I wish every day could be a sunny one. Unfortunately, this is not the case. When I look outside my window on a hot summer day and see rain falling, I’m at a loss for what to wear. I hate to cover up my entire outfit with a rain jacket, but I don’t want to get wet either.
During the summer, the last thing you want to do is pile layer upon layer to keep yourself dry. So I have compiled a few rainy-day outfit ideas for inspiration and guidance.
Outfit #1
One of my favorite things to do for rainy-day style is add a pop of color. I like to wear a monochromatic outfit and then add bold fuchsia or red lipstick. High-waist shorts and a crop top will keep you cool, while rain boots and an umbrella keep you dry!
Outfit #2
This look was designed without an umbrella in mind, because sometimes carrying around a bulky umbrella is not ideal for your plans. If the day is a little cooler (or you just want to keep your legs dry), you might opt for a pair of jeans. A basic white tee will prevent you from overheating and provides the perfect base for a statement necklace and a colorful raincoat. Slip on your rain boots and complete the look with a bold watch.
Outfit #3
Don’t forget that your umbrella can act as an accessory! Choose one with a cute pattern or a bright color to accentuate your outfit. This black skater dress and denim vest go perfectly with a pair of red rain boots and a gold belt.
Outfit #4
This outfit is perfect for a day when you’re not absolutely sure it’s going to rain. A weather report that calls for scattered thunderstorms or a chance of rain poses a problem. I hate wearing rain boots if it doesn’t rain, so I choose shoes that have a closed toe and are made from anything but cloth or real leather. I usually stick with faux-leather patent flats. (Don’t forget to slip an umbrella into your bag, just in case.)
Stay dry,
Samantha
Sources:
Polyvore
Wallpaper Stock
It’s wedding week at Nordstrom, and even us BP. bloggers are chiming in. Now, obviously I don’t have that much first-hand experience with bridal fashion, but I have been to my fair share of weddings as a guest. I am assuming most of you readers have, too. Typically, June is the favored month for weddings, so I have compiled some wedding-guest inspiration perfect for beating the heat and making a great impression.
My go-to wedding guest trends are florals and pastels. I love them because they are playful, youthful and effortlessly pretty. For the floral outfit, I chose a cute, muted floral peplum dress because there are so many different colors in the print to work with. I kept the shoe neutral to lengthen the leg, and then I accessorized using colors in the print: gold, white and mint.
- 1. Stephan Co. Geometric Bib Necklace
- 2. Urban Expressions Handbags Perforated Clutch
- 3. Seychelles “Down to the Wire” Sandal
- 4. BB Dakota “Palm Beach” Print Peplum Dress
- 5. Rachel Large Hoop Earrings
- 6. Carole Mother-of-Pearl Bangles
BP. has a ton of beautiful pastel dresses, and I chose this Fire dress because I love the back cut-out. Mint is an easy color to complement—pinks, purples and metallics all look great with it. Simple gold accents dress this outfit up without going overboard.
- 1. Fire Bow Back Dress
- 2. Nordstrom “Azteca” Multistrand Pendant Necklace
- 3. Emperia Small Studded Crossbody Bag
- 4. ZIGIgirl Arrow Sandal
Since days are longer in the summer, wedding guest outfits tend to be less formal than, say, an evening wedding. However, you should always check the invitation for attire guidelines. Here is an easy etiquette decoder taken from etiquette guru Emily Post via Martha Stewart Weddings:
- • White Tie: For female guests, a formal floor-length evening gown is the right choice.
- • Black Tie: You can go a bit dressier and wear a formal floor-length gown, or choose a short, dressy cocktail dress.
- • Black Tie Optional: There’s a bit more freedom here. Dressy seperates and Little Black Dresses are also allowed.
- • Semiformal: Think cocktail dresses or a nice skirt.
- • Casual: Common for outdoor weddings, casualwear includes sundresses and sandals. (Both of my styled looks would be considered casual, possibly semiformal.)
Finally, while white is not technically off-limits to wedding guests, I’d stay away from it. Let the bride stand out on her special day.
~Brittany
Sources:
I have a huge weakness for shoes. Every summer I splurge on sandals. However, this year I’ve decided to limit myself to three new pairs. It’s going to be a test of will power, but hopefully good for my bank account. Since I have limited myself to only three, I made sure that they’ll cover every occassion: pool, grad party, amusement parks, vacation and everything in between.
1. Low-Heeled Sandals
These Sam Edelman sandals are great. I bought them not too long ago, actually. The straps come in different colors and patterns, and the metallic heel keeps them right on trend. Additionally, they are super comfy and versatile. For example, I’ve worn them with maxi dresses and with shorts. Typically, higher heels have felt more fashionable to me, but spring runway collections showed lots of flat sandals. Their practicality and good looks make them my number one must-have for the summer.
