easy summer dressing

Is there anything that screams "SUMMER" more than white pants? Methinks no. And pairing those white pants with a light blouse that make your eyes pop is a no-brainer. And of course, a light jacket for this chilly air-conditioned offices.

Ta da! Easy summer dressing, all in a day's work!

blue shirt: Eddie Bauer

white pants: Old Navy

white sandals: DSW

jacket: thrifted (Land's End)

linking up:

Cappuccino & Fashion // Sydney Fashion Hunter

I do deClaire // DC in Style

oh, the compliments

Somehow, this dress always garners me oodles of compliments when I wear it. Don't misunderstand me - I'm not fishing here, nor am I downplaying this dress.

It's black, cotton, nice floral print, and a skater-style fit.

I'm just not entirely sure what is so special about it.

Sure, it's comfortable, and I can easily dress it up or down - I'm just unable to put my finger on what exactly is so great about it. BUT, you better believe I'll keep wearing it and graciously accepting compliments until I do.

dress: c/o Aéropostale

black sandals: Kohl's

necklace: borrowed from Rocksbox

fringe-y vest

This fringe-y vest is a recent acquisition (read about it here). It's just outside my normal style of things I wear comfortable and easily. As such, I'm still trying to figure out ways to wear it. First up, a black tank dress. Next up - maybe over some shorts and a tank?

Maybe you already knew this, but let me enlighten you - it's a little tricky to find ways to wear festival-inspired style when shorts and other summer clothes (tank tops and short, flowy dresses) aren't something you can wear to work everyday. And turns out, I spend a decent amount of time at work (ya know, 40ish hours in a week).

So, I'm open to suggestions for making this vest appropriate for work. Any ideas for me??

dress: American Apparel

vest: c/o Aéropostale

striped tank: Target

black sandals: Kohl's

hello, again

I'm trying to squeeze this post in without anyone noticing that it's been at least 10 days since my last post...but I just pointed it out to you, and drew attention to that little face...

*le sigh*

This dress my husband picked out for me before our wedding for a birthday - I wore it to our wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner at my in-laws'.

And for this outing, I wore it to see "Singin' in the Rain" at our local dinner theater, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. I can't recommend this place enough - the show was great, the drinks were great, I can't vouch for the food since we just saw the show, but it smelled delicious and the menu looked like dishes I'd be interesting in trying.

So, let's summarize this post, shall we?

1. hello

2. Lilly Pulitzer dress

3. dinner theater - go check out your local one

4. I love musicals

Happy Saturday!

dress: Lilly Pulitzer

shoes: thrifted

clutch: gift

Lill-ay rompa'

This bright printed romper is the result of attending the Lilly Pulitzer for Target release and discovering that even though you were eighth in line, everything was gone by the time you could reach the racks at the store closest to you (and then you drive twenty minutes to another Target where there is still somewhat of a selection).

And then you remember that you're short and can most likely wear items from the little girls' section. And you go to the little girls' section and find a romper in an XL-XXL or something with several extras in front of it. And you try it on, and it covers your body. And you buy it, because, Lilly.

And then you put it on in the summer (several months later) and realize it's not quite cut for hips and a (small chest).

But, you go forth, wearing neon sandals and a bejeweled headband, because you can. And it's summer, and it's hot, and this romper is clutch for that kind of weather.

I mean, pockets.

Helloooo.

romper: Lilly Pulitzer for Target

sandals: Target

headband: Lilly Pulitzer for Target

turquoise clutch: c/o Aéropostale

linking up:

Rhea's Musings // Walking in Memphis in High Heels

The Fashion Canvas // Fashionably Ashleigh

I do deClaire

lace chambray

This chambray is a new favorite of mine. The lace detail is really what sold me on adding yet another chambray to my closet. It's subtle, yet makes a huge impact - those details can make or break any outfit.

I realize in these pictures that it's tough to distinguish between the light wash chambray and my white shorts, but there is a significant difference in color - trust. I wore my nude thin strap flip flops for two reasons: 1) I wore this to get a pedicure before our recent vacation, and 2: they're nude and simple, and this outfit lightly plays with monochrome and simplicity, so loud shoes weren't my best option.

Sometimes I'm really into wearing louder and more striking ensembles, but sometimes, something simple like shorts and a chambray are where it's at.

chambray: Aéropostale

shorts: Old Navy

sandals: Lauren Conrad via Kohl's

adding interest through details

 

At first glance (the first few pictures), this looks like a basic black A-line dress. Nothing special, nothing fancy, just an average black dress that could lean "LBD", or could lean "plain black sundress."

But, on closer inspection, I've added a few details to make this dress a little more than a plain black dress. This dress has a basket-weave-esque texture, and contouring seams on the front.

And what else did I add to create a little more interest to this black dress? A fancy statement necklace, borrowed from Rocksbox, a black beaded cuff bracelet, black fringe-y sandals, and a rose-gold ring, also borrowed from Rocksbox.

Just a few additions and changes, and you can easily alter the look of a dress, or any outfit. Exhibit A: the last time I wore this dress on the blog - it was to a wedding. And this time, to work. 

Had any recent successes wearing and/or styling a piece in several different ways?

dress: Target

necklace & ring: Rocksbox

bracelet: Target

sandals: Kohl's