Wearing a Vest in the Summer: Three Outfits from One Vest

My friend, Loreal, and I were complaining about how hard it is to dress in outfits during summer. Both of us crave layering like we would die without it. If an outfit cannot be adorned with cardigans, leggings, and scarves, then it just is not an outfit. Likewise, when you are in the midst of 100+ degree weather, jeans and a tank top are way too boring to accept as an everyday option. My friends, I give you the solution- VEST! Here are three different ways I've worn my vest from New York & Co. during the last week.


1. Casual

My tailored short denim shorts are a summer favorite, I love the length on them! The vest works because I have a long top on and allow the vest to define my waist. Paired with a chunky necklace and gladiator sandals makes this a great option for shopping, going to a BBQ or even a lunch date.

2. Business

Since I have a tattoo near my elbow, it is important for me to have elbow length tops for work. I tried to go to a meeting with a cardigan on and ended up standing in the sun, in 105 degree weather! By adding this vest, I can choose a light-weight top and still look professional. 

3. Date Night

It may be a surprise to some, but I do not take myself too seriously, not at all. I bought this red, jersey knit dress (also from NY&Co) and, while I love it, it is super sexy. It is hard for me to just say, "check me out in my hot red dress!" By dressing it down a bit with boots and my super cute vest, it allows me to still hint at sexiness but not be in-you-face about it.

If you are crazing a vest of your own, I strongly suggest checking out New York & Co. They have lots of sizes and all of the vests are nicely made and tailored. Have fun trying to layer this summer!

1980's Dance Night

Going out for a girl's night is always fun, especially getting to get dressed up! For me, dancing makes me think of the 1980's, a time of color, fun and music. This outfit was my way of taking what I love about the 80's but adding a modern cleanness.

It does not come across very well, but the tights are green, the same ones I wore during my challenge (Day 35). The striped racer-back tank was bought at H&M for $14.95! The skirt was $5 at Forever 21, in total the clothes cost about $30, not too shabby. There is no need to spend billions on a cute outfit, just check the quality and make sure you don't spend much on trendy clothes you might not be into next year. Save your money for pieces you will love forever, like these Steve Madden boots that are a huge go-to item for me.

To rock it out a little more, I added my favorite Ann Taylor motorcycle denim jacket, which also looks cute with the sleeves rolled up. For the first time, I threw this jacket in the wash as was super happy to find that it came out perfectly. I tend to wash all of my clothes with cold water on the delicate cycle and it really helps to preserve the clothes. You may also notice my $3 H&M neo shades! LOVE THEM! Not to be worn with every outfit, but a fun accessory to have in my bag.

Work Day to Date Night

I was feeling super frumpy and knew I needed to spice things up. The quickest way I know to get me in a good mood is change the way I look. Though I try and stay away from hoochie, short shorts and a long tank top are one of my favorite summer looks. Keeping the tank top long and full coverage helps to stay away from trashy. My shorts also have a tailored look to them with the single cuff on the hem.

I always like the option of having something that can go over my tank top. Looking into the far reaches of my closet, I found this short-sleeve jacket. My issue with it is it gets bunchy in the middle with the buttons, sash and fitted fabric. People knot the ends of trench coat sashes, so why not knot the ends of my sash? It is something different for me but I am happy that I finally got a chance to wear this jacket.

My solution to easy, cute hair is to simply pin back one side with crossed bobby pins. By french braiding with small sections, starting with the crown, a small braid is created which helps the hair stay in place.

Accessories!

Black and denim are the perfect base for adding a funky edge like my favorite, vintage coral necklace and cork peep-toe wedges. It would be easy to add lots of extras to this outfit, since it is simple, but by choosing the accessories deliberately allow for a sleek sexy look.

Stripes!

I really can’t say enough about how excited I am that stripes are big right now. I used to think horizontal stripes just make you look bigger than you are. The truth is it is easy to use stripes to flatter your body.

Here I am dressed for a meeting. This particular top has good size stripes and a little give, making it forgiving in the midsection.  The stripes continue over the arms; this is a great trick if you have broad shoulders, the sleeves also help to make my arms look longer and thinner. To make a black pencil skirt a little less Joan on Madmen and a bit more conservative, I added black tights and black pumps. I am still on my quest for pointed pumps, which would have worked much better with the outfit. The pashmina scarf adds texture and color. For some reason, I have it in my mind that if I wear a watch people will think I am punctual and dependable so I added my Mac Jacobs watch.

I often work from home with little chance that anyone will see me, however, I never know what my day is going to look like. Wearing a cropped (shorter, not necessarily belly showing) striped top can actually make you look skinnier when paired with a tight, long tank. Comfy, dark wash jeans and Toms make me feel homey but ready. Since I don’t like wearing makeup when I’m home, putting on red lipstick is a fun trick to help me feel feminine and takes about 2 seconds to apply. 

If you are not sure which size stripe will look good on you, consult a professional or try on every stripe top you can find in a store and have a trusty friend with you to help you be objective. Stores like Forever 21 are great for having many variations of the same style. This is especially helpful if you have a hard time NOT criticizing yourself while trying on clothes. The second striped top is one that was picked out by my stylist, Minh Le. Having her pick out the top gave me an idea of what I should look for when shopping by myself. 

Have a fun, stripe-filled summer!

New Accessories: Gray Satchel Purse and Coral Strappy Heels

Now that I can start adding some needed pieces to my wardrobe, I decided to splurge on what I think are must haves for the season!

This bag makes me so happy! I can wear it over my shoulder as a cross body bag or hold all three handles to carry the bag. This Olivia & Joy gray satchel is $88 at Macy's. I was going to buy it there, until another shopper snatch up the last gray one. The following weekend I went to Ross and found the EXACT SAME BAG for $34! I guess those commercials preaching about designer names being at discount stores were right... Well, what are you going to do? Buy the bag at 60% less, of course!

SHOES! I've been looking everywhere I go to find some sexy strappy heels and finally found them at H&M. I love budgeting $80 for shoes then only spending half of that. Nothing sexier than getting what you want for little monies! It is important, when having a bright highlight like these shoes, that they stay that way, as a highlight. Pairing exciting shoes with simple colors and clean lines puts all the attention on the shoes.

Side note, I went to Anthropologie in Santa Barbara and found this adorable tunic, didn't buy it, now am regretting it. I already looked online and they don't have it. If anyone sees it near Temecula in a L, let me know thanks ;)

Peace Love and Joy!
Erin