Happy early spring! The weather here in the Bay Area has ranged from the 50's to the low-70's. While I've mostly been bundled up in a scarf and coat for chilly early mornings, I did get to shed those layers to enjoy my first dip in the pool a couple weeks ago! That said, I'm sharing a mix of both cooler weather staples such as classic coats coupled with swimwear as many plan an escape from the cold and we move towards open-toed shoes once again.
A few notable trends for springs are: black & white gingham paired with denim, ruffles, stripes, the colors lavender as well as yellow (particularly a hue of golden mustard) and accentuated sleeves of all types. As always, I like to work in a few trends while maintaining a classic aesthetic that can be enjoyed for many years to come. You can shop any of the looks below or get more details by clicking on any image in the boutique.
When I think of summertime, an array of images come to mind. Visions of bronzed sun-kissed skin, lazy beach days, strawberry picking with the family, relaxing with a big glass of sweet tea or lemonade in hand to beat the heat, making s'mores by the campfire at night and of course eating lots of juicy watermelon slices and picnics in the park. Summer is a time to kick back, relax and opt for less fussy attire and there's something about gingham that just reminds me of those picnic in the park (likely the red and white iconic picnic blankets and tablecloths). When the hazy, humid days of summer are ushered in, there's nothing better than a gauzy or breezy dress in a lightweight fabric like this one to keep things both comfortable and cool while still looking polished and ladylike.
As a lover of classic style, I tend to focus on staple fabrics, patterns and colors such as black and white (which my closet is filled with!) in a variety of patterns such as striped tees, solid blouses and dresses along with polka dots. When Make Me Chic recently reached out to me to collaborate with them, I couldn't resist adding this ruffle top spaghetti strap gingham dress.
Although off-the-shoulder looks are on trend and everywhere right now, I'm a practical gal at heart and with a toddler to chase after all day, not having to readjust my clothing often is important to me. The thin straps on this dress solves that issue and provides just the right amount amount of support while still giving it that strapless or off-the-shoulder vibe. The ruffle top adds a flirty, romantic feel (that accentuates your bust area-a nice perk for those who want a little extra oomph in that department) and because it's covered, while I wore a strapless bra, you could technically go bra-less and find them uncomfortable in the heat like I sometimes do. I also love how this dress cinches at the waist, it's quite figure flattering with a retro, ladylike vibe. You also can't beat the price at just $32!
Yesterday, Lily and I headed out for the day but I did't feel like carrying a large tote as I often do to carry both of our necessities. I decided to pair my new gingham dress with a red cross-body bag for a pop of color to hold my essentials (which can be worn as a shoulder bag too). I discovered it at a local FL boutique but I found some very similar options like this two-tone version, this slightly larger version, and this one that features the same type of gold hardware.
After heading out early for a couple short appointments and running a few quick errands, we made our way over to Julie's Waterfront, a very casual restaurant situated on the water with great food and service along with a cute patio area and of course a view. It was such a stunning day with the most beautiful blue skies and fluffy white clouds that often resembled popcorn. I couldn't resist snapping a few photos while there of this adorable summery mural below that was painted on the fence near the entrance.
After lunch, Lily fell asleep in the car (as she often does when we run errands midday) so I read and caught up on a few e-mails. Next, I swung by the house and loaded up on water, juice and snacks to make our way to the park after first swapping out my heels for my favorite pair of black flat Tory Burch sandals which are the ones I wear most often. I typically make shorts and a tee my go-to for our park days together so I can slide with her and worry less about getting dirty but there's something so lovely about getting to still feel feminine even in places where you might otherwise typically dress very casually. Because this dress is so lightweight, it was the perfect option, especially since we made some new friends there who just moved here from out of state and we ended up staying for a record 3 hours!
