The Great White Shirt :: button-down + printed shorts

This post is an ode to one of the greats; an ode to an iconic piece, one that you can never have enough of, and one that (literally) goes with everything in the universe. If you don't already own multiple, now would be a good time to reassess your priorities. I'm talking about the fabulous, the magnificent, THE great white button-down (or button-up?). It's a true classic - no matter your age, style, or profession - every single person needs at least one, but I recommend owning multiple in a variety of cuts and fabrics :)   

Take a cue from Carolina Herrera, the legendary fashion designer (who dressed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis by the way) and embrace the chicest uniform there is. Herrera pretty much lives in white button-downs and proves that a well-tailored blouse never goes out of style.  

For this look I decided to pair my trusty white with metallic slides to give my outfit a laid-back, summery vibe. The magical thing about a white button-down is its ability to look effortless while seamlessly transitioning from work hours to after hours - all without missing a beat. 

This isn't my only white button-down but it is my favorite. I got it last winter from Ann Taylor and what I love about it is the fit and material. The front of the blouse is a typical dress shirt material - thicker and structured. However the back of the blouse and the sleeves are chiffon, making this top very comfortable, breathable, and flattering. It tucks in easily but due to its slimming fit, it looks just as stylish untucked. 

A simple gold necklace is all you need. I got a bit more creative with my earrings though and chose a statement pair from Kendra Scott to make my look pop. 

Anthropologie's perfectly polished sunnies are the ultimate weekend accessory to compliment your white button-down. 

These printed shorts are a fun and unexpected match for my crisp button-down. I wanted to showcase how truly versatile this kind of blouse is. Even in the summer you can put your white button-down to use and create a casual yet polished weekend look. Don't forget to take your white button-down out of the office every once in a while; it likes to have fun too! 

Bottom line: buttoned or unbuttoned, tucked or untucked - this iconic style anchors neutrals and brights. In a perfect white blouse you can conquer the world...and look fabulous doing it. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[blouse: Ann Taylor (identical one here) // shorts: Ann Taylor // sandals: Halogen // sunglasses: Anthropologie (old but I also like these ones) // necklace: Ann Taylor // earrings: Kendra Scott // gold and leather bangle: Reiss (I also like this one) // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot // heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipgloss: Burt's Bees in Rosy Dawn] 

I'm going to leave you with some food for thought: “The white blouse can be light and floating, impeccable and austere, sumptuous and all-enveloping, tight and close-fitting. It rises up to frame the face. It sculpts the body by transforming itself into a second skin. Imputed with glamour and poetry, freedom and impetuousness, the prim white shirt turns out to have a thousand identities…” -Gianfranco Ferre, fashion designer also known as "the architect of fashion."

SHOP :: 

Paisley Days :: silk blouse + gray oxfords

Although my style tends to fall on the more classic side and I typically try and stay away from overly trendy items, this paisley silk blouse was just something I couldn't say no to. Trends come and go and I want my wardrobe to stay current for years to come, but as it turns out, paisley has been around for a very long time, which makes it a classic in its own right! So for this post I'm embracing the so-now 70s spirit and making it so 2015.  

 I don't know about you but whenever I think paisley I think of the 1960s/70s. I think of something like this paired with bellbottoms and clogs. Super retro. Did I ever think I was a paisley person? Nope! But then I spotted this silk blouse. I'll admit, it had to grow on me but after a few days of contemplation I knew I had to have it. I find it elegant and unique while unapologetically giving a nod to both Southwestern culture and decades past. Did you know that paisley was first printed in the early 17th century? History (and fashion) truly does repeat itself! 

Since moving to NYC I have been embracing flats. Don't get me wrong, I love my heels, but with all the walking I do on a daily basis, heels just are not a practical option for every day. And that's okay! Because adorably stylish oxfords like these have me thinking..."Heels? What heels?" 

Gray pearls serve as an exotic alternative to the classic staple; they're traditional but with a slight edge. I find myself reaching for this pair at least once a week. 

Ever since receiving this stunning David Yurman bangle for college graduation, I have worn it every single day (sometimes even to bed because I love it that much #NoShame). But although I wear it every day, it's exciting when it compliments my outfit exceptionally well. It's magical how the purple in my top picks up the amethysts in my bracelet to make it really shine. 

The beauty of a silk blouse is how effortlessly it can be tucked into a skirt or pair of pants. They're also amazingly breathable for summer and perfect for layering in the winter. This is my first 100% silk blouse but I'll definitely be investing in more down the road. 

My mom bought me this timeless Daniel Wellington watch for the purpose of job interviewing. It may sound like we're being picky, but an oversized metal watch is not always appropriate in a strict professional setting when you're looking to impress. But although this is considered my "business" watch, I gravitate towards it almost every day. It's such a beautiful and classic piece and it makes any outfit a bit more sophisticated and polished. 

