Shorts Suits - A Styling Session

Suit: Ann Taylor; Tank: Target; Belt: Target; Shoes: Kate Spade;

Handbag: Kate Spade; Necklace: Ann Taylor; Sunnies: Prada

 

Last week it was in the upper 90s and I was ready for the heat! We've had a relatively cool start to summer, which was nice for a while, but I don't live in the Midwest for cool summers! Bring on the heat, I say!

 

So, what does one wear to work when it's stifling outside? A shorts suit! This suit was purchased in early spring from Ann Taylor and I couldn't wait to wear it. It's seersucker, which is a perfect fabric for summer, because it's very light weight. The pink and white stripes are subtle which lends itself for various styling options. And it's a chic option for the office when styled appropriately.

 

Let's discuss how to style a shorts suit for the office. First, you have to work in the right environment. I'm lucky because we have a pretty laid back dress code. (And when I say laid back, I often see people walking around in jeans and tennis shoes.) I would say that if you work in fashion, for yourself, a smaller company that has a relaxed dress code, a creative environment or retail, then you are cleared! If you work in a law firm or in high-powered corporate job then a shorts suit is completely off limits!

 

Second, when purchasing a shorts suit, make sure the shorts are good length. You don't want to wear a four inch short to work. Save those for vacations and weekends. However, you don't want a Bermuda short either. Those are a tad too long. These are a six inch short and I think the length is perfect. Third, if you are going to wear a heel, make sure it's not any taller than two inches. I personally think anything taller is really moving into a dangerous territory.

 

 

I had fun styling my suit. Because the colors are so light, I decided to add a punch with neon yellow. You only need a nod here and there. The belt just peaked out from under the jacket allowing the bold necklace to really be the focal point. I rolled up the sleeve and pushed them up to my elbows to create a more fun look. I kept my heels neutral in tone, as well as my bag, and I really love how the whole look came together!



I wouldn't stop myself from purchasing a shorts suit because, like a pants suit, it really is a great investment. You can wear it as a suit or mix and match the pieces with other things in your closet. They are great for dinners out or summer deck parties. Pack it for a vacation so you have several different looks for your trip! The jacket would be great with jeans or over a dress. The shorts would pair nicely with basic white tees, a chambray shirt for layering and a denim jacket for cooler temps.

 

What are your thoughts on wearing shorts to work? Is your office ready for this type of attire or is it a complete HR no-no? Let's discuss!

 

Happy Monday!

 

All photos courtesy of Richard Lawson



A Hint of Blush

Jacket (part of suit): Ann Taylor; Top: Piperlime; Jeans: Ann Taylor;

Shoes: Ivanka Trump via Piperlime; Bracelets: Baublebar/J.Crew;

Watch: Emporio Armani;Earrings: Gorjana; Sunnies: Tom Ford

 

I have been waiting for the perfect weather day to wear this leather top and last Thursday was finally that perfect day! There are so many things I love about this top. The blush tone, the slouchy yet fitted cut, the scalloped neckline, the tiny bow and full length exposed zipper in the back! Oh, and I love that it would be perfect for an evening out.

 

Since I was spending the day in the office, I thought it only appropriate to throw on a blazer. I'm not opposed to sleeveless at the office, but there was just something about the cut that lent itself to a blazer. After work, that blazer was a thing of the past!

 

Investment Tip: Invest in a suit and use the pieces together or individually. It truly is the best bang for your buck. A black suit is essential, but a white suit for summer screams chic! See all the way's I've worn mine: 1/2/3/4/5.

 

 

  

Oh, I did I forget to mention my super hot shoes? I did? Well, check them out! That Ivanka Trump knows how to style a womans foot!



  



 

Happy Friday Everyone! Have a great weekend! MUAH!

 

Palm Beach Anyone?

 Chambray Shirt: J.Crew Factory; T-Shirt: Stylemint; Shorts: Loft; Belt: J.Crew Factory;

Sandals: Target; Sunnies: Ann Taylor; Necklace: Lord & Taylor; Hat: Target; Watch: Vintage Gucci

 

Admittedly, I've never been to Palm Beach, but I image that this might be something one would wear while there. Hat, check! Cute shorts, check! Chambray shirt cover-up, check! Okay, I don't have a swimsuit on underneath all of this, but I think all pieces are valid for a day of siteseeing, beach combing or vegging on a patio with a drink in hand.

 

If you're headed to the zoo on a Sunday morning in KC, you could also wear this! It was too pretty to stay indoors last Sunday so we loaded up and headed to the zoo. Palm Beach has nothing on us!