What I like most about this look is that it's easy and with it being black + white, you can add virtually any color to change up the look each time you wear it-yellow or hot pink are other fun options. I have long loved the versatility of separates, however, I usually end up with more dresses than skirts because they're something I can throw on without spending too much time coordinating, add a swipe of lipstick, a pair of heels (or flats) and out the door I go! This dress can easily transition from day to night by adding a cardigan as the temps drop along with a clutch for a slightly dressier look.
Here are a few other similar classic black + white gingham dresses for summer at varying price points (some are on sale right now), including this adorable toddler/child version (on sale!) which matches the style of my dress almost identically and would be perfect for you mamas who like to match with your daughter.
As always, thank you so much for stopping by! Wishing all of my Canadian friends a Happy Canada Day today and my American friends a Happy 4th of July weekend! Since I'm a dual citizen, I'll be celebrating both. Have fun and stay safe everyone. :)
XO
*Thank you to Make Me Chic for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When I graduated College and entered the workforce, one rule I always lived by was 'dress for the job you want, not the job you have'. At times I've felt a bit overdressed compared with my colleagues however, I can't tell you how many times new co-workers have mistaken me for upper management. A big part of that was how I chose to present myself in terms of what I wore coupled with an upbeat but responsible down-to-business demeanor. I think the same holds true for our personal lives, we should dress appropriately for the occasion but do so in a way that exudes confidence and allows us to showcase the very best of our wardrobe vs. saving it for a special occasion and opting to live in cozy favorites instead. We never know who we may meet and what opportunities might arise if we first dress the part. We may meet our future employer, business partner or even husband, so it's always wise to put our best foot forward. Doing so may lead to dating a different kind of man or you may find yourself in different social circles as a result which could in turn lead to a variety of wonderful prospects. Make no mistake, clothing most certainly does not 'make' the woman, it is just one aspect of a lady. However, making the effort shows a different level of respect for others and one's self, dressing up also provides a certain sense of allure and mystery, some may wonder where you're headed later and presume you live a highly exciting life. When you dress up more often, other areas of your life will improve too-the way you keep your home, how clean you keep your car, the way you eat. A basic, 'that'll do, good enough' approach to certain aspects of life will no longer suffice, it will be replaced with, not perfection, but the desire for excellence and a more lovely presentation of one's self and life. These are the ways of a classy woman.
Today's post echoes one I wrote a few months ago titled: 10 Benefits to Being Well Dressed. In it I got into more detail on the reasons why we should endeavor to look our best and always opt to step out with our best foot forward. Some may be reasons you hadn't thought about and I hope to encourage well thought out attire whether for work or play.
A few of the ways I elevate my own look for a more dressy ensemble even if I'll be enjoying a casual day out, are by adding a jacket or blazer to jeans, bermuda shorts, a dress or paired with a feminine a-line midi skirt (or another structured jacket such as leather or even a pretty cardigan) in addition to considering footwear that accompanies the overall look. To give you some inspiration, here are the 10 Jackets Every Classy Woman should own. The great thing about shoes is that even if you're headed somewhere where heels are impractical, you can opt for a gorgeous pair of flats and keep your heels in the car (or your bag) for later when you may in fact need them for a sit down venue such as a dinner out. Likewise, if you're headed out the door and want to look your best, wear a pair of pumps and keep those ultra-comfy ballet flats (or another pair of more comfortable shoes with you) so your feet won't have to suffer. Personally, I always keep a pair of black flats in my car to change into while driving for both safety and comfort. Accessories can also really transform the look of an outfit-a gorgeous pair of chandelier earrings, a beautiful clutch, a statement necklace or a belt that pulls a look together and defines the waist are all necessary to create a polished look. In my opinion though, if one intends to look more dressed up and ladylike, the easiest way to achieve this is by wearing skirts and dresses. I know it's not the 1950's and don't get me wrong, I love wearing denim and dress pants just as much, however, there is something so romantic and feminine about a beautiful dress and to keep it from becoming overly dressy, a gorgeous jewel embellished sandal or lace pointy toe flat would be the perfect accompaniment, especially on weekends for brunch, shopping, or meeting up with friends. For the office, some standout choices will always be a sheath and shift dresses that hit at the knee which are great options for allowing you to remain professional but remind others that you are in fact, a woman, even if you happen to be working in a man's world.
