Straps, Silhouettes, & A Little Black Dress

Photo credit: Gina Chu
(Dress: James Perse; Bandeau: Nordstrom Rack; Handbag: Marc Jacobs; Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger; Bracelets: Alex & Ani)

A LBD (little black dress) can never fail. It offers endless possibilities, doubling as casual and formal wear. I styled my LBD for a casual summer night with strappy gold sandals, a light green lace bandeau bra, and cross-body handbag. However, this James Perse could be dressed up with a pair of heels, swipe of lipstick, and a dazzling statement necklace.

Photo credit: Gina Chu (Dress: James Perse; Bandeau: Nordstrom Rack; Handbag: Marc Jacobs; Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger; Bracelets: Alex & Ani)

One fashion trend carried over from fall 2014 that I have continued to love is hardware. Metal hardware brings forth a richness to any outfit. I like the metal hardware matching if there are many pieces that contain hardware. For example, gold buttons on a jacket paired with a gold watch can look more put together than gold buttons paired with a silver watch. For this look, I matched the gold metal hardware on my sandals to the hardware on my purse and a gold Alex & Ani bracelet. Matching hardware streamlines a look and provides an instant chic factor.

Photo credit: Gina Chu (Dress: James Perse; Bandeau: Nordstrom Rack; Handbag: Marc Jacobs; Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger; Bracelets: Alex & Ani)

Do you ever have difficulty deciding which color metal to wear? I have found that silver works best with cool skin tones and gold compliments warm skin tones. I would also like to point out that there is an exception to this matching metal rule that I mentioned before! Different colored metals can be mixed and matched to provide interest and be the main statement of the outfit. It is important to not overdo chunky metals because it can be overpowering to one’s frame, so I like to stick to either one bold metal piece, or a few delicate metal pieces to maintain balance.  For a care-free night in the city with my LBD as my statement piece, I opted with minimal jewelry that wouldn’t steal the LBD’s show: two delicate bracelets (one gold & one silver).

Photo credit: Gina Chu (Dress: James Perse; Bandeau: Nordstrom Rack; Handbag: Marc Jacobs; Sandals: Tommy Hilfiger; Bracelets: Alex & Ani)

Breezy Summer Days (and a quick op ed on Abercrombie & Fitch)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Flip Flops: A&E; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom)

Beautiful summer days call for light and airy fabrics. It has been ages since I dare to enter the dark, loud, over-branded and intensely aroma-filled place that people call Abercrombie & Fitch. However, this maxi skirt caught my eye in the window display and it happened to be the one maxi skirt that was the perfect length for my 5’2” stature. I sense that Abercrombie is attempting to shift their brand away from sex and customer advertisement to something more subtle. This branding shift is still not yet achieved, nor am I a return Abercrombie & Fitch fanatic, but I still admire the laid back and beachy vibe that the company is inspired by.

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom)

Just like the effortless beauty of nature, I like to keep my style simple and casual. I combine classic pieces such as leather sandals or a denim jacket with a more trendy piece, such as a crop top or maxi skirt. I keep my makeup natural, using a tinted moisturizer with SPF to take care of my skin in the sun. A summer hat adds extra protection against the rays as well, all while acting as a cute accessory. I often find that it is hats that can pull an outfit together!

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Crop top: PacSun; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Ring: Market in London)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg (Denim jacket: A&E; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Bracelet: Nordstrom)

Taking more inspiration from nature, I channeled the simplistic beauty of the beach into my jewelry choices. This Alex & Ani bracelet features a pearl and shell, while my skirt’s pattern mimics the look of the ocean floor. On really hot summer days, a chunky statement necklace can feel heavy so I opt for a light minimalist look.

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg
(Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Denim jacket: A&E; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Flip flops: A&E)

A classic light wash denim jacket is great for breezy summer days, providing a light layer between you and the wind. To me, summer is about enjoying nature. I like natural fabrics such as cotton and leather because they allow my skin to breathe and keep cool. During this time of the year, I try to stop myself from buying fabrics such as polyester. (Side note: why is it so hard to find cotton clothing?)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg (Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Denim jacket: A&E; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Flip flops: A&E)

Photo credit: Sarah von Oldenburg (Hat: Target; Crop top: PacSun; Sunglasses: Kohl’s; Necklace: Barney’s New York; Bracelet: Alex & Ani; Ring: Market in London; Bracelet: Nordstrom; Skirt: Abercrombie & Fitch; Flip flops: A&E)

Where do you find your inspiration for summer outfit ideas? Also, if you know any cute stores that carry cotton clothing, please comment! Enjoy the beautiful weather 🙂