a classic: the navy blazer!

A reader recently asked if I could do a post on what to wear with a navy blazer. My answer is what can't you wear with a navy blazer? Really! The options are endless.

I rely heavily on blazers and fitted jackets in my wardrobe for taking an outfit to the next level.  But if you haven't done this in the past and would like to try it out - a navy blazer is a great place to start!  Navy blazers are neutral and classic which make them easy to mix and match into your existing wardrobe.

Consider this  post "Navy Blazers 101" if you will.  I love to pair navy with black lately... it's a sophisticated look that is great for evening or work wear.  Or a navy blazer will go well with cords & jeans this fall.  Try experimenting with neutrals or brights with your navy blazer - have some fun! Here I chose a few different styles of navy blazers, but whatever style you choose, any of these outfits would work with it.

(above: boyfriend jeans, white tee, navy jacket/sweater, flats, scarf, necklace)

(above: velvet jeans, tuxedo top, navy blazer, boots, bracelet)

(above: cords, chambray top, navy blazer, bag, flats, watch)

Tell everyone in the comments how you like to wear your navy blazers... I would love to hear!

see you around...

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what to pack: fall weekend in Chicago!

This post is another recent reader question... a reader wanted to know what to pack for a fall weekend in Chicago.  The temps are definitely falling in Chicago lately with averages in the low 50s and 40s during the day and down in the 30s at night - brrrr!  Plus, the Windy City is called that for a few reasons and one is the closer you are to the lake in downtown Chicago the cooler it can be for sure.

I recommend lots of comfortable layers - depending on what activities you are planning on you will want to shed and pile the layers at will.  Going in and out of stores for shopping will require a warm coat and dining out will require a warm coat from the door to the cab - but once you are inside you may want to shed a layer or two!

As always, I like to choose a few colors to base each packing list around so that everything will mix and match easily.  Here I chose grey as the base color and the burgundy coat and pink as nice accents. I think all of these pieces flow so well together for casual and pulled together looks.

skinny jeans, black vest, pink sweater, tall boots, white cords, burgundy coat, cowl scarf, necklace, cream sweatshirt, leather panel leggings, ankle boots, turtleneck sweater, purse, gloves, earrings

see you around...

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reader question: how to stye waxed denim! (3 ways!)

It's been a while since I've done reader questions regularly here on the blog. I'm hoping to bring them back on the regular as usually if one of you is asking the question... more of you might be asking yourself the same thing.

After recently helping a friend pull together some outfits for family photos I thought about bringing back my personal style services.  I know a lot of you enjoyed those services and I certainly enjoyed working with many of you amazing ladies on a regular basis.  After some serious thought over the past week or so I realized that the same reason that I discontinued those services a while back is still true. I am only one person.  Thankfully through this blog I am one person that can reach many people.  But when I do one on one services I am only one person that can help one person.

I am also a wife and a mom and a friend and myself (I like a little time to enjoy my own company now and again).  Away from the computer I am one person that has obligations to other important people that I love and care for. I find it important to limit my "working" time to helping multiple people so that my free time can be spent with those people in a meaningful way.   I hope that by answering reader questions on a regular basis regarding style and personal style here on the blog I can continue to reach many of you as opposed to just one person at a time.

With all that out of the way... today I am answering a question from a reader about waxed or coated denim.  I wore mine here and here... and since they look a little like leather they tend to take on a "dressier" vibe, right?  However this particular reader wanted to be able to translate them into her busy life as a mom to young children.  So here instead of dressing these super fab jeans up... I worked to dress them down and make these outfits casual and easy to wear.

Let's take a look at the outfits...

Sweatshirts are all the rage this fall... find a fun embellished option like this one... or just a simple grey or striped one. Pair the look with casual and classic sneaks and you are set to go to the park, errands and the carpool!

(above: jeans, top, shoes, lip gloss, bag)

A simple cardigan and white tee combo is a great "mom" uniform!  Add those two basics to your coated denim and you've got a great everyday look.

(above: jeans, white tee, cardigan, earrings, leopard flats, purse)

A classic combo for fall that is definitely easy for moms to wear is a simple chambray top and a quilted vest. I love this polka dot version and it's super lightweight and warm! This is such an easy combo!

(above: jeans, chambray top, vest, necklace, watch, flats)

Aren't these looks so simple to wear?  How else would you style these jeans casually?

