Summer Fashion – Brick Marshmallows

Gingham is as vintage as Dorothy’s iconic dress, but still manages to remain fresh each year when Summer rolls around. Lemonade stands, picnics, baseball games, parties by the pool, sandy beaches, and gingham. It’s what we crave when the sunshine arrives to free us from cold weather. This year, though, gingham is more than a traditional summer staple. It has stepped up and is being rolled out as a fashion trend. Old is somehow new again.

There are words we write in stone, aren’t there? They are our character signatures. Honesty, kindness, love, hope … caring for our children, looking after a friend in need, and believing in a power that is much higher than ourselves … those are a few we probably all share. Other things, however, we write in the sand. Those things are wiped away when the next wave comes in, never to be seen again. Perhaps they are dreams meant for only our eyes. Or maybe they are plans that are still in the building phase. As summer makes her way in, even though you may be as vintage as gingham, be new again. Take one of those dreams you’ve been writing in the sand, and dare to put it in stone.

Since gingham is this season’s hottest fashion trend, you must put a piece in your wardrobe. Pronto! I found this cute off-the-shoulder black and white gingham romper at Lizard Thicket. The fabric is cool, breezy, and wrinkle resistant. Easy to pack for vacation. And the draw string tie at the waist makes this romper adjustable for nearly every body type.

Rompers are so practical, by the way … they are a whole outfit that’s already put together. It’s like getting two pieces of clothing for the price of one. And no thinking or planning is ever required. You simply slip it on like a summer dress and go. The romper can be dressed up or down, and will always remain a classic.

When I wear anything off the shoulders, I toss my hair up. For this quick up-do, I started with a high pony and loosely wrapped my hair around and into a loose bun, not worrying about stray strands of hair. Then I secured it with a few bobby pins. It’s not perfect, but that’s the point.

This lightweight fabric teemed with a classic style I didn’t have to piece together is a winner. Channel your inner Dorothy this season with some gingham. While it’s true that there really is no place like home, you can still step out of your box with a romper and have an adventure or two. This season is yours to seize. Write something in stone, but don’t stop doodling in the sand. Like vintage gingham, re-establish your place in the world. And be new again.

Just my thoughts,

~Melanie

With the onset of summer, I always gravitate toward carrying a bigger bag. Do you? I mean, there’s something to be said for being prepared when the weather warms up. Throw in a bathing suit … a pack of peanut butter and crackers … a water bottle … a pair of flip flops … a Little Debbie or two or three (give me a break, I am from the south!) … and you’re prepared for anything the day may bring.

For me, there’s no better choice for summer than a crochet bag that goes with everything. This hobo bag, offered by The Sak, is the perfect size for slipping in those extra somethings. The long slender handle welcomes you to carry your belongings comfortably beneath your arm. This bag is roomy, spacious, and can be dressed up or down. And best of all, on Amazon, you can get it for a steal by clicking here.

While most of the time I’m touting the fit and flare dress, every summer wardrobe must have a solid colored, semi-short, swingy dress. I chose black, because I’m so basic, but any solid color will work. Gently kissing your knees when you walk, this timeless style is subtly flirtatious and can be utilized in many ways. Do you need to wear your bathing suit to and from the pool or the beach? Well, lucky for you, this dress stands in perfectly as a cover up. (From much experience, by the way, I know that no one will ever guess you’re wearing a bathing suit underneath it) …. Are you planning to attend an outdoor concert or to have dinner at your favorite restaurant? Pair this dress with some fun jewelry, a dressy belt, and cute sandals to have a romantic night out on the town while looking fantastic. Running errands? No problem. Pull on a pair of Converse chuck sneakers and go. I wash and hang my dress so the cotton won’t wear. It will be on my body once a week during the months of May thru August. It’s a must have.

Last, but not least, let’s talk about sunglasses. Confession: The most I’ve ever spent on a pair of shades is fifty dollars. (Do the words fifty and shades, when used in the same sentence, make you stop in your tracks for a moment? Or is it just me? haha.). Anyway, some eyes will roll right here, because fashionistas take their designer sunglasses seriously. But my top end falls far short of the higher end price tags, because I’m the worst about losing and/or misplacing them. Most often, to be honest, I pick up a few pair for fifteen or twenty bucks each and keep them all in the glove compartment of my car. I’m functional that way.

These rose colored sunglasses by Nine West are my latest find:

For thirty dollars, they are also a great deal! They look very trendy, and in my humble opinion, rival the top brands. The pop of color makes them more interesting than a traditional brown, black, or gold … while the rose shade compliments most any hair color and skin tone. They can be found here .

So there you have it, peeps. Allow a crochet hobo bag, a swingy dress, and some rose colored shades to be your inexpensive solution to versatility, comfort, and style. Don’t dawdle for too long, because the heat is rolling in. And for gosh sakes, don’t forget the Little Debbie’s. They won’t improve your swimsuit body, but they sure do taste awfully yummy. Treat yourself!

Just my thoughts,

~Melanie

Tag: Summer Fashion

A Summer Of Gingham

A Big Bag, A Swingy Dress, & Pink Shades