Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Closet Basics: The White Tee (under $10!)

white tee and dark wash skinny jeans outfit inspo

cartier tank watch and monogrammed signet pinky ring

mark and graham monogrammed leather bucket bag

true religion halle skinny jeans

talbots mira ballet flats

old navy boyfriend tee


old navy boyfriend tee and true religion halle skinny jeans
Boyfriend Tee (just $6!!!!!)// Dark Wash Skinny Jeans
Red Suede Flats (on sale under $100, comes in 7 color options)
Over the past few months, I've gotten a lot of requests to share some more casual outfits. To be honest, I typically 'dress up'. That's just my nature and what I'm drawn to. However, every once in a while, I will wear a super casual outfit. Case in point: today's post! There is nothing more classic and simple than dark wash skinny jeans, a crisp white tee shirt and ballet flats. It's so effortless but it still looks put together. Not to mention, it's beyond comfortable. It's a great off-duty/weekend look and the perfect thing for fall (especially since it's really easy to layer sweaters/jackets over top). 

Every time I switch my closets over (aka every fall/spring), I always make sure to meticulously go through each piece and get rid of the things I no longer wear. But, on top of that, I also inspect things that get a lot of wear and assess whether or not they need to be replaced. 

I typically go by the idea of spending more on your classics/staple items so they last longer. However, with tees, especially white tees, I always try to save as much as possible. In my opinion, there is no sense in spending $50+ on tee shirts you are likely to be wearing under sweaters or on weekend errand runs. I found SO many great options (I literally tried every single style on) and they are all under $10. My favorite, the boyfriend style, is currently on sale for just $6! I ended up purchasing 11 different tees and my total was under $70! I'm now stocked and ready for the fall season! 

My second favorite tee was this long sleeved tunic. I got it in the blush, the black, and the gray. I think the black tunic will look super sleek and chic when paired with black leggings and a Patagonia vest for weekends or commuting to yoga (I only have to walk two blocks, now!). The blush and and the gray versions I got for just lounging around at home.

Do you have a go-to tee shirt that is affordable?  If so, share your resources in the comment below for others to check out (and for me!!).

Monday, August 29, 2016

Easy Summer to Fall Transitional Outfit




Cap-toe Slingbacks (also available Here, Here, Here, Here
You know my favorite leather pleated skirt from last year? The one I wore in about a billion blog posts (proof here, here, here, here).... well, this year it came out in a burgundy shade and I fell in love, again. This shade of deep red, sometimes almost purple, is everywhere for fall. I don't typically look great in the color, so I avoid tops in this shade, however, I love adding a dose of this cabernet shade with skirts/accessories, etc. 

This sweater tank, (super affordable) pleated skirt, and cap-toe shoes are all pieces you can wear right now and well into fall/winter. I plan on wearing the sweater tank under a blazer as the temps dip, and the skirt with sweaters and tights/booties. The shoes are totally a neutral, super comfortable, and can be worn work-to-play! But, paired together, these pieces still keep me cool in the still-warm weather but the colors give a hint of autumn's arrival! 

As for sizing, the sweater tank runs big. I sized down from a usual small to an x-small and the skirt I am wearing a size 2. 
Shoes run slightly small, I usually would go for an 8, but sized up to an 8.5 in these! The shoes are the pair that I talked about a few weeks ago. They're such a great dupe for the $1200 Chanel pair! I've also included some other pairs that are available on other retailers and similar styles. View them by scrolling through the widget above!

Friday, August 26, 2016

Watermelon Cocktail Recipe








This post is just in time for the weekend (woooo!). There are only a few days until the pools are closed and kids are already starting to head back to school, however, might I remind you, summer isn't 'technically' over until around the end of September! 

So, therefore, there's always room to have a delicious summery cocktail for your next get together. I will forewarn you: this one takes a little elbow grease but I promise it is worth it! 

What you'll need: 
  • Fresh cubed watermelon
  • Sliced limes
  • Basil leaves 
  • club soda (I used Schweppes Lemon Lime)
  • Gin or vodka (based on your preference)
  • Ice Cubes
  • Large bowl and wooden spoon
1. In a large bowl place watermelon cubes and basil leaves and crush/muddle with wooden spoon. You'll need a lot of watermelon for enough 'juice' for a pitcher of cocktails. 
2. After you have enough juice for at least 2 cocktails (around 16 oz.) squeeze in half a lime. 
3. Pour into cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. 
4. Strain into glasses with ice add 1.5 oz of either vodka or gin 
5. Top off with a splash of club soda. I used my favorite, Schweppes Lemon Lime to give it extra flavor. Garnish with watermelon wedge. 

