Sometimes I wonder if I love neutrals because life is so big and colorful, that my brain needs a little mental rest somewhere. Or, sometimes I wonder if I love neutrals because it’s almost like taking the easy way out when getting dressed.
This week brought out my summer pieces in full force, and I am pretty pleased with how most of my looks turned out…
SUNDAY:
Tank, Amazon | Denim, Vintage Cut-Offs (last seen here) | Birkenstocks | Hat, Cuyana | Bucket Bag, Baggu | Pyramid Studs, Zoë Chicco
Whoa, first super casual ‘summer’ outfit. This is usually the sort of outfit I would never share on here, but alas, I wore it! I feel really naked putting this out there, probably because I look kind of naked! It was one of our first hot, sunny days, and I took my kids to the park, dressed this way so I could work on my tan a bit. Please tell me I’m not the only one who does this??
Okay, so not the best start to the sartorial week, let’s quickly move on.
MONDAY:
Dress, Loveappella (no longer available, love this option) | Sandals, Everlane (no longer available, but the new Bridge Sandal looks pretty darn gorgeous) | Petra Backpack, c/o Everlane | Verge Necklace, c/o Favor Jewelry
Longtime blog readers might recognize this look. I’ve been rocking (nearly) this exact same outfit since the beginning. I got lucky and snagged this dress at Crossroads a couple of summers ago, and it fits me nicely in all the right places and is super comfortable. I always feel good in it. I’ve worn it so much that it’s starting to show some wear, which makes me want to wear it even more – because now I don’t have to worry about ‘messing it up.’ If I were to replace it, I would buy this one by Brass. It’s a stunner! And it looks like it’s made out of the same, soft jersey material.
TUESDAY:
Silk Tank, c/o Grana | Skirt, Steven Alan (very similar) | Birkenstocks | Bucket Bag, Baggu | Crescent Necklace, c/o Loop | Cuff, Fashionable
Another one of those change-several-times-until-I-get-it-right kind of days. I had shorts on for a bit but I am realizing, like many women of a certain age, I don’t really like shorts. I feel like there are very few redeeming qualities about them! I mean, unless you have dead sexy legs, then of course shorts are great for you. Most times I feel like a grade-schooler when I wear shorts and they feel too casual for my taste.
WEDNESDAY:
Gray tee, old (similar) | Wide Leg Pants, c/o Everlane | Longline Cardigan, c/o IMBY (currently sold out, but love this option) | Ecuador Sandal, Nisolo (longtime summer favorites!) | Bucket Bag, Baggu | Ceramic Necklace, Brennan Young
Look guys, dirty dishes! ;) I hope I never ever give you the false impression that I have a clean house. I try hard to keep it tidy, but it’s an uphill battle that usually succumbs to school paperwork, dishes and errant socks. One of the privileges of being a ‘work-at-home mom’ is that I can change my clothes if I want to. Today was another one of those days that I had to keep adjusting until I got things ‘just right.’ I love wearing wide leg pants, but I always struggle with the last layer. In Oregon, I’d say about 80% of the time we need an extra layer to stay warm. And plain and simple coats kind of look funny over wide leg pants, especially if they are rain coats. I can always wear a jean jacket, but that option seems so ‘safe.’ Here, I opted for a long cardigan instead. I shared my style challenge with wide leg pants on Instagram and got some great styling tips from the conversation going on there.
THURSDAY:
Cocoon Dress, c/o Sotela | Ecuador Sandal, Nisolo | Petra Backpack, c/o Everlane | Senza Necklace (in 28″), c/o Loop Jewelry
My super friendly neighbor told me I looked nice in this outfit. I think the finishing details, like this necklace, take an outfit from casual, rolled-out-of-bed to pulled-together. You’ve probably noticed I wear a lot of necklaces by Loop Jewelry. (My friend Lauren is the brains and braun behind the company, and she is one amazing, accomplished woman. I know if you met her you’d love her.) I always gravitate toward my Loop items because they are so light! I love statement necklaces, but if they’re heavy, I’ll never wear them. Same goes for earrings. I like my jewelry to leave a visual presence without too much of a physical one.
