So, you want to pull on something comfy, yet fashionable that will be perfect for an afternoon (or day) out with the girls, parents, boyfriend, etc?

Dear beloved sweat pants & trusty t-shirt,

You are just not going to cut it today. So sorry (I am actually going to leave the house and go to more than just wal-mart). I will be back for some quality time the next rainy Saturday and we will have many more special days to come, I am sure….JUST NOT TODAY!

Much love,

Me.

Out of the closet comes the beautiful white, lace summer dress that you can always trust to be the perfect go to essential. It makes you feel like a princess in the summer, right?! To make it feel a little more like personalized, add some accessories: chunky bracelets, chandelier earrings, bangles perhaps? In my case, I would add tiffany heart earrings, a chunky turquoise necklace, and a fun, funky bracelet.

You may be looking at that dress saying it looks just like the last two-hundred times you have worn it. So, add a belt to it, skinny or thick (that is up to you), wrap a ribbon around it a couple times. Find delicate necklaces to wrap around the straps to add dimension and dangle around your shoulders (or ribbon, or thread). Try things out, take a picture of yourself, look it over, if it doesn’t work try something else. If it works, well, I am sure you know what to do; GO ROCK THAT LOOK!

Moving on to shoes, oh, one of my favorite subjects. I am sure you are going straight for your favorite worn-everyday-pair. STOP. I know we are talking about comfort; we are also talking about fashion. You have to have more than one pair of comfortable shoes, right?! So, try other combinations before you head straight for the worn-out shoes already by the door. Boots are a great choice this season, no matter what the season. There are also a great variety of sandals out there. Celebrate your feet, but keep comfort in mind! If you can wear heels and walk miles and still be completely comfortable, I hate you, ok maybe not truly HATE but still, come on. Keep in mind, the fashion magazines are great for inspiration, but put your own spin on things!

Mmmm, just as good as shoes, bags. As far as I am concerned right now there is only one possible bag to go with my outfits, the Lucky Brand Abbey Road, in teal. You can choose whatever you feel goes well with this outfit; messenger, hobo, clutch, etc. I am a big supporter of colored accessories. Especially bags. I think they bring a lot of attitude to an outfit, and it you find one that really expresses your personal style, it really says a lot about you as an individual, in purely a cosmetic sense.

This being stated, I love my hair, I love doing it, but it takes FOREVER! So, I adore hats. I have all my life. When I was little I wore pots on my head, wrapped scarves around my head, put diapers on my head (oh, yes…its true). I have been a lover of all things milliner since a very young age. So, for this outfit I have chosen a charming knit beret to add a pop of color. What is your favorite kind of hat? I am not sure I could answer that question myself…..but I am looking forward to your answers!

Last but not least, I always grab a cardigan or sweatshirt in case of cool weather or insane air-conditioning. This is usually draped over my bag, or in my bag so I don’t have to deal with it all the time. For this I have picked a light, knit purple cardigan that can be worn over the whole outfit or belted over the dress for a more defined shape. There are so many choices when it comes to outerwear! My mom would tell you all how obsessed I am with coats and other such things. Capes, caplets, trench coats, military jackets (the fashionable kind please), jean jackets, cropped jackets, etc; I could go on and on.

This outfit seems perfect for an afternoon shopping in SoHo. Followed by an early evening picnic with a charming young man of cheese, sandwiches, wine, raspberries & chocolate; followed by a stroll with a puppy and a little game of fetch. Maybe back to his place for a movie??

What does your comfy yet fashionable outfit look like & where would you wear it?

Glitz & Glamour,

Kat

P.S. Good luck to all of those students returning to class! I am just about to run all over campus to get books and things too, so I feel your pain.