Don't Rain on my Parade

So once again I have failed at being a dedicated "blogarista" and I apologize. I had some bumps in the road at the beginning of the semester, including a very aggressive case of tonsillitis, but hopefully it will be smooth sailing (sort of) from here on out! One thing that has been taking up a TON of my time is applying for study abroad programs. Hopefully I will be spending the spring in London, if everything works out (keep your fingers crossed), and so have naturally been inspired by the city in my quest for creating the perfect (budget friendly) wardrobe. One thing that I am positive about is that it rains a TON in London, maybe even as much as it does in Nashville, so I will obviously be inneed of some super cute rain duds. Already the proud owner of some super-chic Burberry equestiran style rainboots, I have discovered that I need to branch out in the rain footwear department. I still cannot believe I do not yet own a pair of Hunter boots (picture from here). It really is just pathetic, but both my sisters have some and when I'm home I just steal theres! I have always been dying for a pair of the "merlot" color, but am also a fan of the navy, the original hunter green and the orange ones that make me want pumpkin pie! Zappos has a million color options and they offer free shipping both ways, which is great for someone indecisive like me! If you aren't ready to hop on the Hunter train, or you already own a pair, consider something fun like these fron Nordstrom. They have a removable liner, which is such a plus, and the gray Herringbone is such a classy wintery fabric, maybe i'll have to get both!
Another thing that just screams UK to me is the classic Barbour jacket. Now they do have a pricetag of around $400, which makes them a perfect thing to ask Santa for, but thankfully, JCrew has come up with something similar called the "field jacket" (picture from here) and I think that it will quench my thirst for waxed cotton until December. A classic coat to have in anyone's rainy day repitoire is the trench. Now I am lucky enough to have one from Ralph Lauren that I splurged on about a year ago, but that doesn't mean that every trench has to break the bank! I like this one from MICHAEL Michael Kors that is on Bluefly.com (picture from here). The three quarter sleeves make it youthful, and looks great on warmer rainy days with a bare forearm, OR paired with a cute navy or wine colored turtleneck on those colder days. Also on Bluefly is this cute, more classic option from Via Spiga. Originally $225, now being offered for around $130, this jacket has the classic trench sillouette and will be a piece that you can turn to from season to season.

My Dog Ate My Dress

Well, it's that time of the year again. With everyone back hitting the books I was inspired to pick back up again after my two month summer hiatus. Funny enough, it seems as though the fashion world has also been inspired by the inevitable "back to school" as many of the most fun pieces for right now seem to be inspired by the classic excuse "my dog ate my homework" or perhaps more accurately in this case, "I was mauled by a tiger on my way to school", and I must admit, I kinda like it. For instance, this free people dress on shopbop.com (picture from here) paired with some adorable black suede booties is the perfect piece for a Friday night out AND it's under $100 which makes me feel like I can afford it even though my Dad left no room for "play clothes" in his drafting of my back to school budget (yuck). This navy top on 80spurple.com is another fabulously fun piece to own. Paired with skinny jeans and chunky black sandals it's so rocker-chic. This black top on lulus.com (picture from here) which was named after my favorite pink lady, is a little more toned down, but still plays up the trend of "cut outs" and would look too cool with black skinny jeans. Also, because it's not too over the top in the back, I would feel comfortable topping the look off with a fabulous long chain necklace.

ECO-CHIC

In honor of the return of my friend Liz, who has been in Argentina and has decided to save the world by going vegan, I decided to round up my favorite organic, eco-friendly options para la primavera (the spring) y el verano (summer). Now most organic pieces do tend to be a little pricier but when you think about how good it is for the enviornment you can justify the extra penny. Lucky for those of you who are like Liz, many mainstream brands have begun to jump on the organic train. Hanky Panky, makers of my favorite skivies (purchase them here) have an organic boyshort which is super adorable AND an organic version of my fav's. Seven for All mankind also has an organic version of their slouch jean (picture from here) which is such a perfect hue for warmer months. Scoop them up and pair them with this organic slouch T for an Earth friendly fabulous look. Now not all organic clothes are casual. This ruffled top (picture from here) would be perfect for date night with some black jeans and a bright clutch!

