1. Tory Burch, $235 (just bought ‘em!) | 2. Topshop, $170 | 3. Rifle Paper x Garance Doré, $22 | 4. Tory Burch, $88 | 5. MINKPINK, $50 | 6. J.Crew, $100 | 7. Kenneth Jay Lane, $62 | 8. Rebecca Taylor, $795 (seriously considering the dress in the same print)
I mentioned that I had my eye on this romper in last Friday’s post and I actually purchased it just hours later (it says it’s an online exclusive, but it was available a nearby store). I wore it to dinner that night, for afternoon drinks on Saturday and to run errands on Sunday (the day I took these photos). Move over, LBD. The LBR is proving to be my go-to piece for summer. I prefer the romper with a long pendant, but I wanted to give the oversize pearl trend a whirl with this necklace from Sammydress. Coming in at under $4, it’s a frugal way to try the double pearl trend. Be aware, though, that you get what you pay for. It’s not going to last through the season (I already had to glue one of the beads back on), but that’s probably okay for something as trendy as this.
LOFT romper | Sammydress necklace c/o | Rivet & Sway sunglasses c/o | Hermes bracelet | Cynthia Jones ring c/o | Lacee Alexandra ring c/o | Coach bag | Cole Haan loafers (similar and I love these for summer) | Zoya nail polish
The love of jewelry design has been with Kara Ross since she was a teenager returning home from a trip to Africa with a native gemstone in hand. Her mother took her to a Jeweler’s Row in Philadelphia where she created a square cut ring on an 18 karat gold band with diamonds. Kara decided to pursue a career in jewelry shortly after college and a brief job in advertising at Harper’s Bazaar, becoming a certified Gemologist and officially launching her company in 2003.
She is now an award-winning designer who has showcased her work in museums across the country and has embarked on noteworthy collaborations, including one with the White House. Kara was selected by President Obama and the First Lady to create gifts for visiting heads of state from magnolia wood that originated on the White House lawn. As you’ll see below, Kara crafted bracelets reminiscent of the signature “shirt cuff bracelets” from her KARA by Kara Ross fashion collection—the piece that made me first fall for her designs years ago.
Shop It: Petra Split Pendant in Rubellite and Amethyst, $6,500 | Pangea Stacking Bangle, $2,500 | Zig Zag Studs, $795 | Petra Split Pendant in Green Beryl and Blue Topaz, $8,200 | Cava Open Link Earrings, $3,495 | Hydra Contour Ring, $7,500 | Petra Narrow Split Cuff, $33,000 | Petra Split Ring, $6,850
Follow Kara Ross: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr
Third time was a charm with this dress. I first ordered a size 6, which is the same size as another beloved LOFT dress from last summer. Too small. I then ordered an 8 petite because the regular wasn’t available. Too short (as in “I’m pretty sure I can’t sit down and still be a lady”). Finally, an 8 regular popped back in my size and I jumped on it. Totally worth the hassle. It was my favorite dress to wear in Louisville and I have no doubt it’s going to get plenty of wear in Belgium.
LOFT dress | Rivet & Sway sunglasses c/o | Hermes bracelet | Jennifer Meyer x J.Crew bracelet | Cynthia Jones ring c/o | Lacee Alexandra ring c/o | Sam Edelman sandals | Coach bag | YSL nail polish
I’ve long admired Alexis Bittar’s work and the end-of-season sale at Charm & Chain makes it awfully tempting to add one of his Lucite gems to my collection.