Black & White

As I've gotten older, I've found that I buy a lot more neutrals and fewer patterns. Although this makes all my clothes look very similar, I prefer having versatility over having to re-wear identifiable patterns over and over again.

That being said, I try to spend money on neutrals that are timeless and good quality. All of the items pictured above are from this summer. The black pants are a recent Club Monaco purchase and I've already lost track of how many times I've worn them. Though other companies (like Zara) make similar pairs, I wanted to get something that would also be nice enough for work. I paired the pants with a $30 Old Navy cotton shirt that is PERFECT for a hot summer day and these new J.Crew animal print slip-on sneakers.

A tip that someone once told me about finding the right pair of lose pants that fits your body best is to look for ones that scrunch at the bottom. Whether they actually scrunch or just get tighter is your preference but something that comes together at the bottom will give your legs more shape. PLUS, if you wear them with heels they elongate your legs even more!

This outfit was incredibly easy to throw together because everything was neutral. I added the shoes to give it an extra pop, as neutral outfits usually look best with a little extra something. Whether thats a necklace, ring, shoes or bag is up to you. 

They no longer sell this white top but this quilted Old Navy top is a perfect transition piece for the fall and only $25!

 Club Monaco Pants Similar ON SALE ($29 down from $159) BLACK LEATHER

J.Crew Shoes ($198 + ADDITIONAL 30% OFF)

Summer Reds

It's not everyday that you'll see me in a bright, busy patterned dress. I am usually pretty hesitant about buying things that are not incredibly versatile as I find that it makes my closet feel small/limited. However, when Lindsay's sister let me borrow this new dress of hers to shoot, I realized I need to be more open to some of my purchases.

This, for example, is a dress I probably would have never picked out on my own (if we're being honest). It's like growing up when your mom would tell you to try something you didn't like on the hanger and ended up loving it once you have it on in the dressing room. I'm so glad Hollin encouraged me to wear this for a quick shoot because I honestly think it's one of my favorites from this summer.

In hindsight it would have been better for me to wear it with flats, as the wedges made it a little short on me but in general I usually have to buy tall dresses  because of my height. So don't let the shortness of this fool you -- it is a normal length. Not to mention really pretty, soft (silk), and super easy to just throw on.

Red Dress ($152) || Karen Walker Sunglasses ($250) || Joie Wedges (Old) -- Similar here ($200) and here ($118)

Gold Bar Necklace  ||  Hermes Bracelet 

Essie Nail Polish - Ballet Slippers ($8)

Neutral Necessities

As the end of summer approaches, and I have to start thinking about what I am going to pack for my semester abroad in Florence, I've been trying to find clothes that are neutral, affordable, comfortable and versatile. I recently came across the sale rack at a Club Monaco store and found this top and pair of shorts (they aren't a set but they might as well be). Both pieces were an additional 30% off the sale price making them impossible to say no to.

I know they will serve as staple pieces the rest of this summer and while I am in Florence and it's nice knowing they didn't break the bank. Neutrals are perfect for this time of year and essential when packing for a trip. It's important to always bring things that can be worn in a variety of ways and don't necessarily need to be dry cleaned.

Club Monaco Top ($99 - ON SALE, IN STORE+ 30% OFF) || Club Monaco Shorts (ON SALE-$79.00 + 30% OFF) ||

Heels ($89.95) || Gorjana Necklace ($65) || Joie Cardigan ($298)

Trending: One-Pieces

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One pieces are a simple way to avoid stressing over how you look in a bikini this summer. Especially with July 4th coming up, I'm sure most of us can agree that isn't always easy. Try going for a cutout one piece, like this one from target, that brings the attention away from your stomach and onto your face.

This narrowing shape is sliming on ALL body types. Finding one with a busy and bright pattern is especially flattering as it hides anything you don't want to show on your stomach. 

This suit is very similar to some of the one pieces that Mara Hoffman made this summer but is literally a fraction of the cost. Let us know what you think by commenting below and following us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Target One-Piece ($24.99)

Navigating SHOPBOP

Shopbop always offers a really nice selection of pieces and accessories coming from an array of designers and incorporating a variety of different styles. They also always have an incredible sale that is filled with rows upon rows of really cute shoes, tops, dresses and everything in between. However, my biggest issue with their sale is that it takes at least a full hour to sort through the 40 pages of apparel that are on sale. 