FRIDAY:
Mara Jumpsuit, c/o Sotela | Birkenstocks
This spring Sotela debuted several new, beautiful designs, including this Mara Jumpsuit that they asked me to test out and share with you guys. I picked one of the hottest days of the week to wear this 100% linen jumpsuit because when making the choice between this and shorts, this always wins. Not only is this way cooler (temperature wise) I felt way more pulled-together and collected than I would have in shorts (see Sunday). The linen is structured yet soft, and irons up really nicely. It’s totally opaque, I even wore a chocolate-colored bra under it, and no one could tell. I love that it has pockets, and the crossover detail in the back made me feel extra breezy, perfect for being outside without getting too sweaty. I look forward to wearing this jumpsuit next month in my 30×30 and styling it in some new ways! Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions about the jumpsuit! For reference I am 5’7″ and I am wearing the size 1.
I’m so honored to support my friend Hanna and she continues to grow her new business, Sotela. She launched last spring after going through a unique experience that made it hard for her to find clothes that fit well.
Styling notes: I wanted a slightly more feminine sandal so I opted for my old standby’s the Madrid’s by Birkenstock. I also think this jumpsuit would look super cute with my huarache sandals or the new Sarita sandal by Nisolo.
SATURDAY:
Linen Dress, Pyne & Smith Clothiers | Birkenstocks | Canvas Tote, old West Elm | Cuff, Fashionable
Busting out one of my summer purchases – this dress by Pyne & Smith Clothiers. I LOVE it! It feels very ‘old world’ in style. It has a relaxed, romantic feel that is perfect for how I want to feel in the summer. I wasn’t sure about the longer length, so I requested a shorter hemline (by one inch – picky, much?), and I am pleased with how it turned out. The linen is high-quality and, for the most part, pretty opaque, though of course I opted for nude undergarments. It was very comfortable to wear in hot weather. I love how much linen breathes. It truly is the best summer fabric! There is a subtle tan pinstripe to the fabric, which adds a nice warmth to the overall look. The wood buttons are the perfect final touch!
In addition to feeling really good (aka, beautiful and comfortable) in this dress, I had a great experience with ordering and customer service. Joanna was so kind and helpful. I love supporting other women and their businesses. It’s a decision that I feel good about every single time!
Styling notes: In an effort to avoid feeling too ‘old world’ or ‘fresh off the homestead’ I paired my the dress with black accessories instead of brown or tan. I liked the contrast between the black Birkenstocks and the softness of the white dress. Additionally, I opted not to iron it because 1) I’m lazy and 2) I sort of like the lived-in look of linen. I took this shot after wearing the dress for half the day, including hosting multiple kids on my lap, and I think it still looks pretty good. If I were wearing for a fancy occasion I would consider crisping it up with my iron.
In Review:
FAVORITES: Tuesday + Saturday
KEY LESSON: Neutrals are always a good choice and think twice before wearing shorts in public.
I have really come to love your outfit round ups for the week. I like seeing how you progress through your wardrobe. I am wondering though about the comfort of the huaraches. I live in an urban area and walk constantly and therefore need shoes that can take me across town and while meandering through museums. Do you think the shoes work for that level of walking? Any insight would be helpful.
Thank you!
Hi Rebecca! I find them quite comfortable for lots of walking. I think the soft, flexible sole really helps. However, there is not a lot of arch support. I’d say after my Birkenstocks, they are my second most comfortable summer sandal.
Black with that white dress is genius! I have a linen dress that I struggle to wear in a “me”-accessible way, so I might have to steal that trick. That Sotela jumpsuit is gorgeous, and opacity is SUCH a bonus with lightweight summer wear! Excited to see your 30×30!
Thank you friend! You usually inspire me, so I’m super glad to give you an idea :)
I laughed while I was reading your Sunday commentary. I wear that exact outfit almost every single day once I get home from work and go to the playground with the kids. Being Miami, it’s just too hot to wear anything else. If I didn’t have shorts, I would die of heat. The key is finding ones that aren’t too crazy short. I am dying to try the Elizabeth Suzann Clyde shorts in linen. They look dreamy.
My favorites are Thursday, Friday, Saturday. You are making me want that sotela jumpsuit! I will hold off and see if there’s an end of season sale though. Love these posts!
