Summer Days

Ahhh…summertime. With only a few more days of summer left before the school year begins, you can bet I’m soaking up as many rays as I can this week. And there’s nothing like a bright floral print and twirl-worthy skirt to put me in the mood for those sweet summer days.

I had such a blast putting this outfit together and wearing it for an afternoon out with the girls. I love how bright and cheerful this floral top is…it speaks to me on so many levels! While I love wearing this top with jeans (especially these flares), I loved the idea of pairing it with this fun pleated skirt even more.

And instead of tucking it into my skirt as I am so used to doing, I tied it up into a crop top for a fun summer twist! It’s a subtle way of showing off a little skin and adapting your wardrobe to fit different seasons (without always going out and buying something new). As a little secret between you and me, I used these clear hair elastics to tie up my top without having to struggle to put a knot in it. Anyone else wonder how you tie a pretty knot into tops? I’m mystified and convinced it takes magic. If you know, help a sister out! Until then, I’ll be using this little trick of mine. 😉

For accessories, I added in a bright turquoise necklace and a fun neon bracelet.

And this petite mint crossbody bag complimented the colors of this outfit perfectly while adding a fun pop of refreshing color of its own accord. I was originally hesitant that it would be big enough to hold all of my things, but it is the perfect size for a wallet, phone, and extra lipstick. Everything you need for an afternoon out and about!

I’ve always loved the look of Celine sunglasses (as seen on Dana here), but with the expensive price point, they were never really within reach for this budgeting graduate student. So when I found these cateye sunglasses at Target the other day that were strikingly similar to their more pricey counterpart, I jumped at the opportunity to get them! If you have any recommendations of sunglasses you love, leave them in the comments below! I’m always on the hunt for my next great pair. For now, I’ll be living in these.

As for my most worn shoes this summer, the award goes to these adorable cognac wedges. They quite literally go with everything and have to be one of the most comfortable heeled options in my entire closet. I’ve actually had them for a few years now and they are holding up nicely! If you are in the market for a great pair of tan sandals, look no further! You can bet I’ll be wearing these well into the fall too! They look spectacular with skinny jeans, shorts, dresses, anything!, and do wonders for elongating your legs. Legs for days, ladies!

And with that final touch, I’m instantly transported to my summertime happy place.

What about you? Have any fun outfits that feel so summery you just can’t hide it?!

Photos by Dang Nguyen

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Get the Look…

Top: Nordstrom (similar here, here, here, here, here, here) | Skirt: J. Crew (similar) | Shoes:Jessica Simpson | Purse: J. Crew (similar here, here) | Necklace: Francesca’s (similar here, here)| Watch: Fossil | Bracelet: J. Crew | Lips: Revlon (HD Azalea)