I’m a huge fan of this striped dress from Wallis. I got it a few weeks ago and I can barely wait to wear it. The top is made of this gorgeous sheer fabric (with lining) and the gold buttons across the shoulders add the cutest detail. It’s sure to become one of my favorite pieces for summer, with flats or heels.
Wallis Black + White Nautical Dress ($78.00), Asos Metal Bar Envelope Clutch ($32.72), Nine West Mellitta Pump ($69.00), PPB Pastel Stone Stud Earrings ($7.00), TopShop Square Etched Ring ($18.00), Essie Polish in Neo Whimsical ($8.00), Illamasqua Lipstick ($18.00).
I’ve managed to go over a week without mentioning the word “Mint” in a post title. Pretty impressive, but a week is as long as I can go. I am absolutely crazy about these mint jeans from Wallis. I’ve had mint jean envy for a while, and I’ve seen many pinned—but rarely a pair under $200.00. Not only are these the perfect shade, but they are also the perfect length (31 inches or the petite version is just under 29 inches ) and most importantly the perfect price ($52.00). (if you purchase don’t forget to check their size guide and convert your size).
Wallis Vintage Squares Necklace ($26.00), Wallis Vintage Squares Rings ($21.00), Wallis Mint Twill Jeans ($52.00) (or in Petite ($52.00), Wallis Stone Vertical Top ($49.00), TopShop Boyfriend Blazer ($70.00), Miss Selfridge Oversized Envelope Clutch ($49.00), JustFab Mieko Heel in Taupe ($59.99), Wallis Gold Textured Earrings ($28.00), bareMinerals Moxie in Hot Shot ($18.00), bareMinerals Ready Eyeshadow in The Top Shelf ($20.00), Essie Polish in Mint Candy Apple ($8.00).
In case you missed my memo, I recently picked up biking. I’ve pedaled almost 150 miles since buying my bike 6 weeks ago and to me that’s pretty awesome (avid cyclists can stop laughing now). Anyways, one of our favorite new Saturday activities is to bike from our house in the ‘burbs to downtown Madison. Generally I bust out my best Nike attire but lately I’ve been trying to think of stylish items that could make the 20-mile trek. I also toss my Bare Escentuals Refillable Brush and pressed Mineral Powder (SPF 15) into our bag to absorb shine upon arrival.
Quicksilver Sail Stripe Tank ($29.50), TOPSHOP Moto Mustard Jeans ($60.00), ModCloth Timed Race Necklace ($27.99), Vintage Bicycle Tote Bag by Paisley Magic on Etsy ($20.00), ALDO Uptona Flats ($40.00), Yakkay Bike Helmet ($140.00), Bare Escentuals Refillable Brush ($29.50), Bare Escentuals READY SPF 15 Pressed Mineral Veil ($22.00), Bobbie Brown SPF 15 Lip Balm ($22.00), Essie Polish in First Dance ($8.00).
The thing about long Maxi skirts is that a lot of us seem to be intimidated by them because we feel like we’ll have no where to wear them. But once you own one, you understand the magic of it. They can easily be dressed up and worn to a wedding or formal event, or dressed down with tanks + sandals to be worn anywhere.
American Vintage Tank ($55.00), Forever21 Circular Charms Necklace ($5.80), Blue Bird Pleated Maxi Skirt from May November ($40.00), Maya Multi Strap Belt ($187.00), Forever21 Colorblock Earrings ($4.80), Robert Rose Bangle Set ($18.00), ASOS Envelope Clutch ($36.36), City Classified Sandals ($19.99), Dior Addict Lip Glow ($30.00), Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder ($50.00), Jacob Polish in Cashmere ($6.00).
Having a pair of camel flats + belt literally gets me through summer. I pair the duo up with every dress in my closet. The magical thing about this reddish shade of brown is that it can literally work with every color or print. It makes putting your summer ensembles together rather easy.
