Dress, sandals, clutch, and bracelet: (c/o) MissGuided

Continuing on with this week's current theme of summer appreciation (let's just run with it), I'm making some big summer plans for the impending lazy weekend.  Those plans consist of the two B's: beach and BBQ, in that order.  This weekend we've supposedly got a heat wave and a much needed break from June Gloom headed our way, and I plan to take full advantage.  I'll be sweating it out on the sand with a thick layer of SPF and not a care in the world.  (Join me in my Friday bliss, won't you?)

After a day at the beach, there's nothing like a BBQ with friends to end the day (and start the night), and an easy maxi dress makes the transition from day to night and beach to street so seamless.  This one from MissGuided is the perfect slinky fabric, and right out of the box, not a wrinkle in sight.  (Score!)  It's probably the most comfortable thing you can throw on and still look decently put-together.  The spiked sandals and spikier bracelet add fun, unique touches, and this oversized straw clutch is summer perfection.  I must say, I wasn't familiar with MissGuided before, but it's definitely a new favorite: tons of great summer dresses, sandals, and accessories for beyond affordable prices.  (Plus, enter "USA20" at checkout for 20% off all orders and free standard shipping though July 21st.)  Officially hooked.  Happy shopping!

xoxo

Missguided is a fresh women’s e-tailer that aims to be at the forefront of the latest fashion, stay ahead of competitors and on top of the hottest trends in order to provide customers with the best that the fashion world has to offer. www.missguidedus.com

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Missguided via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Missguided

I got into an elevator yesterday, and someone asked how my summer was going.  It's a normal enough question, but for some reason it surprised me.  Stuck in the mundane day to day, adulthood summertime is a little different than the summers of childhood, and "summer break" can be, well, nonexistent.  That said, summertime is still a pretty magical time around here.  It's so nice getting home after a long day and heading to the beach in time for sunset.  I'm reminded that I need to take a minute sometimes to just appreciate summer, and even if I'm not on summer break, there's no harm in dressing for a tropical vacation, right?  This lightweight pleated mini-dress is just tissue-thin enough, and paired with lace-up sandals and an embroidered bag, it's resort perfection.  Finish with oversized tortoise sunglasses and maybe one too many statement-makers in the jewelry department, just for fun.  Last but not least?  A heavy dose of faux bronze.  Hope everyone is enjoying the first official week of summer!
xoxo

1. Mango Striped Pleated Dress $35
2. Gorjana Mia Tiered Necklace $110
3. Gorjana Stella Midi Ring $30
4. Karl Lagerfeld Pop Bracelet Watch $195
5. Madewell Lace-Up Sandals $60
6. Warby Parker Mabel Sunglasses $95
7. Luv Aj Plain Tall Cuff Bracelet $92
8. ASOS Clutch with Floral Embroidery $51
9. Ottoman Hands Round Rub Ring $58

Forever 21 blouse and shorts; Matisse "Linda" heels (c/o) (more sizes here); Beirn bag; Karen London bracelet and ring; Gorjana necklace; Michael Kors watch

In anticipation of those inevitable too-hot-to-get-dressed summer days, I scooped up this feather-weight blouse and easy printed shorts last weekend at Forever 21.  There's pretty much no better combo to beat the heat, but keep yourself from looking like a complete roll-out-of-bed schmoe by adding a standout heel (like these new lovers from Matisse) and a few scattered jewels.  An old favorite (and well-worn) bag is perfect for tossing in all the essentials.  What are some of your go-to pieces this summer?
xoxo

When it comes to summer florals, there are a couple of different roads to take.  There's the muted-hued subtle approach (seen on yesterday's maxi skirt) or the full-blown, in-your-face garden variety, like the flippy dress above.  Pair this backless number with spot-on ruffled heels, chunky gold jewelry, and a woven leather clutch for a statement-making, cocktail-appropriate look that is perfect for any upcoming summer soirees.  Hope everyone is having a great start to their summer!
xoxo

1. Zara Printed Pleated Dress $60
2. Baublebar Andromeda Tassel Pendant $44
3. Tommy Hilfiger Round Bracelet Watch $125
4. ONE by Suecomma BonnieRuffle Heel $80
5. C. Wonder Nautical Knots Ring Set $38
6. ASOS Double Stone ID Bracelets $15
7. ASOS Leather Contrast Weave Clutch Bag $60
8. Baublebar Gold Medusa Ring $24

Forever 21 skirt; Old Navy shirt (c/o); DV by Dolce Vita sandals (similar); Michael Kors clutch; Ray-Ban sunglasses; Michael Kors watch; Gorjana necklace and rings; Amrita Singh bangles

