Gone Casual

The goods:
• chambray top and necklace from Forever21
• wrap skirt from Gap 
• bangles from IGWT, Winifred Grace

So turns out there's more in my closet than just blazers and jeans! I dug this skirt out of my archives for a more breezy, summery look than my usual tailored pieces. Paired with a casual chambray top and beachy hair, it seems more appropriate for the balmy weather this week.

Chic in Chambray

I've just about worn holes in my fave chambray shirt – I just love the ease and versatility of casual denim pieces. I love pairing the simple solids with everything from bright red pants, to tying my shirt over a sundress, to pairing denim cutoffs with a sleek black blazer. Below are some of my summer denim staples (which I definitely put to good use this past holiday weekend) ...

clockwise from top: a comfy chambray shirt dress  \\  easy aline skirt  \\  classic cutoffs  \\  my go-to shirt  \\  a crisp denim vest

So Long Summer

The goods:
• blazer, pants, and ballet flats from Zara
• chambray shirt from J.Crew
• vintage watch and bracelets  

What a difference a day makes! Only in Chicago do we enjoy a balmy summer day and plummet down to the 60s the next. In all honesty, I don't know that I was 100% ready to give up on my blazers just yet. I love true spring weather – warm enough where you don't need a coat and you can get away with a little jacket and flats. I will welcome the summer weather ... you know, in summer.

Chic in Chambray

The goods:
• chambray dress from Marshalls
• white shirt from Banana Republic 
• sweater from Nordstrom
• necklace from Forever21
• platform booties by Report   

I often dip into my summer dress collection to create winter ensembles. This chambray dress is great in warm weather with simple sandals and a hint of tan, but paired with warm tights and some added layers, it's a subtle nod to summer in the middle of winter weather. There's just something sweet and summery about chambray fabrics - maybe that's my subconscious reason for snapping up all the fun pieces I find.