Few things say all-American like blue jeans and baseball, my inspiration for this effortless Summer outfit. Celebrate Memorial Day weekend in style, mixing sky-high wedges and distressed jeans, and a bright, structured handbag with an easy top. Toss your favorite lightweight sunscreen in your bag and you’re ready for any adventure the weekend brings!
Summers in West Texas are infamous for their scorching heat, which don’t exactly make for the most stylish outfit options. Looking fresh and chic in super hot weather is a challenge, but I’ve learned that mixing and matching prints and textures, is the best way to achieve the effortlessly cool look that summer is all about.
In past seasons, easy dresses in bold prints have been the go-to for hot weather because of their soft material and light feel. Summer of 2015, however, is all about choosing a few key separates in complimentary colors to elevate your warm weather game and really give your wardrobe a second life.
I challenge you to stay clear of the romper, jumper and dress as a daily go-to, and instead get inventive with a few special separates.
A few of my favorites:
Crop tops and Twofers – Crop tops have been in style for a few seasons now and they’re here to stay. These crop tops are usually paired with high-waisted minis or shorts that make the style a friendly option for any body type.
High-Waisted Skirt — This skirt is the “it” item of the season, and the basis for your summer separates. A short mini can update your cropped pieces, plus mixing and matching colors and textures adds an unexpected but chic twist to your entire look.
In the photo above, I’m mixing a sheer check and silk crepe textured Voula crop top with a printed Risley skirt, both by Elizabeth and James. Elizabeth and James brings together two dynamic personalities into exquisite balance. Elizabeth’s uptown sophistication and feminine detail is paired with James’ laidback, downtown edge and masculine tailoring. Individually, each would be incomplete. Together, they are striking in perfection. Cheers to finding your own balance in style this summer!
I’m so blessed to be able to work in the industry I love, and share my experiences on this blog each week. I often hear people comment on the fact that I have my own business and career at such a young age, but taking on responsibilities like mine seemed like the most natural path, especially since this work ethic was modeled to me since I was a child.
My mom, Gesuina Setzu, was a young, single parent who worked tirelessly at her job, school and at home. She has always instilled in me the importance of treating myself with care and rewarding my work with a bit of indulgence. In our case, my mom’s great style and taste for luxury groomed my passion for beauty and fashion. My mom celebrated her successes by treating us both. I looked forward to her business trips since she would often return with a fashionable gift that was new and exotic in my eyes.
My favorite childhood memories are my birthdays, since my mom always went out of her way to make a big deal out of my day. Whether she threw a big party, whisked us on a weekend trip, or treated my friends to a Girls’ Day, my mom has always had a knack for making me feel truly special. Now that I’m an adult, she still manages to amaze me on my birthday. For my 24th last year, she took me to LA for the American Music Awards. We shopped in Beverly Hills and she helped me choose my very first Chanel handbag.
Just 19 when she had me, my mother has always been beautiful and charismatic—qualities that I know will be with her forever. We grew up together in many ways, and our bond seems to me a blend of a mother-daughter and sister relationship because we are so close. I can call her at any time and know that she will talk to me with love, honesty and humor. I’m lucky to count her as my best friend, and wish my mom a very happy Mother’s Day.
I chose these items because of their versatility. Black is my absolute favorite color to wear and the lace H&M top is an affordable option for anyone. You can mix it up in so many ways because it’s dressy and casual a must have basic.
The Rag and Bone boyfriend shorts are so comfortable, and their longer length adds a mature but edgy look. You don’t risk looking skimpy and the distress adds a “right now” trend.
The Vince espadrilles are having a major moment and very “Celine” inspired. They’re pricier than the rest but you can wear these with anything, and the height is for everyone.
Add some chic accessories to your basics and your set for Spring!
This gorgeous Spring Friday is the perfect day to sport a look from my favorite new addition to Tres Mariposas—fabulous designer, Jonathan Simkhai.
Jonathan Simkhai is a fresh contemporary line with an edge, and fine details that belie the affordable price tags. It’s no surprise that Hollywood is flocking to the designer’s knitwear, and his two piece crop tops and skirts are his speciality. I mentioned Jonathan Simkhai in my blog post about NYC, and I believe him to be not only “up and coming,” but a true and enduring talent.
At Tres, we have featured likes like Yigal Azrouel, Derek Lam and Jason Wu, but their designer looks comes with high-end prices tags. Jonathan Simkhai delivers the same quality aesthetic and an attainable price point (because unless you’re Ivanka Trump, shelling out $500+ for a top is more than a splurge). Tres received its first Simkhai order back in February, and our clients clamored over his fabulous, luxurious knits. Those pieces are back for Summer as transitional, forever pieces that will enjoy a long life in and out of your closet.
Jonathan has become a friend of mine, and revealed to me that before he made it big in the fashion industry, he worked as a cheerleading coach. He’s a New York native, a Parsons and FIT-trained designer, and he launched his first women’s wear collection in 2010.
In the photo below, I’m wearing an integrate piece that will be available for sale from Tres in a few short weeks. My sunglasses are by Prada and the shoes are Stuart Weitzman, also available at Tres Mariposas. I’m a fan of the color black in interesting textures, and my bottoms here are actually techno fiber skorts with pockets.
