Now with the onset of summer, along comes the festive parties for family reunions, bridal showers, baby showers, weddings, engagement parties, etc…a popular girl can get overwhelmed with all these events.  However, you can remain polished and chic by slipping into one of these little frocks.  Floral dresses are perfect for just about any occasion during summer and my favorite part, they are effortless and require little accessorizing (a thought to consider if your fete requires packing and travel). I love how florals shouldn’t be only thought of as bright boldly colored, large bloomed, flowers either.  Notice how some of the prints below are muted colors and smaller printed—a great way to ensure you don’t stand out in candid wedding photos!

• Muse Back Zip Metallic Jacquard Dress $178
• Adrianna Papell Ruched Cotton Sheath Dress $118
• Tory Burch ‘Marsha’ Silk Georgette Dress $365
• Eliza J Print Sheath Dress $138
• Donna Ricco Split Neck Stretch Cotton Sheath Dress $79
• Diane von Furstenberg ‘Dessie’ One Shoulder Chiffon Dress $465

One of my favorite accessories to purchase is a handbag…one that’s versatile, chic, and speaks to its respective season. Usually in the summers, I’ll carry a large tote so that I can take it along with me while browsing farmer’s markets, outdoor antique fairs, or on day trips to the nearby beach. Here are some of my favs that are available right now—cute cheerful colors, comfortable shoulder straps (that make carrying my vintage finds less wearisome), and chic little bags that are perfect for weddings or running errands. What’s your go-to bag in the summer? What items are you always toting along?

• Mar y Sol ‘Color Block’ Straw Tote $88
• Kate Spade ‘bon mot’ canvas shopper $175
• Nordstrom Bow Flap Silk Clutch $48
• MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Totally Turnlock – Percy’ Crossbody Bag $198
• Ted Baker ‘Signature’ Shopper $80
• MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Summer – Large’ Cotton Canvas Tote $148

Don’t forget to enter my custom-made necklace giveaway–a great summer accessory from Oh Sweet Joy!

 I love embellished blouses!  They are the perfect chameleon for the summer…you can easily pair them with tailored pants during your 9-5 office appearances or slip one on with jeans for a casual/glam feel on the weekends.  Sometimes, I wear mine with just leggings and flats while running errands.
 

• Milly Gold trimmed cocktail top $138
• Phase Eight Hope Embellished Tunic Top $49
• Monique Leshman Tunic Raisin Rose $498
• Paul & Joe Sister Embroidered silk-crepe blouse $135
• Roberto Cavalli Silk-georgette kaftan top $611
• Paul & Joe Sister Padova bow-embellished shirt $203
• Dorothy Perckins Black/white daisy shell top $25
• Redherring Mink embellished butterfly top $58

The weather has been gloomy, windy, raining and a bit chilly this whole week…I am just exhausted of it and would truly appreciate an afternoon spent lounging on a beach in the Caribbean!  How wonderful would it be to unwind at the swim up pool bar and order calamari with a Guavaberry cocktail…and watch the sunset.  Pure bliss…here are a few snapshots of my first of many romatic beach escapes with my now fiance.  We went to St. Martin for SEVEN whole days and we loved every moment of it! It was wonderful: we went scuba diving for the first time, sailed just the two of us on a hobie cat to a small island across the beach within Orient Bay, and lived off of baguette, “creme de avacat” (guacamole), and Guavaberry.

Outdoor cafe where we ate most of our meals.

Orient Bay during sunset.

Of course I would find the stables where horses are kept...

Pure bliss...

If I could sail away to another world (nod to Islands In The Stream), here’s what I would pack…

Everything featured is available at theoutnet.com!

• Embroidered silk kaftan, . Temperley London $447
• Printed silk-blend kaftan, Emilio Pucci $316
• Anenome-print halterneck bikini, JG4B $70
• Logo-print bikini, Marc by Marc Jacobs $80
• Honey straw sun hat, Eugenia Kim $102
• Gold-tone Pansy Ring, Bijoux Heart $117
• Round-framed acetate sunglasses, Lanvin $148
• Beaded cork thong sandals, Oscar de la Renta $209

I love receiving each new season’s catalogue from J.Crew–filled with gorgeous blazers, well-tailored work slacks, and chic dresses!  I also like how they’ve repositioned themselves by featuring their creative and fashion directors, who have pieced together the clothes they sell in many a way–almost like a shop your closet concept.  This is great since it showcases how easily J.Crew can transition into your current wardrobe.  While I love their long-sleeved tops and cashmere cardigans for winter, I’ve fallen in love with their dresses for Spring!  Here are my top picks from this season’s collection that are perfect for work, dinner dates, and my upcoming rehearsal dinner!  

• Pretty ruffles jersey dress $88
• Crinkle dupioni dress $148
• Vintage zebra-stripe Blakely dress $128
• Silk taffeta bow monde dress $225 –LOVE this design for my rehearsal dinner!  Just perfect actually!
• Stretch flannel del pelato shift dress $178
• Saturday twist dress $68

Here are a few items from their jewelry collection that caught my eye too!  A girl can never have too many baubles and gems to throw on before she steps out the door!

•  Ombré pearl cluster necklace $98
• Pearl-and-ribbon necklace $40
• Mixed pavé cable link bracelet $95