Hey, gang!  Today we’re continuing with our Spring Preview series with a focus on Spring colors 2022.  Simply stated, Spring colors this year are bright and arguably bolder than recent years.  “Very Peri”—the new shade of periwinkle—took Pantone’s 2022 color of the year.  But bright yellows, orangey-reds, and blues are on-trend.  Stylecaster has colors like 

• tangy lime; 
• hot orange; 
• cerulean; and
• radiant yellow

as in-for-Spring.  If you poke around other fashion magazines and websites you’ll see similar palettes.  

Spring colors 2022

Today’s post is super simple:  I’ve rounded up 5 bright colors I’m loving this year and dug into the archives to show you different ways to style each color.  Those (general) colors are:  

• purple; 
• yellow; 
• pink;
• orangey-red; and 
• blue. 

Anyone who follows me regularly knows I love neutrals.  But I have and will continue to embrace color any chance I get.  No doubt “bright and bold” can sometimes be difficult to incorporate into our wardrobe.  But remember, there are a lot of ways to introduce color pops into your classic wardrobe.  If you’re not a fan of colorful tops or bottoms, try a handbag or scarf.  If you’re on the fence about “yellow”, try pairing yellow shoes with a pair of black or white pants.  

Have fun this Spring looking for new and interesting ways to introduce color into your closet.  And as silly as it sounds, remember: a little color goes a lot further than we might think in a world that often seems dark. 

2022 new arrivals 

For each featured color, I’ve rounded up 12 new arrivals I’m loving from 3 retailers: 

• Talbots;
• Ann Taylor; and 
• J.Crew.

I’m really enjoying each’s Spring collection.  You can shop my picks by clicking on the widgets at the end of each section.  You’ll see many of my picks in the upcoming weeks. 

Purple 

Shop purple (click below)

Yellow 

Shop yellow (click below)

Pink

Shop pink (click below)

Orangey-Red 

Shop orangey-red (click below)

Blue

Shop blue (click below)

In case you missed it

Our Spring preview series is in full swing.  In case you’ve missed any of our posts, make sure to check out 

• 5 shoes trending this Spring; 
• 5 must-try hairstyles this Spring; and  
• 2022 denim trends you will love (and hate). 

Daily Looks 

We just posted a new DAILY LOOK, so make sure to check it out. Daily Looks is a really simple feature:  a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom.

The weather in Georgia has been flirting with spring the past week or so. And I can’t say that I’m mad about it. While fall and winter have lots to offer regarding fashion: cashmere sweaters, coats, boots, scarves, and mittens, there’s something to be said about shedding a layer or two and showing some skin and that brand spanking new pedicure. It’s the perfect dress for wedding season with a pair of sassy shoes.

Perfect dress for wedding season

Bright colors are trending for spring 2022; saffron and green are seen everywhere, and oversized blazers find their power in volume. But black and white are here to stay, so I couldn’t resist a flirty black and white dress with subtle shades of purple throughout. An asymmetric ruffled hem adds a hint of feminity while the chiffon fabric adds movement. What can I say about the smocked waist, except it’s flattering and forgiving?!

As we head into spring special occasions are on the horizon with Easter, Mother’s Day, Graduations, and Weddings. This dress ticks all the boxes and is available at my favorite retailer, Nordstrom. As a matter of fact, my white sandals, black sandals, and black quilted handbag harken from Nordstrom too. It’s one-stop shopping at its best!

Today, I’m showcasing two pairs of sandals with this perfect dress for wedding season. One black and one white from Vince Camuto and Sam Edelman, respectively. Both brands are available at Nordstrom. What I love about both shoes is the of the moment square toe. Footwear is an easy way to incorporate trends into your wardrobe without going over the top. Add a pointy-toe pump or jewel-encrusted sandals, and this dress has special occasion written all over it. Or keep the shoes simple, and you’re ready for the weekend.

