Shades Of Summer :: cream lace dress

Come summer I'm all about those light, airy pieces. You know the ones; creamy-hued dresses in an ethereal fabric or powder blue button-ups with a softened touch. I like my summer wardrobe to be carefree with an effortless vibe, and the colors you wear (along with the textures) have a strong impact on just that. 

For this look I decided to add some contrast to my go-to summer shades with accents dipped in the darkest hue of them all - black. I like how the black offsets the more innocent, lighter shades and creates a summertime look that's both delicate and edgy. 

This vintage Tiffany & Co. pendant was quite a find. My mom found it while perusing her usual sites online and immediately thought of me for its simple, clean design. She took it into our nearest Tiffany & Co. store and had them put this black, silk "chain" on it to give the piece modern flair. The coolest part? The necklace is unisex! 

By incorporating bursts of black into an otherwise light look, I'm upping the edge factor while adding an unexpected summery spin. This outfit can easily transition from day to night, and you know me, I'm all about that versatility! 

This black leather bracelet is a favorite of mine. I can always count on it to add interest to any outfit. I love the braided detailing!

Pale shades are key to an easy, breezy summertime day look. When going for an effortless feel I like to stick with a basic color palette of creams, baby blues, light pinks, pale yellows, and loads of white. But another important factor in summery dressing is texture. Here I'm combining lace with chambray and cotton. The fabrics flow well together and move with the breeze.

Black onyx studs are simple but effective. 

Block heels are having a moment this summer with ultra-covetable designs in suede, leather, and animal skin. My black suede pair works from desk to evening festivities. Bonus: the chunkier the heel, the more stable/comfy your foot! 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[dress: Mary Catherine's boutique in North Carolina (this one is super similar), button-down: Loft (I also like this one), heels: Vince Camuto Signature collection (similar here), necklace: vintage Tiffany & Co., watch: Coach (love this one), earrings: fine jewelry, leather cuff: Michael Dawkins (similar here), amythest bangle: David Yurman, heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co.]

You may be confused; last week I was raving about moving to New York City and this week I'm posing alongside hay (did anyone notice the goats?) These photos were taken in North Carolina, but don't worry, I haven't had a change of heart. As I type this, I am sitting in a New York apartment listening to the hustle and bustle of Union Square below. Disclaimer: I don't always publish my posts in chronological order :)

 This is an outfit that I enjoy wearing on the weekends, although in the city I swipe these heels for slides and save the fancy shoes for going out. This past week I was very busy with work at Ann Taylor (I actually pulled a 10-hour shift on Friday night). But luckily I had this past weekend off, which made everything worth it! 

SHOP ::

New York Baby :: wrap skirt + chambray + fedora

Sending warm wishes from The Big Apple in a playful combo of chambray, tribal print, and of course my fedora.  

Here I am again, showing this fabulous tribal, wrap skirt from Loft some love for the nth time this summer. What can I say? When I truly fall for a piece, I just can't get enough! Checkout another look featuring this skirt here. 

My Tiffany & Co. Love necklace was the finishing touch on this look. I think it completes the outfit perfectly - something dainty yet impactful. 

You know I couldn't style the first NYC post of the summer without my Frank Sinatra fedora. Here's my logic: whenever I think "fedora" I think of Sinatra, which leads me to think of New York because duh, New York, New York is only the most iconic song about NYC ever written! What do you think? Am I doing Ol' Blue Eyes proud? 

To add some summertime edge and freshness to my looks lately, I've been super into tying and cropping my button-down blouses. This trend looks fantastic paired with skirts (of the longer variety, please) and a bold sassy lip. Need some tips on how to get the perfect knot? Watch this Refinery29 tutorial. 

Loving these chic VC Signature sandals this summer. The chunky wood heel has a so-now 70s feel. Speaking of which, I also love these. 

As a parting gift as I left Chicago for New York, my mom gave me these John Hardy earrings. They've been an absolute staple for me here in the city. I love their elegant feel and how they're just as neutral as a simple diamond stud but much more stylish and extraordinary. 

How awesome is this mural? My new NYC photographer, Virginia, spotted it as we were wrapping up our shoot. Checkout Virginia's awesome photo blog here. She has such an eye for photography!  

Photos by Virginia Kluiters

[top: Forever21, skirt: Loft, heels: Vince Camuto Signature Collection (also loves these), fedora: Urban Outfitters (this one's also great), necklace: Tiffany & Co., watch: Marc Jacobs, amethyst bangle: David Yurman, crystal bangle: Ann Taylor, earrings: John Hardy, heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co.]

This setting look familiar? You may remember it here from when Brooke and I took pictures last summer in NYC. How weird to think that now, a year later, I'm back in New York - this time for good. 

I thought it would only be appropriate to do my first "Back in New York City" post in one of my all-time favorite NY spots - The High Line in Chelsea. I love The High Line for so many reasons, one of them being it's always a great spot for photos (expect to see it featured on my blog again) and it never disappoints. Due to the perfect harmony between jungle and urban, these photos have a really sweet vibe to them and offer a unique perspective on New York that I find myself drawn to again and again. 

SHOP ::

The Long Shorts Version :: boyfriend shorts + stripes

I created this outfit to show how you can look put-together for a summer weekend outing without turning to a dress or a skirt. Yes, shorts can keep you comfy while dressing up your look at the same time. Your comfortable weekend wear just got a whole lot more polished. 

You've probably noticed the big black dog in some of my photos here. Funny story: when my dad and I shot these pics we were in farmland country down in North Carolina. We were taking these photos by the side of the road (up against a church) when this seemingly stray dog approached us. It came out of nowhere and honestly scared both of us - I'm not a big fan of large dogs. He/She was super friendly though and thankfully only wanted to play - that and be my modeling partner ;)

Taking boyfriend shorts to the next level, I chose a chiffon pair (which can be bought here) in a cool navy shade that borderline men's wear yet are still refreshingly feminine. In addition, they're ultra flattering and insanely comfy, which is always a plus in my book! 

Step aside flip flops, slides are my new favorite sandal! I love them because they have a minimalist look to them accompanied by an effortless summertime vibe. These champagne-colored ones are neutral enough to go with everything while their slight shimmery gleam dresses up whatever you wear them with.  

This dog tag necklace by Michael Kors is an unusual piece because although the concept of a [fashion] dog tag is super casual and even grungy, this design is refined and elegant. As a result, the necklace has a laid-back air to it but at the same time looks classy and strangely traditional. 

Literally looks like this stranger dog is about to bite off my hand...in reality it was just a yawn, but you can tell I look nervous in this shot. I am telling you, I am not a big-dog person. 

I'm wearing coral earrings for the slightest splash of summertime pizzaz. I love how the hue pops next to navy. 

I think it's safe to say that my short-short days are over. In fact, I just donated my last pair of denim cut-offs before moving to New York (RIP). Although I've never been a huge lover of shorty shorts, there will always be a place in my heart for ones of the longer variety. Now this is the pair you can proudly wear out to dinner (Mom would be proud). 

No watch for this look - weekends are for living in the moment! 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[top: Ann Taylor (similar here and on sale), shorts: Loft, slide sandals: Halogen, necklace: Michael Kors (I also like this one), earrings: Melanie Auld, amethyst bangle: David Yurman, thin gold bangle: Alex & Ani, gold link bracelet: Stella & Dot, silver heart bracelet: Tiffany & Co.] 

I have to admit, sometimes on the weekend I get lazy. I want to wear something comfortable since during the week I'm typically dressed up for work. But this look is proof that you can have the best of both worlds. Consider your weekend outfit planned. You're welcome! 

SHOP ::