OH HOT (pink) DAMN

Happy (day after) memorial day everyone! So I thought I'd try to do a post about something patriotic but because I don't really look good in red, I'm being selfish and pulling together some pieces in my new favorite color, HOT PINK. Not only is this shade flattering on pretty much everyone, but it just screams summer and as a bonus, it accentuates your tan! This hot pink dress from Rugby (picture from here) is adorable and you can bet that I already own it! It looks super cute with both cowboy boots and heels so you can count on the fact I'll be rocking it all summer long. PS a little Ralph Lauren birdie tells me that there was a small buy on this piece so don't stall on getting yours! Long Maxi Dresses are all over the place again for spring and I am slowly getting used to the idea of them. I love this one from Victoria's Secret (picture from here) because I think it will be the perfect transition piece from beach to bar! (AND it's on sale for $95!)For those of you who are wary of wearing this shade around your face, pick up these adorable shorts by Trina Turk.
Although it may seem counter-intuitive to wear a scarf in the summer I am totally in favor of using these versatile accessories to spice up shorts and a t. Try a light-weight cashmere like this one!

Zip it Good

So maybe it's just me and my super uncoordinated genes, but I find myself failing miserably at the art of buttoning buttons. I don't know if it's because I'm just way to too lazy to concentrate or because my fingers are like those of a 90 year old arthritic women but I just have a burning desire to boycott them all together. Luckily, zippers are EVERYWHERE. Not only do they add a touch of edginess to any look but they make getting dressed (or undressed) much much easier. I am currently crushing on this batwing dress from Urban Outfitters (picture from here). The sleeves are guaranteed to hide my pathetically untoned upper-arms and the zipper down the front is just so perfectly backwards and as a bonus, it's on sale! Also on Urban is this cotton motorcycle jacket which I have been coveting FOREVER. The deconstructed shape makes it the perfect piece to throw over just about anything and royal blue is super flattering on sun-kissed skin! This front-zip vest from Juicy Couture and sold on Shopbop.com is the perfect transition piece. Wear it now with bear arms and over your favorite knits come fall! AND if you aren't a huge fan of the vest movement, the sweater version is super chic as well! For the utlimate zip-fan, splurge on these crazy fantastic Pour La Victoire ruffle flat sandals (picture from here), the zipper detail is too fabulous I can't even think of words to explain how I feel about them. Finally, on LuLu.com is this feminine meets fembot ruffle dress (picture from here) that I want to buy ASAP. Not only does it have a full zip back, which adds an element of interest, but it also has layers of pink ruffles- PERFECTION!

Who Wears Short Shorts?

So my obsession with Audrey Hepburn is no secret. I just think she was the best thing since sliced bread, so any chance I can take to emulate her I jump at! This picture of her from the movie Sabrina (picture from here) is so telling her of her own personal style. She showed us all that "less is more" and this get-up is no exception! I am loving on the cute shorts, which aren't too short complemented with the button down and espadrilles. It say's "I know I'm fabulous but I don't need to be obvious about it". These shorts from modcloth.com are reminiscent of Audrey and the wide waist band is perfect for tucking in. These cuffed cuties from JCrew will be both ultra-flattering and comfortable. A perfect combination if I do say so myself. I think the bow on these Elie Tahari shorts (picture from here) is just so perfectly girly and the light blue hue looks so beachy with a white button down and some gold accesories!

Take Me Home Country Road

So now that I'm back at home I can't help but feel nostalgic for my days of summer camp. Actually, that's sort of a lie, what i really meant to say was that I can't help but feel nostalgic for camp shirts. I love the rolled sleeves and relaxed fit. It's so "i didn't try at all, but i still look chic" which is my favorite! Luckily, there are options for those of us who aren't still sleeping in cabins and spending out nights by the campfire. I already own one of these camp shirts from forever21 (picture from here) and I have to admit, I've already gotten multiple compliments, little does anyone know it's less than $20! American Eagle, of all places, has a few options as well in the most adorable colors. I am loving on these striped ones but the solid version is super cute as well! If anyone has a disposable income, Ralph Lauren always has the best button downs and they last forever. I personally have a clothes crush on this one (picture from here).