This cocktail is super light, not at all sweet, and perfect for a hot afternoon. It would even be great minus the liquor to serve to those who don't drink. Happy sipping! 

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Lately 8/25/2016



First of all, I'd like to point out that this is the last Lately post of August. Is anyone else as shocked as I am? I feel like August lasted for all of a day. I blinked and now it's practically September. I love the fall and am so ready to welcome it with open arms, but I always get a twinge of sadness as the seasons change; especially with summertime coming to a close and everyone going back to school. It will be different for me this year since my sister, Callie, won't be heading back to college (she graduated in May!). It's crazy to think she's out of college, and it has only just hit me now that she is here. Oh what fun we are going to have this fall :)

Wearing: I wrote in last week's post that I was doing the 'party peddler' with some friends. It was so much fun, I'd definitely recommend it for those who have them available in their city. I wanted to look put together because I knew we'd end up going somewhere afterward, so I wore a tennis skirt! It was the perfect thing for this type of outing (especially with the shorts underneath) and was so glad I had it on hand! There was a Steeler game going on that night at Heinz Field, so of course, I had to wear my black and gold Jack Rogers, too!

Watching: Who else is SO excited for football season? Someone shared this video on Facebook which is a great highlight reel from Superbowl 43, and it got me so excited for the first regular season game. This was probably one of my favorite moments in sports during my lifetime. I mean seriously, that game-winning catch by Santonio Holmes is epic. How can that not give you chills?! I vividly remember how amazing this was and how much we were all screaming and cheering.

Reading: Love this article from the Economist about stress. I have no chill sometimes and could really relate to a lot of the points in this article. Plus, it gives you an entirely new (and positive) way to look at stress.

Pittsburgh-ing: Last week, Bazaar named Pittsburgh, America's Most Underrated City. How cool is that? The article is awesome and features some of Pittsburgh's best food/sights/etc. I'm obviously very biased about Pittsburgh, so I love when other people/outlets pick up on how amazing Pittsburgh really is!
Wanting: I kind of hate that I want these so badly because they're so trendy right now, but at the same time, a loafer is always a classic. I just love them. They're so simple and luxe. They come in three different colors, but I'm partial to the black or the brown. Which would you choose? I'm also dying for these... I need some more closet space!! 

Listening: August's playlist was really good. You can find it by clicking here if you have Spotify or you can listen to it embedded in this post if you do not. I know it's a few days early, but I thought I'd get a head start on September's playlist. I'll link it here, if you'd like to listen, and then embed it for those non-Spotify-ers next week when there is more to choose from!

Quoting: 'Life becomes more meaningful when you realize the simple fact that you'll never get the same moment twice.' See more of my favorites, here.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Sick Day Essentials

Sick Day Essentials
I'm currently on the mend from being sick for the past few days so it has really thrown off my entire schedule. There was a solid 24 hours where I literally couldn't bring myself to get out of bed even for water or Advil. It's times like that that remind me not to take good health for granted. So today I thought I'd talk about 'sick day essentials' that you should have on hand just-in-case. Since this was my first time being sick in my new place, it was interesting to find out how prepared I was and wasn't...especially because it came on pretty quickly. It's also timely, too, because I think a lot of these items are great to stock up on for those headed to college and cold and flu season will be here before we know it. 

An Extra Set of Fresh Sheets
I feel like this is something that most people wouldn't think of, but always having a set of fresh sheets available, never hurts. I'm a big proponent of changing my sheets often, so this is always the case for me, but it was so nice to be able to put on fresh sheets post-sickness without having to use time and energy on a load of laundry right then and there. I also have tons of extra pillow shams. I change my shams every other night, sometimes even nightly. 

Medicine
This is probably the most obvious thing, but wouldn't you know I had run out of Advil midway through being sick. Luckily, I had some Nyquil to back me up. I'm not huge on taking medicine, but this was totally necessary. I always prefer ibuprofen (what's in Advil) over acetaminophen (what's in Tylenol/Nyquil etc.) It's important to educate yourself on anything you ever put into your body and consult a doctor if you are ever unsure. 

Thermometer
This is one of those things that I totally didn't have. As an adult, you kind of know when you have a fever, but I would have liked something to tell me how bad it really was. 

Purell Wipes
I carry these often and always keep a pack in my car. I don't like liquid Purell because of the smell and the residue it leaves on my hands, but the wipes are awesome. I also like to have them post-sickness to make sure I don't get anyone else sick! 

Something with Sugar/Carbs
I usually drink ginger ale and always have it on hand because it's a great cocktail mixer, but I also drank watered down Gatorade and orange juice. I'd usually never drink any of those liquids, but I needed something other than just water to give me a boost of energy/strength because I wasn't eating. I also hate taking medicine, so washing down the Nyquil with OJ was very necessary. Tea is another great thing to have on hand.

