White Haute Summer

Ralph Lauren Button Down (similar for less here) / Joie White Dress (similar style here and skirt version here) / Betseyville Cat Eye Sunglasses (old, similar here) / MIA Thong Sandals (old, similar here) / OPI Nail Polish

Happy Hump-day!

Lately, I have been wearing A LOT of white. Maybe due to the fact that I'm trying to get in as much of it as I can before Labor Day (not that I actually listen to that old fashion wise tale), or maybe because it's just a timeless summer color, but either way I've always loved the simplicity of a monochromatic look; it makes for an elegant yet understated look that I can't seem to get any other way. This Joie Dress I picked up from Nordstrom Rack a few weeks ago is just that - elegant, yet understated - and I absolutely love it. I've been wearing it just about everywhere with just about everything! It's such a timeless piece, and hardly an investment for something I know will last me for years. I've been pairing it with button downs like in this look, or, on cooler days, with cardigans and blazers to take me from day to night. The possibilities are really endless with the perfect little white dress! 

Shop some of my favorite little white dresses below:

xoxo

Black and White Stripes

Victoria's Secret Stripe Tee (bought this one with it for the 2/$40 deal!) / Target White Vest (old, similar here) / American Eagle Black Shorts (on sale, also loving this leather pair) / Steve Madden Quilted Sneakers / Vintage Black Sunnies (similar here for less than $10)

I have always had a soft spot for a black and white combo, and stripes embody that simple perfection seamlessly (literally). The vest over top adds a contrast and put-together feel to an other wise simple, monochromatic look which explains why I wear it and other vests so often with more comfortable looks. I should also mention that when I first found this top, I instantly feel in love. The oversized fit was exactly what I had been looking for because it creates more of that Boy-Meets-Girl feeling that I've been drawn to lately. I just love a classic black and white look and I can't wait to wear this one and versions of it throughout Fall.

xoxo

Classic

H&M Striped Sweater (similar here) / Ralph Lauren Fitted Boyfriend Shirt (similar on sale from GAP here) / Denim Shorts (old, similar here) / Brown Faux Leather Crossbody Bag / Franco Sarto Oxford Loafers (similar style and print here) / Vintage Black Sunglasses (similar here)

A good sweater and shorts combo has been a staple of mine for years, especially during transition seasons. And while I know it's still July and summer is still in full-speed, I know that our Minnesota climate is one to swing to opposite extremes in a matter of hours; so I've learned to always be prepared. Removable layers have become a feature in my outfits that I can't seem to eliminate for that reason, it's been drilled into my head for too long! Especially when this Ralph Lauren shirt that I can't seem to go a week without wearing holds up this well! Not a tear or stain in sight; now that's my kind of shirt.



xoxo

Stripes on Stripes

I love incorporating a scarf into my daily ensembles in order to have it on hand in case the weather decides to interfere with my look (like it decided to do while taking these pictures, darn wind!). That, and keeping my hair up or braided, helps to ensure that my hair stays out of my face.

GAP Striped Shirt (on sale and get an extra 30-40% off with code THANKS) / Stripes AE shorts (similar for less than $20 here) / Dolce Vita sandals (on sale here and here!) / Layered Bracelets / Similar Rings here and here / Diamond earrings / Betsey Johnson Cat-Eye sunglasses (on sale!)

If you ask me, stripes are a staple print in any closet. While I may be a little impartial (maybe a little more than a little) to simple, solid colors, I can't help myself when it comes to stripes. So much so that I layer them on top of each other, I mean even my shoes are "striped" here! 

The GAP shirt I'm wearing here has quickly become one of my favorites as well, I wear it on almost a weekly basis in some way or another; whether tied around my waist, as a swimsuit cover-up, un-buttoned, or like above. In full honesty, I own at least 10 different button down shirts. "But they're just so versatile!" is my honest excuse. You can wear them season to season and for a number of occasions while looking perfectly put together. Can you say "perfection"? Because these men's style shirts sure can. Shop some of my favorites below:

Summer Uniform

Confession: I joined the trendy high-waisted mom-jean shorts club.

White Suit Vest / Dolce Vita Sandals (On sale!) / Gold Bangles / Fedora Hat

Most of these pieces are vintage but similar items as follows:

Layered Pendant Necklaces / Ring Necklace / Gold Rings / Denim Shorts (more below) / Gold Frame Sunglasses / Blue Shirt / Fedora

During the Summer, I hate wearing tight pants. Truth be told, I hate wearing tight pants in general. So you could probably predict why Summer is one of my favorite season's (AKA "no 'pants' party"). On most summer days you'll see me in some form of this outfit. I'm quite a sucker for a constructed jacket (especially this ASOS one from my Birthday Wishlist), they take a simple outfit up a notch making it look like you put more thought into it even if you did just roll out of bed and throw the first thing you saw on. Also, in the Summer, denim shorts are a must. I couldn't tell you how often I wear them if I tried, I consider them lifesaving summer essential. Yes, I said lifesaving; because who knows when you're going to need some red denim shorts to wave down mercy to a bull. Always be prepared my friends.



Shop some of my favorite denim shorts below as well:

xoxo