HAPPY HOUR

Finals week is finally coming to a close! With just one exam left I can taste summer and so far it's pretty sweet! Per usual, coming off the most stressful week ever makes me have the biggest craving for some summer cocktails (No Mom, I'm not an alcoholic) so to quench my thirst, I decided to scoop up some cute new summer clothes in colors inspired by my favorite spirits! As an added bonus, new clothes make a great reward for a hard years work! So unfortunately, I'm still jobless (and broke) which means my splurge resources are limited so forever21.com is probably the first place I'll look for some new duds. The thing about forever is that I wouldn't recommend making it the be all end all of your wardrobe, but for fill-ins, going out clothes you don't mind spilling on, and instant gratification without the guilt it's the best! This linen strapless dress (picture from here) in pink reminds me of a fabulously fruity sangria. I can see it being so ideal for a sophisticated luncheon or casual dinner by the beach. Pair it with some big white enamel flower earrings like these as garnish.
This bright pink number is the perfect Daiquiri dress. It's a little spicier than the linen one and if I possessed any sort of ability to dance, this is what I would wear. I'm also loving on this BCBG number (picture from here) that has made it's way to bluefly.com. It's adorablyly minty color reminds me of a mojito! Rachel Pally always makes the BEST jersey dresses. They're so comfortable and flattering, which makes them the perfect piece to invest in for a summer jaunt at the beach. This orange number is adorably easy, and it's hue makes me crave a mimosa! As a bonus, something this comfy would be painless to throw on for a festive morning. Going on with my theme of instant gratification, Lemondrops are the yummiest way to kick into party mode and this dress with the ruffle front is the perfect party dress!
I am a huge fan of everything Nanette Lepore puts out and this dress is absolutely no exception! The swirl of colors is reminiscent of the tequila sunrise I dreamed about during my Biology exam.
Happy Summer everyon!

T.W.ART

I'm stuck in the library and have been all day, so naturally I've been perusing all my staple websites for the last hour or so (I have a bad habit of being really productive) I don't know if it's just me, but I have noticed a TON of t-shirts with art (TWART-get it?) of late and they are starting to grow on me. Now, those who know me would probably be surprised to see me rocking a plain old t-shirt, which is why I think these are so fun! This splatter paint creation (picture from here) is basically reminiscent of the highest level of art I ever achieved, and would look so fresh under a black boyfriend blazer with white shorts or skinny jeans! Now, for some of you creative types, this shirt can probably be replicated with a hanes white t-shirt and some art supplies, but for less than $14 this one takes out the need for manual labor. I also really like this feather top one (picture from here), also from forever21 for two reasons. First of all, the relazed fit is the perfect shape for a t-shirt to "throw on after a long hard day of sunbathing at the beach" and secondly, even though i'm a chunky necklace fanatic, sometimes it's nice to give your neck a rest and the detail on the neckline of this shirt is the perfect necklace replacement! This one from Urban is awfully cool as well. (There's a similar one on forever21 also but it's a little bright for my taste, however if that's your color palatte then by all means rock it!) The primary colors of this one are so perfectly simple and the design is reminiscent of something you would expect to find in some sort of navajo art. Something about the color of this tunic(picture from here) from topshop.com makes me crave summer. I love the poetic vibe it gives off as well. (DISCLAIMER: do not think that T.W.ARTS include those horric shirts with all the weird writing on them like "I love my hubby"- I actually saw someone wearing one and to make matters worse it was written in rhinestones! I mean really people is that necessary? 1. obviously if you're still married you love your "hubby" so no need to put it on your clothing 2. shirts with rhinestone words were never, are never and will never be ok)