Bland Food
When you're sick, you likely don't want to eat anything. I had no appetite but forced myself to eat chicken noodle soup and toast. I love chicken noodle soup in general, so I always have it on hand. It's also perfectly easy to throw in a bowl and microwave quickly if you have to do it yourself... I love the Campbell's chicken and stars soup on the go because you don't even need to transfer it to a bowl! 

A great eye mask
This one that I recently got was a lifesaver. You're likely sleeping all day, even while the sun is up. Total darkness is key and an eye mask helps a ton. This is really great for college students who may be on different schedules than their roommates. I used one all throughout college and still do to this day!

Cleaning Supplies
Seriously, tonight I plan on deep cleaning every nook and cranny. Because it will make me feel better and put-together but it will also make me feel comfortable about having guests over again without the chance of them getting sick!

What are your go-to sick day essentials? Any tips or tricks?! 

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Desk-to-Drinks Outfit








Lace Dress// Lace-up flats  (under $100!)
I think finding work appropriate clothing is pretty much like finding a needle in a haystack. There are very few pieces that I come across and fall in love with. However, I had no idea that ModCloth has an entire section devoted to work-wear. And it is awesome. I've always known and loved that they carry such unique dresses, and earlier this year, I learned that they have some really great loungewear pieces, too! 

My number one rule when choosing something that's top purpose is for work is that it can be transitioned for another event. For example, I love this gray lace dress for work. It's conservative, neutral, and the length is just right. I paired it with these lace-up flats  (under $70!) because when you are walking in a city, flats are a necessity. 

However, I can also wear this lace dress to a multitude of other occasions and events. It would pair well with heels and a statement necklace for a cocktail party and I can definitely wear the shoes with jeans on the weekends! I even love that this works well during the day in an office but you can swap out shoes/bag/accessories and head straight to a dinner date or happy hour! I am always on-the-go, so whenever I can switch up my 'base' pieces just by switching out accessories, I'm sold!

Shop some of my other favorite wear-to-work pieces in the widget above. Most of them are very affordable and are all fully in stock in most sizes! Thank you to ModCloth for sponsoring this post. 

Monday, August 22, 2016

Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale August 2016





Today's post will be a quick one. I've been in bed the past 24 hours really sick. I am hoping it's just a quick bug, though! However, I wanted to pop in to let you know that the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale is live


It runs now through tomorrow, so act fast. Don't worry if you don't snag something you are dying for because things sell out so quickly! I've pulled in all of my past Lilly posts which you can view by clicking the links below! 

Other Lilly Looks from This Summer:

The Leah Shift Dress (what I'm wearing in the 2nd and 3rd photo) is included in the sale and is on major markdown! It runs true to size. I am wearing a size 2. 

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Saturday Shopping: Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale August 2016



As I'm sure most of you are aware, the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale starts at 8am ET this Monday and goes through Tuesday! I've partnered with Lilly to release something fun tomorrow, so be sure to follow on Instagram (@SummerWind41490) to get the news! In honor of the sale (seriously, this is like Christmas to me, haha!) I figured I'd share some of my favorite Lilly pieces above. 

In case you have any questions about the sale, I've covered the info in past posts which you can read here. But Lilly also has a really great FAQ page that's constantly updated for information regarding the sale! Happy shopping! 

Friday, August 19, 2016

Off-the-shoulder Dress Under $100


 


Dress// Bracelets// Pinky Ring (similar)

Happy Friday, everyone! Today I'm sharing an outfit that I wore a few weeks ago at the lake in Georgia. To say it was muggy hot during part of our stay is an understatement, so this lightweight dress was great to have on hand! 

I'm really not a fan of the off-the-shoulder trend. I've tried it a few times, but I feel that it doesn't flatter my broad shoulders and it's hard for me to see the value in buying something that is very trendy. However, I tried this dress on on a whim and really loved it. It has the shift-style shape that I typically love in other dresses. It also is a great shade of ivory that's almost in the blush family. It's a very different shade of white than anything else I own which is what originally drew me to it! 

I also love that the elastic is only around the shoulders which makes it look less 'cheapy' than other options available online. And the best part? It's well under $100! I felt OK with adding it to my closet fully knowing that it may not be in style in a few years. The ruffled sleeves add a little fun detail, too, don't you think? 

As a side note, I'm not a vodka drinker, I typically stick to gin. BUT, I do love a good Moscow mule every once in a while. If you are not familiar with Moscow mules, it is made with lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer. It's very light and refreshing, and especially great during the summer months. And who doesn't love a gorgeous copper mug (cute one here, too!)? My best tip is to get Fever Tree ginger beer. I really think that this brand is the best and is a total game-changer when it comes to making Moscow mules. Another great mixer by Fever Tree is their tonic water-- so good you could almost drink it by itself!

