THREE WAYS TO WEAR THE PERFECT PLAY DRESS

OUTFIT 1 DETAILS: top shop tee | stem dress | sole society sandals | similar bag | similar hat 

OUTFIT 2 DETAILS: similar chambray | stem dress | steve madden sandals (on sale!) | bp fringe bag (under $30) | similar glasses (on sale!) 

OUTFIT 3 DETAILS: stem dress | hinge jacket | wedges (on sale!) | crossbody bag (on sale for 40% off right now!!) | watch | similar hat here and here (both under $25!) 

*photos by sara walk

With the end of the school year only two weeks away for us, I have summer style on the brain. I'm planning to slow my work life down a bit and spend the summer really playing with my boys every day. We've spent the last week coming up with plans and goals for the summer and I'm feeling so excited for it to come.

But with all our days at the park, at the beach, in the kitchen making popsicles and summer treats, in the backyard grilling, and on the floor playing legos and matching games, I need some comfortable clothes that keep me covered as I run around, but also make me feel cute.

This dress from Stem instantly caught my eye at the store the other day, probably because of the stripes, but as soon as I tried it on I knew it was a winner. It's unbelievably comfortable, a perfect length for full running-around coverage but not so long that I'll trip over it, and it's so cute. Also, I usually don't love my body in this long of a midi skirt, but because of the slit and the body slimming shape, it doesn't make my body look short and stumpy. It also helps that the hemline falls as a narrow part of my leg, rather than the widest (which is what makes you look shorter).

I styled it three different ways today to show how I'll be wearing it during the summer.

1. With a baseball hat and a knotted tee. This is a perfect look for a day at the park, a walk around the neighborhood, a day at the zoo, basically any casual outing, or just to stay at home and feel put together.

2. With an open chambray and statement shoes. I just recently bought these neon pink sandals (cause they're on sale right now), and I love how they add a bright pop of color to any basic outfit. This outfit is just a step above the last outfit in terms of dressiness and would be great for lunch with friends, a day at the museum, a barbecue with friends, or even just running errands.

3. With a jacket, hat, and pair of wedges. This super casual dress can even be dressed up a bit! Throw on a pair of wedges, a military inspired jacket, and a feminine bag (which is currently on sale for 40% off!) and you're ready for a summer family dinner date or girls night.

It's also perfect for the beach over your swimsuit, paired with some sandals and a floppy hat!

Which outfit is your favorite?

Also, the Nordstrom half yearly sale is going on right now and there are so many good things on sale! Click the images in the widget below to shop my three looks and my favorites from the sale (but hurry because things are selling out quickly!)

a huge thanks to Nordstrom for partnering on this post

3 WAYS TO STYLE A BASIC GRAY TEE

As much as I love statement pieces, I always fall back on basics. They're the foundation of my wardrobe, and since basics are the pieces I will wear forever (and all the time), it's important for me to find good quality basics that won't fall apart after a few months of wear.  I recently stumbled upon the "Miracle" Linen tee from Nordstrom Madewell, and you guys, this is the best basic tee I've ever worn. I'd actually never purchased anything from Madewell before, but had always heard amazing things about it and the pieces I picked up certainly didn't disappoint. Plus, I love that Nordstrom carries Madewell pieces because then I get all the great perks of quick free shipping and easy returns with these great brands.

This linen tee is a little more than I would normally spend on a t-shirt, but it's the most perfect basic tee. I tried it on the night I got it and Philip instantly noticed it from the other room and complimented me on it. I mean, husband compliments on a basic gray tee? You're going to need one of these.

And if husband compliments aren't enough to convince you, this is also the most versatile t-shirt. Today I want to show you three easy ways to style it for spring, because a basic t-shirt does not need to be styled in a basic way.

1. Layered
In the spring when you need a little extra warmth, try layering a vest over your basic tee! I'm not a huge fan of wearing denim vests with denim on bottom, so I paired mine with a super feminine and spring appropriate pleated skirt. Then the denim vest is perfect because it adds visual interest, dimension, and a little bit of masculinity to an otherwise feminine outfit. Plus, I added a little edginess to the outfit with some studded sandals...couldn't help myself.

OUTFIT DETAILS: madewell tee (wearing size small) | madewell denim vest (wearing size small) | similar skirt here and here | similar sandals | petunia pickle bottom bag 

2. Monochromatic
I love the look of a monochromatic outfit for date night . Gray on gray is simple, slightly unexpected, and so modern. The key to dressing up a basic t-shirt is jewelry and shoes -- a statement necklace instantly makes an outfit feel dressy, and heels do the same! If you're doing monochromatic, keep the rest of the outfit subdued and simple to highlight the monochrome.

