Tag Archives: shift

Madewell Summer Picks

I love Madewell, mainly because not only do they carry their own brand, but others as well. Their clothing and accessories are casual or edgy, depending on how you style the look. They have a vast offering of merchandise, the quality is great, and the price points vary. It’s a great place to find anything you’re looking for and you know you’ll walk away with pieces that will last you many trend-filled seasons. I’ve put together my picks for this summer. Hope you like them!

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DRESSES
A must have for summer, but I think I’ve selected a range that can go through all seasons with the right accent pieces.

TOP:
Holepunch Tee Dress $99.99
Tickertape Stripe Shift $89.99

MIDDLE:
Stitchwork Silk Dress $159.99

BOTTOM:
Attic and Barn Kami Dress $235
Attic and Barn Kaoma Dress $255

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TEXTILE ELIZABETH AND JAMES
One of the brands designed by this year’s CFDA winners, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (and one of my favorites). This collection offers fabulous denim pieces and quirky dresses. I love that they chose to do the jacket in a bright pink, the jeans offer that 70′s vibe I dig, and the shirtdress is right on trend for this season.

Sid Denim Jacket $365
Morrison Jeans $245
Alex Shirtdress $245

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SUMMER MUST-HAVES
Everyone needs a fantastic bikini, a great hat and sunnies, and some tops for summer. These are my favorites warm-weather pieces.

TOP:
Pen and Ink String Bikini $46 for top, $44 for bottom
Sunny Day Tortoise Sunglasses $49.50
Sheercheck Smocktop $69.50

BOTTOM:
Mara Hoffman Cocoon Tunic $213
Biltmore Straw Fedora $58
Stoneskipper Sweatshirt Tee $49.99

All items available at Madewell

Summer essentials, for me, are pieces you can wear year after year. Bikinis, sunglasses, denim, tees, a great dress-these all are essentials. Add some trendier items and you have the perfect outfits for the season.

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The Little White Dress

We all know how important the “little black dress” is. It’s the one article of clothing that will get you through any social event on your calendar. But now that it’s summer, maybe we should switch things up and try a “little WHITE dress”. Yes, the old rules dictate you should only wear white Memorial Day through Labor Day (and we are now in that time frame), however, I do believe the white dress can be worn all year long with the right accessories and other pieces in your closet. White is classic, crisp, and chic, and looks fabulous with a tan. Here are some celebrities rocking the LWD.

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Jessica Stam is stunning in Marchesa

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Tali Lennox in this season’s hot trend-the shirtdress

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Gabrielle Union is perfection in this three-quarter number

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Caroline Sieber shines in an almost kimono-looking ensemble

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Cameron Diaz is chic in this white jumpsuit

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Vanessa Hudgens personifies glamour in this gown from Philosophy di Alberta Ferritti

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Ashley Madekwe in adorable in this shift from Zara

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Rachel Bilson opts for couture Chanel (love this one)

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Natalie Portman in a darling LWD

Every designer and retailer offers a LWD this time of year. Here are some of my favorites in stores now.

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From left to right:
Lucca Couture Chiffon Tie Top Baby Doll Dress $69 from Urban Outfitters
Warehouse Metallic Lace Shift $83.50 from ASOS
Johann Earl for Urban Renewal Surplice Dress $59 from Urban Outfitters

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Knit Lace Dress $98 from Banana Republic
Scallop Lace Tube Dress $98 from Arden B.
Amie Maxidress in whisper gauze $69.99 from J. Crew

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Sunny Repose Dress $98 from Anthropologie
Calvin Klein Sleeveless V-Neck $99.50 from Macy’s
Pleated Bodice Dress $79.90 from Express
JNBY Asymmetrical Hem Tshirt Dress $80.90 from Nordstrom

There are so many great options for the LWD. It is the perfect summer staple and will quickly become your go-to item for all occasions. Paired with flip flops or heels, this dress is sure to be a hit.

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Fashion’s New Shining Star

I really enjoyed watching NBC’s “Fashion Star”. The concept was fabulous! It was really educational to hear the feedback from the mentors (Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson, and John Varvatos) and the buyers for Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and H&M. Anyone who’s thinking of becoming a designer could certainly learn a lot from this show. And how fun is it to see the designs and be able to purchase them the next day? In the end, it was former 4th grade teacher, Kara Laricks, that took home the big prize. She got off to a rocky start, but overall was consistent yet constantly evolving. Her collection stays true to her passion for menswear, but will appeal to the masses. And now you can purchase her line at Macy’s.