Hey Mel! I think there is a sale going on right now. Check out @thegarmentlife on Instagram. I think she’s hosting a virtual pop up that includes them. And today is the last day!
Agreed on the ES shorts! Those were so tempting, but the lead times were killing me. Maybe next spring, they really look amazing! Maybe the answer is linen shorts. ;)
This is why I follow you. You have my dream closet, or something very close to it. I am happiest when in layered and varied neutrals. Wednesday? Want everything you’re wearing. Love this week’s clothes and now coveting the Sotela jumpsuit.
Thank you Rebecca, that is such a kind compliment!!
How do you feel that the Cocoon Dress fits? I’m not sure about their sizing :/
Hi Jessie-Rae!
I think it fits great, though it’s a tad snug in the shoulders. I think I have the size 1. :)
You look great in the shorts! If it’s hot and you’re comfortable, go for it! I am also fond of the cropped pants/long cardi outfit and the adorable jumpsuit. Lucky you, knowing the creator of Loop…I LOVE her pieces!
Yay! Another Loop fan, I love it. And yes, comfort is paramount, so I will still wear the shorts, ha!
LOVE that Mara jumpsuit! I used to be really scared of jumpsuits until I started planning my current spring capsule and now I’m obsessed with them. They are so comfy and instantly make you look super put together :)
xo,
EK
Thank you! I agree, they are sooo easy to wear, it almost feels criminal – ha!
I love your honesty about shorts and a tank – I also feel naked when I wear them, but you look fabulous! And I love that you have a variety of outfits throughout the week that are equally lovely and fun! I have the same problem with layers and my wide leg pants. I bought a denim duster from Eileen Fisher and am considering returning it because I wear mostly jeans or wide leg pants and struggle to style it with either.
I was talking to one of the employees at a boutique in Portland yesterday, bending her ear about how to stay warm with wide leg pants, and she said that as long as the shoulders are fitted, two longer silhouettes can work. And I think that’s so true! So your duster could be good if it’s nice and fitted in the shoulders. I also thing the wider the pants, the harder that top layer is to pick though. I have some really wide pants (the Lauren Winter ones) and those are tricker than I think the Kamm pants will be. See if you can make 7 outfits with that duster ASAP, and if not, maybe take it back.
I wore almost the exact same thing on Sunday! (Hat/tank/short/birk combo for the win!) Haha! And hey, comfort is still key when it comes to keeping cool. ;) And oh my gosh! I’m SWOONING over that Pyne and Smith dress. The details are amazing!
I can totally picture you in the exact same outfit!! Hats always make it legit, right?? Yeah, the Pyne and Smith dresses are pretty amazing! It’s hard to stop at just one!
Hey, at least you’re posting what you really wear! #reallife for the win. Having said that, I’m with you, I pretty much never wear shorts.
Ha! Thank you for the support Dacy! I am trying my best to keep it real around here! :)
Oh my, so much good stuff this week. Your Sunday is my summer uniform. With 3 young kids + nursing, it just makes sense. Thankfully I do love shorts and feel good in them! I think you look great in that outfit! I love Monday’s dress – the sleeves, the v-neck, the small but contrasting buttons, the pockets. Thursday’s dress is perfection. Friday’s jumpsuit looks so cool and classy! I am still working up the courage to venture into the world of jumpsuits. I love the look but it’s quite outside the norm for me. I also bought a Pyne & Smith – the blue and white striped. Unfortunately I’m a little busty for it at the moment due to nursing and so it pulls a little at the buttons – I don’t like the way that looks so it’s on hold for next summer. I do love it though!
Thanks Amanda! Gosh, I know about changing boobs and nursing, been there! Excited for you to wear your Pyne & Smith dress next year, they are such beautiful pieces. As for a jumpsuit, you should go try one on sometime and see how you like it! :) Although it would probably be tricky for nursing…
With you 100% on shorts, mine don’t make it out until the temps over 85 and I’m heading to the pool or beach. And I love Saturdays dress on you! I’m always attracted to that style, but at 5’9″ with a long torso it makes me look like a preschooler, lol
What?! No way! Because the dress would make your legs look too short?? It seems like the taller the better for that style. ;)
In my fantasy world, I would have soft, billowy silky shorts that were uber flattering, almost shaped like a skirt.