Playing It Cool :: white button-up + slides

When the summertime swelter settles in, finding a stylish way to beat the heat can be tricky. I usually gravitate towards loose-fitting dresses so for this look I wanted to step a bit out of my comfort zone and pull together an outfit that's hot-weather approved, comfy, and of course chic. Now that's playing it cool!

Playing it cool means much more than keeping a heatwave at bay. Playing it cool is an attitude, a way you present yourself that extends beyond your appearance and style. To me, playing it cool means exuding confidence but in an inviting, non-intimidating way that attracts people to you instead of away from you.

This is a look that I feel completely comfortable and 100% me in! Once you hone in on your true personal style, playing it cool will become effortless - and people will take notice!

Whenever I think of a "cool" look, it's impossible to forget the shades. Is it just me or does wearing sunglasses seem to instantly increase the wearer's cool factor? Here I'm wearing classic Ray-Ban sunnies - you just can't go wrong with them. Ever. 

A simple necklace is all this look needs to remain classically modern and polished. The pendant features a cursive "K" on it, which I love because it adds such a personal touch.  

Could this Kate Spade watch and Oak73 clutch compliment each other anymore perfectly? The watch is so fun and these pics don't even do its gorgeous lilac color justice - it's my new go-to watch for casual wear. And this clutch is one of my most prized pieces. The metallic swirls make it super unique.

I'm clearly an offender of outfit repeating because yes, these are the same chiffon boyfriend shorts that I wore in this post just a few weeks ago. But I'm not ashamed! I wear these shorts proudly just about every week. Their laid-back feel totally vibes with my new favorite sandals too. I mean, how amazing are these slides? Ps. They're 60% off right now! 

I have Drybar to thank for this fantastic blowout. As much as I wish I could take credit for it, I really can't. I don't think I'll ever be able to master my own hair quite this well. The blowout I chose is called "The Cosmo" and it included some curl, which I thought would work perfectly with my natural curly hair. I think it's time for me to start watching YouTube tutorials on how to give myself a killer blowout. I could totally get used to my hair looking this fabulous every day!

These beauties are back on the blog for the second time in a row. They go with so much that it's hard not to repeat :) Wearing them with a neutral outfit like this is when they truly shine. 

Photos by Virginia Kluiters 

[blouse: Ann Taylor (old but similar here), shorts: Loft, slides: Ann Taylor, clutch: Oak73 (here's a great silver one), sunglasses: Ray-Ban, watch: Kate Spade, necklace: Tiffany & Co., earrings: Kendra Scott, spike bracelet: Stella & Dot, amethyst bangle: David Yurman, heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co.]

These photos were taken in Union Square Park, which is where I'm currently living. I am literally a three minute walk from this very spot, which is both convenient and super fun. Union Square is always bustling and there's tons of great shops and restaurants in every direction. Bonus - Trader Joe's is just down the block (insert thumbs-up emoji). 

If you're in the city and looking for a cool place to chill (see what I did there?), I highly recommend this gem of a location! 

SHOP ::