 

Chambray Shirt: Before and After

 

 

I love the print of these shorts! The lime green is perfect for summer and they're dressy enough to wear in the evening with a tank and wedges. I also love the contrast of fuschia against the green!

 



 

One more day before the weekend! Any plans?

Impromptu Dinner Out - What to Wear?

 

Last Friday was a crazy day! I worked from home in the morning, so I could meet a plumber for the second time that week, and I took a half day off to get some stuff done around the house. All the while I had McKinley with me and I much preferred playing on the floor than the things I had to do! Joel got home from work early to mow the lawn, and thankfully my dad had come over to assist with photographs and could watch McKinley while Joel mowed and I ran an errand with my mom. See, CRAZY!

 

So by the time I got home, it was too late to start dinner so Joel suggested dinner out. Nothing fancy, just Red Robin. We love going because we love their burgers and McKinley is a huge fan of the macaroni and cheese. (Actually, he's a fan of anyone's macaroni and cheese!) So what does one wear to dinner when they haven't had a shower and been working around the house all day?

 

Here is my recipe for an impromptu dinner look. I am always in my favorite boyfriend jeans. And, I almost always have a striped shirt on hand. I added a scarf for texture, black/clear beaded bracelets in altnernating colors, flip flops because I had them on and my largest pair of sunnies to hide the fact I only had on mascara!

 

The Shirt and Scarf: Before and After

 

 

 What is your go-to look in a pinch? I was super happy with the way it all turned out. This is a classic look that can truly take you from homeward bound to a night out with the fam!



Rain, the 60s and My Hunter's

Trench: Ann Taylor; Dress: Ann Taylor; Boots: Hunter via Nordstrom; Umberella: Target;

Bracelets: Silpada/DIY; Earrings: Silpada; Watch: Gucci (old)

The minute my hubby saw me in this dress he told me it looked like something straight out of Mad Men. I'll take it! I love a good shift dress and always think of the 60s when I wear one! This one is an oldie but goodie! I can't even remember when I purchased it, but it came from Ann Taylor at least five years ago or more. Gotta love a piece that stands the test of time. Same goes with a style that's been around for decades!

 

I've taken note of several bloggers I follow and how they pair their Hunter's with both dresses and skirts. I love the look but wasn't sure I could pull it off. It was a monsoon last Thursday and I wanted to be prepared. It was also muggy and I wanted the coolness of a dress. Throw on a modern take of the classic trench and I was ready to fight the elements!

 

 

I absolutely love this umbrella! The style is so vintage and I love that it's see-thru! Goes with everything!

 

 



My Favorite Things

Top: Anthropologie; Pants: Ann Taylor; Pumps: Nicole Miller; Handbag: Kate Spade;

Bangles: Mix of Places; Sunnies: Prada; Watch: Gucci (20 yrs old);

Ring: Great Grandmother's Wedding Band

 

Leave it to Anthropologie to create a shirt combining two things I love: stripes and birds! And, combined with my favorite pants from last season, I would say this is a winning look! I was wide awake early last Tuesday morning when this outfit came to me, however I couldn't figure out the shoe. I thought about my silver pumps, but just thought it needed something more. Voila! My yellow pump. Talk about a zing of color!

 

I decided to play up the use of yellow by adding a bright yellow bangle to my arm party. I just love the unexpected use of color!

 

The Pants: Before and After (paired with birds!)

 

 

 

 

 What do you think of the use of yellow? A great pop or a total ensemble dud? GO!

 

Happy Monday!



A Day Out

Jacket: Banana Republic; Sweater: Ann Taylor; Scarf: LOFT; Jeans: LOFT;

Flats: Target; Belt Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors (gift); Sunnies: MARC by Marc Jacobs;

Earring: Silpada; Lip Color: MAC Girl About Town

I thought I would conclude the week with an outfit post! Last Sunday afternoon we headed to Baldwin City, KS for the annual Day Out with Thomas train ride! This was our second year for the train ride and we had such a great time. McKinley was in heaven! He loves Thomas, trains in general, and pointed out everything as we road down the tracks. 

It was a chilly Sunday afternoon so layers were in order! And I could have used more during the ride itself. I froze! What started out with just this pink stripe sweater, an outfit was created! I added my colorful LOFT scarf and a military jacket for added warmth! Oh, and do you see my belt bag? A gift from my aunt, I finally had the chance to wear it and I've decided I may never carry a handbag again! Get a closer look below!

 

The bag really held more than I anticipated! I had my license, CC, money, phone and tube of hot pink lipstick! Perfect for a hands-free afternoon!