TRENDS: SUMMER FASHION RUNDOWN

One of my favorite things to do in New York City is people watch, and during a recent visit I got to do just that.  Unlike Boston, New York City showcases an array of styles and creative personalities.  During an outdoor lunch at Bryant Park, I discovered what I believe are the top three trendiest fashion items for this summer.  I am never one to dive into trends, so some of these I like and the others I appreciate, but never see myself buying.  

Here is my summer rundown: 

MIRRORED COLORED SUNGLASSES
These are everywhere this summer and with lenses in colors ranging from neon yellow to neon blue.  Mirrored sunglasses are a fun way to add a pop of color to a classic summer outfit. This pair is available at Illesteva illesteva.com

CHUNKY GOLD SANDALS

The first question that came to mind was, "am I missing something?" And then my boyfriend chimed in, "what are those?" To me these look awful, I like the gold but they remind me of a summer version of moon boots.  But maybe I am missing the boat and these are the greatest summer footwear out there.  I guess they look like they could be comfortable, but when has that ever been the number one priority? These four examples are available at Nordstrom.   I guess that if I had to pick one of these sandals I would pick number one.  I am a sucker for an espadrille bottom and I prefer the simplicity.  Overall this is just my opinion and if you want to rock a pair of these chunky gold sandals go for it! 

1.) Kate Spade Irevela Double Strap Slide Sandal shop.nordstrom.com

2.) Steve Madden Strangld Gladiator Platform Sandal shop.nordstrom.com

3.) Dr. Scholls Original Full Slide Sandal shop.nordstrom.com

4.) Kate Spade Troy Platform Sandal shop.nordstrom.com

OVERSIZED BLOUSES

This casual yet tailored look is great for cool summer days, when you want to be casual and comfortable, but still look put-together.  I have also seen this shirt sleeveless.  This is not your boyfriend's dress shirt, what I like about this look is the shape;  the back curves down and the sides arch in, providing a more fitted  and feminine look.  This blouse is available at Madewell www.madewell.com

Images via retail source 

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Image via @AGAquadro on instagram 

JULY: BLUE & WHITE STRIPES

The Fourth of July typically means all things red, white, and blue, however I find it difficult to get away from my obsession of blue and white stripes.  My weekend is usually filled with straw bags, sweaters, shoes, and dresses in this nautical  color combination.  Here are a few beach inspired, blue and white must haves, for your Fourth of July celebrations. 

1.) Nantucket Looms Boatneck Sweater nantucketlooms.com
2.) Soludos Classic Stripe Original Espadrille www.soludos.com
3.) Mar Y Sol Collins Sisal Pom Pom Tote in Navy store.shopmarysol.com
4.) JCrew Seersucker String Bikini Top and Seersucker Hipster Bikini www.jcrew.com
5.) St James Striped Sailor Dress in Marine & Ecru www.saintjames-usa.com

If you are looking to add a pop of red, I suggest nail polish! 

1.) Essie Long Stem Roses 
2.) Essie Lollipop 
3.) Essie Really Red 
All Essie nail polish is available at www.essie.com

JULY: VICTORIA HAGAN

As the countdown begins for Fourth of July  celebrations, the beach often comes to mind.  I recently stumbled upon a copy of the latest Architectural Digest and I was immediately in love with Victoria Hagan's Nantucket summer home.  The interior features a soft seaside palette very similar to the surrounding views.  Sisals, unfinished wood, and willow-reed chairs add texture to the array of muted fabrics.  And large windows and french doors help to bring the outdoors in. I also love how Victoria Hagan and Ray Pohl, of Botticelli and Pohl  Architects, designed the home so that you can look through it from the front to the back. Hagan states "this is a beach house, and I wanted it to feel that way," and I believe she did just that.  

 

Images via Architectural Digest www.architecturaldigest.com

THIS MONTH'S OBSESSION: LEAFY GREEN

This month I am loving leafy green fabrics and wallcoverings.  Perhaps this is due to India Hicks’s book Island Style or maybe it is the thought of hot summer days.  Paired with rattan baskets, summery sisals, and gold hardware,  they are the perfect graphic element to any room.  Here is some pre-weekend leafy green inspiration.  

 

 

Images via Pinterest 

BLUE & WHITE STRIPE: WHAT TO WEAR

In the summertime, I can't get enough of blue and white stripe fashion.  Shirts, dresses, skirts, and espadrilles serve as the perfect beach - side attire.  I love pairing blue and white stripes with a straw bag for a trip to the beach or gold jewelry and accessories for a low key evening. Here is some blue and white stripe inspiration for your Labor Day last hurrah activities.

Images via Pinterest

BLUE & WHITE STRIPE: AT HOME

Blue and white stripes add a crisp summertime feel to any space.  I love a great blue and white awning for an outdoor space, or a set of Cornish ware cream and blue china by  T.G. Green, for a summertime breakfast.  Here is some blue and white stripe inspiration for your home.

Images via Pinterest

BLUE & WHITE STRIPE: LAST HURRAH

There comes a time when I look forward to fall.  A return home after summer vacations and a shift to warm sweaters and riding boots.  Despite the many exciting factors of fall, I always find myself sad to see summer come to an end.  For this reason, I take Labor Day very seriously.  This is the last hurrah, or the time to do all of your favorite summer activities one last time.   

In the fashion of a last hurrah, I thought I would feature one of my favorite summertime color pairings, blue and white stripes. This classic color arrangement is frequently seen on nautical or beach items; umbrellas, towels, chairs, shirts, and dresses. It can be used anytime of the year and in various locations, but I find it most successful in the summertime.  

As the weekend rapidly approaches, I wish everyone a happy Labor Day weekend, filled with summertime favorites.  

Image via Pinterest 

SCALLOPED: GET THE LOOK

Get the scalloped look at Club Monaco. In a variety of patterns and materials, it's difficult to select a favorite pair.  

Amber Scallop Dot Short www.clubmonaco.com

Amber Strip Short www.clubmonaco.com

Amber Faux Leather Short www.clubmonaco.com

Amber Solid Short www.clubmonaco.com

Amber Jacquard Scallop Short www.clubmonaco.com

Amber Jacquard Scallop Short www.clubmonaco.com

SCALLOPED: OBSESSION

The other day, I was thinking about my new obsession for August.  After a quick run through of what I've recently seen and bought, I determined that I am a bit obsessed with scallops.  Not the food, although I love grilled scallops in the summertime. But, the detail of a scalloped edge on a pair of shorts, a skirt, or maybe even a skort.  This summer I purchased a scalloped seersucker skort, complete with pockets.  I find I am wearing this on a weekend afternoon, or out for a low key evening.  The detail of a scalloped edge adds a feminine and finished touch to any summertime short, skirt, or skort.  Here is some scalloped inspiration for the final weeks of summer.

 

Images via Pinterest