Taking a Short Summer Break (+ 3 Summer Outfits)

Wha…bloggers don’t take breaks, do they?

Well, late night show hosts do, magazines seem to do it (isn’t that what double issues are all about?), and even our fave TV shows do it. And so, we’ve decided to make time right now for things like traveling, reading a book, wine tasting, and regrouping.

Before I go, however, I want to share three summer outfits that I’m really enjoying.

Outfit #1: Gingham and a Michael Jackson Vibe

This first is a combination featuring gingham. I finally succumbed to the trend. But of course, I waited to find something flattering – like this top’s peplum cut. And I wanted it to be unique in some way. The bicycle details check that box! I am, by the way, sure we’ll still be seeing plenty of gingham this fall. Gingham athleisure maybe?  Another fun feature of this outfit is the Michael Jackson vibe on the bottom. That is, the cropped, narrow-legged pants and sparkly shoes. I’m sure I’ll get even more enjoyment out of styling this super comfy and chic footwear come autumn. 😉

I wore: Knitted Dove top / Kate Spade pants / Fratelli Rossetti shoes / Furla bag / Prada sunglasses

Outfit #2: Silky Cami and A-Line Asymmetrical Skirt

It shouldn’t be any surprise that my next two fave outfits are for going out. I hope to do a lot of it while the air is still warm after sunset. This first evening look was inspired by one of Julia’s (with a silky cami) featured in THIS POST. I’m totally into the blurring of lines between evening and intimate wear – as long as it’s tasteful.

And this skirt is a pear-shaped body’s dream. While the A-line cut accentuates the positive (a smaller waist), the rise in front is ultra leg-lengthening.

Of course, I can just pop on a cashmere cardigan with lace cutouts when the Santa Cruz fog rolls in or a breeze picks up.

I wore: WHBM cami / Patrizia Pepe silk skirt / Twin-Set Simona Berbieri cardi / Corso Como sandals / Prada sunglasses

Outfit #3: The Nude Dress

I’ve dreamed of wearing something like my last outfit since I saw the Sex in the City episode featuring the nude dress (worn by Carrie Bradshaw). Seeing a version of it on the street in New York – but in crushed velvet! – exactly one year ago only only made me want one more. (You may remember it from THIS POST.)

I was overjoyed to see a very similar one on the rack at Nordstrom as Mark and I were making our way to the dressing rooms for alterations. Yes, you can now take clothes YOU ALREADY OWN to the tailors at Nordstrom for alterations. How cool is that?

So, here’s my nude dress. I have to admit that I did in fact, feel a little nude while posing by myself in downtown Santa Cruz for this shoot. Interestingly, however, I felt much less so when the sun was hitting my skin (as it happened during this shot).

I really like the pink bag carried by the nude dress wearer in New York. In fact, I contemplated wearing something similar. But taking into consideration my pale complexion, I prefer the contrast of black accessories.

Speaking of which, this Ermanno Scervino wallet was a birthday gift from Julia. I love love love it! And any chance I get to show it off, I do. Dressing up for evening out is the perfect excuse to carry just the wallet, rather than a handbag.

Hope you liked these three outfits. I would love to share more, but sometimes you just need to chill.

Check back in mid-September for our coverage of New York Fashion Week! Liliya and I are attending the show of emerging designer Layana Aguilar (see some of her amazing designs HERE)! And of course, I’ll be photographing fabulous street style.

I wore: Free Press velvet dress / Helmut Lang jacket / Stuart Weitzman sandals / Ermanno wallet / Prada sunglasses / Tissot watch

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