Feel free to leave your reader questions right here in the comments (or email them to me!) and I will try to answer as many of them as I can here on the blog soon!

see you around...

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what to pack: a girls weekend in East Hampton!

A reader emailed me that she wanted suggestions on what to pack for a fall girls weekend in East Hampton!  (doesn't that sound like fun?)  I pulled together fall basics that will mix and match easily and layer easily... and the best part? These stylish and simple pieces can create tons of outfits... so you can pack just 15 pieces and head out the door!

1. a simple and feminine dress perfect on it's own or with layers 2. casual boyfriend jeans 3. a cozy layering sweater - love this! 4. stripes, duh! 5. a light weight jacket for over sweaters (brrr!) or just over tees 6. a chambray top 7. a day tote for shopping and adventuring 8. these cords are so comfortable and perfect for fall 9. leopard wedges are perfect for dressing up jeans or pairing with a skirt or dress 10. a cord skirt goes great with cozy sweaters 11. fall boots are a must - aren't these gorgeous? 12. a simple necklace for dressing up any look 13. big fun sunnies in case it's sunny (or you had one too many glasses of wine the night before!) 14. a big chunky sweater - a fall delight! 15. classic penny loafers for lunching and shopping

the MOM bag... a very stylish way to tote the essentials!

I tend to get a lot of reader emails that pertain to 'making things work in motherhood'... How can I look cute as a mom? How can I disguise my ugly diaper bag? How can I look like I got a good nights sleep? How can I be fabulous and a mom?

Recently I got an email from a reader wanting a suggestion for a bag that worked for motherhood and was stylish as well.  My key to being a fabulous mom is to always focus on my womanhood BEFORE my motherhood.  The key is feeling beautiful and feminine... if you feel that way, you will BE that way.

So here is a fun re-creation of the most fabulous 'MOM' bag you've ever seen!

Envirosax Re-Usable bag in "Optimistic"

I always love to have an extra bag on hand... 

you never know when you will need an extra set of hands!

Chevron iPhone case

For when the kids decide that throwing your iPhone across the room is completely acceptable.

Rabbit Fur Key Chain

To distract your kids in the check out line - and it makes your keys so fabulous you won't dare lose them!

Le Sport Sac Zippered Pouch

I'm an "everything in it's place kind of lady"... plus, who wants diapers sticking out their bag?

Kate Spade Quilted Wallet

Beautiful and feminine. This is a great piece to remind you that even if you hang out with kids, you should still act like an adult.

Longchamp 'Planetes' Tote

Classic and classy (plus it holds a lot of stuff and looks great while doing it).

Kate Spade 'Grace-Ann' Sunglasses

Your best defense for looking fabulous on four hours of sleep.

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reader question: carry on!

A reader emailed me recently wanting to know if I had suggestions for carry on bags... and since I'm headed to the Texas Style Council later this week, the question was quite timely!  I have a few requirements for my carry on bag whenever I travel... 1.) It has to be cute. (duh!) 2.) It has to carry my laptop, in addition to my usual purse holdings (lip glosses, wallet, sunglasses, etc) 3.) If I have to break out into a full on sprint in the airport (truth: I've had to do this and it sucks, final boarding calls be damned) I need a bag that's not going to be completely impossible to run with 4) It has to be cute... wait, did I mention that already?

1. This little leopard number wins my vote in the under $150 and ultra-amazingly-cute categories.  

Also it's leather. SCORE! 

(think I could have this delivered to my door step by Thursday night?? hmmmm...)

2. Ultra utilitarian, this bag has a boho/I still have this sweet bag from college feel to it. It's also the largest of all the bags shown but will still fit under the seat in front of you and it's under $100.

3. I love that this bag is roomy and could be used for everything from the farmers market, to a day at the pool or as a carry on.  This two-tone tote is ultra versatile and is under $20.  Can't beat that!

4. This is my personal carry-on.  A black leather Kate Spade tote.  I always mean to branch out to a new carry-on but then keep coming back to this one. Simple, beautiful, classic.  Also, this one is on sale! Or this one is a bit cheaper but not leather!

5. This duffel is super fun, I just bought one for myself.  This bag is perfect for traveling with no laptop, but would work with an iPad.  (True story: my husband just did an entire business trip with no laptop, only an iPad. I love 2012.) I'm undecided if I am bringing this with me... 

it might be my future 'car trip' bag.