Dorothy Perkins Floral Dress ($55.00), Big Buddha Clutch ($50.00), ALDO Howett Flat ($65.00), H&M Necklace ($13.00), MAC Tres Cheek Blush in Full of Joy ($20.00), Revlon Eyeshadow Quad in Enchanted ($7.99), Dior Polish ($23.00).
Since we tend to do a lot of walking when the weather is nice, I am always on the hunt for cute ensembles that incorporate flat footwear. I think shorts paired with flat sandals and a fedora will soon be my favorite summer combo.
AE Denim Midi Short ($29.99), Paprika Mexican Print Top ($19.29), Forever21 Triangle Chain Necklace ($5.80), Warehouse Embossed Skinny Belt ($36.00), Eugenia Kim Straw Fedora ($260.00), Sonja Clutch ($32.75), BCBG Paris Banna Sandal ($24.95), Kate Spade New York Stud Earrings ($38.00), Witchery Enamel Bracelet ($39.95), bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0 in Paradise Found ($20.00), Essie Polish in Orange, It’s Obvious ($8.00).
There are a few key items that I cannot survive summer without: SPF, a cute swimsuit and a good summer read. Today, I’ve got you covered and fortunately, I’ve already done the leg work by reading this book, so although it won’t be my summer read, I can promise that you will enjoy every page of it. My two all-time favorite SPF products are this SPF 30 Face Powder and this SPF 8 Lip Balm (I go through like two a month year-round). For more cute swimwear inspiration you can check out my Summer Sunning pinboard.
TopShop Poppy Cover Up ($30.00), TopShop Coral Bikini ($26.00 & $16.00), Jigsaw Gold Buckle Belt ($71.00), Miss Selfridge Floppy Hat ($38.00), Warehouse Oversized Shopper ($50.00), Taupe Eva Retro Sunglasses ($6.50), The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain ($10.85), Bare Escentuals Natural SPF30 Sunscreen Powder ($28.00), Bare Escentuals First Base SPF 8 Lip Balm ($8.00), Essie Polish in Tart Deco ($8.00), Ralph Lauren Coral Chandelier Earrings ($40.00).
An easy way to dive into the white-on-white trend is to mix two white pieces in totally different fabrics: lace & a simple sheer cotton, for example. Wearing white-on-white can make some of us (myself included) rather uncomfortable, but keeping variation in the fabric can ease you into it. Pair the ensemble up with blue accessories and fresh, peachy makeup.
Jack Wills Tomlin Vest ($98.50), River Island Belted Skater Skirt ($41.00), Pear Shape Sapphire Studs ($49.99), ASOS Contrast Buckle Clutch ($32.72), Therry Lasry Sunglasses ($445.00), H & M Sandals ($41.00), Bareminerals Ready Eyeshadow 2.0 in The Honeymoon ($20.00), Bare Escentuals Blush in Vintage Peach ($19.00), NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($24.00).
If you’re shy of wearing shorts, try busting out a pair in a bright, fun color. Not only do these shades tend to make your legs look tanner, but they draw the attention up to your ensemble and away from your legs. Haven’t had time to get your base tan? No fear. Try mixing Bare Escentuals Faux Tan 50/50 with you favorite moisturizer for a barely-there glow that will liven up your legs. Toss your new tan & this outfit on and head out to the Farmers Market…you’ve got plenty of room for goods in this fabulous new tote.
Love Martini V Neck Tee ($25.00), H & M Cuffed Shorts ($17.95), Sabine Tribal Necklace ($30.00), Rocket Dog Shell Sandal ($39.50), House of Harlow Lynn Aviator Sunglasses ($130.00), Billabong Bright Side Tote ($46.00).
I’ll need an extra dose of self control today to keep me from ordering this purse! Today’s Inspiration: Quicksilver Floral Pareo Tank ($44.50), Hollister Crop ($49.50), Nine West Predictable Mini Bag ($39.00), Asos Oasis Toe Post Sandals ($39.99), Forever21 Classic Straw Fedora ($12.80), Ran-Ban Mint Glasses ($159.00 ), Lacome Juicy Tubes Summer 2012 Collection ($18.00), Essie Polish in Mint Candy Apple ($8.00).
