A Classic & Simple Summer Look

Classic and simple is the best way to describe this outfit. Classic because it incorporates a timeless white button-down shirt; simple because it can be easily thrown together in minutes and readily worn for any daytime occasion. The shorts are from +H&M and are made from a seersucker cotton with peach / white striping. I threw on the white button-down because I felt like it would best compliment the striping in the shorts. As for the belt, it is a simple vintage belt in a chestnut brown. When it came to my shoes, I thought I would try and wear the pair of blue woven leather +Johnston & Murphy loafers I was lucky enough to find at a thrift store last summer. Overall, with the light fabrics, pastel colors, and seersucker cotton, this is a very spring & summer appropriate look. And with the season coming to a close end, I want to get in as much summer-friendly clothing as I can before the winter.    

In the image above I've switched out my button-down for a simple navy blue v-neck. This switch keeps the outfit playful with color while maintaining a very casual, clean look.

White Shirt - H&M, Cotton Shorts - H&M (Similar), Brown Belt - Thrift, Blue Loafers - Thrift

Trend Alert!

For this Spring & Summer, a large trend that's been seen on the runway is clothes with an ethnically inspired design. Pictured here are some examples of certain pieces that follow this style. What I love most about these styles are the geometric patterns, as well as the bold colors that they utilize. In my opinion, they are statement pieces that can be used in so many different ways. Personally, I would use very understated clothing (maybe a pair of dark denim jeans and a white button-down shirt) and then make the ethnic patterns contrast the simplicity and make it pop. Of the items pictured above, I really love the bowtie and patterned shorts most. They're very eye-catching without being too much. How do you feel about these ethnic / Aztec patterns? Are they are DO or a DON'T? 

Bold in Blue

One thing I'm excited for is wearing #bright , vibrant colors this season. With blue making a huge appearance in this year's SS13 #fashion , I'm going to have a lot of fun playing with the different shades that will be available in-store. This is probably one of my favorite #spring outfits - a more royal #blue pocket tee paired with my favorite (cuffed) white & navy pin-striped shorts and #thrifted deep maroon Jeffrey Campbell penny loafers. What's your favorite spring outfit? Feel free to share!

Spring Forward in Style!

Now that we've moved into daylight savings, you have more time to wear your favorite clothes during the day. Wear clothes that you love, like your favorite plaid shirt, with a pair of laid back denim jeans. Accessorize with a nicely accented watch and a belt to pick up the hues in your shirt. There's also something about this watch that just draws me in. The classic leather straps give the whole outfit a very simple, yet dapper touch that the look needs to stay well kempt (you can find a similar one here from +American Apparel). Don't forget to add the finishing touch of a few sprays of cologne before you head out for the day. I suggest one of my personal favorites, +Lacoste Essential for men - the scent is bold and lasts all day.

Mix & Match

Before you say anything, I know, I know, this look is completely a winter or fall look. The warm colors, the thick coat, the earthy tones... They all scream cold weather. However! One thing that you might not consider is how easily you can change that up. Replace the navy anorak with a navy t-shirt or v-neck and you have a completely different look. The desert boots are a personal favorite as well (I have four pair) and you can easily find many different colors and styles on the +ASOS site. I'm not sure how I feel about the all-brown rucksack pictured above, but I am ALL OVER the navy canvas rucksack with the lighter brown accent on the pockets, close, and base of the bag. How would you change up this look to make it spring & summer appropriate?

Rainy Day Apparel

The one thing that I love about this look is how simple it is. Some people might contest that the converse are a bit too childish for the sophistication of the coat and formal look of the dark denim, but I think that it would be TOO dressy if there were any other shoes with the outfit. The +Nixon Watches makes the outfit a bit more clean and crisp which I personally enjoy, and the same goes for the white button-down. Overall I think this outfit has a sort of air that resembles a "I tried, but not too hard" attitude which is perfect for rainy weather. Since the rain changes our attitude and desire to wear more relaxing clothing with a laid back attitude, I think that thing collection of clothing exudes just that.