Buffalo's don't have Wings

So maybe it's just me but I've always associated buffalo plaid, well pretty much all plaid for that matter, with cozy winter nights by the fire with some hot-chocolate (milk free of course, per post below). You can imagine how pleasantly surprised I was when I noticed that this pattern had shown up everywhere for spring! I am loving this blouse from modcloth (picture from here). I can see it being super cute with some white shorts and silver gladiator sandals and maybe even spiced up with a black unconstructed vest. Urban Outfitters has something similar that comes in many different colors. Personally, I am leaning towards the white but the other options are super cute too! This dress (picture from here), also on modcloth, is also a fun and different sundress alternative. I'm also a big fan of all the fun plaid camp shirts TopShop has come up with. They're like the classic flannel with a summer haircut. Finally, these tunics from American Eagle will be super fun over a bathing suit as a cover up! (I'm partial to the Grey one)

Rainbow Jimmies

Apparently I'm a lactard (lactose intolerant) so I'm supposed to lay off ice cream, which totally blows because I honestly can't think of anything more perfect on a warm springy day than vanilla frozen yogurt with rainbow sprinkles. Soo to satisfy my craving I've decided I'll just start dressing inspired by my favorite summer treat.
As far as my ice cream goes,this cute jersey number by Twenty8Twelve (picture from here) would be the perfect vanilla base and this one is making me drool for some Daiquiri Ice! Now personally, I don't really like fruit chunks in my desserts (except for pie--duh) but my Dad always gets strawberry so I figure someone else must like it too. So for all you strawberry people out there I would suggest this cute little thing from TopShop. I also love rainbow sherbert, or any type of sherbert really, and this one from French Connection (picture from here) reminds me of orange sherbert where as this one from French Connection (piture from here) is truly the real deal.
Now, for your toppings. I wouldn't recommend draping yourself in rainbow sprinkles if you choose to go with rainbow sherbert. It's pretty breathtaking on it's own and I think if you add too many colors you may look like a rainbow blew chunks all over you. If something more understated like Vanilla or Daiquiri Ice are your flavors of choice, then don't be afraid of spicing it up! Forever21 is currently my go-to place for cheap, fun jewelry. I am loving on this necklace and this one too, for their length and color pallets! You could also dress up a more muted flavor with fun earrings like these chandelier ones (picture from here), also from forever21, or these star burst cuties from topshop!

Splendid

So I gave up splenda for lent. For those of you who know me, I have a very long-standing relationship with the little, zero calorie, artificially produced sugar substitute, so needless to say this sabbatical from it proved to be very difficult. Perhaps that's why I have a craving for sweet yellow clothing (it's the cure one addiction with another mantra). For those of you who don't see yellow and think sucralose, you should probably know that there are other benefits of this springy hue. First of all, if you have blue eyes and brown hair you MUST go buy something sunny. It's one of the most flattering colors for people with this hair-eye color combination. Now, just because you don't have blue eyes and brown hair doesn't mean you're out of luck. There are so many different shades of this color that chances are there is something for everyone!
This sweet yellow ruffle-front dress is so perfectly springy. Since it's a lighter more subtle shade, I an see myself pairing it with something more adventurous on my feet. This buttercup dress (picture from here) looks like a yellow cake cupcake with vanilla frosting (i'm also trying to avoid dessert-therefore it's all i can think about)It would be so perfect for Easter sunday, or any brunch that may come up over the course of the summer!
This sweet thang in a honey hue looks super comfy and I always love a swing skirt, and even though this one by Nicole Miller (picture from here) is considerably more expensive, the simple sillouette makes me confident that this would be an investment and that I could wear it again and again.