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Lately 8/18/2016


Announcing: OH SHIFT! Who’s ready for the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale?! I have all the details because Lilly is leaking the info to several bloggers! It is set to go live in-stores and online on August 22nd and 23rd. I’m spilling more juice about the sale on Sunday so follow along on Instagram (@SummerWind41490)! Be sure to check out the sale page FAQ to get prepared!


Wearing: These are two photos from the late in late July. I love wearing all-white and continue to do so even in the wintertime. This is a great and easy outfit for the last few summer days. I also wear the sweater with dark jeans in early fall and continue to wear the white shorts throughout September!

Wearing II: This is what I wore out on Saturday night. I had some friends over for cocktails, then we headed to Station for dinner, and then to the bars in Shadyside. It was so hot, so minimal clothing was definitely necessary! This skirt is on major sale and these gray bow sandals (heeled) are so comfortable and beyond cute!

Drinking: I can't remember if I have ever suggested this bottle of wine, but it is Joel Gott cabernet sauvignon 2013. It's in most state stores and runs around $15ish a bottle. It is SO good for the price. It can really hold its own against $50/$60 bottles! I definitely recommend it!

Wanting: Not a whole lot on my list this week, just some random items! 

Watching: I just watched The American President. It's free if you have Amazon Prime. I love a good late '80's/early '90s movie and this is a great one. It's a drama/romance and stars Michael Douglas and Annette Bening. It's basically a love story of the president dating/falling in love (his wife had died while in office)... I won't say any more, watch for yourself!

Watching III: Should I rename this post 'Watching'? I've just seen some really great stuff around the internet this week! This ad by Under Armor is amazing. I not only think the message is powerful, but the cinematography is beautifully shot. It just goes to show how inspiring an ad can be without shoving the brand's logo in the audience's face.

Pittsburgh-ing: This weekend I went to a new-to-me restaurant, Station. It is located right on Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield. It has a really cool pub-style atmosphere with large bar area and then a separate dining area. Slightly hipster, slightly industrial, but overall a really cozy, cool atmosphere. A full bar with plenty of unique, craft cocktails to choose from, too. I just had a gin and tonic which was perfectly good. I got the burger, which was a 'safe' choice for me, but my goodness was this a great burger. It was topped with asiago fondue, an onion ring, cooked to perfection beef, and then also had an onion jam. So, so good. The fries were perfect and came with a side of aioli that tasted like mustard seed and mayo. Yum. Definitely a great spot worth checking out if you are in Pittsburgh!

Recommending: Sorry for the terrible photo/no makeup pic, but I just had to include this because it's too good not to. These skinny jeans are from Old Navy and were on sale for just $15. They have a ton of other washes and fits and the fit on every pair I tried are incredible. I swear by a certain style of True Religion jeans, but they run around $200. These $15 jeans are totally comparable to my favorite $200 jeans. I definitely recommend them. I'll be styling a different pair in a blog post coming up in a few weeks, so keep an eye out for that! They run big. I typically wear a 27 in almost all denim, which equates to a size 4, but wear a size 2 in all of their jeans!


Reading: Carly wrote an awesome article about our girls' trip to Martha's Vineyard on Glitter Guide! She recapped all of our favorites into one easy to digest guide. Such a great article, bravo, Carly!


Listening: I've shared my August playlist plenty this month. I've still been adding songs to it, but this week, my focus was on the playlist you see above. My girlfriends and I organized a 'party peddler' for a group of our friends. It kind of looks like a trolley that you'd see in San Francisco, but inside, there are seats for a bunch of people. You rent the entire trolley and your group literally pedals the trolley like a bike. It sounds a little odd, and that's because it is, but it's really popular in Pittsburgh. We are doing it tonight and I'm so excited. You get to pedal all over the north shore/downtown Pittsburgh, which will be extra fun because there is a pre-season Steeler game tonight! And then, in the middle of the trolley, there is a bar, so you can literally have cocktails as you pedal. Such a novelty, right? But it's a fun group, so it's sure to be a great time! I made this playlist specifically for our party peddler, but I have to say this is one of my best playlists ever. It's got such a good mix. Everything from classic rock, to rap, to Motown, to 90's pop is on this playlist. Everything is upbeat and they're all crowd pleasers. Definitely a great playlist for any type of fun party you are arranging!

Quoting: 'None of us want to be in calm waters all our lives.' // Find more of my favorite quotes here.
 

© Summer Wind Blog 2017 / site design by kiki and co. / disclosure