The days have gotten longer (and hotter) and summer officially begins today. How did this happen? Truth be told, the boys and I have been in summer mode since Memorial Day. They are out of school and we’ve spent hours poolside. Hours. Day, evening … doesn’t matter. If we aren’t already there – I’m constantly hearing, “Can we go to the pool?” Sounds relaxing right? Sure, if you find dragging a gigantic (read larger than my child) inflatable turtle three blocks, while also trying to wrangle towels, gear and boys (often on bikes) relaxing. #mypoolneedsabar
If we aren’t at the pool then we are likely at some sporting event (biking, soccer, swimming, running, triathlon…between the three boys and myself we run the gamut). #marriedtoacoach For most of these weekend activities, I’m likely to be found wearing some kind of comfy dress. I’m not a shorts person. I own four pairs and three of them are pre-child (lest I remind you he’s five). #imadressgirl
At work, I’m also wearing dresses …with some challenges … the temperature outside is enough to melt plastic and the temperature in my office is more icebox than not. It is this time of year that I take afternoon walks to Starbucks – not so much for coffee, but to thaw. My attire is typically sleeveless dresses with jackets and blazers while inside (and sometimes a cardigan over my legs) and all but the dress removed outside.
Summer in our house is also all about picnics, potlucks, barbecues and outdoor music events. For these … wait for it … I typically wear a dress. I often choose a maxi dress for these (with air conditioning and mosquitoes being the two primary reasons I opt for maximum coverage) even though it’s pushing ninety. I’m the girl wearing her denim jacket at the movies when the temperature outside is 100. #cantstandbeingcold
So what do I have my eye on for summer? I’m sharing all my recent finds as well as a few of my must gets.
Summer Essentials For Work
Staring with shoes (of course). I was recently downtown for a meeting and enjoyed all the people watching such an opportunity presents. Watching everyone commute in their “comfy shoes” inspired me to look for a cool new pair of flats for summer.
I love a good ballet flat! They are perfect for traveling and casual days. This ballet flat comes in NINETEEEN colors/prints but I think this polka dot print is just too cute (and is currently 30% off). My second choice would be the neon green. I would wear these with any of the casual pants I talked about last week last week! #especiallythestripes If you are really feeling the polka dots – go all out with this dress. #IheartTory
For heel lovers – The Sam Edelman Hazel is an award winning work staple. It comes in a zillion colors and is ultra comfy. I’m currently enamored with this summery stripe. #needmorestripes
If you don’t already own a leopard print top you should purchase this one immediately … it really should be considered a neutral. I wear mine almost weekly (when I can get it to the dry cleaners and back). Pair under suits or with a pencil skirt in a contrasting color for fun! #workdoesntmeanboring
I just ordered this Madewell Tie Top. The knit makes it dressier and the cut and tie are to die for details. I plan to wear mine with a black pencil skirt or pleated skirt and add a bright heel for a pop of color. #ArrivesThursday
These two dresses are currently pre-order only but DVF is killing it lately. I love the summer colors of both. The colorblocking in the top one is fabulous and the indecisive stripes in the second one are so fun. I’m hoping the model is eight feet tall or they may be too short for work. #dontarriveuntilaugust #somethingtolookforwardto
Summer Essentials For Play
Because you only work five days a week you need some fun pieces for the other two days ….
This Free People dress is just way too cute! As I mentioned, I’m not a shorts girl so I love a casual dresses I can throw on and walk out the door. This dress meets those needs. Looks fancier than it is but I could still sit and play in a sandbox if necessary. #ArrivesThursday
I highlighted this Caslon dress on my Facebook page a few weeks back as a bargain priced contender for the Eileen Fisher handkerchief dress. Throw this on to go practically anywhere (except the office). Add a statement necklace and heeled sandals and its dressed up – flip flops and a swimsuit underneath and its dressed down. Size down. I’m wearing a Small in the picture above but I need an extra small. Comes in three colors and is available in petite sizing. #summerstaple
Nothing is more summer than a polo and this preppy option kicks it up a notch by being a dress. I am apparently all about the pre-orders lately as this Veronica Beard dress isn’t available until July but the color combo is lovely and the stripes are just fun. #worththewait #golfanyone
It wouldn’t be summer essentials if I didn’t include a Maxi Dress. I like the neckline on this Chelsea28 dress… so unique. It comes in 2 colors and a print (and petite sizing). I also love the stretch material on the sides which means the fit will be more forgiving. Looking for something a little more casual or maybe not as pricey … I have two of these lush dresses and I wear them frequently!! (Petites opt for the shorter style or you will be getting it hemmed … at 5’8 I had to get the longer one hemmed!)
Summer and sandals just go together. To dress up any of the above wear these flirty cork wedge heels. The cork makes them comfortable to walk in and the striped straps are an unexpected detail. Comes in two other colors. #lovecorksandals
Be sure to follow me on Facebook and/or Instagram for updates on the two pieces arriving tomorrow. Otherwise ….
Welcome to Summer and Happy Shopping!