my summer essential: the simple cotton sundress

summer cotton eyelet dress (similar) // tory burch sandals // gold bar necklace from moorea seal //
longchamp tote bag // marc by marc jacobs gold bracelet watch 

During my east coast adventures, I melted. Sweat, sweaty, sweatyness everywhere. Being from the PNW, I was not accustomed to the humidity, and boy did it get to me. I don't think I've ever needed to tease my hair - it was huge. I felt like I needed to take a shower as soon as I stepped outside of the perfectly cooled a/c. 

How did I survive? My beloved Tory Burch sandals to keep my feet comfy and cool, a lightweight Longchamp tote so that I didn't have to lug around a heavy purse, and of course, an easy breezy cotton summer dress. 

Looking back on my trip, all I really wanted to wear was my simple cotton dress. Just the idea of layering anything else on made me want to cringe and melt in a slimey puddle of goop. Also, the six pairs of shoes I packed for the trip = not practical. Not once did I end up wearing heels. 

With all the walking we did - sandals and my converse were the way to go! 

Resting our poor feet after long walks through the city...

What was your summer must-have this year? 

Tweet or share in comments below!

xoxo

Like this look? Shop for similar pieces below!

skorts for saturday.

white blouse // zara black mini skort // moorea seal gold bar necklace // tory burch miller logo sandals

mini mac crossbody bag rebecca minkoff // nars heat wave lipstick

This past Saturday, my main squeeze and I began the birthday week festivities a little early with a beautiful stroll through the city, happy hour at one of my favorite South Lake Union spots (Cactus!) and a movie date to see Maleficent. Also, did I mention that he let me pick out my birthday present? With specific parameters that the gift had to be useful, I chose this beauty - the Marc by Marc Jacobs Henry Dinky Bracelet Watch. Watches are totally a must-have for staying on time and as stylish arm candy, right? 

Since we were keeping it casual and venturing through downtown Seattle the whole day, I needed my birthday outfit to be cute but comfy. As such, it was the perfect opportunity to take out my skort from Zara for a spin. Party in the front and practical in the back - I'd say this was one of my favorite Zara purchases of all time. It's definitely going to be part of my summer adventure looks and a must-pack for my trip to the East Coast in July. 

Also, I just can't get enough of my Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac Crossbody and Tory Burch sandals. They are the perfect tan/beige color to mix match with casual denim outfits or with a dressier look. Even though my Mini Mac is one of my smaller purses, I can stuff quite a bit in there (amazeballs).

We got a little sassy towards the end... 

So the verdict's in... Saturdays are for skorts and sangria this summer.. *insert smiley face*

Tell me, what are your must-wears this season?

xoxo

Photo Credit to my Main Squeeze

Like the Look? Shop with me here!

who runs the world: girls.

Today, I pay tribute to six leading ladies who have revolutionized the fashion industry - bringing new life to the meaning of style, beauty, trendsetter and commercial retail. Cheers to you, leading ladies - we look forward to what you'll bring in the New Year.

(from top left to bottom right)

nina garcia, creative director of marie claire and project runway judge | iris apfel, interior designer, fashion icon and previous contributor to women's wear daily | tory burch, fashion designer and philanthropist | lauren conrad, fashion designer, author and reality tv star of the hills and laguna beach | anna wintour, editor in chief of vogue deborah lloyd, president and creative director of kate spade

In the wise words of Beyonce - who run the world... girls. 

Who are your style icons?

orange you glad.

Lately, I've been absolutely digging this coral to red-orange hue -- loud, bright and just simply the perfect color for the season. Elle Woods may have been right in  2001 when she said that whoever named orange the new pink was seriously disturbed (loyal wearer of all things pink) but, for summer 2012, it's making a comeback - it's all about the orange, corals and peaches. After all, tangerine tango is the color of the year.

Maxis, flutter tops and and even satchels are making a pop with that color. I loved seeing a little bit of it in Kate Spade's Florence Broadhurst line such as that little Hopper House Shyla clutch (orange and neon pink) and Tory Burch's Mariel dress in marmalade.

Here are some of my pin-spiring picks for this hot color:

love the knit-feel of this poncho-like sweater

gorgeous, pleated chiffon maxi

pleated tulip skirt and fierce with animal print

simple, light-weight jersey racerback tank dress and belted with a woven leather belt
played casual with a top knot

and this one's for the boys....
color on top of a gingham patterned button up

Are you wearing orange this season?

images [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]