les robes d'été

Summer Dresses! I love them even more this year. They are so easy, refined, pretty, fun, feminine, unique and the easiest way to look chic. I have been loving this printed dress for a while and had the perfect evening out for dinner to wear it.

The pattern and the ruffles could potentially be a bit much, but with the muted colors I found it to be a perfect complement to the details of the ruffles, ties at the waist and shoulders. The dress flows nicely. Made of cotton, it's light and airy. Throughout the bodice there are seams so it fits snugly on top, but with the billowed skirt and essential pockets I felt free and happy and at ease.

Since it was for the evening and I wanted to dress it up. I added chunky ankle wrap heels in a great dark tan with gold accents. This could easily be a cute day dress with flat sandals. I wore a few gold bracelets to tie in to the shoes, super light gold earrings and threw my hair in a ponytail. So easy!!

I really think it's worth it to invest in a few pretty, light and easy to wear dresses for the summer. You can always add a light sweater, light blazer or wrap for those cool evenings or inside air conditioning, but honestly they are so easy, no fuss, and quite adorable. You will feel amazing in them! They are also a great wear for early fall. Add some boots and a heavier sweater and you can transition into the colder months with style.

Have a great day ladies, click on the links below for more info:

Dress - Ulla Johnson , Intermix

Heels - Valentino

modification de vêtements

Ladies! This post is about having alterations made to your clothes - clothes that you originally loved, but after a bit of time are not giving you the same ooooey gooey feelings you once had about them, but you secretly still love them. Having your past favorites altered to become (once again) that piece you adore is a wonderful way to keep your closet full of high quality clothes, with a tailored fit that is custom to you.

I bought this dress last year - I still love it. However there was so much fabric on the sides and the bottom that I was swimming in it, and I just wouldn't wear it. I took it to my amazing alterations gal (The KEY is finding a very reputable, skilled person who knows what they are doing) and we discussed what we could do to this beauty. She took off 27 yards of fabric(!!) off the sides and the bottom, as well as closed up the pockets (I know, sounds weird as I love pockets) to give it a more streamlined look. It is still very flow-y, which is why I love it, but it now hugs a little better and doesn't loop like a teepee.

The self-tie belt can either be snug, or tied a bit looser for an 'after lunch' kind of comfort. The tassels and jewels on the belt tie add some more cuteness. The fabric is a fantastic cotton broadcloth with a very light feel, great for warm spring days. The skirt portion is lined underneath with the same cotton broadcloth, and the top is sheer with fabric covered buttons and a plain collar.

I paired it with simple hoop gold earrings, and strappy sandals for running errands and spinning in circles as I walked. It's a fun dress-it would be perfect for an afternoon lunch date, brunch dress or even a daytime event. Pair it with some wedges and it would be fantastic!

The idea is this : to make what's old new again; reduce, reuse, recycle.... love what you'e got! xoxo

Kisses.

J

Dress (last season) & Sandals - Tory Burch - www.toryburch.com

le printemps-encore!

Ladies! Spring is here and it's time to wear our lighter, beautiful colors and fabrics! As much as I love winter and dressing for it (most likely because I live on the west coast and dressing for winter is easy, and really not about staying warm in freezing temps, but really just being able to wear boots, sweaters and jackets because they are cute and cozy). There is something wonderful about moving to this season and all its splendor, including dressing for it.

I love white with gold, and this dress is the perfect mix of flow-y, great fabric, fantastic details and can transition from day to night in a snap. The fabric looks like linen, but it's more of a poly blend, with a bit of linen, and irons out the wrinkles beautifully, yet still has that light fabric feel of pure linen, and screams yessss it's springtime! I really love the big puffy sleeve, and coupled with the pleats on the shoulder and the tight cuffs on the wrist are a nice and wonderful way to keep the chill off during a spring evening, or the sun off during the day.

The flouncy skirt is fun, and the belt is perfect to accent the waist with the chunky gold detail in the same fabric as the dress. You can also take the belt off for a daytime, more relaxed look.

I added very minimal jewelry - gold ornate earrings and my favorite heels in a neutral tone to complement, not compete with the dress. I will be wearing this dress well into the summer months, either with heels for evenings out, or without the belt and my tennis shoes for jamming around during the day. I have it buttoned up, but think that unbuttoning and opening up the chest a bit would add to the easy-breezy feel for a relaxed look, and a bit cooler as we moved towards the heat of the summer.

I was a little worried about my white, winter legs, but didn't really think too much of it or worry about what people might say for too long of a time. It's April for goodness sakes. And... Aren't we all needing a lighter mood and freedom to roam a little bit? Yes! But don't worry I'll be pulling out the self tanner very very soon. hahaaa!

Love to all and to finding the lightness in your closet and putting it on to uplift your mood!

Bisous,

xox

Links below:

Dress - Acler - Intermix

Shoes - Valentino Rockstuds - Valentino