressed and in swimwear. Here's a casual cool look to suit all of your summer needs!

Splendid jersey top, $88,AG Adriano Goldschmied denim jean shorts, $220, Bikini swimwear, $28, Bikini swimwear, $24, Chinese Laundry wedge shoes, $75, Ray-Ban metal aviator sunglasses, $198

Summer Style: Hot Pants.

Brightly colored pants are right on trend for this summer. These two outfit ideas take the colored pant up a notch from colored jeans but are still great for a fun summer outing or dinner on the patio. 

Madewell cut out top, $48, Cropped pants, 189 AUD, Dorothy Perkins coral linen pants, $29, Madewell ballerina shoes, $98, Madewell leopard flat, $135, FOSSIL flap bag, $198, Kate spade earrings, $48, J Crew wide brim hat, $38, Stella mccartney sunglasses, $225

Summer Style: Casual Inspiration

It always seems easier to find inspiration when planning an outfit for a special event or occasion. But getting dressed to run errands or bop around town should make you fell just as beautiful and like yourself as you do when you hit the town or go to a friend's wedding. Here are two fun, but comfy looks for your everyday self.

J Crew heart sweater, $90, J Crew long skirt, $60, Oasis denim jean shorts, $35, Chinese Laundry wedge heel sandals, $75, Sperry Top-Sider striped shoes, $75, J Crew leather shoulder bag, $198, Tommy Hilfiger cross body shoulder bag, $61, Navy earrings, $11, Red jewelry, $12, Cutler and Gross round frame sunglasses, £270


PS: Have you noticed this heart trend going around? I'm loving it!