Tag Archives: Elizabeth and James

What to Pack: Labor Day Weekend

by

As I’ve previously mentioned, I get pretty sad around this time of year every year as my favorite season comes to a close, so it’s somewhat bittersweet to celebrate Labor Day Weekend. While I love any excuse to take a long weekend away, this particular holiday signifies the end of summer, and that’s something I’m not so fond of. That said, I still love a good farewell-summer bonfire with good friends and good beers, and that calls for some casual late-summer attire.

Clockwise, from upper left:
Elizabeth and James Lexington Sunglasses
8 Knots Seersucker Beach Blanket/Towel
Madewell Denim Midi Shorts
Topshop Underwire Bikini
J.Crew Fine-Knit Tippi Sweater

 

Sale finds

by

So the summer solstice officially kicked off the summer season yesterday, and while we still have many months of warm days ahead of us, the retail world is already cleaning out its summer stock, which means major bonus for the fashion and clothing compulsive. There are some great deals to be had out there right now (I’m looking at you, Net-a-Porter), so take advantage of this awesomeness and hit up these sales, dear readers. But act quickly – these things’ll fly off the shelves quicker than you can arrange some space in your closet. Here are but a few of the summer items on sale I’ve got my eye on right now.

1. Zoe Karssen palm tree cotton and modal-blend T-shirt
2. Anna Sui floral crochet shorts
3. Marni floral cotton print triangle bikini
4. Topshop regatta stripe bag
5. Madewell whirlwind pleat tank
6. Rag & Bone racine wide-leg trousers
7. Day Birger et Mikkelsen Day Fizz ruffled silk-chiffon dress
8. Elizabeth and James bax flatform sandals

Sherbet style

by

Madewell Chambray Ex-boyfriend Shirt, Sanctuary Charmer Mint Skinny Jeans, Elizabeth and James tank, Mulberry Oversized Alexa bag, Paolo wedges, Chloe sunglasses, Jewelmint Cleopatra Cabachon earrings

One of the things I’ve been liking about this season’s colored denim trend is that it brings more color into an ensemble in a natural yet unexpected way. I’ve been trying to think of my mint skinny jeans as I would a regular pair of blue jeans in order to come up with looks I might otherwise shy away from, and thus far I’ve been pretty pleased with the results. It was a little chilly (read: not sweltering) the other morning so I reached for my stack of denim and favorite orange E&J tank and layered on my go-to chambray button-down, but honestly it felt a bit tired. Traded out my bluejeans for greenjeans, and suddenly I resembled one of my favorite frozen confections – success!

Weekend details

by

Best time of day on the beach (Zara coverup)

Headed down to Bald Head Island (at North Carolina’s Cape Fear) for another lovely (long) weekend on the coast. My work schedule doesn’t allow for me to take Monday holidays off (yes, lame), so I took Friday off instead so I could still enjoy a three-day weekend, and I definitely did lots of enjoying. The water’s really starting to warm up here so I spent a ton of time in the ocean and am pretty sure I still haven’t rinsed off all the salt yet.

How was your weekend? I’m guessing the weekend still hasn’t ended for most of y’all, so I hope you’re soaking up some serious summer right about now.

Neon has made its way into my workouts via my new running shoes

Carolina blue surfing

A cocktail hour surprise

Milo and the Surfer Dude lamenting the lack of waves

Navy stripes + red toes

Morning bike riding (Elizabeth and James tank, Mango bikini, Marc Jacobs shades)

What to Wear: Weddings

by

After wedding season officially kicked off for us last week, I started thinking about the various types of weddings we’ll go to this season, as well as those we’ve been to in years past. Weddings can really run the gamut from super casual to black tie, making it a little tricky to put outfits together, so without further ado, here’s my take on what to wear to weddings.


Zara printed box clutch, Jenni Kayne suede ankle strap sandals, ONE by Contrarian bibb maxi dress

For a classic black-tie affair, I think it’s safest to go with a full-length gown, though more formal short dresses are ok too, depending on the wedding. I’ve been loving this season’s minaudiere trend, and I think this one spices up a formal look a bit. As for the sandals, I’d wear them just as soon with cropped pants for a night out as with a gown – love them!


ASOS skater dress, ASOS envelope clutch, Sigerson Morrison Dali wedge sandals

Being from the South, I end up attending a fair amount of church weddings/country club receptions. It can feel inappropriate to have bare shoulders in a church, but sometimes I hate carrying a wrap since, a. it’s usually so hot I don’t need it, and b. it’s just another thing for me to lose. Enter a dress with sleeves. This one avoids being too stiff with a lace top, but still maintains a somewhat conservative vibe.

Paper Crown Bora Bora gown, Loeffler Randall Dita heels, Zara plaited clutch

 For the mountain retreat wedding of your hippie-chic friend, I think it’s safe to say that wedding-guest attire will vary widely, so why not go with something that feels fun and casual while still formal enough for a wedding ceremony? I’m particularly obsessed with this dress, and think it’s versatile enough to work for a mountain wedding as well as a casual weekend night out. Plus, a maxi dress will serve you particularly well with some added warmth when you’re gathered around the late-night bonfire by the lake. Platforms with a wide heel are a comfortable high-heel option – totally necessary (if you’re not going with flats instead) since you’re likely to be clomping around on various terrains.


Kenneth Cole Reaction heels, Rebecca Minkoff minaudiere, Zara dress 

More and more weddings are outdoor affairs these days, and while they don’t feel casual, the atmosphere can leave guests feeling a bit confused as to how formal to take their attire. For these types of soirees I like to wear something a little more daytime, but still with a decidedly dressed-up feel. The fun details of this dress make it perfect for this sort of party, and as an added bonus, you could throw a cardigan over it and make it office-appropriate down the road. Plus this minaudiere (I think we’re seeing a pattern here) jazzes up the ladylike vibe.

Elizabeth and James Clair colorblock sandals, Riller & Fount halter maxi dress, Bop Basics rattan clutch

As someone who got married on the beach, I can attest to the fact that nothing confuses a wedding guest more than getting dressed for such a party. By the same token, I have to say that there’s nothing better than a seaside celebration, so let’s hope you’ve got one on your agenda this year. I think beach-wedding guests in particular should run with the theme of the affair and go for an island-chic look that’s not too dressy, and flowy maxi dresses are particularly conducive to that. I’m also a big fan of adding pops of colors with these sorts of looks, and these shoes fit the bill nicely – just don’t forget to take them off for the ceremony if it’s actually on the beach, since no one likes to see a wedding guest eating sand.