Is My Tie On Straight...

Vest: H&M; Shirt: J.Crew; Jeans: Levis 510 Super Skinny; Espadrilles: Forever21; Tie: Vintage; Watch: Michael Kors; Rings: All Saints and Spencer Gifts

Learning more and more what looks best on me in this blistering heatwave we call summer in Florida. Button ups with rolled sleeves, vests, skinny jeans, ties/bowties, loafers or lace up oxfords. Getting dressed every morning is becoming easier and easier because I'm becoming more confident in who I am and my style! I love looking pulled together - a serving of classic with some edge and fun on the side.

The pattern mixing I'm achieving with this look is BANANAS! Plaid shirt with circle pattern tie and floral print espadrilles. Completely unexpected and all the more appealing. After seeing these pics, I'm thinking the look would have really been a showstopper if the vest had gold buttons...oh boy, another DIY project under way!

Stay Tuned....

Since It's For A Good Cause...

Black Burlap Classics $54


Khaki Harbour Cordones $69


Olive Canvas Classics $44


Seaport Vegan Classics $54

I have to admit, when these shoes first came out I thought they reminded me of an upgraded Birkenstock. You know, straight tree hugger status. Clearly my perception of them have changed as I now have a wish list of the styles that I'll need for my wardrobe. They are extremely comfortable (from what I hear) and stylishly out of this world. And, knowing that for every shoe purchased, a child receives a pair of shoes to go to school in, is all the more reason to load up on a few styles for the summer. Hey, it's for a good cause.

Imagine these with a slim suit, or a pair of over-sized rolled hem trousers and a white button up, or harem pants and a t-shirt...oh, I'm playing dress up in my head. Always a good sign I've got a winner on my hands. Will definitely have to update you as I collect these beauties for the wardrobe.

Happy Friday...

Where's My EASY Button...

If I had an EASY button for summer office dressing, I'd press it every morning I woke up! With the ever rising temperatures, it gets harder and harder to look professional and stylishly put together without melting on my way from the car to the office. I definitely have to agree that living here in Florida has taught me the simplicity of looking my best - easy fabrics and lots of great accessories is the only way one can make it out alive.

When it comes to summer dressing, there's definitely some things that are just basic essentials, and the above polos fall into that category. These are from J.Crew and at about $20 a pop - love the Extra 20% off summer sale - these will be in SERIOUS rotation as the summer burns on. Total I think I spent $130 including shipping for these 6 beauties. The colors are seasonless and will work nicely with the pieces I currently have in my wardrobe.

Little by little I'm acquiring a collection of items that I'll wear now and LOVE forever.

Cool, Calm, and Collected...

Sweater: H&M; Jeans: American Eagle; Shoes: Zara;


Beaded Bracelet: Erika Pena; Watch: Michael Kors; Charm Bracelet: Tiffany & Co.

It's seriously getting hotter and hotter as we progress through this year. Florida seriously should have "black out" times of the day where residents are urged to stay in doors in the A/C until temperatures cool outside. It's getting quite ridiculous to have to continue to get dressed for work and only want to reach for jeans and a t-shirt (not that there's anything wrong with the combo, I just need to continue to project my fabulous, take me serious sartorial image in the workplace.)

Loose and drapey is definitely the way to go. This sweater is something I picked up on my last trip to NY for work and decided to pair it with my looser jeans - yes, I, the lover of Levi 510 Super Skinny jeans do own a pair of loose fitting jeans. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! The look is comfortable but also very stylish. I'm definitely going to have more and more interpretations of this look as we really get into summer.

If the temperatures now are any signs of what's to come, I may seriously have to commission some of the designers at work to make me a few kilts. I'm just saying, I've never really been a fan of the sweaty back of the knee cap look...

Cruel Summer...

T-Shirt: Forever 21; Necklace: Chico's; Pants: GAP; Shoes: Nikes; Watch: Michael Kors

It's officially summer here in FL, and to say I'm a little pissed is an understatement! Ugh!!!! I really hate when the sun rises say 2 or 3 and begins to cook us poor defenseless humans in our fav garments. It's not fair, it's just not fair. This summer I've decided that my work and personal wear will reflect my well curated style in a new way.

Before, I was very rebellious against rising temperatures, I'm talking cardigans, long sleeve V-neck sweaters, it was hot, sweaty mess. Logically speaking, I believed that I was going from the AC'd house, to the AC'd car, to the AC'd office...not having to worry about the elements around me. WRONG! I do so much walking at work that I need to seriously stop playing and get it together.

After reading Harper's Bazaar's May issue and Anne Monokey's article depicting her time at Ana Maria Pimental's summer wedding, she touched on while temperatures may be rising, one should not allow style to plummet. Taking her advice of incorporating light weight fabrics, cotton, cotton, and more cotton blended garments and tops. With the use bold accessories and jewelry to boost credibility of everyday basic ensembles, I definitely think now the summer won't be so cruel to my stylish ways...

Here's hoping!