Make the most of your summer wardrobe now

It’s now the end of June and summer is almost over. I’m sure you’re thinking… what has gotten into this girl? Ok, hear me out. While the summer temps are just heating up, retail is getting ready for their big summer blowouts. We all know there are always big sales around the 4th of July (which by the way is less than 2 weeks away). But those big 4th of July sales are actually end of summer sales where retail is concerned. Before you know it you’ll be seeing Back to School signs and a fall wardrobe.

I’m not saying that I condone this behavior. However, I feel a responsibility to share this intel with you. The reason being that now is the time to get that summer wardrobe up to speed. There’s nothing worse that looking for something to wear towards the end of August and finding nothing but cashmere sweaters in stores.

I’ve been having fun shopping this summer. So many of this summer’s most popular trends speak directly to me. They are simple, classic and versatile. So much of what I have found works well with my established wardrobed which makes it easy to expand my outfit choices. This is the key to easy shopping.

If you have a good feel for your style and your wardrobe, shopping should not be the stressful, anxiety producing task that so many women feel it has become. Whether you’re shopping online or in store, if you know what to look for it will make your overall experience much more pleasant.

Perhaps you’re wondering how to start? Take a look at your closet. Take inventory. I’m guessing one or two colors will stand out to you and maybe you’ll even see a pattern in styles. Whether you realize it or not we tend to gravitate towards the same things over and over. There’s also a good chance you gravitate towards wearing the same thing over and over. This is an easy way to identify your style.

Once you have a good feel for what you have and what you like, it’s time to go shopping. Don’t go for the opposite of what you already have, find items that will compliment your wardrobe. This will help to make what you already have and what you buy go further towards expanding your wardrobe.

Here are a few items that have caught my eye this summer to provide a little inspiration. Happy Shopping!

Ann Taylor Matte Jersey Sleeveless Wrap Jumpsuit

Ann Taylor Matte Jersey Sleeveless Wrap Jumpsuit

Ann Taylor Flutter Sleeve Peplum Top

Ann Taylor Flutter Sleeve Peplum Top

BR Eyelet Drop Waist Dress

BR Eyelet Drop Waist Dress

BR Eyelet Lace Top

BR Eyelet Lace Top

J. Crew Factory Printed Tie Waist Top

J. Crew Factory Printed Tie Waist Top

J. Crew Point Sur Tunic

J. Crew Point Sur Tunic

J. Crew Tie back Tulip Skirt

J. Crew Tie back Tulip Skirt

j. Crew Button front mini skirt

j. Crew Button front mini skirt

Start off Summer with a Sale

It’s finally Memorial Day Weekend and I am thrilled! It even happens to be a beautiful sunny Memorial Day Weekend in New England! After all the miserable weather we’ve had I finally feel like changing out my wardrobe and pulling out summer. This is a great time for a closet cleanout. Pull all out the items from your closet that you no longer wear and only put back what you want to keep as part of your wardrobe going forward.

Once you take a look at what you have left to make up your summer wardrobe, start thinking about what you need to complete it. What pieces are missing that will help you get through the events you have planned for the next few months? Are you in need of basics or something more trendy? Having an idea of what you need this season will make it easier for you to shop smart this summer.

Memorial Day also happens to be a really great sale weekend. All your favorite retailers have deals on summer favorites this weekend. Even Nordstrom is throwing their half yearly sale. Below I have included a few favorites to give you an idea of what’s on trend and available this summer. From the platform sandal, to the wide leg pant, floral prints to cut-out details, you can find all the on trend pieces you need on sale! Happy Shopping!

Sam Edelman Darline Platform Wedge Sandal

Sam Edelman Darline Platform Wedge Sandal

Bardot Jade Mesh Minidress

Bardot Jade Mesh Minidress

RED Valentino Lace Detail Stripe Minidress

RED Valentino Lace Detail Stripe Minidress

Vince Wide Leg Pants

Vince Wide Leg Pants

J. Crew Jackie Eyelet Cutout Cardigan

J. Crew Jackie Eyelet Cutout Cardigan

J. Crew Stripe Smocked Cap Sleeve Poplin Top

J. Crew Stripe Smocked Cap Sleeve Poplin Top

Rebecca Taylor Daniella Silk Tank Top

Rebecca Taylor Daniella Silk Tank Top

The Importance of Details

I believe that the details are everything. And this is especially true when it comes to your outfit. Put on a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. This is your base. Now let’s say you’re taking your kids to the playground: add sneakers, a hooded zip up sweatshirt, pearl earrings. What if you’re headed to the movies: add cute flats, a cropped jacket and a pair of hoop earrings. What if you’re headed to drinks with friends at a new trendy bar: add colorful pumps, a moto jacket and statement earrings. The same base outfit can go a long way in your wardrobe if you know how to accessorize it.

For the example above, I stuck with three basics: shoes, earrings & a jacket. But your accessories go well beyond these three. You accessorizes with all your jewelry (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings), scarves, handbags, belts, hats and hair accessories. You can use any combination of these to establish your look and style and outfit.

One of the easiest ways to update your look and style an outfit is with earrings, especially if you like the look of a statement earring. A statement earring has a visible presence. It can transform your outfit. This trend has been around for the last few seasons so there is a good chance you may already have a pair of these in your wardrobe. But keep an eye out for the new styles I have showcased below that could be exciting additions to your spring wardrobe basics.

Lizzie Fortunato Prism Earrings

Lizzie Fortunato Prism Earrings

Alison Lou Medium Jelly Hoop Earrings

Alison Lou Medium Jelly Hoop Earrings

Sophie Monet The Pearl Figure Earrings

Sophie Monet The Pearl Figure Earrings

BaubleBar Vitina Heart Drop Earring

BaubleBar Vitina Heart Drop Earring

Lele Sadoughi Banded Hoop Earrings

Lele Sadoughi Banded Hoop Earrings

Serena Drop Earrings

Serena Drop Earrings

Budding Blossom Drop Earrings

Budding Blossom Drop Earrings

Sachin + Babi Mini Lulu Tassel Drop Earrings

Sachin + Babi Mini Lulu Tassel Drop Earrings