how to :: make your casual summer look chic

Happy Monday and a happy short work week to those of you who have Friday off! Today we're going back to the basics and talking about your casual summer wardrobe. For many of you, comfort is key; whether you are a mom running and playing with your kids, or are in a professional setting and can't wait to throw on those comfy clothes at the end of your work week! How do you make a plain ole' t-shirt and shorts look chic + put together? Today we're talking how to make your casual look chic ::

  • The half-tuck :: Rather than leaving your tee shirt hanging over your shorts, accentuate your waist-line and polish up your look. Tuck the front half of your tee into your shorts, and then pull down around the sides and back. This gives a more put-together look, without the constant adjustment and sometimes discomfort of a full tuck all the way around. Pick a short that's breathable and fun, like these navy crochet trim linen shorts from LOFT.

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halftuck

  • Patterns + sleeves :: Try a fun patterned tee that is still comfortable and breathable.  Experiment with a cap sleeve or a tank,  rather than your basic sleeve. You can do the same with necklines. How about this LOFT floral tee?

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  • Accessorize! :: Accessories are the finishing touch. NO outfit is complete without at least some minimal accessorizing. And since it's summer, try something fun! Add a bright warm color to a cool-toned outfit, or vice versa. My summer go-to accessory? These neon pink Kendra Scott 'Danielle' earrings. They are bright, bold and FABULOUS.

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  • Dress it up from day to night :: I'm all about an outfit being versatile enough to go from day into night. During the day, pair with a flat sandal or a flip flop. Then take your look into nighttime by switching to a wedge and amping up your accessories. Add a white jean jacket for those cool nights, like this one from GAP.

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Other accessories pictured ::

Kendra Scott Cassie Bracelet in white

Kendra Scott Jordan Bangle Bracelets in gold

Vince Camuto Rose Gold Watch

So amp up your casual tee + shorts look this summer. It doesn't have to look thrown on and tired. Use these tips to keep your casual comfort while looking chic and put-together!

friday feature :: the romper

Happy Friday, y'all! It's the weekend and I'm giving you the perfect weekend piece :: the romper. It's like a dress with shorts. What could be better? No worrying about showing anyone your *panties,* it's figure-flattering and fashion-forward. I especially love how you can take a romper from day to night and make it more versatile. Throw it on with a pair of flats and a long necklace during the day, then amp it up with some wedges, a statement necklace & clutch at night!

Many of you think you can't pull it off. I promise, you can. Being able to rock a romper is all about finding the perfect one. You have to make sure you will be COMFORTABLE in it, or you'll never wear it. Find one that accentuates your waist and has shorts that are long enough for your body and age. If this is your first go at a romper,  go with a black. It's slimming and you won't feel as much out of your comfort zone.

I've sported the romper a few times this season so far, with many more to come {my apologies for the poor photo quality... Instagram pictures somehow aren't as pretty & arsty when you blow them up ;)}!

I love this chambray romper from the LOFT. Be careful, you may have to go a size down!

Some chambray options. A more casual approach to the romper ::

My chambray romper, from the LOFT

Spaghetti strap option

Shopbop Chambray Romper

You can never go wrong with an LBR {Little Black Romper} Here I paired it with a blazer

Some LBR options for you. Some prefer a sleeveless, while many of you may prefer to keep your arms more covered if you're showing off your legs ::

Topshop Strappy Playsuit

Bar III Sleeveless Romper, Macy's

Velvet by Graham & Spencer 3/4 length sleeve Romper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So rock your romper this weekend! You'll be looking effortlessly chic, fashion-forward and a little bit sexy all at once!

Have a stylish & fabulous weekend. Until Monday!

cover up in style this summer!

Happy Thursday! Although it's a little dreary in Atlanta, we're talking about our favorite cover-ups for some fun in the sun this summer! What is your favorite swimsuit without a fabulous cover-up to enhance it? Here are our picks to help you stay stylish at the pool or beach this summer ::

Madewell Embroidered Siesta Cover-Up

French Connection Angela Floral Cover-Up

Vince Camuto Hoodie Cover-Up

Mara Hoffman Garlands Printed Chiffon Cover-Up

Stripe Convertible Cover-Up Dress

Anthropologie Drop-Waist Cover-Up

Echo Design Chartreuse Cover-Up

So cover up in style this summer! I hope you'll be enjoying some fun in the sun soon.

Until tomorrow!

 

spring chic :: the shorts + blazer look

Many women wonder how to dress up their shorts in the summer. Shorts can be thought of as more of a daytime staple, but they can be dressed up and taken into nighttime just as easily as a pair of pants or a dress! One look I am loving is the shorts + blazer combo :: the ease and comfort of shorts, paired with the polished look of a blazer. What could be better? Here is how I did it with my favorite LOFT chambray blazer and a pair of fun patterned shorts. The key? Choosing a lightweight blazer for the maximum breathability. Bring it with you and throw it on when you get chilly!

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Add a fun statement necklace like this one, from Anthropologie

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My LOFT blazer is sold out online, but you can still find it in stores. Here are some other great summer blazer options ::

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H&M Jersey Blazer

 Statement Necklace {now on SUPER sale!} ::

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Unfortunately, my patterned shorts are oldies from JCrew several seasons ago and I refuse to part with them. But here are some patterned shorts options available now ::

JCrew Neon Coral Jacquard Tap Short

Madewell Tap Short

JCrew Tap Short in Photo Floral

Until Tomorrow, style lovers!

courtney

Photo Credit :: JNelly Photography

www.jnelly.com

Instagram :: jnellyphotastic

flirty shorts for all styles

It's almost Friday! Today, we're talking about flirty shorts that can add some "fun to your buns" {I'm so cheesy, right?!} Shorts don't have to be boring -- khaki, jean, black, navy, etc are great basics, but shorts can also be fashionable and bold. I am personally loving patterns and bright colors for this summer season; so easy to pair with a solid top or tee, and take from day to night by adding a pair of wedges. Here are a few of my favorite shorts to dress up or down this summer ::

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Zara Printed Shorts. Flirty Florals in a breezy fabric.

 

These GAP Sunkissed multi-stripe shorts offer a preppier look.

 

I am loving these Gardenside shorts from Anthropologie. Easy colors to pair up top are black, neon citrine or white.

 

Classic and chic stripe, from LOFT

 

Last but not least, a fun tweed option from LOFT.

So rock those summer shorts! Whether you dare to bare your legs in short shorts, or choose a longer inseam like a 6", you can add some flair to your average summer look.

{hint, hint :: wear a mid-wedge sandal during the day or a high wedge at night to give the illusion of a slimmer leg!}

Stay tuned tomorrow for a Friday treat!

xoxo,

Courtney