Crochet & Lace for Summer?
Groundbreaking. And very cute, to boot!
Hi and happy Friday!
Do you all find it hard to get dressed during the summer? I feel so uninspired and the best I can throw together is a tshirt and some flowy pants. This week, though, I found innovation in something much more feminine than I usually go for: lace & crochet! The Vintage Copycat section will be no surprise to you, but the Styled Looks has three looks built on femininity, running from casual to fancy schmancy. Then, of course, you’ll find Things I Like, with some cute dresses and one really great pair of shoes.
Happy shopping!
Art thou surprised? Really? This hits all the spots for me. Masculine trousers with a sexy top - the best! I’m not much of a hat person but I love the simplicity of this one and I just got a new haircut that looks cute with hats so I’m broadening my horizons. The shoes and bag are a little more riche than I like so I modernized the shoes with clear captoe flats (but if you want white heels there are some here) and then for ease of travel, I went with a crossbody quilted bag. Chic!
Look at these shorts! Such a simple addition to update a summer classic. I would keep this look casual and add a simple white tank (these are deadstock so there are multiple sizes available!) and some comfy and cool tricolor loafers. I wanted to keep it all tonal and found this woven leather shoulder bag that is a perfect update on your canvas tote!
Now we have lace pants! A lowkey way to add texture but keep it minimal. This look is for a Friday night out and I would add some sex appeal with this deeeeeep V top - yowza. To counter the sex appeal I would add this utility-esque belt which has a black buckle that I love. And because tripping with a cocktail is a dangerous game, I’d go for some strappy flats that add interest but not danger.
Outside of brown and black, navy & black as a color combo is it (the love of which was instilled by my ma!). I envision this look going out to a gorgeous wine bar or a friend’s store opening or even a first date. It starts with this sumptuous navy silk slip that seems too short on its own, so I would add this floral lace skirt underneath to add some visual length but still shows off the gams. To play off the textile of the skirt I found these print Manolo mules which have my favorite notch detail. I also think pendant necklaces are due for a comeback and this one is a great way to break up the dark color palette (for all you Aries, there’s a great zodiac pendant here, too). And I forgot to add it to the collage but I would wear this with a baguette bag like this beaut! The whole outfit is casually luxe which is what I love to style.
From top left to right:
1. Black mesh polo dress, $60. A midi mesh dress with a polo collar? I’m done! It’s too good! Would wear with #2 or the Manolos from styled look 3.
2. Vaneli block heels, $15. About Arianne vibes but for less than the price of a cocktail!
3. Cropped silk blouse, $14. This has been cropped by the seller but makes the style much more modern, wearable, and breathable for the summer.
4. Red floral bias cut dress, $58. Gorg! Who has an upcoming summer wedding!?
5. Blue & white striped tent dress, $28. If this were slightly bigger this would be hanging in my closet and not in this list. Please enjoy! Perfect for beach trips, city walking, and vacation gallivanting.
6. Chartreuse silk set, $61. Shared this on Instagram yesterday to near-universal applause. So sharing here for a permanent place to shop it!
7. Green plaid flares, $30. Accidentally styled this with #3 in the collage but 10/10 would wear the whole look. The green is lively and bright and the cut is so good!
8. Cream sequin cardigan, $31. Ok a server I had a few weeks ago was wearing one of these and I couldn’t take my eyes of her! She shimmered with every move as the sun caught the sequins and it was stunning. She wore it pinned in the middle so her collarbones and abs were showing and that is absolutely how I would suggest you wear this one, too.
9. White linen jumpsuit, $28. Summer dressing in one fell swoop for those who shy away from dresses!
10. Michael Kors abstract pants, $40. I just think this print is very cool. Kind of an abstract floral but not? In a great color combo? Amazing. Would wear with #11 in a heartbeat.
11. Donna Karan cropped top, $36. Had to show the side view of this top to show how great it drapes! Beware a stiff breeze but otherwise, this is how I would dress coolly (temperature & aesthetic) all summer.
12. Cropped linen blouse, $48. Will never tire of these classics.
13. Black tshirt dress with slit, $30. Belt is attached but removable and this feels like easy mindless dressing on a hot day when you know you’ll look great and go.
14. Striped linen tank, $28. This. Would look amazing with #10 for print mixing and it’s just all my favorite things in a new way. Striped, piped, linen, neutral, bliss.
15. Navy Tibi plisse minidress, $48. Love the color and would wear as a mini in the summer and over palazzos in the winter!
16. Brown suede linked purse, $22.50. A callback to the 70s but could easily be hanging in a Staud showroom right this moment.
17. Grey & white striped shoulder pad top, $40. Stripes and shoulder pads! Lot of impact, minimal effort.
Thank you all as always for being here! Would love to see if you snag anything from these newsletters and as we draw closer to a nice, big, round number of subscribers, keep your eyes peeled for a giveaway (so please share with all your friends!)!
xx Maggie
Can’t lose with navy and black!