2. Natural-Fiber Wedges
I don’t personally have these Steve Madden espadrilles. However, I did wear them for my BP. Fashion Board’s fashion show and I loved them. While tall, they are remarkably stable, and the ankle straps don’t pinch at all. Natrual fibers are a big trend this year, so the woven wedge is great for the summer. While these wedges might typically be a bit more dressy (perfect for a graduation), they would also look good with white jeans or shorts. And they have a lot of decorative details, so they balance out the minimalist flat sandals above.
3. Classic Flip-Flops
I usually don’t like wearing flip-flops because I think they are pretty sloppy. However, I do think they are a summer necessity, especially for lounging by the pool. I gravitate towards flip-flops with bright colors or unique embellishments because they seem more sophsticated. These DV by Dolce Vita Sandals are cute and functional—and they’re exclusive to Nordstrom. The bright colors complement almost all swimsuits, as well as casual shorts and skirts. They round out my three must-have sandals for this summer.
~Brittany
This summer, I have my eyes on nothing but jumpsuits. Whether they’re long or short, I think they are a must-have for your wardrobe. I’m so excited because I just ordered the Topshop Floral Grid Print Romper! I absolutely cannot wait until I recieve it.
I love this romper because it has such a lovely print for summer and because it’s a step away from traditional denim overalls. If you’re not too keen on all-out overalls, these could be a perfect way to test the waters.
I’m planning on wearing it with a black crop top and a pair of round sunnies (only $12!).
Stay obsessed,
Samantha
P.S. Be sure to check out the Topshop sale that’s happening right now!
The little white dress (or LWD) is an essential for every girl’s closet. It is the perfect alternative to the little black dress (LBD) in the warmer months of spring and summer. And as Brittany mentioned in an earlier post, this summer is going to be white hot.
Are you loving white for summer? Luckily, Nordstrom has a LWD for every occasion.
1. Festival or concert
These casual and flowy dresses are the perfect thing to wear when you’re going to be outside. The breezy material and light color will help you keep your cool while you’re having fun.
Asymmetrical Hem Lace Dress | Sleeveless Crochet Dress
2. Going out
Whether you’re going on a date or out with friends, these fun and flirty dresses are a great choice. Throw on a pair of killer heels and some bold jewelry and have a good time.
Cutout Body-Con Dress | Strapless Scalloped Chiffon Dress
3. Graduation ceremony
When attending or even participating in (lucky you!) a formal graduation ceremony, the dress on the left is perfect. It’s a polished, chic piece that you will be able to use for many more occassions to come. The dress on the right is better for a casual graduation ceremony. It’s pretty enough to wear to the ceremony, but casual enough to wear to the after-party and even the after-after-party.
Cap Sleeve Skater Dress | Textured Skater Dress
Whatever the occassion, you can’t go wrong with a little white dress!
Stay beautiful,
Samantha
Sources:
Spaz Magazine
The Fashion Tag
This is the point in the year where I become happy and sad all at the same time. It’s that time when all of the seniors are graduating from high school.
I know that I’m going to miss my friends so much, but I also know that they are about to begin an amazing adventure. It’s the best opportunity to give them something to take with them for the years to come, and I have some ideas for every person and budget.
1. Wristlet
These are essential for a girl on the go! It’s the most stylish way to store your phone, keys, ID and lipgloss.
2. Statement Necklace
This is a hot piece for the upcoming summer. I love to pair a statement necklace with a plain shift dress. It’s simple and beautiful.
3. Scarf
This is another way to make a statement for the summer. The lightweight material and pattern make it wearable for warmer weather. Definitely a closet staple.
4. Satchel
These carry-alls truly are essential for a college girl. She can store her pencils, notepads, tech devices and everything else she needs!
[Editor's note: We've unexpectedly sold out of this particular satchel, but we have an impressive selection of gift-worthy satchels under $100 here.]
5. Cute Blouse
This is a gift she can use during the summer and well into her college years. A fun blouse is a great way to make an impression on any new people she meets.
I hope you found some inspiration for your graduation gifts this year!
Stay generous,
Samantha
Image Source:
Jey Study
Wildfox is one of my favorite brands. I love their sweaters, tees and bathing suits. It’s an added bonus that their lookbooks are super cool. Here’s my favorite shot from the summer ’12 lookbook, Sirène:
I first saw this on a postcard when I went to a Wildfox sample sale last summer, and ever since I’ve wanted it as a huge poster, because the colors are so stunning and just so happen to be the colors of my room. It’s just a cool photo, amiright? Wildfox recently released a Clueless-inspired lookbook that I love—it brings out my inner creative director—called “We’re the Kids in America.” Here are my favorite shots:
In case you couldn’t tell, Wildfox is just plain cool. The brand’s creators/designers/artistic directors, Emily Faulstich and Kimberly Gordon, must be geniuses or something. And Gordon started:
XOXO,
Aya
P.S. Check out the Wildfox Nordstrom exclusives, like the ‘Canyon Palms’ Tee!
Sources:
Wildfox
Refinery 29
Singer 22
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