OUTFIT DETAILS: madewell tee (wearing size small) | similar denim | charles david pumps | similar bag | bauble bar necklace (similar)

3. Boho
This is probably my favorite of the three looks -- maybe because it's so incredibly comfy! It can be scary to pair two relaxed and oversized pieces together, since obviously you don't want to look....oversized. The key is to add what I call intentional pieces to your ensemble. Pieces that make it obvious you're not wearing your pajamas, like my hat, a pair of heels, or a structured jacket or blazer.

OUTFIT DETAILS: madewell tee (size small) | madewell track pants (wearing size small) | fringe bag | similar sandals | topshop hat

Which is your favorite of these three looks??

created in partnership with nordstrom madewell

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

THREE WAYS TO WEAR A TUNIC DRESS

Outfit 1: 

topshop dress // similar fur vest here and here// black tights // 

similar black booties // baublebar earrings

Outfit 2: 

topshop blazer // topshop dress (worn as a blouse) // 

boyfriend jeans //similar black heels // similar cobalt bag

Outfit 3: 

topshop dress (worn as a top) // similar leather skirt // 

similar heels // mirrored aviators // similar clutch

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANA LAURENE

As I get older, building a capsule wardrobe becomes more important to me. Don't get me wrong -- I love a good inexpensive, trendy piece, but I'm trying to be more methodical in my purchases and find pieces that are well-made, classic, and super versatile. For as long as I can remember, I've had friends that were obsessed with Nordstrom, but it wasn't until this last year that I discovered that goldmine. Not only does it have the a huge selection, a million different designers and brands, and the best sales, it sells well made pieces that will last me for years and fit right into that capsule wardrobe I'm trying to build. 

TopShop is one of my favorite shops in Nordstrom, and as soon as I saw this grid tunic dress, I had to have it. It's so versatile, so I wanted to show you three easy ways to wear it:

1. With Tights. A tunic with tights and booties is one of my favorite fall/winter looks. Pair your black tights with a pair of black heeled boots to make your legs look super long and lean. I added a touch of glam to this look with a fur vest and some sparkly accessories. 

2. With Jeans. This tunic has pockets (my favorite!), so turning it into a shirt is a little tricker if you want to avoid bunching at your waist. So I tucked it fully into my boyfriend jeans and then pulled it out to give it a loose and blousey look. Then I threw on a blazer, heels, and a brightly colored bag for a casual work day or pretty date night look. 

3. Tucked Into A Skirt.  The A-line silhouette is so feminine, and this pretty top was just screaming for a classic look. I paired it with my A-line pleated leather skirt, some basic black pumps, and some edgy mirrored aviators for a classic feminine (with a touch of edge) look. 

Now tell me, which look is your favorite??

Also, there's tons of other good stuff at TopShop right now -- check out my favorites in the widget below! 

This post was brought to you by TopShop Nordstrom

6 WAYS TO STYLE A WHITE BUTTON UP (PART 1)

Whenever I read articles or books that talk about closet essentials, a white button up blouse is mentioned. I always felt like it was more of a mature item that I didn't really need in my closet, but a few weeks ago I finally picked this one up at Old Navy and I've been wearing it like crazy. It's the perfect layering piece, goes with everything, can instantly dress up or add class to an outfit, and is flattering on everyone. So I'm joining the masses and saying that this is a piece you must have in your closet.

Today I want to show you a few ways to wear it. Since I'm sharing six ways total, I'm splitting it up into two posts, so check back on Thursday to see three more ways to wear it!



First up, business casual. I get reader requests often, asking me to do more work appropriate attire, so this one is for you. Layer the button up under a structured blazer and pair it with pointed toe pumps and a classic style bag. If you want it completely work appropriate, swap the jeans out for a pair of patterned pixie pants!

similar blazer 

old navy button up

dittos jeans, /co

nordstrom bag, similar

bcbg paris heels via dsw

similar sunglasses

Next up, Casual. The way to dress down a structured piece is by wearing something completely opposite, whether it be edgy, super casual, or very unstructured.  I went for edgy and casual with a baseball cap and converse sneakers, and then paired them with some fun leather pants to add a bit of edge. Another great option would be a flowy maxi skirt like this one, or super distressed denim. 

old navy button up

sheinside leather pants, c/o

white converse

jcrew hat, similar

lily jade bag, c/o

michael kors watch

And lastly, wear it as a neutral. Or in other words, use it to tone down your crazy clothes. This skirt from Shabby Apple is super loud, colorful, and metallic -- definitely not subtle or neutral. So I threw on that white button up to neutralize the outfit. Try pairing it with super bright tights in the fall and winter, or with patterned pants or shorts! 

old navy button up 

shabby apple skirt, c/o

similar heels

similar clutch

michael kors watch

Don't forget to check back on Thursday to see my other three looks!

PICTURES BY JYLARE SMITH