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

Keeping it Cool in Puerto Rico

My family and I decided to take a trip to La Concha Resort in San Juan, Puerto Rico as a post-wedding treat for my mother. The second I stepped foot out of the airport, the sun beat down on the back of my neck as the moisture caused my clothing to stick. Once I got back to the hotel I immediately changed from my charcoal skinny jeans and thick white / navy gingham button-down into the combination you'll find below. 

The beige chino shorts I'm wearing are very comfortable, light, and airy. As a mater of fact, they used to be pants before I got a little crazy with my best friend (a pair of scissors) and did away with all the extra fabric. What I like most about the shorts, at least for this occasion, is that they mimic the soft colors of the sand you find on the beaches; moreover, my powder blue +American Apparel shirt matches that of the Puerto Rican sky. I topped off the entire outfit with a contrasting chestnut leather belt my uncle owned in the 80's and a pair of navy +Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes which match the various shades of the ocean quite well. Over all, I decided to keep the look very simple, understated, and natural - even leaving out some of the black accessories I never seem to take off. An overwhelming amount of layering and dark coloring would be silly under these weather conditions as well. However, something that might work and that I may attempt later is utilizing neons and brighter colors as many of the residents in the area do. Perhaps a tangerine similar to that of the backdrop in my photos. What do you all think? 

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!