Summer Capsule Outfit: Easy Linen

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Even though I've gone through my fair share of East Coast summers, I'm never quite prepared for how hot and humid things get.

As the humidity climbs and the temps hover around 90+ every day, light and airy pieces are the only way to ensure I don't melt.

When comparing all of the breathable fabrics on the market, nothing beats linen.

Even though it wrinkles minutes after steaming or ironing it, linen so comfortable to wear that I'll live with the inevitable creasing.

After looking back on my 2017 summer capsule wardrobe I realized that a few more linen pieces would be wonderful to have. To make this a reality I picked up 2 linen dresses and a pair of linen shorts. Of these three pieces, this striped dress has quickly become one of my favorite new pieces. 

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I love the 100% linen fabric that's so light and airy but still heavy enough to not be transparent. That coupled with the pale blue and white (two of my favorite colors for spring and summer) and the gorgeous tortoise shell buttons make this a staple that I know I'll wear for years. I also love the length that hits below my knees and the cinched but adjustable waist.

For accessories, I kept things simple with my Ruff's Signet RingGLDN Kenai stacking ring and bold gold hoops from ETSY (no longer available). My video all about my signet ring is coming up later this week but in the meantime, you can read all about it here

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For my handbag, I kept things summery with my new round straw bag. I picked this cute little bag up from ETSY and am completely in love. 

I love the round shape and the delicate handle (though I wish it were large enough to hold on my arm).

Plus, it's the perfect pale straw color that's not too yellow, too white or too green. 

For shoes, I wore my go-to tan espadrilles that are ridiculously comfortable in the heat and humidity. They're breathable while still looking polished and never suffocate my feet as they swell in the heat. 

I have a black pair and this tan pair and can't recommend them enough.

And there you have it! One of the easiest summer outfits that still looks polished and put together. I've linked the outfit details throughout and in the widget below in case you're interested in these exact items. But. like always, I encourage you to take your time building your wardrobe and only bring something into it that you think you'll wear plenty of times and feel great in for years to come. Also, don't hesitate to check thrift stores, eBay or ETSY or even make your own items! 

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On My Radar No 46

image via tumblr

image via tumblr

Happy Friday! I've spent the entire week getting over a nasty cold that seems to linger forever. Despite not feeling 100%, the forced rest was nice and it gave me plenty of time to finalize most of my content in August.

One of the things I'm looking forward to the most is heading up to Maine for a week and I'll be sharing a packing guide, the outfits I wear, plenty of pictures and of course my outfits.

In the meantime, here are some of the things that have been on my radar lately. 

A NEW WAY TO RECYCLE STYROFOAM | First up is a new way to recycle the previously unrecyclable styrofoam. This discovery is so exciting and the young boy behind it is so inspiring.   

ANOTHER ADVOCATE FOR SKIPPING FACE LOTION | In an earlier "On My Radar" post, I shared an interesting theory that facial moisturizer could actually do our skin more harm than good and this editor suggests the same thing. I'm currently trying it out myself and will let you know if I notice any major improvements. 

LIFE ITSELF TRAILER | I love movies and this new one from Amazon looks great! 

HOW TO GET ENERGIZED IF YOU DIDN'T GET ENOUGH SLEEP | Since I've been sick (which rarely happens!) I haven't been getting enough restful sleep and these tips about how to feel energized when you didn't get a full 8 are really good.  

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks Worth Considering

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale officially starts tomorrow and just about every blogger under the sun is sharing their picks. Rather than take the conventional route and share everything that catches my eye with no rhyme or reason, I've rounded up some of the best values I found that will also last longer than one season and in many cases, can last years and years. As a firm believer in saving money when possible, I think sales are a great time to score a piece you've been waiting for as long as you aren't buying just to buy, and the item checks all the boxes for what you're looking for. So, with that in mind I've linked some of the best items below for you. To see more just click the image and you'll be taken directly to Nordstrom's site.

TOPS & SWEATERS


SKIRTS, DRESSES & PANTS


COATS & JACKETS


SHOES & ACCESSORIES

Summer Capsule Wardrobe

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Today I'm sharing my 23 piece summer capsule wardrobe.

Like always, this capsule doesn't include shoes, accessories our outerwear and most of these pieces are repeats from previous seasons and are closet staples that I've had for years.

As you know, I prefer to start my capsules with the same base of closet staples each season, and then add and remove trendier pieces and seasonal items as needed.

For me, this method is much more doable and far less overwhelming.

Plus, it helps me keep my overall closet in check because I don't run the risk of overlooking something I actually love just because it's out of sight and out of mind. I've linked more information about each item down below along with my color palette and corresponding video so that you can see a closer look at each piece.  

COLOR PALETTE

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If you saw my  summer capsule planning video, then my color palette should come as no surprise.

Much like I planned in that video, my go-to colors this season are many of the shades I like to wear year-round with a majority of black, white, navy and blue.

My accent colors are still pink and green but I don't have any pink clothing and instead this color will be represented in my accessories, and I only have one green clothing item.

The remainder of my green will also be reflected in my accessories. 

THE 23 PIECES

Now let's get into the 23 pieces. Like I mentioned earlier, most of these items are repeats from previous seasons and many of these items are things I've had and worn for years. I love how these pieces that are well-made and compliment my personal style really do stand the test of time. With proper care, many of these items have lasted well over a year and have carried me through multiple seasons effortlessly. Also, you'll notice that some of these items are very similar to one another. While I could easily choose one or the other, I like to have similar pieces because at this point in my life and my personal style journey I know what I like to wear and I know the pieces that I need to create my personal "uniforms." So, rather than have difference and variation just for the sake of it, I'm content having a closet full of pieces that are interchangeable and easily used for any of my go-to looks. I've outlined everything below, along with how long I've had each item and you can see the pieces in action in my corresponding video at the bottom of this post. 

 
  1. White Tailored ShirtBrooks Brothers | Replaced my old one earlier this year
  2. White Short Sleeve Cotton ShirtMango | New this year
  3. Off The Shoulder Black Tee | Old Navy | Purchased last year
  4. Black T-Shirt| Grana | C/O Grana last year
  5. Linen T-Shirt Grana | Purchased last year, no longer available
  6. White Cotton T-Shirt| Everlane | Purchased last year
  7. Navy and White Striped Tee | J.Crew | Purchased 2 years ago
  8. Blue and White Striped Wrap Top | Zara | Purchased last year
  9. Solid Blue Oxford Everlane | Purchased earlier this year
  10. Striped Blue Oxford Everlane | C/O Everlane earlier this year
  11. Black Linen Dress TopShop | Purchased earlier this season
  12. Blue & White Striped Linen Dress Mango | Purchased earlier this season
  13. Skinny Jeans Everlane | Purchased late last year
  14. Boyfriend Jeans | Levi's | Purchased while living in the city 4+ years ago 
  15. Green Chinos LOFT | Purchased 2 years ago
  16. Black Pants | H&M | Purchased while living in the city over 5 years ago
  17. Black Shorts LOFT | Purchased 2 years ago
  18. Denim Shorts | Levi's | Purchased 3+ years ago
  19. White Linen Shorts J.Crew | Purchased at least 4 years ago
  20. Black Linen Shorts J.Crew | Purchased from Poshmark earlier this season
  21. Black Pencil Skirt | Everlane | Purchased earlier this year
  22. Black A-Line Skirt LOFT | Purchased 2 years ago
  23. Silk Paisley Skirt | Massimo Dutti | Purchased while living in the city over 5 years ago
 
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