So dish!  What kind of carry-on do you like to travel with?

what to wear: Thanksgiving!

A reader recently asked me to post on Thanksgiving outfits... and while it's still about 10 days away, I figure you just can never be too fully prepared. Right? Here are some fun and simple outfit ideas for the big day.  Quite personally, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays.  No presents, no madness - just family and food and relaxation.  Oh, and plenty of wine!

Simple & Sophisticated... 

perfect outfit for meeting the boyfriend's parents, wowing the in-laws or heading to a catered or restaurant for the big meal.

(above: dress, fur vest, moto jacket, boots, ring, necklace)

Refined & Classic...

for simple and classic go with luxurious pieces in neutrals. 

(above: earrings, trousers, sweater, purse, bracelets, flats, watch)

Fun & Creative...

a fun outfit full of personality with florals, bold heels and super sleek black skinny jeans.

(above: bracelets, jeans, floral top, pumps, sweater, clutch)

So what are your Thanksgiving plans? I have TWO events to attend... I better get cracking on planning my own outfits!

what to pack: new york city!

I just love pulling together these little 'what to pack' posts... It's so fun to think minimalist and super practical while also having the pieces be super fabulous and gorgeous.  It's like a puzzle!

Today's packing list is for a reader headed to NYC for the Thanksgiving weekend... activities include the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade (FUN!) and a show and other NYC sightseeing and fun.  New York City is such an amazing place, I can only imagine how magical it is on the brink of Christmas (I was there once in the hot and sticky summer). Wardrobe essentials will include cozy warm sweaters and accessories with some sleek and sophisticated pieces thrown in there for evening activities.

1. a feminine blouse can be layered with a jacket or a vest for a chic and warm look 2. cozy mittens for warm fingers! 3. flat boots for comfort, style and warmth 4. a cozy toggle coat in bright red is never boring and always warm 5. skinny cords are chic and seasonally appropriate 6. oversized sweaters keep out the chill but keep in the style 7. a simple cross-body bag is stylish and practical 8. a fun cocktail ring for evenings is easy to pack and packs a punch 9. a faux fur vest keeps you warm and stylish for evenings out 10. cozy snoods add warmth and color to a simple outfit 11. leopard print pumps for unforgettable evenings out on the town 12. black jeans pack well and wear well day or night 13. don't forget a great lip gloss to protect against cold and harsh temps 14. look like a classic New Yorker with a 'brown bag'  in tow

Are you headed on vacation soon!?!? If so, let me know!

reader question: turning 30!

Lately a few of my 'leading ladies' turned 30 years old (ahem, Jackie & Linda!) and on top of that I've gotten a few emails from readers on what to wear for their own thirtieth birthdays!

Turning 30 can be a little daunting in that it seems like the official age of adulthood.  I remember the year I turned 30 I made some major life changes and evaluated my whole life path.  It's often a year of reflection and action.  I can say myself that so far my 30's have been amazing... I feel much more comfortable in my own skin and much more pleased with my life path.  In general I feel like the questions of my 20's have been answered in my 30's.  I hope that you ladies find themselves happy and content in their 30's...

Here are some super fun birthday 'suits' to get your year off to a great start!

(above: earrings, skirt, top, shoes, ball clutch)

(above: clutch, skirt, top, bracelets, earrings, wedges)

(above: clutch, skirt, top, ring, necklace, pumps)

reader question: what to wear to a fall wedding?

I've gotten a few questions from readers lately on what is an appropriate outfit to a fall wedding... especially when it's still warm out!   I'm definitely partial to fall weddings because I had one myself!  My husband and I will celebrate our anniversary next week... and as with some fall weddings, the weather leading up to our wedding and the day of was completely unpredictable.

If you have a fall wedding to attend, you'll need an outfit that works for the event's style and location and also that can play along with whatever the weather has planned for that day or evening - or both!  Here are some simple looks I pulled together for fall weddings.  You will want to do away with the light and bright colors from summer and of course, the florals as well.  For fall weddings go neutral and classic with a few layers in there to accommodate changing temperatures.

Go ultra classic with navy and black...

(above: dress, earrings, sweater, bag, pumps)

Or, go seasonal and cozy with a nice neutral and a touch of fur...

(above: dress, fur, pumps, clutch, ring, bracelet)

Do you have fall weddings to attend this year? If so, what are you planning on wearing?

reader question: bridal shower pool party!

