By now you probably recognize this oversized gingham pencil skirt (and its sister skirt) – but I’ve been loving adding a bit of subtle edge to my more ladylike pieces in these late Summer days and I figured it deserved another moment in the spotlight. I’ve had this open leather tank in my closet since last Fall and honestly only worn it a few times (and usually always layered) – but worn here with a patterned bralette just slightly peeking through it balances out the skirt without veering too over the top. And these mirrored aviators just make things instantly cooler. Since this look is already pretty strong, I went with sleek black and white accessories and called it a day. There’s something about this look that makes me feel both ladylike and tough – a pretty powerful combination. Just ask Beyonce. Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o // Urban Outfitters Leather Top – similar Nordstrom// Anthropologie Bra – similar // Topshop Pencil Skirt – similar from ASOS // Rebecca Minkoff Bag via Nordstrom Rack // Seychelles Heels
One of the things that draws me most to fashion is that it’s constantly reinventing itself – taking inspiration from anything and everything. Modern art, ancient history.. and who knows, maybe even a delicious Summer cocktail? I’ve never actually had a ‘peaches and cognac’ (although generally if you are adding fruit to liquor you’re coming out with a winning combination) but when I put on this peachy pink dress yesterday morning I decided to pair it with a cognac hued bag and sunglasses and kind of loved the outcome. Sometimes these combinations are staring me right in the face in my closet but it just takes the right day or mood to see them.
In terms of fail safe wardrobe items – a silk shirtdress is planted firmly in my top 10. So when Cluny (a contemporary line inspired by a mix of Paris meets New York.. swoon) sent over a sample of their Fall line for me to test drive around the city, this day to night option was the perfect fit for my often 14+ hour days out of the apartment. For the office, it’s perfect with sensible black boots and bag plus a substantial gold necklace to balance out the somewhat flowy-ier shape. And for drinks – I switched things up by slipping on a pair of skinny jeans and wearing the dress as an open second layer – plus changed out for a pair of lace up heels and vintage bag. Both outfits came together in a matter of minutes (that’s the thing about a great dress.. you never have to overthink it) and I was out the door and into the city. Just the way I like it. Desk: Cluny NYC Dress – borrowed, available this Fall // Lulu Frost Necklace – similar steal via Bauble Bar // Bag via TJ Maxx – similar from ASOS // Steve Madden Booties – similar version via 6pmDrinks: Urban Outfitters Jeans // Sole Society Heels c/o – now on sale! // Lulu Frost Ring – similar option via J.Crew // Forever 21 Midi Rings // Vintage Bag
While I certainly can’t claim to have a ‘small’ wardrobe – I usually find myself getting stuck in a bit of a rut around this time every season. No longer really wanting to buy Summer clothes (although if you want to take full advantage of the sale prices – see my best tips here) but not ready to think about Fall, I like to try and shake things up by reworking some of the existing pieces in my closet. This vintage scarf for instance doubles as a headscarf, and this striped silk shirt loses its office appeal once its worn tied up at the waist. These sneakers are new though (I’m on quite a kick this Summer.. #fashionpunintended) and I like that the tan color almost matches my legs. I wore the laces tied up around my ankles – because if my sneakers want to pretend they’re ballet slippers, who am I to stop them? If you need me, you can find me dancing around the East Village all weekend.
While the Summer seems to be flying by (I mean how is it the end of July already?), I’m trying to slow things down by embracing distinctly Summer styles. Like this bright, feminine floral dress perfect for a spontaneous midweek date night. The dress teeters on the edge of being too girly for my style – but I love how the bold black trim, cool collar detail, and plunging neckline adds a little bit of edge to balance things out. Holding on to nights, weather and dresses like these until Fall edges its way in eventually.p.s. You still have a chance to win $100 to shop Little Mistress – find details on my Twitter!Little Mistress Dress c/o // ASOS Clutch – c/o on sale // Loren Hope Cuff c/o // Vintage Watch // Zara Heels – similar via Zappos
By now you probably recognize this oversized gingham pencil skirt (and its sister skirt) – but I’ve been loving adding a bit of subtle edge to my more ladylike pieces in these late Summer days and I figured it deserved another moment in the spotlight. I’ve had this open leather tank in my closet since last Fall and honestly only worn it a few times (and usually always layered) – but worn here with a patterned bralette just slightly peeking through it balances out the skirt without veering too over the top. And these mirrored aviators just make things instantly cooler. Since this look is already pretty strong, I went with sleek black and white accessories and called it a day. There’s something about this look that makes me feel both ladylike and tough – a pretty powerful combination. Just ask Beyonce. Sunglass Warehouse Aviators c/o // Urban Outfitters Leather Top – similar Nordstrom// Anthropologie Bra – similar // Topshop Pencil Skirt – similar from ASOS // Rebecca Minkoff Bag via Nordstrom Rack // Seychelles Heels
