General Fashion

Casual summer style: tunic and shorts

 in General Fashion  tagged casual style / gap / jcrew / mansur gavriel / outfits / rebecca minkoff / summer 2014 by

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Pictured: Earrings: Kathy Kamei (similar here) / Lipstick: c/o Dolce Gabbana “Petal” / Tunic: JCrew / Tank Top: Mossimo / Bracelets: Tory Burch, c/o Gorjana (old, similar here) / Nail Polish: Chanel “Atmosphere” / Handbag: Mansur Gavriel / Shorts: Gap / Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff (sold out, also love SAVE or SPLURGE)

One of my favorite things to wear on casual summer days, is a loose fitting tunic with shorts. This type of outfit is great for active days with the kids; and anytime I have to do a lot of walking! This tunic from JCrew is actually classified as a “swimsuit cover-up,” but, it also works well as a tunic over shorts, a denim skirt, or jeans! It would also look amazing with white jeans; unfortunately I don’t own white jeans because I can never keep them white!

Tunics are great on hot days because they have, shall we say, a natural air conditioner?! The loose fabric allows air flow which helps keeps me cool on hot days. This is fabulous during July and August when temperatures fluctuate between 80 and 100 degrees. This is another reason I love casual dresses on hot days, although, there are many occasions when shorts are much more comfortable!

What are your go-to pieces on hot summer, casual days?

Suede, nubuck and faux-suede handbags for fall 2014

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Trends  tagged 1970s / fall 2014 / vintage styles by

There is a new handbag trend in town; and this one takes a cue from vintage handbag styles of the 1970s. Suede, nubuck and faux-suede are popping up on handbags for fall 2014; and this trend is proving to be the hottest up-and-comer since the mini bag. While fringe, mini-satchels and backpacks all have their place in fall the 2014 handbag line-up; the suede handbag is the unexpected star of the pack. The soft, inviting fabrication offers vintage appeal while offering a fresh alternative to the basic leather, faux leather, exotic skins and canvas we have been seeing on handbags over the past decade.

Suede, and suede-like fabrications including nubuck, faux-suede and ultra-suede, offer a casual, relaxed vibe which is welcome in the world right now. As un-fussy handbags have moved to the forefront of fashion, sans logos and extra finishes, suede offers texture to a simple style while adding warmth and remaining understated.

In addition to adding depth to an understated handbag style, suede also adds an authentic vintage feel to fringe handbags; another nod to the 1970s. Designers are also using suede, and suede-like fabrics, for blocking and trim on handbags. This adds dimension and texture without always adding a contrasting color to a bag.

Since suede is casual in nature, this is a great trend to have some fun with during the fall season. Look for fall 2014 colors such as dark teal, hunter green, brown, black, grey and luxurious deep purple. These colors will work well with autumn’s overall color palette and add an instant update to your wardrobe. Love that!

I found a few fabulous suede, nubuck, faux-suede and ultrasuede handbags around the web and assembled into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

Ombre dress

 in General Fashion  tagged asos / casual style / dresses / mansur gavriel / outfits / summer 2014 by

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Pictured: Dress: ASOS / Earrings: Margaret Elizabeth / Lipstick: c/o Dolce Gabanna “Petal” / Bracelets: Margaret Elizabeth / Nail Polish: Chanel “Atmosphere” / Handbag: Mansur Gavriel / Shoes: SixtySeven

The summer months always call for comfortable and cool clothing. One of my favorite articles of clothing to wear during the summertime is a dress. This casual, ombre tee-shirt dress, is a great choice for hot summer days. It is lightweight and soft, like a tee-shirt, yet offers an edgy touch with the ombre finish and unfinished hems. I can see myself wearing it all summer long; both dressed up, as in the above photos, or relaxed with flip-flops and a ponytail.

What are your favorite peices to wear on hot summer days?