A simple white canvas handbag (old, similar here and here) ties back to the white sandals.

dress | black sandals | white sandals | black handbag | canvas handbag (old, similar here and here) | similar bracelet

Shop Shoes

Click the photo to shop

Shop Dresses

Click the photo to shop

Nordstrom

A few of my favorite things about Nordstrom.

• free shipping and returns by mail or in-store
• buy online pick up in store
• curbside pick up (no muss, no fuss. Nordstrom brings your merchandise to you while you wait in your car)
• the Nordy club earns 1 point per dollar, status based on spend, and enjoys perks to beauty and style workshops, curbside pickup, and the first to shop select brands.

dress | black sandals | white sandals | black handbag | canvas handbag (old, similar here and here) | similar bracelet

A big thank you to Nordstrom for this sponsored post. And thank you, lovely readers, for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas.

In case you missed it

Yesterday, we began our spring preview by deep-diving into 2022 denim trends.

And if you haven’t checked out our new addition to the blog, DAILY LOOKS, make sure to do just that. Daily Looks is a really simple feature:  a dedicated photo feed of my daily outfits. And you can shop those outfits easily through the shop the widget below the picture. 

i took the plunge and got a new haircut!  but before we get into that, it’s why i love summer dresses this week on the blog.  on Monday, we featured a maxi dress and yesterday a shirtdress. with so many different types of dresses and prints, it’ll be impossible to get through them all.  but i think you’re going to love today’s OOTD:  we’re giving you a glance of my new haircut and a shift dress for summertime.

why i love summer dresses

it’s hard to find a single item in my closet more feminine than a dress.  and when summer roles around, you don’t really need an excuse to wear one other than, well, it’s hot outside.  it’s hard to say what type of dress is my favorite, but the shift dress is hard to beat—it’s a classic.   what’s your favorite type of dress to wear during the summer months? 

floral shift dress | suede sandals | crossbody bag | wicker bag | wicker bag 2 | bangles

a ruffle shift dress 

i’m loving this floral shift dress from Ann Taylor.  we feature floral prints a lot on the blog.  that’s because they’re always on trend; they never go out of style.  flowers are such a part of my personal aesthetic.  (my hydrangeas have taken off this year!) whether you’re wearing a floral print shirt, pants, or a dress, you really cannot go wrong.  i’ve paired this dress with a pair of suede sandals.  (who loves sandal season as much as i do?)  easy.  peasy.  a perfect summer outfit.  

floral shift dress | suede sandals | crossbody bag | wicker bag | wicker bag 2 | bangles

a glance of my new haircut

over the past few months, i’ve received a lot of questions and comments about my hair.  i grew it out during quarantine—i think many of us did—but i finally got a new cut!  i’m loving the look and feel of it and wanted to give you a quick glimpse.  something totally new and different, because who doesn’t need to change things up right now.  

floral shift dress | suede sandals | crossbody bag | wicker bag | wicker bag 2 | bangles

we’re continuing our series why i love summer dresses, and we’re focusing on the mighty shirtdress.  what a fun and flexible dress:  it comes in so many shapes, styles, and colors.  i’m particularly excited today, because i’m going to take a shirtdress i wore in the fall and show you how how to wear a shirtdress for summer.  they key, ladies, is in the accessories:  a simple sandal swap here and a bag swap there can breathe new life into an old favorite.   

why i love summer dresses

this week we’re talking about dresses.  yesterday, we featured a satin maxi dress on the blog.  it’s the perfect dress to dress up for an evening out (or in) depending.  today, we’re focused on the shirtdress.  i’ve got on a denim one (similar here and here).  there are so many different styles of shirtdresses, though.  i’ve put together some i love, ranging from a button-up one to a flutter sleeve one.  

