I have had some fantastic suggestions from pals about blog post ideas-- and PLEASE keep them coming, ladies (and gents!). One of the most requested posts has been about closet staples. I am going to use this week's trending report for the 14 (ish) items you need in your closet this summer!
[1.0] A white collared shirt--
sleeveless or
short sleeved for the heat.
I just bought the short-sleeved popover for $30 at the
J. Crew Outlet the other day. I plan on wearing it all summer with patterned shorts and skirts. Then, come fall, I can tuck it into a pencil skirt for teaching! Come winter, it will layer brilliantly under a blazer or a cardigan. A year-round staple!
[2.0] A
pair of jean shorts.
I love the roll-up jorts;
mine are almost identical to these
Banana Republic ones, but I bought them last year at Gap. I wear them with tee shirts and flip flops, but I also dress them up with strappy sandals or wedges for nights out.
[3.0] A pair of
Sperry Topsider Boat Shoes.
These are throw-on-and-go, and they're dressy enough to wear to mass on Sundays but casual enough to wear out for errands. I have three pairs of Sperrys that I've collected over the years (Mike also has three, haha!). They last FOREVER. My mom bought my first navy pair for me when I was a in college. Those withstood years of tailgating and Backer visits (if you're an ND or SMC alum, you know this is quite the feat). Each pair I have has lasted 4 or more years.
[4.0] A nice pair of flip flops-- either
Jack Rogers or
Rainbows.
I have had Rainbows (in Sierra Brown) since high school, and in the eleven years (omg, I am old) since graduating from high school, I've only needed to replace my Rainbows ONCE. Isn't that incredible? They're ridiculously comfortable (and have arch support!). Jack Rogers sandals kick up the dressiness factor of a flip flop. I have three pairs, and I wear them constantly. I always buy mine on sale. Check out
these metallic Jacks in the Nordies sale going on currently!
All purpose! You can even pedal-boat in them!
[5.0] A maxi
dress-- this one is currently $23!
Depending on your budget, you have a variety of options. You can go with a plain cotton maxi, extremely practical, like this
Express one. Or, if you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, the
Lilly Pulitzer maxi dresses are TO DIE FOR! I have my Lilly for Target favorite (below)-- I wear it all summer long. It is just easy, but it still looks dressy because it is, well, a dress! It's also super comfy for traveling.
[6.0] A cross-body purse in a
summery color.
Kate Spade is my go-to when it comes to long-lasting cross-body purses. You'll be walking around a lot more now that the days are warmer, so why not keep your hands free? Kate Spade has beautiful bags on sale now! The sizes are just right-- you can fit all the essentials in them without feeling like you're carrying a tote bag. Kate Spade has an amazing
outlet in Aurora, too, that offers even steeper discounts! How great are
these colors? I am loving this
yellow!
[7.0]
Basic v-neck tees.
I stock up on these when they go on sale at
Gap, J. Crew Factory or
Banana. I have basic colors like black, navy and white, but I also have a fun bright pink. I end up throwing these on in the summer with patterned shorts or skirts! They are currently $11 at J. Crew Factory!
[8.0]
White jeans!
There is nothing crisper than a cute tunic with white jeans on a summer night. You immediately look polished and refined in a nice pair of white jeans. Throw on with 7.0, and you're ready for the weekend! Dress them up with strappy sandals and a silk tank top for the night. More on the tank tops below!
With three of my beautiful bridesmaids!
My sis, Anna, Fran, and Mandy!
[9.0] A breezy romper.
I just bought
this romper for $11 at the Old Navy outlet. You don't necessarily need a buffalo plaid romper; it might not be as practical as
this black one from the J. Crew Outlet (I tried it on
in stripes, and I absolutely loved it). Rompers are especially nice for packing-- 1 romper= 1 full outfit!
[10.0] Easy
tank tops to throw on and go.
I am a sucker for
these Old Navy peplum tanks. I currently have four, but they were all $11 each! Haha! You might remember
this madras one. I like
tank tops that require no effort. I can wear them with jean shorts or colored shorts. I also like flowy tanks, so I can eat as much as I'd like. Haha! #priorities
I was not happy about the rain-- haha!
[11.0] A
dressy dress for weddings or fancier events.
Everything about this dress is beautiful. You are bound to have a wedding or three this summer, so be sure to have a lightweight dressy dress on hand. The ruffles of this Banana Republic dress will alleviate the need for a necklace. I love the mint color, too!
[12.0] A
pair of wedges.
You guys know I'm all about my sensible wedges. I can't get enough of them! They'll elongate your legs in shorts or a dress this summer and add some height to a pair of cropped white jeans. Plus, they'll take you into fall for work, too! (Also, if you work during the summer, these are perfect for the office).
[13.0] A
long statement necklace to pair with 5.0, 9.0 and 10.0.
While bib statement necklaces are still fabulous, the summer has longer necklaces turning up
everywhere. Kendra Scott's jewelry is just gorgeous. You may remember me gushing over
these earrings on
my last Trending post. She has a storefront on Michigan Avenue that I MUST venture to!
[14.0] An
off the shoulder top (and
this how-to-keep-from-coming-up video, thanks to my girl, Krista!).
I will be embracing this adorable trend now that I know how to keep the off-the-shoulder-shirt down! :) Thanks to Krista for the perfect find on that video.
What's in your closet for summertime?
Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!
xxoo
Mary