Out of all the black skirts in my collection, this softly flared mini skirt from Ann Taylor is at the top of my list. I love how it has a drop-waist silhouette, making it ideal for tucked in or free flowing tops. And the leather trim makes for a subtly edgy detail, which you know I'm all about. I'm excited to team this baby with ankle booties and a chunky sweater once the air catches a chill. 

Photos by Ryan Kathleen Greene 

[silk blouse: Ann Taylor // skirt: Ann Taylor (old but I also like this one) // shoes: Clark's (similar here) // earrings: fine jewelry (similar here) // watch: Daniel Wellington // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Clinique in "Bare Pop"] 

This paisley blouse is a top I'm excited about. I look forward to wearing it in the fall with flared jeans and camel booties and wearing it to work with a sleek pencil skirt, strands of pearls, and black pumps. Investing in a piece is not always easy, especially when you don't necessarily view the piece you're investing in as a basic staple. But to me, this printed silk blouse is a staple and one that I can wear season after season in a variety of ways. It may not be white but that definitely doesn't mean it's not versatile! 

SHOP ::

Summertime Fine :: gold + python + caged heels

Here we are, the dog days of summer. August is the hottest month of them all and if that's not grueling enough, there's also the...dun dun dun...humidity! But although it's guaranteed to be sticky and muggy this time of year don't panic, you can still look fabulous even when you feel like you're baking in an oven. How you may ask? I'll tell ya! Today I'm sharing my tricks to beating the heat and staying summertime fine all the way until September 23rd (aka the first day of fall). 

Getting dressed in the morning can be tricky when it's sweltering out - especially because indoors the AC is uncomfortably (and unnecessarily) chilling. But take it from me, the girl who has no AC in her apartment; layers are key and make sure to dress in a breathable material. 

I tend to veer towards more loose-fitting items when it's unbearably hot, but this particular dress is a summertime winner because it's loose up top and provides a glorious amount of stretch and comfort on the bottom. Plus, the fit is very flattering and easily hides problem areas. 

I also don't usually go for low necklines but on a particularly hot day having an exposed neck is cooling (same logic behind why a turtleneck is extra cozy in the winter). I complimented this v-neck cut with a simple gold necklace that falls perfectly below my collarbone. Lately I've been digging this chic, minimalistic look.

Is python the new leopard? I don't know if any other print can replace my leopard obsession but I do love a good snake print. The leather and suede combination make this purse super sleek and the neutral colors look stellar next to any solid. This right here is the perfect fall bag. 

In the height of summer I thought of these shoes as caged sandals. But now that we're approaching fall they can be sling-back, peep-toe caged booties...right? 

A punch of pink because, why not? It adds some summertime flair to an outfit focused on fall-like hues. 

Let's talk hair and skin. My face sweats - a lot and my hair is extremely susceptible to the horrors of humidity (hello curls). Here are the tricks that I live by: 

Hair

1. Wash your hair in cold water. If cold showers aren't your thing (are they anyone's thing?) then rinse in cold water right before you leave the shower. This causes your hair follicles to close, thus retaining moisture.

2. Conditioner. It's a must! The more moisture your hair receives the better. 

3. Use a heat protecting cream or serum following your wash. This helps not only if you use hot tools but also in combating the heat outside the house. I use Mythic Oil by L'Oreal Professional. 

4. Once you have the style you're going for, lightly spray your whole head with hairspray. This will lock all those little fly-aways down. 

5. Never leave the house with wet hair. Get that mane under control! 

6. Don't wash your hair every day - it dries your locks out and removes healthy oils from your strands. 

Skin

1. Only apply makeup to a clean, freshly washed face; basic but important to remember. 

2. Summer is the best time for powder foundations. The powdery consistency helps combat shine and it doesn't melt off your face. I swear by Bare Minerals - it stays flawless all day (even in the pool). 

3. For extra hot days when you know you'll be running around, seal your makeup with a setting spray. This will prevent your makeup from melting/smudging. I use Urban Decay's de-slick makeup setting spray. 

4. Never leave the house without your oil blotting sheets. These babies are miracle workers. I use Clean & Clear sheets. 

5. I also carry napkins or Kleenex in my purse with me wherever I go and I blot my face when I feel the sweat dripping (my face literally drips with sweat in the summer). 

 Photos by Ryan Greene 

[dress: Banana Republic (I also love this one) // heels: Vince Camuto // purse: Talbots (old but similar here) // necklace: Ann Taylor // earrings: Kate Spade // watch: Kate Spade // gold knot bracelet: Kate Spade // amythyst bangle: David Yurman // heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // lipstick: Bite in 'Barberry'] 

I love summer. And even though it makes me sweat and makes my hair look like Princess Mia's before look, it's still a time of year that I really embrace and try to live to the fullest. Hopefully with some of my style/beauty tips you can too! Let's seize these last weeks of the season and make them the best yet! 

SHOP ::