similar shirtdress | similar shirtdress 2 | linen-cotton shirtdress | button-up shirtdress | flutter sleeve shirtdress | midi shirtdress | similar sandals | similar belt | similar bag | similar bag 2

the same dress last fall

in our post how to wear a denim dress, i showed you a denim shirtdress i first featured in the fall of 2018.  it’s one of my favorite dresses, not just because it’s denim, but because of how well it pairs with accessories.  the dress came with a self-tie sash that i swapped for one of my favorites – a classic braided belt. these suede booties are seeing a lot of action lately. they’re a great transition item that’s helping to ease my wardrobe from summer to fall. the mid-heel height is perfectly comfortable, and the gold grommets add just enough detail to give them some oomph. 

similar shirtdress | similar shirtdress 2 | linen-cotton shirtdress | button-up shirtdress | flutter sleeve shirtdress | midi shirtdress | similar sandals | similar belt | similar bag | similar bag 2

how to wear a shirtdress for summer

i love how swapping out a belt and booties  breathes new life into the dress.  i’m loving strapped sandals this summer, and there’s nothing like a simple leather belt to contrast against denim.  i said it once, and i’ll say it again:  you can breath new life into any old favorite through accessories.  

similar shirtdress | similar shirtdress 2 | linen-cotton shirtdress | button-up shirtdress | flutter sleeve shirtdress | midi shirtdress | similar sandals | similar belt | similar bag | similar bag 2

last week, i told you why i’m still dress obsessed this summer. it was so much fun to go through the archives and pick out my favorite summer dresses from last summer, that we decided we’d make a whole week out of it.  we’re launching dress week here on the blog, and all week i’m featuring my favorite dresses from this summer.  today, we’re talking why i love summer dresses: the maxi dress.  

why i love summer dresses

in Athens it can get hot.  although we’ve had a mild summer so far, there are days where pants—whether they be jeans or slacks—are just too hot.  shorts are an obvious alternative, but not every woman of a certain age loves shorts as much as i do.  that’s where the dress comes in.  there are so many styles and fabrics to choose from.   from sheath to a-line; tweed to denim; the possibilities are endless.  what’s your favorite type of dress to wear during the summer heat?    

dress | clutch | clutch 2  | sandals | sandals 2 | sandals 3 | belt | bracelet | earrings

the maxi dress 

i’m loving this new satin ruched maxi dress from Banana Republic.  the fabric is divine.  and i chose the muted olive green because of my skin tone, but the dress is also carried in a golden yellow which is quite striking.  add some metallics for some subtle class; or add a patterned scarf for visual interest.  there are so many interesting ways to elevate a summer dress. 

dress | clutch | clutch 2  | sandals | sandals 2 | sandals 3 | belt | bracelet | earrings

dress up when you’re feeling… 

earlier this spring, we talked about dressing up when you’re feeling down.   it’s such a good way to get out of those ruts which seem to be more prevalent these days.  and there’s no easier way to get dressed up than in a, well, dress.  the maxi dress is one of my personal favorites:  so airy, making it perfect for those warm summer days.  but also so classy and chic—perfect for evening drinks on the patio.  

dress | clutch | clutch 2  | sandals | sandals 2 | sandals 3 | belt | bracelet | earrings

is there anything that says “summer” more than linen?  it’s one of my favorite fabrics, and i wear it liberally during the hot months here in Athens.  linen is cool and fresh, and it comes in just about any way you could want to wear it:  shirts, pants, dresses, shorts, and the like.  i’ve rounded up some of my favorite looks to show you exactly why i love to wear linen. 

linen shirt & pants 

there’s a little hatitude today. and a whole lot of linen clothes for spring. as a matter of fact, linen is the perfect fabric all summer long. the fibers are quite strong. it’s more absorbent and dries faster than cotton. plus, linen will keep you cool and fresh in spite of those hot and humid temps. i am loving this  white duster which is the perfect third layer. it’s lightweight with an open front and has a longer length. i chose a drop shoulder white linen tee to tuck underneath. it looks fantastic with wide-leg blue and white stripe linen pants. but this baby will get lot’s of wear this summer. white goes with everything. what i particularly liked about this tee is the looser fit without looking sloppy.

