SUMMER Archives - The Well Dressed Life

Summer Blazers for Work That are All On Sale

January 20, 2020July 11, 2018 by Megan Kristel

Yesterday, we started our series on creating a personal brand. One of my most favorite tips for creating a more pulled together professional image is to swap out your loose fitting cardigans with a structured blazer. Of course, the challenge this time of year is the weather. It’s warm outside, and probably freezing in your office, so you need something that is light enough to work in both temperatures.

The good news is, it’s the summer, so not only can you get some great lightweight options, but you can pick the up at great sale prices.

T Tahari Riesling Back-Trim Blazer, $158

T Tahari was a go-to brand for me when I shopped for clients. The price point is reasonable for the level of quality and consistency in fit. This classic option has a twist with an unexpected trim running down the back center seam. It almost makes it look sporty, but still completely appropriate for the office. The only think I would call out is the button. I would swap it for either a black button or tone on tone – doing so will open up more options for bottoms.

If you like a bold red, this one button blazer, also by T Tahari is a year round classic.

Looking for something less buttoned up? I like this ruched sleeve boyfriend blazer by Aqua. You can pair it with ankle pants, a skirt or your favorite office appropriate jeans. It’s available in black and white, which is on sale, but they are both under $100.

For a summer specific look, I love this seersucker blazer from Lafayette 148. Over the years I’ve splurged on a few pricey Lafayette pieces, and each of them has served me well. Now that my day to day is a lot more casual, I look for them on sale. Even on sale, they’re still a considered purchase, but I can speak from experience that they have always been worth their price tag.

Finally, for a different style all together, this wrap style gives you a different yet still polished silhouette. It’s on sale for under $90 and is an easy piece to wear now and transition with into the fall. Don’t forget, navy is a versatile basic. You can wear it with black, white, denim or with a print or pattern.

Shop this post with Plus Sized Options

June Reader Favorites

January 20, 2020July 9, 2018 by Megan Kristel

Thank you so much for all of your sweet comments and well wishes last week. We’re thrilled and the time is definitely flying by. Somehow, it’s already July, so today we’re rounding up your top buys from last month. The summer, while a welcomed break from the business of the school year, is my least favorite when it comes to getting dressed. I appreciate the simplicity of throwing something on and heading out the door, but after a while I tend to go blank creatively and I start to long for blazer and scarf weather.

Before I wish away the rest of the season, we did feature some great items last month, and some are still available, though a few are in limited inventory. Here are the pieces you scooped up that will help you make it through the rest of the summer in style:

Pants, $128: These ankle pants are a classic alternative to the dreaded capris. You can wear them to work or dress them up on the weekend. I like that they have a side zip, which is sliming and allows you to wear any kind of top you like.

Bag, $49: This bag is a ridiculous workhorse, and an even better deal when you consider the cost. Since the summer is so casual, I carry it every single day. To keep it organized pick up this organizer insert – life changing.

Top, $62: I LOVE this fitted, peplum top by Michael Kors. We featured it last month with slim navy pants for a polished look for the office. The best part? It’s 60% off now.

Maxi, $95: I was so happy to see how many of you picked up this gorgeous print max by Eliza J. It’s ideal for summer weddings or weekend showers. And it’s also on sale for 40% off.

Sandal, $79: These simple slide on sandals add just the right amount of texture to your warm weather outfits. They are available in five wearable colors.

Shorts, $40: Women sized shorts aren’t always easy to find, so I was thrilled when I discovered these polished Bermuda shorts at Nordstrom. Sizes are very limited, but the price can’t be beat. Stay tuned for later this week when we round up every pair of shorts in retail for grown ups.

Raincoat, $130: Many readers were headed on a rainy European adventure this summer, and picked up this chic and PACKABLE rain coat. Don’t miss it, it’s a seasonless staple you’ll be happy you have sitting in your closet.

Packing Cubes. $48: These packing cubes will forever alter your packing game. If you haven’t gone off on your summer vacation yet, consider picking up a set. Our family is driving up to Toronto this month and I picked up enough to keep me and my girls organized.

How to Wear a Chambray Dress on Your Summer Weekends

January 20, 2020June 15, 2018 by Megan Kristel

I am feeling today’s weekend inspiration. It’s balanced, layered and uses lightweight accessories to create depth without creating bulk. On a warm day, my dream is to throw on and go, and this outfit gets you there. Whether you’re staying local or traveling the world, this combination will take you everywhere from a local Sunday brunch to touring ancient ruins in a faraway land.

How to Wear a Chambray Dress in the Summer

Let’s talk about this chambray dress. I love the ease of it. It’s simple, flowy, yet still slimming. It has a high-low hem that helps extend the line of your leg, and if you want to create more shape, you can add a slim woven belt. Personally, I would wear it as is. After our vacation in Europe last summer, I could see wearing it while exploring a new city, hopping into little cafes, and making our way back to our hotel looking chic but feeling wonderfully comfortable. Every season Nic + Zoe has some wearable options. I don’t love everything they make, in fact, I think from a design perspective they are all over the place. However, their basics are almost always a hit. This dress is available in Missy and Petite XS – XL. Plus sized? Try this similar style by Karen Scott.

The key to this outfit is the combination of accessories that come together to create a cohesive and measured look. I started with deciding to work with silver tones because I tend to go toward gold but this called for something cool. These sunglasses are light, but the subtle detail makes them substantial. They are not inexpensive, so take good care of them, don’t sit on them, or leave them in your Uber, like I’m prone to do.