This weekend I headed down to Venice Beach to check out the Tommy Hilfiger Surf Shack, an adorable RV-turned-pop-up-shop filled with the cutest summer clothes and accessories.  I then decided to make a whole solo shopping day of it and can't wait to share all of my finds.  I pulled this floral maxi skirt from somewhere in the back of my closet (it was actually one of the first skirts I ever wore on the blog) and paired it with my favorite chambray shirt.  Easy sandals and a summer clutch pulled the look together.  Hope everyone had a great weekend!
xoxo

Dress from random boutique; H&M clutch; Karen London bracelet; Henri Bendel bracelet; C. Wonder cuff; Michael Kors watch; Gorjana necklace and rings; Ray-Ban sunglasses; Target sandals

A lightweight jersey maxi dress is the perfect way to save my hot and bothered arse in un-air-conditioned Orange County this summer (hence, an extensive collection in my closet), and an oversized bow adds a fun little punch to the back of this one.  From the front, this basic black maxi is the perfect canvas for layered statement jewelry, and easy sandals and a go-to favorite clutch finish the look.  Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!
xoxo

Lately it seems like every time I'm out shopping I'm drawn to every flowy and lightweight, borderline sheer blouse in the building.  (And can you ever really have too many?)  It's the perfect warm weather companion to any skinny jeans, leather shorts, wide-leg silk pants...the list goes on and on.  Today's look is a bit of summer simplicity with distressed skinnies, two-toned sandals, and black and gold accessories.  Which wardrobe staples are you drawn to lately?
xoxo

1. Chloe Orme 60mm Sunglasses $295
2. Frame Denim Le Skinny de Jeanne Mid-Rise Skinny $199
3. Zara Blouse with Quilted Yoke $60
4. C. Wonder Bling Stud Earrings $28
5. Chinese Laundry Black and White Sandal $93
6. Gorjana Teagan Ring $80
7. Got It Handled Clutch $68
8. C. Wonder Coral Reef Collar Necklace $128

Riller & Fount dress (old, but love the new crop at Revolve); Margaret O'Leary sweater (c/o); Booties (c/o) Lulu's; Urban Outfitters bag; TLC & You bracelet (c/o); Vanessa Mooney necklaces; Boera ring (c/o)

Although summer is in full effect here, it still gets pretty chilly by the beach once the sun goes down, so I live for easy cardigans that pair well with my summer wardrobe.  I love the fringe trim of this navy version from Margaret O'Leary, and it's the perfect sundown topper for my favorite summer t-shirt dresses.  I couldn't help myself from taking the turquoise / tan fringe / silver jewels road, and I'm loving the way the outfit moves.  How would you wear this fringed cardi this summer?
xoxo

Blouse via No Rest For Bridget; Forever 21 pants; BCBGeneration wedges; Target clutch; Henri Bendel bracelet; Michael Kors watch; Gorjana ring; Lulu's bracelet; Ray-Ban aviators

I'm so happy that I got to spendFather's Day yesterday with my parents (especially my dad) who drove out to California from Louisiana.  Our plans included good friends and family, margaritas, and really amazing Mexican food, so I thought a pair of loose-fitting, wide-leg pants was my best option.  (And after my fair share of crab and shrimp enchiladas, I'm pretty sure these comfy pants were a good choice.)  I scooped up this blouse from a local boutique and love how the dots mimic the dot-like horse print of the pants, and the faux ostrich clutch takes the print one step further.  I finished the look with a new fun favorite: a red lip!  (Nars Dragon Girl, as recommended by a few ladies in the know.)  Hope everyone had an amazing weekend and an even better Father's Day!
xoxo

Photos thanks to Sierra and Brie Cross

H&M dress; random cardigan; BDG vest; Nine West booties via Nordstrom; JustFab bag (c/o); Ray-Ban aviators; Gorjana rings, bracelet, and necklace (c/o); Michael Kors watch

As I mentioned yesterday, I spent the past couple of days in Seattle for a blogger panel with Nordstrom along with Devon, Sierra, and Mara.  The trip was definitely short but sweet, and it was really great discussing style blogs with some of the fabulous folks at Nordstrom and Glam Media.  After the panel, we headed to Nordstrom for a little shopping (obviously) where I purchased my first bold red lipstick, well, ever, thanks to a little prodding from Sierra and the lovely Brie from Nordstrom's PR team.  (You can check out the post-red-lip shot here.  You like?)  Overall it was an amazing first time in Seattle, and although I didn't want to leave, it's nice to be home just in time for the weekend.  Happy Friday, everyone!
xoxo