Island in the Sun

Recently I find myself wishing I could finally leave the library and jump on a plane somewhere exotic like Morocco (not that i'd ever actually go per my deadly fear of flying). Maybe it's the sunshine, or maybe it's all the adorably Island inspired pieces that have cropped up all over the place. This fun exotic print dress (picture from here) is so cute and easy. Imagine how chic it'd look with some wooden bangles and gladiator sandals! Speaking of bangles, I sort of really love this fun set, and this one as well, both from Topshop. ALSO on TopShop is this great sequined blouse (picture from here). It can be dressed up with dressier slacks or dressed down over jeans or jean shorts and look fabulous either way! (now that's my kind of multi-tasking) Forever21 showed a new cute embroidered shift this afternoon which I'm excited about. For under $25 it's the perfect accent to my gold and silver accessories. This tunic will be crazy cute over some skinny black jeans, or maybe some white shorts, and this top has such an interesting shape and I LOVE flutter sleeves.

Black and White Delight

As much as I adore navy and white for spring, I am currently drooling over it's cousin- black. Now, you're probably thinking that black and white is the most boring, standard color combo EVER, and that may be true but that doesn't make it any less awesome. PLUS if you have a wardrobe full of these two colors, chances are you won't have to worry about matching. I am loving this adorably lady like coat from forever21 (picture from here). It's less than $20 which just seems absurd, and will look so cute over some white shorts, or buttoned up as a discrete dress. Maybe throw on some bold shoes to brighten it up!
This dress on modcloth.com (picture from here) is so perfect for date night. That being said, I definitely won't be needing it, but for those of you who have a beau scoop it up ASAP. Throw on some cute black sandals and voila bienvenue to Paris in the springtime.
I've always loved this blouse from Rugby. The tie neck is ultra-chic and I can see it being so wonderfully perfect with white shorts, black sandals and maybe a gold belt for some flair? It'd also be great with this skirt on LuLu's.
This "double dare" dress (picture from here) looks so fabulously comfortable and perfect for casually running errands around town and if you aren't a huge fan of stripes, try this alternative.
For those of you who got your act together and have to sit in an office all day this summer, scoop up this cute little number. Not only is it office appropriate, but you'll look professional without falling victim to my nemesis: the manly power suit.

Throwback

I'm pretty convinced I was born in the wrong era. I mean, why else would I be obsessed with large bakelite flower earrings and fun little high wasted skirts? Not to mention the fact that I would've rocked the stay-home-and-bake thing of the 1950's. Anyways, if anyone else is loving all the throwback clothes that have sprung up then you'll love this gidget dress (picture from here) on Modcloth. It would be so adorably early 60's with big 'ol earrings. Also, imagine how cute you'd be sitting shotgun in a vintage mustang with a cute little paisley headwrap protecting your poofed-up locks. This one from Laundry is similarly colorful and fun. Actually there are two of them. If you see me in this one then you know it's because I didn't get my act together on doing those push-ups to tone my arms.

Classy Collars

The most underestimated part of the woman's body is the collar-bone. It's a tribute to femininity AND you never gain weight around it so it always looks fabulous. PLUS, you'd never guess how demurely sexy it can be which, makes it the perfect thing to show off when you are in an environment that doesn't allow for too much T and A (tits and ass) i.e. the workplace. The best way to show it off is to draw attention to it. Scoop necks and sweetheart necklines are great silhouettes for this, as are details around the neckline. I am loving this top (picture from here) by ETSY seller roselabiche. It would be so cute tuck's into a high wasted skirt (especially black for slimming monochromatic look-perhaps with some cute pink peeptoes like these from JCrew for a totally classy look). The same seller has a variety of pieces that I also adore. The rosettes on this one are so quaint and springy!
J Crew has a similar option for about half the price. This tissue weight piece is a little more casual so I'd be wary of wearing it to work unless you accessorize right!
I am also loving this sweet thang from Anthropolige (picture from here). So adorably fit for those sunny spring mornings!