Today's reader question is from Hillary, she asks...

I'm getting married this fall and my sweet friends are throwing me a bridal shower later this month.


It's going to be on a weekend afternoon at my friend's apartment (or possibly at the pool house in her complex), followed by an optional pool party. I'm not quite sure what to wear, since I want to look cute for photos but also don't want to look too dressed up comparatively, especially since there will likely be swimming afterward. It's also really hot where I live (in the south), but the a/c tends to be blasting, so some sort of wrap or cardigan would be great!


Too keep your look casual, but sophisticated and suitable for the occasion I suggest the following:

• Go with simple separates like white jeans or a fun skirt.
• Use bold colors to give the look some extra WOW factor without feeling too dressy.
• Wear a super fun pair of heels or wedges for a feminine and party-worthy feel to the outfit.
• A simple scarf or cardigan can be easily shedded once outside.

(above: skirt, tank, cardigan, wedges, ring, necklace)

(above: bracelet, tank, jeans, scarf, heels, clutch)

reader question: what to wear to summer weddings!

A few of the emails I got were requests for questions like "what to wear to a summer wedding?"... here are three:

Analia asks...

I was wondering if you could help me out to figure it out what to wear for a picnic wedding at a state park in NC. Any clues?

Carly writes...

I have a challenge! I'm attending a wedding on the beach where it will be very hot and humid, and it's practically a high school reunion so I have to look great! 

And finally, Anna has even ME (almost) stumped with this one...

In October, I will be attending and singing at my first ever… Harley Davidson wedding. The couple love motorcycles and are having the ceremony in the Harley Davidson store in Southern Maryland. As a girl who owns no leather, has never owned a motorcycle or any clothing resembling a biker, I am stumped. Normally for weddings I would wear a cute dress and heels, especially if I’m singing for the ceremony. However, the bride will not even be wearing a dress, but something in white leather. They have suggested jeans, but that just seems so wrong for a wedding.


It's great to have a classic dress or two on hand for attending weddings. I personally love this style from J.Crew (I actually own a very similar silhouette from a few years back).  This silhouette will never go out of style, is universally flattering and makes a perfect back-drop for any type of accessory.  Here I showcased the same dress in three different colors and styled three different ways.

STATE PARK WEDDING

(key points: fun & a bit frivolous)

 (above: dress, earrings, bangles, clutch, perfume, wedges)

BEACH WEDDING

(key points: light colors and hat to keep cool & beach tones)

(above: dress, hat, sunglasses, earrings, nail polish, wedges)

HARLEY WEDDING

(key points: simple black dress & some edgy choices to keep on theme)

(above: dress, necklace, clutch, wedges, flower ring, nail polish)

reader question: maxi mix up!

Reader question week continues ladies...

Valerie asks...

I have a question! I've sort of stuffed my closet full of maxi dresses this summer....block colors, a gorgeous black one, even a floral one.... but what do I wear WITH them? My denim jacket is getting tired...

A denim jacket is a great accompaniment to a maxi dress... but here are some other tips on how to wear a maxi dress:

• Tie a button front top at the rib cage over a maxi dress (as seen here) for a fun menswear-inspired look. (I've shown it below with a solid dress, but this would be fun with a floral one as well!)
• Try a maxi dress with sleeves and bold accessories!
• Wear a maxi dress with a blazer or cardigan and belt all of the layers.
• Layer a gorgeous scarf over a maxi dress.

(above: dress, scarf, sunglasses, bracelet, tote, sandals)

(above: dress, necklace, ring, clutch, shoes)

(above: dress, top (to be worn unbuttoned & tied at the rib cage), earrings, watch, nail polish, sandals)

reader question: sophisticated business casual!

This week is "reader question" week all week!  Last week I asked for your questions and this week I am going to answer them (or as many of them as I can!)...

First up is this question from Kristen:

I work in a pretty casual office environment...jeans are a-ok most days and like you I LOVE denim, but I still want to look professional, especially since I'm the youngest person (by about a decade) in my office. Any tips for sophisticated, professional looks that include jeans? I have to venture out to the construction site from time to time for inspections & such, so I try not to wear anything too precious.

