Red, White & Gingham // off-the-shoulder dress + bandana

While the 4th of July has come and gone - meaning summer is officially in FULL swing - a fave warm-weather trend that's not going anywhere any time soon, is gingham! Not only an American classic (although it's thought to have originated in France,) gingham is universally fun, flattering, and oh-so "summer."

Every summer, I see a whole lot of gingham. This summer is no different, BUT, designers have been incorporating the print in super gorgeous and feminine ways, creating pieces with off-the-shoulder detailing, romantic ruffles, and even asymmetrical hemlines. This Anthropologie frock, which sadly sold out in an instant, became an immediate sundress favorite of mine. I love how girly yet quintessentially retro it is. 

A pop of red has never been easier to incorporate into your wardrobe! Folding my cherry red bandana into a headband, this unexpectedly stylish accessory literally MAKES my outfit. Is anyone else getting modern-day Rosie the Riveter vibes? Even better, these ever-popular scarves can be picked up at Party City on the cheap. 

Adding a dash of red to my OTHER half, I knew I had to bust out these fabulous platform sandals for this look. They just scream patriotism, no? Plus, their old-school vibes flow perfectly with my dress and kerchief. 

Both primary colors, red and yellow make a truly handsome pair. This summery clutch by Trina Turk is both fun and classy, and I love the sunny brightness it exudes. If there are two colors that can make me smile, it's either A.) millennial pink, or B.) Sunshiney canary. Also, doesn't it totally remind you of a minion? 

Lately I've been living by the philosophy that no outfit is complete without a look-at-me pair of sunnies. Here, I chose my beloved nude pair from Banana Republic. While black frames would have worked, I found them a bit harsh for a summer daytime look - especially with so much black & red, which can come off as moody. 

Not much bling is needed for this look. I just thew on my current favorite pair of silver studs and my go-to silver bangles. I added a black leather cuff for a spark of edge. 

A matte red lip is exactly what this ensemble needed. This particular product is perfect for summer as it's "swim" proof, sweat proof, and glides on like a dream. 

I love how most off-the-shoulder tops can be worn either completely off your shoulders or just off one. This look is easy to throw on when it's too hot to think, but it still looks perfectly polished and pretty. I added my own cloth belt because I wanted to give my frock more shape, but depending on the look you're going for, a shift dress works well without one too. 

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: Anthropologie (similar style here) // bandana: boutique (identical one here) // sandals: Miz Mooz (I also like this pair) // sunglasses: Banana Republic // clutch: Trina Turk (I also like this one) // earrings: & Other Stories (similar style here) // lipstick: Cargo Cosmetics Swimmables Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick in "Brighton"]

THIS is my kind of summer look - works just well at a family barbecue as it does on a picnic or city day date. I wore this outfit during the later, as Antonio and I explored Manhattan and ate our weight in brunch. After all, that's what summer-weekend dreams are made of, right?

 // SHOP //