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Kara Laricks, 38, winner of NBC’s “Fashion Star”

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Sleeveless Lauren Solid A-Line Shift $79
This shift has a sleek, modern shape with quirky menswear-inspired details. And the printed lining is a whimsical touch.

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Amanda Blouse $69 and Michael Shorts $59
Fabulous together but versatile enough to pair with other pieces, this tie-neck blouse and flat-front crepe shorts are sophisticated yet playful.

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Sleeveless Ted Ankle Length Jumpsuit $89
I love a good jumpsuit and this one is a winner. With it’s menswear-inspired details and streamlined shape, it’s fresh and modern.

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Sleeveless Cha Cha Romper $79
Adorable romper that has more of a tailored feel. The belt adds contrast and gives the romper a feminine touch.

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Sleeveless Caprice Tuxedo Shift $79
This tuxedo-inspired shift has a chic fit with modern lines. This piece can easily transition from work to play.

All items available at Macy’s

It’s easy to see why Kara was crowned the new fashion star. I’m really excited to see where her career goes from here. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing and seeing a lot more of Kara!

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Lovely Finds At Anthropologie

I received the new Anthropologie catalog the other day and all I can say is “Wow”. They have come so far over the last decade. The styles, brands, trends, and overall presentation is fantastic. Yes, the price range is much higher, but the quality and uniqueness makes it all worth it. It was hard for me to narrow down my favorites, but I gave it a shot.

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INTIMATELY YOURS
So many pretty items to wear to bed. I love slips. They are so comfy and super sexy. The rompers remind of the undergarments women of “ill repute” wore back in the 1880′s. A couple of years ago my husband and I were lounging in a bar In Deadwood, South Dakota. The waitresses were all wearing something similar to these rompers. I wanted one so badly, but our server told us they were made specifically for them. Alas, it was not meant to be. These would be a great alternative.

Top: Scoopback Midi Slip $128 and Cloud-Ruffle Romper $148
Middle: Elbe Chemise $78
Bottom: Blushing Chemise $69.95 and Gillyflower Romper $128

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BOTTOMS UP
I live in denim. Skinnies, jeggings, flares, wide-leg…I love them all! Anthropologie has a huge selection of silhouettes and brands. I am loving the idea of a wide-leg crop. They would be super fun this summer. Overalls really come and go as far as a trend, but these vintage ones from Levis are right up my alley. I would rock them for the rest of my life!

Top: Citizens of Humanity Wide-Leg Crops $286, Levis Vintage Collection Deconstructed Overalls $350, and Pilcro Sailor Slims $118
Bottom: Holding Horses Wide-Leg Trouser $128, AG Ex-Boyfriend Crop $198, and AG Tomboy $245

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DRESS ME UP
Spring and summer are made for dresses. While I usually prefer the “little black dress”, there are many vibrant shades this season that I am excited to try. What better way than in my choice of dress? Whether it’s a shift, a mini, or pattern, I vow to add more dresses into my wardrobe.

Top: Dynamic Jersey Shift $118, Looking Glass Shift $138, and Agneta Dress $248
Bottom: Sun-Soaked Shift $138, Catalyst Dress $248, and Brimming Borders Mini-Dress $288

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BLUSHING PEASANTS
Okay, you all know I worship peasant anything and these tops are fabulous. The neutral palette, made up of blushes, beiges, whites, and yellows, are soft and romantic. These lovelies would be my choice for an every day top, but could easily be “styled” up for night.

Top: Josephina Top $39.95 and City Cousin Blouse $68
Middle: Surf and Turf Cover-Up $138
Bottom: Pyracantha Blouse $88 and Early Daffodils Top $88

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BRIGHTLY TOPPED
Anthro offers so many amazing tops in so many bright colors, you can’t help but wish for warm weather and sunshine. Again, most of these are in the “peasant” family, but this girl loves what she loves. I threw in a marvelous jacket as well. A nice, bold swing coat will absolutely be your statement piece and this one is “the tops”.

Top: Draped Snail Tank $69.95 and Vallota Peasant Blouse $79.95
Middle: Constructed Swing Jacket $198
Bottom: Saxifrage Thicket Top $98 and Framed Sleeve Top $78

All items available at Anthropologie

My selections are really just the tip of the iceberg at Anthropologie this season. Luckily for me (or maybe not so lucky), there are three Anthros within 10 miles of my house. I have a feeling they’re going to be seeing a lot of me over the next few months!

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