Springs/Summer Essentials No. 3

Some of you may have already jumped on this bandwagon...but for those of you who haven't, I'm just going to say: It's the ultimate in comfortable and stylish clothing.
Leggings. With a nice long tunic or short-ish dress.
I found a nice black pair at H&M for only $7.
Urban Outfitters has these nice long Damsel Leggings for $24.This Roxy dress from Buckle would look so cute with an undershirt and a little pair of leggings. $45.So would this one from Delias, $40. Love the bold floral.This simple tunic from Heavenly Couture, $18, looks really easy to wear.Here are two more sophisticated versions of this idea:Jacquard Lace Pima Cotton Element Tunic, $110.Pima Cotton and Tencel Julep Tunic, $118. Both from Peruvian Connection:

So, do you already wear this silhouette or are you planning on trying it?

Kelly gets Pic'd

(Short for "Style Picnicked") I spotted this lovely lady at the Green Leafe Cafe in Williamsburg, VA...looking so so hot in her black embroidered Michael Kors tunic with flattering pleats in both front and back, paired with jeans for an excellent casual outfit. Well done, Kelly.

Who's getting Pic'd next?

looking forward

First of all, I am so pleased and overwhelmed with the response Style Picnic has received in such a short time. I read every comment and am so grateful for your feedback. Please continue to email me, discuss by making comments on posts, and, of course, chat with me in person!

Looking ahead...there are great things in store for Style Picnic. I'm working on new features such as Style Pic'd, Shopping Adventure, tutorials, and more giveaways and Style Profiles. These will be regular and, hopefully, interesting. I'm excited!

I think looking nice and feeling confident often brings out the best in a person...makes your day brighter. If you're like me, you feel friendlier, perhaps more charitable. So don't feel shallow. Let's make the world a better place--one woman at a time.

Essentials No.2

The Dress. One piece of clothing and you're ready to go...an irresistible concept especially in the UNBEARABLY HOT summer months ahead. Personally, I've been stocking up so I can wear a dress every day of the week--I can't get enough of those delicious cooling breezes that pants just don't provide. I'll be honest, I felt a little silly the first few times I wore a "Sunday" dress to the playground...but it's just so comfortable you have to try it!

I suggest wearing flat sandals if you're going casual. Save the heels for dressier occasions.

Now presenting a random smattering of dress I adore...Cap Sleeve Chemise, Peruvian Connection, $98. Yum.Cat's Cradle, Shabby Apple, $62. No fuss bubble gum pink.Market Dress, Down East Basics, $27. I really like the vintage appeal of this unusual cotton print. Nice price, too.Sidney, Layers Clothing, $38. You could totally chillax (chill and relax, I thought Brandon made this word up but it turns out that I did) in this one. But don't wear those shoes. Ever.

And for just $100 more, you can get this one:Tahari by ASL, Macy's, $138. Flattering--nipping in just at the natural waist like that.Isabelle, Mika Rose, $60. Now here's a dress that can go both ways. So cute.Nicole, Mika Rose, $50. Just detailed enough to keep things interesting. Paisley Jacquard Dress, Peruvian Connection, $329. I can dream. It's just too pretty not to include. Something about today's post gives me an inexplicable urge to go platinum blonde...

Spring/Summer Essentials, No.1

The next several posts will cover what I consider to be stylish essentials for spring/summer...in no particular order! As always, I welcome feedback, suggestions, even criticism, if that's all you can think of...