TuTu I LOVE you

I think it's because I always wanted to be a ballerina but am way to uncoordinated, but recently, I have been obsessed with all of the ballet inspired pieces that have been popping up for spring and summer. The tutu skirts and tiered dresses are ultra-girly and would just be so perfect for those crisp summer days frolicking through a field with Edward Cullen (did I just say that outloud?).
ANYWAYS my fav is this Marc by Marc Jacobs creation (picture from here). For some reason it reminds me of Alice in Wonderland and I can see it being so perfectly adorable with a cute pair of peep toe pumps. They show them with a white pair in the picture, but I'm a fan of adding exciting accessories to neutral colors. WARNING, if you overdo it with something as intersting as this dress, you may end up looking ridiculous, in this case, less is more.
For about half the price you can scoop up this sweet thang from Urban Minx (picture from here). I personally adore the light pink color, but the black is a little bit safer for those of you who remain skeptical. If I could find a cute cropped tuxedo jacket to go on top I'd be happy as a clam. This one is also super cute and ultra lady-like. It would fit in quite nicely at a country club brunch, or perhaps meeting the boyfriends parents.
If you are super brave and love this ballerina trend as much as I do then you may love this one from ETSY. The designer handpicks fabrics for the skirt and you can choose certain aspects of the dress to better fit your style. This dress can be punked up with black strappy sandals but I think it shines best when you play into it's little-bo-peepness.

Strap Happy

While getting dressed for a formal last weekend I was very disappointed by my evening shoe collection. Naturally, this ignited a feverish search for the majority of Sunday morning. Overstock.com, a site I always seem to forget about, had some cute options from Nine West that are definitely in my price range. I especially like these (picture from here) in pink or black patent. The pink looks more grayish to me but that may be because colors always look slightly different online. Either way it is a fun hue that isn't too bright so it will go with all or most of my neutrals as a way to spice things up a bit. The black patent is a classic so if you're weary of trying to branch out, scoop these up!

The first thing that comes to mind when someone says, "brown leather sandals" is Jesus, or granola. However, these cuties (picture from here) are anything but dowdy. I can see them looking ever so quaint with some short white shorts belted with a gingham button down. Or one of those high-waisted floral skirts I've scooped up for spring.

I LOVE these from theory but I don't think I can buy them with my campus card. For those of you who have some money to spend. GO FOR IT, if I see you sporting these I will literally kiss the ground you walk on.

I also have a crush on these silver puppies (picture from here) . Lord knows how fabulous they would make all of my navy look under a Hamptons sun.

Pick Me Chickadee!

Recently there has been a lot of talk about interview/internship apparel. Now, I know it is expected that women tone down their femininity and don one of those horrific shapeless suits when they enter the workforce, but I just refuse to accept that. I absolutely believe in women dressing like women when they go to work. I mean honestly, what's with all this feminism crap and then turning around and dressing like men. Isn't the point of being a girl being able to flaunt what yo mama gave you (in a completely professional way). Everyone's going to know you're a girl the minute you step into the room so why not enjoy it?

This Sunner dress is my idea of office-appropriate(picture from here). The hemline is modest and the color is plain, but the ruffles dress it up a bit and it's still obviously fashion forward. NOTE: the back detail may not be appropriate for all offices so try it with a cute cropped jacket and then ditch the coat when you leave and voila, you're ready for dinner and drinks.
This adorable white skirt is a perfect summer office staple. It's long enough to be business-like but there's a flattering cut. Try with a simpler blouse on top if you're worried about professionalism but personally I'd put it with something like this and then something like this on top (picture from here). In fact that jacket would be a good office wardrobe investment. It's Chanel like without the pricetag.

If you do need to wear a suit, that doesn't mean you have to wear something with shoulder pads and no shape at all. These Twenty8Twelve pants are adorable with their wide leg and the linen makes them an idea summer pant. JCrew also has a lot of cute options. I would invest in a pair of black trousers and make them the foundation of all outfits to come. Sass them up with a blouse like this one .

AND FINALLY if you have to work in a crazy stiffling enviornment don't forget that you can jazz up anything with the right shoes and jewelry!

SPOTTED modcloth

So I know I've posted on Modcloth items before but really people you MUST go check this site out. Most of the items they carry are vintage inspired and every once in a while there will be something that is authentic vintage which I LOVE.

