Outfits – Page 3

The [Almost] Perfect Late Summer Casual Dress

August 1, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

I bought this dress, which is part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, on a whim. I had honestly expected to send it back, but I liked the colors and thought it would be a nice option for late summer when I grow tired of brighter hues. Happily, it fit the bill, but it’s not without fault. This dress wrinkles so easily. I ironed it before going downtown for drinks this week (which isn’t a long drive, mind you) and this is what it looked like after sitting in the car. If creases bother you, this is a terrible option. But if you don’t mind the wrinkles when it comes to a casual dress, then it’s a really pretty, lightweight option for late summer and early autumn.

See?! So many wrinkles. I like the dress, but you really can’t sit down in it if you’d like to keep it pristine.

–
Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

The New Jewelry Brand You Need to Know

June 27, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

As I get older, my sartorial focus continues to shift toward building a wardrobe with versatile, quality items. I used to believe that a high price tag meant a high-quality piece. However, those don’t always go hand-in-hand, and that’s especially true for your jewelry thanks to a new-to-me brand called AUrate. AUrate seeks to create more transparency in the jewelry business by cutting out the middle man to bring direct-to-consumer fine jewelry at fair prices. AUrate is doing its part to give back, too. Each piece is created with ethical and sustainable business practices in mind, and every sale supports literacy efforts in the United States by giving a book to a child in need. (I’ve talked about the Madison Reading Project before, so you know that’s a cause I can get behind!)

The collection itself is gorgeous and offers understated, everyday jewelry along with sophisticated, statement-making options. I came across an interview with Sophie Kahn, one of the brand’s founders, and she summed it up best: “We’re not focused on one aesthetic. We understand a woman is multi-faceted, that she’s going through different moments, different times, and we’ve adapted our aesthetic to that.”

Perhaps not surprisingly, I gravitated toward the collection of gold earrings when AUrate reached out to see if I’d like to collaborate. I initially fell in love with these bar earrings, and I was sold when I realized it was an ear jacket. It’s such a beautiful way to put a modern spin on a classic piece of jewelry. (My earrings happen to be gold vermeil, but these and all AUrate pieces can be crafted in 14k or 18k yellow, rose, or white gold.) But what I was struck by most was the quality of the jewelry. They’re substantial without weighing my earlobe down and seem like they should cost a lot more than they do. I have no doubt that these will be a lifelong addition to my jewelry collection.

–
Thanks to AUrate for partnering on this post!

Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

One Dress, Three Ways

June 25, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

There’s a reason linen is synonymous with summer clothing. The sustainable fiber is breathable, naturally anti-bacterial, and has twice the strength of cotton. And, when linen is cut into a classic little black dress, it’s a summer staple that you can wear all season long. I had the opportunity to partner with Garnet Hill to feature this dress and share a few ways I’ve worn it over the past month. (Unfortunately this particular dress is now sold out, but this one is similar and you can find more linen dresses here.) It has been, unquestionably, the highlight of my summer wardrobe. It feels airy on the hottest days (including a high-humidity day in Austin, pictured below), and still allows me to feel pulled together despite the heat. Plus, linen is a versatile fabric that looks just as appropriate in casual situations as it does at the office, making it a smart investment for your summer wardrobe.

–
Thanks to Garnet Hill for partnering on this post!

Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

Darling Denim

June 12, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

I hesitated to buy this dress when I first saw it online. Not because I didn’t fall in love with it, but because I haven’t been enthused about buying much of anything at full price lately. I figured that since it was available on the Madewell site, Nordstrom, and Shopbop, I had a fairly good chance of snagging it once a discount was available. Then it started to sell out quickly and my resolve went out the window. I’m so glad it did, too, because this dress is absolutely perfect for summer. I love the interesting details at the fitted bodice that garnered compliments throughout the day, and the loser fit throughout the midsection that felt breezy in Austin’s stifling heat. And wouldn’t you know that two other full-price purchases I made recently are also my absolute favorites for the season? I snagged these sandals that I mentioned in Friday’s post (gorgeous) and these clear earrings (so good). Sometimes it’s worth forking over your money for the good stuff.

Madewell dress | Tory Burch tote (old) | Soludos espadrilles | earrings from Austin (similar) | Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses (old; similar)

–
Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

My Favorite Dress in Austin

June 4, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

This dress was undoubtedly my favorite thing to wear in Austin, so much so that I wore it our first full day in the city and then again another afternoon. I bought it last year from Urban Outfitters and the cotton dress is so breezy and, better yet, doesn’t need a bra. It’s amazing how much cooler you feel once you ditch a thick layer of foam! Now, I realize that not everyone is able to pull that off (it’s one of the perks of having a small chest), so I put together a roundup of some of my favorite pro-bra and anti-bra dresses from the retailer below. (I don’t know about you, but I never think to shop at Urban Outfitters until I need an inexpensive summer dress, and they’re a gold mine of hot-weather frocks. This one is my favorite of those linked in the widget below because of the pretty green and white pattern. I’m also a fan of this one.)

Urban Outfitters dress (old; similar, love this one) | Tory Burch tote (old; I wasn’t able to find a similar one, but it’s the “Kerrington” style if you’d like to search on eBay.) | Sam Edelman sandals (also love these) | Wendy Mink earrings (c/o; similar here and here) | Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses (old; similar)

–
Let’s keep in touch! Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’