SO, to make everyones life a little bit easier, we pulled a few items that we've been eyeing for a while. Click the links below to see if there are any you love!

 Current/Elliot The Stiletto Skinny Ankle Jean ($138.60 down from $198) ||IRO Oz Jumpsuit ($418.2 down from $697) || Equipment Keira Blouse ($187.6 down from $268) || Joie A la Plage Solimar Flat Sandals ($136.5 down from $195) || Sophie Hulme, Mini Envelope Bag ($468 down from $585) || Tory Burch Snake Print Loafer Cut Espadrilles ($129.5 down from $185) 

Skirtin' Around

A super hot trend right now is a skirt and matching crop top set.  BCBG Max Azria has an amazing selection of these sets for the summer, most of which are 40% off! After multiple trips to BCBG, drooling over the chic cropped jackets, and  sets, Lindsay finally went for the purchase. This high wasited blue and white patterned skirt shares a matching top that is also very flattering.

 She decided in order to make the most of the purchase, the skirt and shirt need to be worn separately when possible. Yesterday, for work, she paired the skirt with a simple, blush Madewell blouse. She added her new H&M heels (that were less than $30), her stylish Karen Walker sunglasses, and a bunch of her favorite jewelry from Neely by NVB. Also from Neely by NVB is the Brown Evie bag seen here, that is a perfect size for an everyday work bag.

 What also makes this bag so special is that the colors of the bag represent each school that Neely's team visits on their college tours. While Lindsay obviously loves the Washington and Lee Generals Blue and White, she decided the Brown University's colors were more neutral and would work well with any outfit, as it does here.

 Click the links below to get the outfit on Revolve Clothing and the accessories on Neely by VNB's Website!

Sunglasses ($220.00) Skirt ($228.00)|| Top (Similar-$59.00) ||  Heels (Similar-$99.95) ||

Gold Cuff ($77.00) || Chan Luu (Similar-$72.00) || Neely by NVB Evie Bag ($70.00) ||

Ring ($50.00)

Shop It Like It's Hot

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'Shop it like it's hot' in Revolve Clothing's "Back in Stock" section to check out the hottest, most wanted items of the summer. It's the easiest way to find the perfect outfit for an upcoming event as it sorts the most popular items in a split second. These four items are at the top of Lindsay's must-have list (among many others.) Visit Revolveclothing.com and grab the goods before they go out of stock again!

Heels ($200.00) || Crop Top ($50.00)|| Gladiators ($200.00)|| Dress ($79.00)

DRESSBAR

I am only going on my fourth day of working at Dressbarn but I couldn't be more excited about the company and all the initiatives, campaigns, and upcoming events I get to be a part of while working as an intern in the marketing department. It only took one full day in the office for me to fall into the Dressbarn "eat, sleep, breathe" mentality that is so evident throughout all aspects of the company. The people that I am lucky enough to work with are not only incredibly brilliant, talented, and hard-working but they are also overwhelmingly welcoming and helpful as I learn the ropes. This is my first real experience in the professional world of marketing and I am so appreciative that I get to work for an amazing, major fashion company.

As I talked about in an earlier post, Dressbarn was not always MY #1 dress destination before I started interning here. The target age group is closer to that of my mother's and it was never something that immediately came to mind when I looked for dresses.  I have really started to change my perception of the company and what shopping here really means. My love for Dressbarn has quickly grown because of the clear, internal commitment to the tradition, heart, and passion of the company.

 Why not have fashion at value? That is what Dressbarn is all about. And this has become even more clear through the introduction of the DRESSBAR, an incredibly chic, curated collection of designer dresses, all at very affordable prices.

DRESSBAR speaks for itself. The only way to understand the true uniqueness of this new initiative is to experience it firsthand and to remember the fun and transformational powers that the dress gives you. Visit http://www.dressbarn.com/dressbar/ or go to one of the 840 Dressbarn locations across the country to see this first hand.