5 summer staples

I know it doesn't feel like summer right now, but friends, it is JUNE. Before we know it, temps will be in the 90's and we'll be wishing for weather like this. If you're outside of NYC, just know that it is less than pleasant here right now (cloudy and kinda cold). Truly though, now is the perfect time to do a little summer inventory of your closet - now that you've pulled back out jeans, long sleeve tees, and even sweatshirts.

Though I won't tell you tell you what to wear, or what to buy this summer, here are 5 summer staples that I always have in my closet:

1. Cut off's (or jean shorts): This will always be my number 1 staple. No matter your size or shape, there is a pair of cut offs that's right for you. I've talked about my go-to pair, but I also think it's worth it to go ahead and buy some pre-distressed and cut shorts. I just found a pair of shorts that are my new favorites; surprise, surprise, they're black.

Go buy now: pictured above // black denim // a bit more modest

2. A throw-on dress: No, I'm not going to talk about maxi dresses. NO! Yes, I love them, yes, they're great. But they aren't the only summer dress option. The key for a summer dress is comfort, wearability, and a tiny bit o' cheek.

Go buy now: pictured above // silk and shapeless // okay, fine, a long dress

3. Slip on's: Read: Non flip flop shoes. We've talked about this before. Just something that you can pair with the aforementioned dress, and if you're me, a closed toe option comes in real handy when I haven't had time to do my nails.

Go buy now: pictured above // little bit fancy // mules

4. A flowy top: Key not only because lots of light material so obviously reads warm weather, but also because I eat a lot of fried food in the summer, and flowy means that I can eat to my heart's content.

Go buy now: pictured above // backless // boho

5. A cool cardigan: Because sometimes the beach is windy, and sometimes (all the time) movie theaters and office buildings are quite literally 60 degrees. Bonus points if you just casually drape the cardy over your shoulders.

Go buy now: pictured above // cashmere // printed 

What are your summer staples?

xoxo,

dark days of summer

Good morning, lovelies! How about this weather, huh? Yesterday around 3pm the skies opened up and we essentially had torrential downpour and thunderstorms well into the middle of the night. Crazy as it was, though, it felt necessary; we slept with the window cracked last night, and I'm hoping that the rain dampened some of the pollen (fingers crossed). As you might imagine, I'm more of an Autumn fan when it comes to seasons. I like to say that it's the combination of having next to no melanin in my skin as well as a deep seeded, hereditary need to avoid sun exposure due to my Irish heritage. Either way, I definitely resist "sun's out, guns out" for fear of blinding my fellow woman and potentially winding up with a bad sunburn. But the truth is, it's hot out, and at some point, shorts, skirts and dresses need to make a cameo.

In New York, we tend to strip down when it gets warm out - ladies lay out in Central Park, nary a body of water in sight, in their bikinis. That's all well and good, but when it comes to warm weather dressing, I like to ease into it. Where do I get my inspiration? Los Angeles, specifically on the backs of celebrities.

Maybe it's the fact that they walk from an air conditioned Cadillac Escalade straight into an air conditioned building, but these LA folks seem to have warm weather dressing down. Let's investigate:

So moody! So layered! Okay, so, I'm sure that not all of those pictures were taken in Los Angeles, but nevertheless, there's a certain amount of covering up despite the weather, and I dig it so hard. So here's what I'm imagining as the New York lady's take on LA street style:

// skirt // booties // top // sweater // bag //

I don't know if I've EVER been more excited about a sweatshirt/ter in my LIFE. Cheese forever.

xoxo,

images via Pinterest.

8 wedding guest dresses under $275

 

Red: Topshop Unique, $225

Orange: Opening Ceremony, $207

Yellow: Alice by Temperley, $214

Green: Raoul, $165

Blue: ML Monique Lhuillier $238

Indigo: Trina Turk, $269

Violet: For Love & Lemons, $246

LBD: French Connection, $110

Have a rainbow day :)

the best bra ever.

Good morning, friends! After a very relaxing (read: 2 naps a day relaxing) weekend, I'm more than ready to get back into the swing of things! As much as I love having (more or less) my own schedule, something about the stability of a routine is extremely comforting.

And speaking of comfort - let's talk about bras. My boobs have a weird history; they've been small (weight loss), they've been big (thanks, birth control and freshman 15!), and they're currently somewhere in the middle. As you might imagine, my history with bras has been similarly all over the place. Cup size? Underwire or not? Do I even really need a bra? Today I'm outlining everything I've ever learned about everyone's favorite undergarment, so without further ado:

The best strapless bra: Gap Favorite Strapless 

This bra is like a little shelf for my boobs, lifting them and helping affirm my possession of them, should that be in question. It's comfy and I never have to hike it up; it has these little clear rubber bands on the inside which have a death like grip on my body. I've worn it for multiple 12 hour days and it never slips. It also doesn't look like a strapless bra, so I never get that awkward dip between the cup and my chest. Rule: buy one and make it flesh colored. You only need a flesh colored strapless. Any other color defeats the purpose of a strapless bra (which is that it goes unseen). The skin tone color will disappear once it's under a white or semi sheer piece of clothing.

