Summer Blues

This unusual cool, low temp and humidity weather we've been experiencing has made it far too easy to look toward fall fashion.  In fact, it's been difficult to resist both purchasing, revisiting and wearing fall favorites.  But I know that fall and winter will seem endless come February and then I'll be yearning for temps warm enough to break out spring things. 

The grass is always greener...whether it be the forest green of fall or the bright green of spring.

So for now, I'm making myself hold off on wearing fall color combinations and new fall purchases.  It's an endurance test, one I hope to win.

Talbots came out with a blue and black collection in July and as it's a color combination I love, I scored a few pieces. It's also provided me with the basis of my August fashion strategy.  Mixing the new with the old and revisiting some spring pieces is helping me to weather these last days of summer. Combinations of  blue, white and black--with an occasional white and black thrown in for variety-- are seeing me through the month.  What's your strategy?


Outfit Details:  Jacket - Talbots (old, similar here and here); Blouse - Talbots (old, similar here ); Jeans - Talbots (old, similar here ); Belt - Talbots ; Shoes - old Jessica Simpson via Macy's.

Seamless Transitions

 

 

 

We've had a little more than a week of unseasonably cool, humid-less weather. Folks who chose the last week of July or the first week of August to visit our Nation's capitol,  won the weather lottery.  For we year-round residents, the weather has presented a preview of fall.  It is tempting to just bring out something more fall-like, but I  know that all too soon I will be packing away my bright, light and cheery summer frocks and pulling out my fall duds.   With that in mind,  I put a layered spin on my much worn Talbots aqua tee dress.  Easy to dress up or down, this one has been a wardrobe home run.  Happy Thursday...I see a return to the lazy, hazy, sweltering days of summer just ahead.

Outfit details:  Jacket - Talbots (old); Dress -  Talbots; Scarf, Belt, necklace - Talbots (Scarf and Necklace old); Shoes - Jessica Simpson via Macy's (old). 

It's all about Coral

When I went outside this morning, it felt much more like mid-September than the beginning of August.  But, it's still summer, I've another month at least of tropical colors, sandals and all things summer. 

I picked up these sandals during my trip to Blowing Rock, NC, last week.  A day spent wandering the boutiques there always yields great finds.  I've been looking for a pair of heeled sandals all season, but wanted them without the strap that winds around the ankle.  These seemed the perfect neutral and the platform tames the height to comfortable.

Outfit details:  Jacket - Talbots (old but similar here); Top - Ann Taylor (old); Denim -  Talbots; Scarf - Talbots; Shoes - Tweeds - Blowing Rock, NC.

Not Just for Dress Up

This spring and early summer I've added a number of dresses to my wardrobe with an eye toward being wise in my selections. 

It was love at first sight for this aqua lace sheath dress and my girls and BFF gave it to me as one of my birthday gifts.  In an aside,  a wish list on Pinterest can generate some fabulous gifts.

It's solo appearance to date was at my May birthday celebration.  But lace isn't just for dress up anymore.  So for this look and to make it more day friendly I added this tropical scarf.  It's now perfect for the office or lunch or both.  I added this cardigan to stave off frost bite once I get inside. 

Outfit details:  Dress - Talbots (currently on major markdown); Scarf - Talbots (also on sale); Cardigan - Talbots; Belt - Talbots; Shoes - Michael by Michael Kors via Lord & Taylor.

Classic Combos

During the dog days of summer, it perks me up to put together an outfit that makes me feel 'cool' even when I know it's just my imagination.

This light weight, V-neck black tee is a summer sale steal from Old Navy.  It will work now and well into fall under sweaters and jackets.  Paired with khaki shorts and my new leopard skinny belt from Banana Republic, I recharged existing wardrobe pieces. Banana Republic has its "We Love Wednesdays" promo today which gets you 40 percent off one full priced item, card holders get 40 off two full-priced items.  Great time to pick up things to wear now and into fall.



Outfit Details:  Tee - Old Navy;  Shorts -  Talbots old (similar here); Necklace - Banana Republic old (similar here); Belt - Banana Republic; Tory Burch

Orange Crush

I can't seem to get enough of orange and aqua this season.   Two of my perennial favorites for summer, this year there's such a variety of choices and hues.

This orange dress from two summers ago is a great knit fabric.  I also love the V-neck and bloused waist. 

When I saw this scarf at Talbots a couple of weeks ago, it was instant love.  It was the inspiration for me to add  my aqua belt, necklace and earrings -- all in slightly different aqua tones-- to provide a punch of color to the dress.

If orange is one of your favorites, here's a link to a bevy of orange dresses.  Happy hunting!


Outfit Details:  Dress (old) - Talbots; Jacket (old) - JJill;  Scarf and Belt  - Talbots; Shoes (old) - Michael Kors; Necklace - Baltimore boutique.

'cause it’s summer

Days like today just call out for a cool, summer dress.  Humidity is over 75 percent and just walking to your car can produce a sweat.  Of course, inside office buildings and shops are more likely to be frigid.  It just begs for layering and cardigans and jackets are a necessary layer here. 

This dress, which is washable, cotton voile, is the perfect summer dress.  I've already worn it twice in the last few weeks.  It's breezy and cool and lends itself to being dressed up or down. 

The jean jacket, necessary to avoid hypothermia in our air conditioned spaces, keeps it casual.

If you need to fill out your summer wardrobe or spring wardrobe or want to stock up at bargain prices, check out the sales at Talbots, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Loft, JCrew, Piperline, Nordstrom and more. A meander through your mall or some online looking could reap huge savings.

You may need to shop with your early fall/next spring needs in mind, but there are great deals to be had.

Happy Friday!

Outfit Details - Nautical-Stripe Dress - Talbots (currently on sale); Jacket -  Talbots (old Any of these colors would work);  Belt - Macy's (old Similar); Shoes - Munroe (old - Like these).