Cherella USA

Two pretty dresses from the Cherella USA boutique. Jewel colored stripe jersey dress, $76.

Aqua Ruffle Wrap, $72.

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...

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.

rugby stripes

I remember raiding my dad's closet and shopping in the boys' department for rugby shirts in the sixth grade. I think rugby shirts were kind of uncool for a while, but my closet is full of rugby stripe inspired t-shirts. (Believe it or not, I was even on a rugby team for a bit in college!) Lately, I've noticed a resurgence of that classic, preppy-ish look, much to my delight... just can't get enough of that thick, juicy stripe.

You too?Taffeta Rugby Skirt, JCrew, $175. Dress 'em up...Rugby striped terry tunic, Gap, $44.50. ...or down. This one looks so comfortable.

This would be so cute over a little Shade shirt. Love the colors. Rugby Babydoll Cami, Forever 21, $9.90.Rugby Hooded Cardigan, Forever 21, $30. A cute spring sweater.Xhilaration Square-Neck Stripe Baby-doll top, Target, $20.Rugby Stripe Tankini, Urban Outfitters, $48. Pretty swimsuit.
Nike Three Quarter Sleeve Stripe Hoodie, Nordstrom, $40. The wide bands of white are so flattering.Short sleeve rugby stripe shirt, Free People, $98. Hmmmm...green or yellow?

Garnet Hill

Julie asked me to find a versatile denim skirt just a little past the knee in length. This was a surprisingly hard request! Luckily, clothing and home design company Garnet Hill has three great-looking options... Shaped Seamed Skirt, Garnet Hill, $78. Simple and flattering.
Pleated Denim Skirt, Garnet Hill, $78. The pleats dress this one up a bit.
Eileen Fisher Stretch-Denim Skirt, Garnet Hill, $108. Straightforward and comfortable.

Garnet Hill has a great collection of other clothing, jewelry, and shoes as well. Here are some of my favorites...Printed Smocked Skirt, Garnet Hill, $98. Pretty colors.Banded Collar Shirtdress, Garnet Hill, $118. Garnet Hill Wide Leather Belt, now $28. I love this look.Banded Tunic, Garnet Hill, $88. Sophisticated. Wear it with these cute slim jeans.Garnet Hill Five-Pocket Slim Jeans, $88.Bateau-Neck Tee by Velvet, Garnet Hill, $57. I adore shirts by Velvet. They always fit perfectly and are made of the softest cotton. This one comes in other bold colors, too.

Chan Luu Champagne Diamond Trellis Necklace, Garnet Hill, $198. Beautiful.Kevia Handmade Stacking Rings, Garnet Hill, $112. I love how simple and natural these look.Cocobelle Wedge Sandal, Garnet Hill, $98. Gorgeous.

black/white/house/market

(Does the name of that store drive anyone else crazy!?)
Anyway, here are a couple finds I've been holding onto...they all happen to be black and white so I thought I'd just go ahead and share...
Blackbirds attacking in the Dead O' Night, Design By Humans, $20. So cool.Emily, Mikarose, $60. I love this dress. (Is that Elizabeth Smart?!)Champion Metallic Stripe Slip On, Keds, $20. For your inner Avril...
Black Tuxedo tie dress, Jen clothing, $44. (this one, too)
Beauty Ombre Heel, okay, so this one is actually from White House/Black Market...$98. Very pretty.

be BOLD

Another trend this year is big, bold, graphic prints. Pair your loud print with a quieter neutral. Here are some ways to wear this exciting look.Charlotte Ronson Confetti Top, Urban Outfitters, $172. My favorite!
Short Sleeve Flutter, Must be Mandee, $20. A similar idea for $150 less...always good...
Salsa Blouson Printed Top in blue, Free People, $68. SO pretty.
Penelope Skirt in Bonanza, Skirt Spot, $46. This one's not too wild and crazy, but the print is beautiful.
Style&co Printed Skirt with pockets, Macy*s, $49. I think the white accents keep this from being just another skirt...