Below I'm sharing some of my favorite dresses + skirts, I hope it inspires you to add a few more dressier pieces to continue to build your own timeless and classy wardrobe. Ann Taylor is currently running a 40% OFF sale right now with code: MYSTERY40.
EARRINGS:Jewel Mint old(similar) // NAIL POLISH:Essie (color: Ole Caliente)
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During this time of year it's so easy for me to become distracted (anyone else?) while working at the kitchen table in front of our large window when the sunshine and warm breeze gently kiss my skin and tempt me to come out and play. Right now we also have a confederate jasmine vine in full bloom along our property that I just can't get enough of, the scent is both delicious and intoxicating!
I confess that I'm not someone who enjoys very hot and humidity weather for a long stretch of time so as you can imagine, living in Florida, this poses a challenge during the majority of the year. On a side note, we had the best time in California and there are serious considerations for moving there. I live for the months of January through April here and spend as much time outdoors as possible. A few days ago, I picked up some groceries along with a bunch of sunflowers then decided to make my way to one of my favorite local parks that just so happens to have the most fragrant and beautiful rose garden. The relaxing fountain and delicate roses made for the perfect backdrop for today's casual outfit shoot. This is a typical outfit that I wear daily when I'm not meeting clients, I always strive for a look that is somewhat effortless yet put-together at the same time. I definitely don't wear a lot of white around Lily, because let's face it, toddlers will destroy white faster than anything else however for drop-off and pick-up to school during the week, it's usually pretty safe.
I purchased this mint top locally a few weeks ago and knew it would pair well with both dark denim as well as white shorts, jeans and skirts. I've owned this pair of cropped white denim Merona jeans that I picked up at Target for a few years now, I bought them when I was in the very early stages of pregnancy with Lily because I loved how much stretch they had so I could wear them afterwards as well. Since they are not maternity, I still wear them however, in humid weather especially if I'm bending/sitting a lot the material is such that they tends to stretch out of shape (as they did this day after wearing them all afternoon since they were never a tight fit) so I'm on the hunt for a new pair that keep their shape, so far I'm loving these and they're 30% OFF right now!, or this pair under $75 and this pair comes in 8 other colors!
I decided to bust out a recent find which you may have seen on instagram-this structured navy Zac Posen satchel that I picked up for a steal. I had had my eye on this lighter spring version but I couldn't pass this one up as it was well under half off and more in line with my budget. Although it's technically seen as a fall color, I still wear navy well into the spring and summer as it pairs so well with red + white or with softer colors such as blush pink, pale blue or even bright fuchsia or yellow. I'm looking forward to using it year round and it's such a sturdy well-made bag that holds a lot which I've learned is very important with a little one as I've transitioned away from using a diaper bag!
I have had my eye on these gorgeous cat eye Tom Ford sunnies however, at $400 they are not in the budget right now. I was so excited to stumble upon this nearly identical dupe for less than $20! They are so much nicer on person than on the website and they have full 100% UV protection (not UV absorptive like many inexpensive sunglasses that allow the rays in-something to look out for). Even though she has her own, Lily loves to wear mama's sunglasses and broke a pair right before our spring break trip, so I tend to only wear budget-friendly ones around her now.
One of the perks of living in Florida is that something is bound to be in bloom year round-even it that just means palm trees or sea oats at the beach. This time of year makes me feel so alive and giddy inside. There's something so exciting about seeing the bright green new growth leaves sprouting out from our oak tree or hearing all the baby birds tweeting on our property and seeing flowers blossom all over the city. Our neighbor across the street has the most wonderful yellow flowering tree.