Here are my tips for looking professional while still wearing jeans:

• Dark denim looks a lot more polished and professional than lighter rinses or distressed looks - so go for those!
• Extra layers like a cardigan, a blazer or even a nice looking scarf when the weather gets cooler adds instant style and sophistication to a look.
• Don't skimp on shoes... just because you are wearing jeans doesn't mean you have to sport equally as casual of a shoe.  Go for something more refined in a shoe, it's a great compliment to a classy pair of jeans.
• Carefully chosen and understated accessories like a simple bangle bracelet, a skinny belt or stud earrings go a long way in exuding a professional air.

Here are some looks that illustrate my tips!

(above: top, cardigan, bracelet, shoes, glasses, handbag, jeans)

(above: watch, jeans, top, blazer, earrings, belt, flats)

reader question: lobster-chic!

A reader emailed me recently saying she is invited to a rehearsal dinner for a friends wedding that is on the East coast.  The dress code? Lobster-chic!  For a lobster boil... how absolutely FUN is that!?!?  She wanted a few suggestions on possible attire. I was so geeked out while putting together these outfits with a decidedly East coast and nautical theme.

Without further ado... I present to you: Lobster Chic.

(above: white dress, striped dress, hat, necklace, nail polish, sandals, chambray blazer)

(above: chambray trousers, bracelet, striped top, white top, platform heels, anchor earrings, starfish ring, watch)

Do you have a question for me?  Ask away!  I am going to be on vacation next week and want to put together some fun and simple posts together in advance.  If you help me (give me fun challenges or reader questions) - then I'll help you by answering them with a similar post to this!  Next week will officially be "reader question" week! So leave them in the comments or email me!  I'll do as many as I can!

casa good life: my closet!

LIKE THIS POST??? It's a bit outdated... check out updated closet photos and details on how I completely revamped my closet and my outlook on shopping!  HERE!  The new post is called: how to organize your closet in a meaningful way!

This is a casa good life post and a reader question post all in one since I have gotten a lot of emails on how I organize my closet and because for once it's clean and organized with a working light (long story about the light...).

My closet is very narrow, but I've worked to customize it best I can.   Let's dive in...

Looking straight in, this is my closet.


To the right you will find a long IKEA shelf that holds things like my sweaters... color sorted and neatly folded, ahem.


You will also find shoes, glorious shoes! Flats are stacked for extra room and heels, wedges and boots go side by side. I'm particular like that. Also organized by color... that's kind of my thing, wait and see.

LIKE THIS POST??? It's a bit outdated... check out updated closet photos and details on how I completely revamped my closet and my outlook on shopping!  HERE!  The new post is called: how to organize your closet in a meaningful way!

You may also find an organizer of randoms... like bracelets, this sarong that we all love, the legwarmers that some of us love and some of us hate (ahem, again) and bits of ribbon. Because ribbon makes a gal happy. Especially when it just sits there looking pretty and it's leopard print.


Next to the above mentioned items... you will find my clutches (the gold one is from girlfriend, love that gal!), belts hanging from hooks and an oldey timey jewelry box that was a gift from my husband.


Straight to the back are three bulletin boards hanging for jewelry and an inspiration board.


Upon closer inspection this is my current hair inspiration and my latest affinity for neon yellow. Also here are my vintage scarves neatly folded. The hooks at the bottom are actually shower curtain rings hanging my purses.


Then up top are the bagged "specials"... which reminds me, I should whip some of those out.

LIKE THIS POST??? It's a bit outdated... check out updated closet photos and details on how I completely revamped my closet and my outlook on shopping!  HERE!  The new post is called: how to organize your closet in a meaningful way!

Then to the left are my jeans. I saw this organization system on another blog (can't remember where!?!?) and quickly did the same thing in my closet. Basically you fold the jeans with the labels facing out, with the thought that if you see the brand name and finish you are more likely to quickly visually recognize them so you don't have to dig through every pair. It works like a charm for me.


Then on the left I have a small dresser with all my scarves. I've tried every way to organize scarves. I'm hoping this will be the best way to keep them unwrinkled. We'll see... this is a new "feature" in my closet.


Lastly I have my clothes... which I probably could have gotten better pictures, but basically it goes... dresses then tops from the left to right. Tops are organized by color left to right and then by sleeve length within the color. This helps me keep myself organized and choose outfits quicker (I think... ).

So there you have it... hopefully that wasn't incredibly boring, maybe even a touch inspiring. How do you organize your closet? Anything I am missing or should try?

