Surviving Summer: Key pieces imagined in a new way

Off the shoulder shirt, Francesca's, similar here and here/Midi cotton skirt, Forever 21, similar here/ Slip-ons, Target, similar here/ Hat, Nordstrom Rack, similar here.

I was tired of my summer clothes, so I have been trying to re-work a lot of my trendy summer pieces in a new way. I wanted to mix this off-the-shoulder top with something a little less feminine. Hopefully this inspires new ways of looking at your clothes to avoid paring them with the same pair of shorts or accessories etc... This outfit was an escape for me, it has a certain traveling-through-Europe vibe--I wish!

Half way between casual and fancy: Midi skirt + Bustier Camisole + Sandals

 

Midi Skirt, Charlotte Russe/ Bustier top, Aerie, similar here (I like this one, too)/ Sandals, Vince Camuto here and here/Bag, Coach.


This particular outfit seem very "day" to me. I actually wore it out for drinks in the evening, but I think with the sandals and handbag, it would be great for a brunch or day date instead. To make your outfit more of a nighttime look (aka fancier), try swapping sandals for wedges or heels, and switching to a clutch. I wanted to show how much versatility this Midi Skirt can have (see  my previous Instagram post with it when I wore it to work). Midi skirts should be the new pencil skirt!

Business-Comfortable: T-shirt dress +Tied button-up + Oxfords

Dress, Old Navy/Shirt, Old Navy, similar here/Oxford loafer, Dolce Vita, similar here


Mondays always seem to be the busiest day of the work week, and my motivation level for getting dressed in the morning is low. I always try to start of the week with a comfortable outfit. This easy cotton dress is a great dress to fall back on. It is versatile, and comfortable. Tying a shirt around your waist and adding some loafers or slip-ons keeps it a little more appropriate (although a business casual setting is a necessity to wear this dress). It can also be work under a crisp shirt dress or just a collared shirt. You can also try layering it with a blazer, sweater or vest to give new life. Happy Monday!

Eyelet and Lace: A staple for wedding season(s)

Pink is the new red, and lace/eyelet is the new textile of wedding season. This is actually a knock off of very expensive, beautiful dress by Self-portrait. I stalked it for months, but couldn't justify a $450 price tag. I found this one at Choies for $40 (it also comes in other colors), and was pleasantly surprised at the decent quality. Lace is great because it looks elegant, but can be very comfortable in warm weather. I wore this to a summer wedding in Hawaii and it was perfect (especially with the Plumeria Lei). Try adding a lace/eyelet dress to your wardrobe for an event like a wedding or holiday, they photograph so nicely! Dress, Choies/Shoes, Shoemint/Hat, Forever 21

Here are some of my favorites from Choies. Keep all accessories minimal, and be mindful of sheer panels. Lace and Sheerness can be your best friend (keep you from looking homely) or worst enemy (a.ka. slutty).

http://www.choies.com/product/pink-half-sleeve-crochet-lace-fishtail-dress_p48234

http://www.choies.com/product/wine-red-semi-sheer-crochet-lace-keyhole-back-midi-dress_p51789

http://www.choies.com/product/light-green-crochet-lace-scollap-trims-midi-skater-dress_p47917

http://www.choies.com/product/light-purple-double-v-neck-hollow-lace-sleeveelss-midi-dress_p44655

http://www.choies.com/product/blue-embroidery-floral-lace-dress_p36532

Eyelet and Leopard: Midi skirt + Tank + Sandals

Old Navy tank, similar here/ Midi Skirt, JC Penny, similar here/ Lace-up sandals, Old Navy, similar here/Sunglasses, Oliver Peoples

Midi skirts are a trend, but not one that has to be obnoxious. I think most of the midi skirt outfits we see out there are with a crop top, and that's a bit overdone by now. They can be more than that particular look, and they deserve a permanent stay in your closet. Here a few tips. Really, try one! Aren't you ready for a change from your pencil skirts?:

1) You are scared of the volume: try one with more of an A-line silhouette like this one, also, see my favorites below (Number three, specifically). If you feel weird with the length, start out by wearing it with a simple fitted tee and wedges.

2) You think you're too short to wear a midi-skirt. There has never been a better time for you! Buy a regular skirt, made for tall women, and ta-da its a midi skirt on you! Start with a simple one like this. If you still feel short, you won't once you wear it with wedges or heels (ESPECIALLY nude colored heels/wedges, they do wondrous things).

3) You think you're too old (I'm talking to my sisters specifically, here). Again, its not mandatory that you wear it with a crop top! Try it with a fitting sweater and classic heels, or a simple tank and sandals.

Here are some of my favorites:

1). http://www.chicwish.com/neutral-grey-belted-a-line-skirt.html

2).http://www.chicwish.com/glam-stripes-cutout-midi-skirt-in-black.html

3) http://www.asos.com/Monki/Monki-Button-Front-Midi-skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5452358&cid=12906&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black&totalstyles=264&gridsize=3

Blazer + Shirtdress + Sneakers

Shirtdresses are great because they can be worn so many ways. A blazer is already kind of a sporty accessory, so pairing it with sneakers seemed like a given. Its still appropriate for a business casual setting, but is most likely a change up from your normal work wardrobe. I did a little bit of pattern mixing with this vintage bag.

Dress, Forever 21, similar here/ Green Blazer, JC Penny-similar here (in blush pink)/ Sneakers, similar here/ Bag, vintage.

Thrifting finds

I thought it would be fun to put all of my thrifting finds to good use. I just found this Samsonite Pink luggage case for $5. It was easy to clean since it does not have any fabric inside the bag. It'll be perfect for a couple of days worth of outfits. I wanted a good traveling outfit where I could remove layers depending on the weather, and have comfortable walking shoes. Its definitely not an outfit for the wallflower, though.

Nintendo Duck Hunt shirt (vintage find)/Cutoff shorts-thrift store/ Silver Sam and Libby Birks/ Charger print blazer-vintage/Sunglasses, Charlotte Russe/Samsonite Travel Bag