Above is a look at the rose garden at the Estate House of Cypress Grove Park. The trickling fountain in the center of the garden is so soothing, I was happy to be the only one there. The green & white estate house in behind is lovely and has a beautiful waterfront property overlooking the lake which makes for the most beautiful wedding ceremony backdrop, the outdoor garden and patio is equally as delightful. A girlfriend of mine got married here a few years ago and although it was sunny and quite hot in May, it made for a stunning garden party venue.
Just across the street from the rose garden in the main open portion of the park is a white bridge that leads from the lake side, gazebo, open grounds and playground to large open soccer fields and volleyball, basketball areas and more. This park frequently hosts jazz festivals and is home to some beautiful outdoor family gatherings and birthday parties with it's picnic tables and BBQ's. It's actually where we had Lily's 1st Birthday photo shoot (that was a crazy day which I still need to share here-it was literally the hottest most humid day of the entire year), August is a hot one here or else I'd love to have a casual gathering with all of our friends + family there this year for her 3rd birthday. Speaking of toddlers, a sweet little girl about Lily's age walked over to the end of the bridge smiling during the shoot and said "hi" to me, so this moment was captured. ;)
I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend and Valentine's Day with your loved ones! Ours was busy but fun as we treated ourselves to seasons passes at Sea World and took Lily there on Saturday and spent lots of time working on puzzles, reading her many new books and cuddling. :)
Who says you have to wear a big splash of red or pink on Valentine's Day? Although both happen to be a couple of my favorite colors of mine but I opted for a more simplistic look this year. As most of you know my wardrobe is comprised mainly of classic pieces and as such, I happen to own a lot of black and white options which are perfect for spring! Both this striped top and ribbed flare skirt are new additions and I have to say that I really like both and just love this skirt! I bought it for just under $30 during a sale a few weeks back as it received great reviews and it didn't disappoint! I love that it has pockets and that it is so versatile. I was immediately drawn to the striped effect and the hi/low layered look, it just made for a unique skirt and it's such an easy care piece that doesn't need to be ironed and would pack so well in a suitcase for a trip! The shorter lining adds an edgy/sexy vibe in a subtle way without revealing too much, perfect for a date night.
I wore this outfit for our Valentine's lunch out to one of our favorite restaurants in the city, The Boheme at the Grand Bohemian Hotel. It was an extra sweet day as we celebrated my in-laws' 40th Wedding Anniversary which also falls on Feb.14th. We've been having such beautiful sunny, spring-like weather the past few days that it has been a dream to be outdoors. I can't believe it's February already, our 'winter' is nearly over here in Florida which means hot weather won't be far behind. I don't know about you, but I live in skirts in both spring and summer!
For today's look, since I focused on black + white, I wanted to add a bit of pattern play by pairing a ribbed skirt with a striped top. At first I was worried it might be too much, but once I slipped my heels on and adding my gold & black embroidered shoulder bag as well as gold + black earrings, it all came together. The pattern on my bag as well as the red lip helped keep things interesting (this gorgeous black Chloe-inspired crossbody bag is on my list which also comes in brown and it's under $50!). The black & white striped elbow-length scoop neck (and back) tee was exactly what I was looking for, it just feels very French and I'm a huge fan of two-tone stripes. Black & white as well as navy & white striped tops are a staple in every classy woman's wardrobe for spring as they have a fresh, nautical feel but are also ideal year round whether v-neck, crew, scoop or boat neck. I pulled out one of my favorite pairs of Nine West strappy sandals which are a decade old but still pristine as well as this tassel shoulder bag that I picked up a few months ago in a boutique in SC during our summer road trip (the gold metal chain tucks also inside to turn it into a clutch). I finished off the look with my favorite bracelets, a red lip, red mani/pedi and a black ribbon tied into my hair. This is a look I know I'll come back to again and again. If you find that the shorter underneath layer would not be possible to wear to your workplace or church, I also recently came across this one which also has the ribbed flare look without any transparency as well as several others that are longer.
If you enjoyed today's outfit, please share the love or pin it for yourself for future reference. :)