LIKE THIS POST??? It's a bit outdated... check out updated closet photos and details on how I completely revamped my closet and my outlook on shopping!  HERE!  The new post is called: how to organize your closet in a meaningful way!

reader question: nude shoes!

A reader emailed me recently about the "nude" shoes I have worn on the blog and how to find a good pair that isn't to yellow or white. I have several pairs of "nude" shoes and I love them, because they just go with anything and it's fun to find them in different styles and profiles. I have a really rad pair of platform sandals I should feature here (hmmmm... I wonder why I haven't yet!??!)

So today I picked out some fun pairs that true "nude" color... when in doubt with the shade of color though... go for those with more brown undertones.

A simple kitten heel pump like these are perfect for a business casual environment - these could get a ton of wear in your wardrobe, they are so versatile! (Nine West, $39.99)



I really love this pair... the dainty beads are just perfect. And for less than $11... they are the perfect trendy shoe to add to your summer wardrobe! (Charlotte Russe, $10.50)



I love this pair too... it's hard to choose a favorite here! These would be fun with a summer dress or jeans and a tank for summer nights! (Nine West, $39.99)



This gladiator inspired pair is also so sweet for summer... with shorts or dresses. I love this pair too... (Charlotte Russe, $32.50)

Reader Question: Wedding Reception Dress!

It is wedding season indeed! The last several reader questions I have done all pertain to dresses for attending a wedding in some manner. (check them out if you have summer weddings on your calendar!)

Tara emailed me recently... she has a wedding coming up this August. Her wedding is Friday night and the reception is the following day at a park (what a great idea!). She wanted help styling this dress that she has already purchased. And it's just adorable... let's take a look:

1)

Nick & Mo Sesame Candy Dress, Modcloth, $62.99

I love this dress... it has a decidedly summer-bride feel to it. Upon closer inspection, the belt/sash is actually navy blue. How fun!

2)

Blowfish Festival Wedge, DSW, $49.95

A wedge is a perfect outdoor heel. It won't sink into the grass like a traditional pump, it's easier to walk in and still has a bit of height for glamour.

3)

Sapphire Metallic Hippie, Coach, $228

Playing off the navy in the sash, I chose this gorgeous Coach purse that is a shoulder or cross-body bag. It's small enough to look sophisticated... but big enough for the essentials for the bride. This would make an incredible wedding gift (hint, hint husband to be!) as it is beautiful and a Coach purse is always classic.

4)

Elastic Flower Bracelet, Forever 21, $6.80

Tara mentioned that she is not big into jewelry. And the dress has many details that add flair to the outfit... so that it doesn't need much more. But this gold bangle is pretty and simple.

5)

Messy Bun

I am picturing a sophisticated yet messy bun look for Tara's hair. It will show off the neckline of the dress perfectly.

6)

Chiffon Flower Hair Clip, Forever 21, $1.50

I love the idea of tucking a few of these dainty and delicate flowers into the messy bun. Take advantage of your bride-status to sweeten up the look a little!

Congrats Tara! Have an amazing day!

~~~

Have a question for me? Email me at goodlifeforless @ gmail.com - I do my best to answer them all!

Reader Question!

Lauren emailed me recently and wanted some tips on how to style this gorgeous dress that she bought for an upcoming wedding. She had the dress and the shoes chosen already... from there, I just filled in the blanks!

1. This dress is just amazing... I love the architectural aspect of it with the bold stripes. This dress is almost stand-alone worthy... I wanted to only carefully chose a few accessories that would enhance it's style. Grosgrain Peaks Dress, Anthropologie, $138

2. Kudos to Lauren for already choosing a great pair of shoes. These fit the preppy and refined look that the dress expresses. Tahari Dara Pump, DSW, $69.95

3. I first chose this clutch, I loved it quintessential summer feel. Wicker Clutch, Lori's Shoes, $46

4. Classic studs are refined and understated, but still add a bit of femininity to the ensemble. Blowing Baubles Stud Earrings, Kate Spade, Bloomingdale's, $45.00

5. The woven detail of this bracelet plays well off of the stripes and the wicker clutch. Woven Cuff Bracelet, Aldo, $12.98

6. Along the same lines of classic and refined... a mani and pedi in this classic color would top the look off perfectly! "Fed Up", Essie Nail Color, $8.00

7. I picture this outfit with a very sleek and refined hair look. Either pulled back (to show of the shoulders) or long and sleek. Brilliant Spray on Shine, Aveda, $18.99