The summer calls for a well-edited use of jewelry. You don’t want to weigh yourself down with heavy costume pieces. Not only does it look off, but these pieces don’t usually work with warm weather clothing. That’s why I used two simple silver bracelets, both by Kendra Scott (here and here). Wear both, wear one, wear whatever you have at home.

For sandals, I used our Must Have Piece from yesterday. I like everything about them, especially the balance between utility and style. They also work well with this faux leather tote by Street Level. I have to tell you, I have a closet full of designer bags that I love, but when the weather warms up, this is the bag I carry every day. It’s the best $50 I’ve spent in a long time.

Finally, I added a scarf. This GORGEOUS print is $10 at H&M but looks so high-end I can hardly stand it. Instead of tying it around your neck, which you totally can, I would either tie it on the handle of my bag or around my ponytail. For some inspiration, check out my Pinterest board here.

Shop this Post

Must Have Piece: Woven Slide Sandals

January 20, 2020June 14, 2018 by Megan Kristel

Over the past few years, my summers have become increasingly casual. Because working with businesses and companies is what pays the bills around here, I work like crazy all fall and spring, and then the summer naturally slows down. In fact, yesterday was the last program I facilitate until the end of August. Hallelujah!

I still work, all day, every day, but I don’t have to get on an airplane or put on a pair of Spanx for almost two full months. When I start to get overwhelmed with the stresses and strains that come with working for myself, I think how lucky I am to work from home all summer.

The challenge, at least for me, is that the less I have to interact with people the more likely I am to barely pull myself together in the morning. I’ll roll out of bed and put on something to work out in, or some combination of a pair of shorts, tee shirt and flip-flop and jump into the day. Our summer is super busy, so I ‘d like to create a slightly more pulled together uniform, using the same casual elements I love but with a little more substance so I can get up and feel pulled together enough for whatever the day throws at me.

Sandals, $79

When I saw these woven slides, I thought they would be the perfect flip flop alternative. They are still casual, with the woven slide detail adding some natural texture. You can wear them with pretty much anything, your go-to shorts and tee, a cotton tank dress, a maxi dress, ankle or cropped pants, even a simple tunic. Sometimes swapping out one basic element for something a little better makes a big difference.

We featured them above in the silver, which is the most neutral option, but they come in four other colors, including black, white, a gorgeous saffron and an equally pretty blue they are calling “infinity.”

Check back tomorrow to see how we used these in a weekend ready outfit.

Jazz Up Your Basics with Embellished Summer Slides

January 20, 2020May 31, 2018 by Megan Kristel

A popular topic around here is how to update an outfit with accessories. When it’s cold out, it’s easy to add a scarf, stack some bracelets, even add an interesting blazer. The challenge is when it’s hot and humid out, the last thing any of us want to do is add layers. So how do you create visual interest and depth without pilling on extra layers?

One word: Shoes.

On the blog, I have a tendency to show neutral, classic, versatile shoe options because I’d rather you “invest” in a few high-quality shoes you can wear over and again instead of having a pile of disposable, novelty shoes you wear once or twice. But sometimes my practicality is boring, so today we’re featuring a few pairs of embellished slides that are perfect for jazzing up your basics this summer.

one, $118 | two, $73 | three, $72 | four, $80

Why slides? In the summer, I often feel silly wearing a higher heel. Of course, it all depends on the outfit, but generally, a flat, or a low heel, works best with ankle pants, shorts, and skirts with a higher hemline. They tend to complement the weight of seasonally appropriate clothes and add to the general, casual vibe of the summer.

I was inspired by this first pair I found at Anthropologie. I love the combination of a bold floral pattern with equally bold embellishments. Many of you know I’m not a big fan of prints, but I do like a wink of them in an outfit when temps are high. I would wear these, and this similar pair from Steve Madden with white summer pants or shorts, linen pants, or even a simple, solid cotton tank dress that hits at or around the knee.

If you wear a lot of denim or chambray (raises hand), than these Sam Edelman slides are the perfect pair. I would wear them with my white jeans, relaxed ankle length blue jeans, a box tunic in chambray, or a tank dress in shades of blue or white.

Looking to dress up neutral basics? I can see these gold slides with pearl details at the shore. Going to dinner at the beach is always more laid back than in the city. Wear these with your summer weight “dress” pants and a tunic, or cotton shirt dress or loose fitting sheath.

Shop this Post

<br />

Steve Madden Greece Sandals: Your New Favorite Summer Shoe

January 20, 2020May 4, 2018 by Megan Kristel

Today’s post is short and sweet; I want you to buy these Steve Madden Greece sandals if you are looking for an easy, casual and flat summer shoe. I just picked up the style below and can’t wait to wear them. Many of you already know, I’m not the sparkly spangly type. Some sites are calling the detail on the top “rhinestones,” but they are not that obnoxious, more just a tiny bit of detail that reflects the light.

Steve Madden Greece Sandals, $99

If you need extra arch support they’re not for you as the sole is super flat. However, if you need something for vacation, or just to wear on the weekends with a cotton dress, or shorts, they’re a fantastic option. They’ve been selling out quickly, so get them while there are still sizes.

They also come in black, cognac, rose gold and white.

We have another jam-packed weekend ahead of us. On Saturday our daughter makes her First Communion, and we’ll celebrate with a family lunch at a favorite restaurant, then a birthday party for a neighbor, a friend’s Communion party on Sunday and wrapping up with another birthday outing for my oldest and a few friends.

I’m putting my running shoes on now!

Have a great weekend!