Outfits

Summer Capsule Wardrobe Outfit - The Statement Hat

When it comes to summer dressing, I have found that my outfits can become stale rather quickly. Much like dressing in the dead of winter, dressing in the middle of summer can feel more like a chore than anything else. With the ever rising temps and the often stifling humidity, it can become difficult to inject some much needed life back into my look. To overcome this slump I like to pick one or two standout pieces that can refresh my go-to, classic staples. 

 

Examples of two standout pieces are this ruffle poplin statement top and wide brim floppy hat. 

What I love most about these two pieces is that they both elevate my simple denim shorts and sandals look. Plus, they both pack a punch with little to no effort. In fact, you can wear each separately or together for a major wow factor that your basics just don't have on their own. 

Beyond the floppy hat, I kept my accessories fairly simple. The rich browns and golds in the tortoise shell cuff brought out the colors in the clutch while still leaving the focus on the top and hat. I also wore my everyday jewelry and Julie Vos earrings to tie the whole look together. 

 

Another thing I love about these pieces is that even though they are slightly unconventional, they can easily be paired with other items in my wardrobe. 

For example, I plan on wearing the top with white jeans and neutral slides, mules or loafers once the temperatures cool. Plus, I have already worn the hat with a white t and chino shorts but also plan on wearing it with a simple white shirt, skinny jeans and fun sandals or flats in the coming months. Below, I have linked as many as the exact items I'm wearing as well as some other fantastic options. 

Shirt: Old Zara, but similar here / Jean Shorts: Levi's 501 / Sandals: Jack Rogers / Clutch: Louis Vuitton / Earrings: Julie Vos

Until next time!

Silk Separates For Summer

With fear of sounding like a broken record, my favorite part of having a minimized wardrobe is the seemingly endless outfit combinations I can put together. By having a foundation of timeless pieces in complimentary colors, I am able to wear nearly everything in my closet year round. This versatility allows me to get the most use out of my clothes and ensure nothing goes to waste by getting lost in an abyss of an overstuffed closet of mismatched pieces. 

 

An example of one of these versatile foundation pieces is this printed silk skirt. 

The skirt itself features a base color of neutral cream with a colorful but understated paisley pattern of black, beige, maroon, grey, green and orange running throughout. To play up each of these colors separately, I have paired this skirt with a chambray button down, cashmere sweater and white shirt on different occasions for entirely different looks each time. Most recently to suit the climbing temperatures here is Charleston, I paired it with a contrasting silk short sleeve top. This pairing, along with some carefully chosen accessories resulted in a new look that felt fresh and appropriate. 

By wearing two silk separates together, this outfit instantly felt luxe while still being light and airy and super comfortable. 

Shirt: Everlane / Skirt: Massimo Dutti (old) / Necklace: J. Crew / Belt: Vintage Dooney & Bourke / Tortoise Shell Bangle: J. Crew / Clutch: Louis Vuitton / Shoes: Everlane

Until next time!

An Afternoon At The Farmers Market

One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is to visit the farmers market. From the fresh fruit and veggies, to the delicious prepared foods, I love strolling through the vendors and gathering goodies for the week to come. Since moving to Charleston, Jason and I were eager to check out the local farmers market so on a recent Saturday that's exactly what we did.   

Despite the warm temps and muggy air, we spent the afternoon strolling past fresh blooms and taking in all the lovely sites, sounds and yummy smells. Every stand we passed seemed better than the last and we quickly worked up an appetite. Just as our hunger was reaching peak level we stumbled on a crepe stand and waisted no time ordering a savory one. We enjoyed our tasty treat on a bench overlooking the action and people watched to our heart's desire. 

All around the city hydrangeas were in full bloom, and they lined the Charleston streets like a colorful, aromatic frame. 

After enjoying our crepe, we decided to wander around the city a bit and slowly made our way over to College of Charleston where we were blown away by the unbearable quaintness of the campus. To suit the balmy weather, I wore my new linen shorts and a crisp white button down. I jazzed up the whole look with a bold faux squash bloom necklace from Zara and vintage purse. 

For a closer look at my outfit and a short vlog of the farmers market, check out my YouTube channel for a new video - also embedded here. 

Shirt: Brooks Brothers / Necklace: Zara / Shorts: J. Crew / Gold Bangle: J. Crew / Purse: Vintage Gucci / Shoes: Gucci

Until next time!

Blue & White In The Historic District

Downtown Charleston is undoubtedly one of my favorite places in the world. Both historic and modernly charming, the impossibly perfect downtown streets are unlike any others. With a fierce commitment to preserving the historical integrity of the city, Charleston boasts row after row of carefully tended to homes that seem transport you to another time. As the wind rustles in the leaves of ancient oaks, you can almost see the city as it was when some of America's earliest settlers laid their first bricks. 

Jason and I both love historic architecture and love to spend our weekends strolling the streets and taking in all the inspiration our new city has to offer. For one of these afternoon strolls I paired my super comfortable navy blue chino shorts with a crisp white shirt that featured some unexpected styling for a fun twist. 

 

Juxtaposed against the classic design of the shorts, this top felt fresh instead of trendy while also elevating the basic shorts and shirt combo. 

For accessories, I chose a blue, white and gold beaded necklace, a bold statement bangle with navy accents and a simple clutch. I kept my footwear simple and comfortable with a pair of pointed toe flats perfect for navigating the cobblestone streets.  

Shirt: Zara / Shorts: J. Crew / Necklace: Old LOFT / Bangle: Old J. Crew / Shoes: Everlane

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