First up, knee length "shorts" or bermudas. The selection available in years past was so heinous that once "short shorts" were no longer appropriate, I opted to sweat summer out in jeans. Not so these days...lucky us! Perhaps not flattering to all, but I am a huge fan. At least try some on and give it a sec before swearing them off. A few nice examples:Washed Belted Linen Shorts, Boden USA, $54. Dress these up or down...wear them to a lacrosse game or dinner at friends'...Tropical Patchwork Madras Bermudas, JCrew, $78. You don't have to wear them with heels and a button down...but it does look fab. Railroad stripe bermudas, Old Navy, $25. Stripes hide stains...grass stains, mud stains, Kool-aide stains...Billabong Girls Wendall Plaid short, Zumiez, $40. Youthful.Campsite Shorts, Anthropologie, $118. I can actually picture myself playing in the dirt with my family in these... Joe's Jeans Stretch Denim Bermuda Shorts, Nordstrom, $178. These are saying, "Wear me, I'm Comfortable."

handcrafted

Today's post features enchanting handmade jewelry. These could also make memorable Mothers' Day or graduation gifts...Spring in Tuscany Cuff, bayousalvage on Etsy, $21. Love the salvaged materials.Freshwater pearl necklace, Baubles, $20. Subtle sparkle.

Spring Dreaming large glass necklace, Sprout Studio, $33. One of a kind glass with reclaimed vintage paper.
Vintage Post Earrings, Cara Lyndon, $26. Lovely lucite.
"Show off Modern Woman", ChicCosas, $38. I think the name says it all...Beaded Cuff, DayLab.com, $18. Cool combination of color and pattern.Embroidery Florals, DayLab.com, $24. Pretty and unexpected.Natural Charm Necklace, Cerulean, $70. A fabulous piece made with really interesting materials.

Esprit

I recently rediscovered the clothing company Esprit. They've got an abundance of fetching apparel on their website. Here are my favorite picks for spring/summer:check babydoll shirt, Esprit, $50. I love the colors in this subtle plaid.

mix cardigan, Esprit, $80. Now that is a cute sweatshirt.full needle hood cardigan, Esprit, $40. So is this. I like the way they call them "knit cardigans."
laura summer skirt, Esprit, $80. Attractive silhouette combined with useful basic.
stripe voile skirt, Esprit, $70. Love the pockets.
madras check dress, Esprit, $60. This is probably too short on its own, but I still think it's lovely.
easy print dress, Esprit, $60. Dazzling.
cute cargo dress, Esprit, $80. A great way to wear leggings with a dress.
print silk dress, Esprit, $110. Incorporate the Safari trend into your wardrobe.
Jersey roundneck top, Esprit, $25. I like the color and the cut of this top.

G-Star Raw

"G-Star is a style of all times. Futuristic and cautious. Far-reaching and experimental. Alternative and traditional. G-Star is about making eccentric combinations, and maintaining authenticity. Never one to follow the crowd. Just the product."

Here are three inspiring looks from their current collection...I want to wear all three! The womens' line is so amazing, but unfortunately is hard to find online. This is the store locator.
Great recommendation, Leah. Thanks!

Ann Taylor Maternity

I figured we're "overdue" to add more maternity to our stash (hilarious, I know). Anyway, Ann Taylor's maternity collection looks great, don't you think? Short sleeve button front shirt, $41, Pima Cotton Crewneck Cardigan, $44, Ankle length demi panel sateen pants, $64. All by Ann Taylor Maternity. An admirable ensemble.

Solid Tie-Sleeve top, Ann Taylor Maternity, $41. So cute!Demi Panel Bootleg Jeans, Ann Taylor Maternity, $59. Great pants.
Retro Floral Scoopneck top, Ann Taylor Maternity, $31. I've still got a soft spot for this style.
Contrast v-neck empire waist top, Ann Taylor Maternity, $44. Love the dash of shocking pink--very current.

cold and wet outside...

It feels like it has been raining for weeks here in Williamsburg. Rainy weather makes me want to get cozy...so today's post is all cottony comfort. Featherweight V-neck tee, JJill, $15. (Just ignore the creepy expression on this lady's face.)
French terry tee, JJill, $49. Laughing it up by the pool.
Sheer jersey scoop neck t-shirt, Bella, $21. Simple.

Mossimo Hoodie, Target, $18. Beach bum is better than just plain bum, am I right?