The best fancy bra: Natori

When I want to feel a little fancy, I always buy Natori bras. They aren't cheap but Nordstrom has amazing sales on these babies. For a sexy bra, grab any color you like, the thought being that it will be seen at some point (if only by you and your dog). Rule: Get measured. If you're spending that much on a bra, you need to buy it in the proper size. In my experience, Natori runs small, so head to a department store or boutique and have someone measure you.

The best bralette: Cosabella Never Say Never

So, here's a secret: I never wear bras with underwire anymore (except the aforementioned strapless). About 3 years ago I lost a bunch of weight, and none of my old bras fit me. I was at H&M one day and stumbled upon the cutest bralette. I scooped it up and it became my favorite bra ever. Since then, I've returned to a normal weight, but I haven't returned to cups and underwire. I just like the way bralettes make me feel. You can imagine, then, that I was so pleased to discover these adorable lacy bralettes from Cosabella (wait for a sale). I love wearing a bold color like hot pink under a plain white tee, especially in summer. Rule: Hand wash only. These things are too beautiful to machine wash.

The best bra ever: Coobie

This bra has changed my life. Okay, truly it's a bralette, but it's the most comfortable option ever, underwire or not. Nicole at The Brass Owl introduced me to these bras last year, and I've been wearing them almost exclusively ever since. They're one size fits most, so you don't need to worry about getting measured, and they have removable cups and straps, which makes them extra versatile. Rule: Take out the cups for everyday, then add them in for a night situation. Make sure to tighten the straps to enhance your cleavage. Damn, you sexy!

I'd love to hear your thoughts / tips, etc, friends! Holler at your girl!

xoxo,

style stories: my favorite things

Hi friends! Even though it's a gloomy Monday, I feel great after a very exciting weekend. My best friend got engaged and turned 30, the weather was perfect, and did you see the finale of Mad Men last night? No spoilers here, I'll just say I can't believe it's over! I'm ready to take on the week and I wanted to continue with the style stories series I started a couple weeks ago. If you're a regular around these parts, you probably know my style pretty well, what I like and don't like in general, and so on. But I thought it would be fun to lay everything out here for you guys, kind of like a questionnaire. So here goes! Describe Your Style: I always want to look girly and like a dude at the same time.

Favorite Retailer: Net-A-Porter for their high end inventory, Shopbop for their incredible sales and customer service, ASOS for their affordable and look alike designer (read: knock off) pieces.

Favorite Article of Clothing: Currently, my "leather" jacket.

Favorite Go-to Accessory: A pendant necklace.

Favorite lip color: Heat Wave by Nars.

Style Icon: Without a doubt, my sister Liz. I don't ask many people for fashion advice (though I should, because everyone's got something to add), but I trust my sister implicitly when it comes to style and always want her opinion. When I got my wedding dress, I had my mom and 3 of my closest friends there to weigh in. It wasn't until I sent my sister a picture and got a thumbs up that I felt like I had really made the right decision. I spend my days researching fashion, I'm on every website first thing looking at new arrivals, and my sister can always one up me. She's a force and hands down she is my lifetime style icon.

Best Sale Purchase: An Alexander Wang bag at half price!

Most Coveted Item on my Wishlist: Probably a Cartier love bracelet or a vintage Rolex. Neither will be happening anytime soon (if ever). 

Most Coveted Item in my Closet: Mackage Coat.

Favorite Beauty Product: Bronzer!

First Big Fashion Purchase: A Christian Dior saddle bag (I was 15 and saved up all summer to buy it for I think $150).'

Best Piece of Fashion Advice: I never my my maternal Grandmother Grace, but she taught my Mom to put on every piece of jewelry she wanted to wear and then take off two pieces before leaving the house. Maybe her accessory minimalism rubbed off on me?

Favorite Thing About Fashion: The outside doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. However, if how you look on the outside is a reflection of your soul and makes you feel good, I see nothing wrong with caring about it! I always dress up on days when I'm in a bad mood because it helps me physically step into a positive mindset.

I'd love to hear from you guys! What's your favorite thing about fashion? Who is your style icon? What's the item at the top of your wishlist? Please leave a note in the comments because I am a CURIOUS!

xoxo,