Back To Spring // my perfect warm-weather dress

I take spring dress shopping very seriously. And THIS dress? It's a keeper. 

First of all, not only does this light-weight frock have a killer back slit (so chic, right?) it's also the perfect mix of casual and glam. It may be hard to tell in these pics, but the fabric, while a sweatshirty material, is sparkly. So with an added touch of glimmer and shine, this simple shift dress instantly becomes nighttime appropriate. And did I mention how comfortable it is? Seriously, you need this dress in your life! 

I've worn this dress during the day and out at night. For day, I paired it with super minimal sandals that are extremely comfortable and almost look like I'm barefoot. I love a nude sandal like this because they literally go with everything. For night, I threw on nude booties with a metallic heel. 

While no accessories are really needed with this number (the glitter really can do all the talking,) I couldn't resist pairing it with my current favorite necklace. This beautiful layered piece from Free People is super versatile, and I love how it gives the illusion that I tried way harder than I did. Even better, it's less than $40! You didn't expect that from FP, did you?

I know, I know, THESE sunglasses again! Have I convinced you yet that they're worth it? While I love my Ray-Bans, these shades have slowly become my go-to pair. I am just SO here for these nude frames - I feel like they brighten up my face and look great with every color. 

This is just me in front of a cool car dreaming that it's mine ;) Maybe one day, right?

Photos by Antonio Owens 

[dress: & Other Stories // sandals: Sam Edelman // purse: Rebecca Minkoff // necklace: Free People // sunglasses: Banana Republic // earrings: & Other Stories // watch: Fossil // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // lipcolor: Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Lovesick"]

This dress easily carried me through a full day in the city. My morning started with a workout (sorry to disappoint, but this dress isn't THAT magical...I wore leggings and a tank for that part of my day) and then I showered and changed into this beauty for brunch. 

My boyfriend and I hit up a trendy spot inside the Renwick Hotel called Bedford & Co., and it was delicious! [Side note: I highly recommend their bubbly brunch, which consists of different types of juices to add to your champagne.] After that, we did some shopping in midtown, and by nighttime, we were off to a friend's surprise b-day party. 

I literally wore this piece from 12 pm to 3 am, and I never once felt uncomfortable or out of place. Pretty darn amazing if you ask me! I told you this dress was special.  

 // SHOP //

Double Duty Denim // chambray dress as tunic

When the air conditioner is blasting inside but the sun is beating down outside, a light tunic paired with ankle jeans and peep-toe heels is a comfortable and stylish compromise. Your biggest summer wardrobe challenge = solved. 

This lovely chambray piece doubles as a dress and a tunic, and you better believe I exhaust its versatility! I'm a huge denim fan so owning a chambray item that's virtually seasonless was like hitting the jackpot. I love experimenting with this dress and wearing it with jeans, jackets, blazers, boots, sandals -- you name it! The possibilities are truly endless with this one. 

White jeans are another one of those pieces that possess endless styling opportunities. I find myself reaching for this high-waisted skinny pair time and time again - especially in the summer. And worn with chambray, they REALLY shine! Make sure yours hit above the ankle to ensure your fabulous shoes see the light of day. 

WHAT a sexy and unique shoe, am I right? I just love how these look and I love how I feel when I'm wearing them. The mesh creates an undeniable athleisure tone while the heel height and patent leather toe strap are both very uptown chic. You really can't go wrong with a sleek, sporty pair like this. And even better, once your summer tan is in full swing, taupe is totally the new nude! 

Playing off the fun, sporty chic vibe of my look, this lavender rubber watch is totally practical and durable but ALSO super cute. I love the color, which is surprisingly neutral, and I love how light it is - I almost always forget I'm even wearing it! 

These black stud earrings are a go-to for me. Even if the rest of my outfit is casual, these always make me look a tad more dressed up and put together. It's crazy how a really great accessory has the power to do that! 

 I was going for a "sunset" effect with my eyeshadow. And while I don't REALLY know what that means or even how to exactly achieve it, I think I did a pretty good job. The end result is unique and a bit dramatic, which is the perfect accent for a relatively simple ensemble like this one. 

Photos by Dan Harper 

[dress/tunic: Loft (similar here) // jeans: Loft (similar here) // heels: Ann Taylor (I also like this pair) // earrings: John Hardy (similar here) // watch: Kate Spade (similar here) // silver bangles: Alex & Ani // amethyst bangle: David Yurman // heart tag bracelet: Tiffany & Co. // eyeshadow: Urban Decay's Naked palette // lipstick: Clinique's Bare Pop]

This is pretty much a no-fuss, straightforward outfit. It's really the shoes that make this look extra special. But no matter what footwear you chose to wear it with, this ensemble is fool-proof, and it always looks good! The formula is simple (chambray + white denim), but the result is polished and fashion forward - especially if you play with proportions like I did here. It's definitely a street style winner! 

// SHOP //