Perhaps my favorite things that are currently on the site are dresses. I know not everyone is as obsessed with dresses as I am but everyone should have a couple cute ones. This one is super adorable. I can see it being perfect for luncheons or baking cookies (yes I like to wear dresses to bake). Try to jazz it up with pearls for an adorably preppy 50's housewife look, or something more modern, like sexy strappy sandals, for a younger more fresh look.

I am obsessed with this dress for bopping around town or going out to eat with friends. It's playful pattern is oh so summer and the playful shape is both flirty and sophisticated. This dress is similar (picture from here) but a little more casual. Perfect for those days you spend at the beach and want something that you can throw on afterwards that is totally acceptable to wear out afterwards.

This bright pink beauty is called the Daquiri Dress (picture from here). I mean really, how perfect for a girls night out can you get. People are sometimes afraid of wearing colors this bright but you'd be surprised how flattering this hue is on most people. This bright pink color looks great on both blondes and brunettes and totally accentuates your tan!

My favorite thing about clothes is that you can put something on and wear it like a costume. This "morning in monaco" dress is a perfect example of that. It would absolutely make me feel as though I was waking up on the riviera and thrusting open the doors of the balcony off my palace. This "Australia Dress" is another one that would make me feel like I'm somewhere else. Maybe on safari? Lions and Tigers and Bears OH MY

BASICally Awesome

I always find that having a few go-to basics for the summer is ever-so helpful in trying to appear effortlessly chic. Here are a few of my fav's that I found while perusing the world wide web:

This tank dress from Shopbop (picture from here) is awesome because it has multiple purposes. Not only is it adorable as a cover-up for those days at the beach (perhaps with a big floppy hat, like this one) but it is also adorable with a big belt and gladiator sandals. ALSO if you are like me and love to layer, this is the perfect base layer for summer, spring, winter, or fall!
This T-shirt dress from urban is similar and it costs about $60 less!

So obviously if you need to have a T-shirt dress it goes without saying that you sould snatch up a few cute t-shirts. I think that in the summer the simpler-the-better. I am loving this slouchy one from Vikis. And as always American Apparel v-neck T's are great with everything.

ALSO this airy blouse is a perfect summer piece. Wear it over shorts or as a cover-up. I have one in white and I know my sister has a few and she LOVES them. They're currently back in stock but I don't think they'll be there for too long! Scoop up the buffalo plaid for the fall!

Everyone needs a beach sweater (picture from here). Personally, I love this one from Victorias Secret. Who would've thought that lingerie superstar could come up with such cute, simple pieces. This one is great because it's lightweight and at the risk of sounding incredibly tacky, it comes in the most adorable beachy colors, sort of like seaglass. This sweater is another fav of mine from the Viki's website. It's slight empire waist is undoubtably flattering and I always die over heathered knits.

Perhaps the most obvious piece is basic summer shorts. J Crew always has the cutest colors and they come in different lengths. The 3" are my favorite and I would only go with the longer ones if I was planning on using them for golf. My personal lovers, when it comes to shorts, are these from Rugby. I have three pair already and can't wait to add the yellow to my collection.

Ahoy!

So I know it's totally cliche to go all nautical-chic for the summer but I can't help it, I'm obsessed. Lucky for me, one of my staple favorite websites, shopbop.com has a trend watch..which sort of reminds me of a concept board. Anyways, it's the perfect place to go for inspiration. My favorite piece is this fabulously fishy jacket by DVF. So adorable with short shorts or wide-leg white jeans. This dress by Ya Ya is also super cute. I'm obsessed with the detail in the back straps.

If stripes aren't exactly your "cup of tea" try something fun and simple to start out, like a pair of starfish earrings. Juicy has a cute pair and at around $50, they are a great way to update what you already have. This dress on modcloth.com is a cute and subtle way to "get on board" (plus it's relatively inexpensive!)

Sweaters always come in adorably sailor themed AND they're extremely practical for windy nights on the beach. This wrap sweater from splendid is super cute, as is this one from steven alan.