[read the entire post…]

linen pants low | linen pants medium | linen pants high

perfect linen shirt | linen popover | linen balloon sleeve top

linen shirt & shorts

today’s ootd is from one of my all-time favorite designers. if you’ve been following the blog for any length of time, you just might know who it is. yep. good old Ralph Lauren is a go-to brand of mine. his classic style aesthetic makes my heart go pitter patter. when i spied this striped linen shirt and coordinating shorts, i knew it would make a great summer outfit. but since they’re separates i can mix and match each item to my heart’s content. there’s nothing better than hard-working items hanging in your closet.

[read the entire post…]

linen chambray belted short | linen high-rise short |line drawstring shorts

linen split neck shell | linen popover | linen rolled-cuff tee

linen dress

nothing screams summer like linen. it’s a fabric both soft and forgiving, if not a bit wrinkly. but if you can look past that imperfection it is perfection. especially if you’re trying to beat the heat. a simple sheath dress is also a go-to item for me when summertime rolls around. in my opinion, tall or short, lean or round, a sheath dress will serve you well, and take you many places during the workweek or preserved for casual weekend wear. add heels, pair it with ballet flats, or don sandals. the choices are unlimited. vibrant summer colors keep the look fresh and clean.

[read the entire post…]

linen sheath dress | linen sheath dress 2 | linen flare dress | linen resume dress

linen sheath dress | linen sheath dress 2 | linen flare dress | linen resume dress

i’ll admit it:  i’m dress obsessed.  i just look for an opportunity—any opportunity—to wear one, and there’s no better time than summer.  whether it’s an a-line, sheath, or fit & flare, i. love. dresses.  i’ve featured dresses heavily on the blog this spring and summer, and even though much of that time  we were under quarantine, i still made excuses to put one on.  for our Thursday roundup, i put together a few of my favorites.  hopefully you’ll see why i’m still dress obsessed this summer.

why i was dress obsessed last summer

there is something to be said about dresses. that’s why when summer arrives i’m dress obsessed. first, a dress is one and done. no need to worry about which items go with what. second, a dress is soooo comfortable to wear all summer long. and there are so many lengths to choose from maxi, midi, or knee length. third, a dress is perfect for work, weekend or special occasion. now you understand why i’m dress obsessed all summer long.

J.Crew has long been a favorite brand to shop for dresses. casual, wear to work, and occasion dresses are available all year long. Anthropologie also carries a wide variety of dresses that help you keep your cool while looking chic. of course, Nordstrom is always a go-to retailer when i’m dress obsessed as well as Ann Taylor and Talbots. take a look at a few more reasons to be dress obsessed.

[read the entire post…]

similar tweed dress | similar tweed dress 2 | similar tweed dress 3 | similar tweed dress 4 | earrings

my favorite dress so far this summer

it’s simple.  it’s classy.  it’s chic.  it’s timeless.  what more is there to say about a LBD?  just the sheer amount of variations of it makes it one of the more versatile items you can own.  and with the appropriate outerwear, you can wear one spring, summer, fall, and winter.  i’ve featured this item countless times over the years, and i never get tired of doing so.  the temps are warming up here in Athens fast.  we had our first summer-feeling day yesterday:  85 and fairly humid. 

it was the perfect day to put this black shirtdress on.  every spring/summer i’m on a mission to add more dresses to my closet.they’re one and done, chic and oh so comfy once those temps start to rise. even though this adorable dress from Ann Taylor just arrived it’s currently out of stock, don’t worry, i rounded up a few similars for you that are just as cute. (similar dress 2, similar dress 3, similar dress 4, similar dress 5, and similar dress 6.)   and how fun are these sandals from Banana Republic?  you know i love animal print, and this pair of snakeskin sandals really make this outfit.  

[read the entire post…]

similar dress | similar dress 2 | similar dress 3 | similar dress 4 | similar dress 5 | similar dress 6 | sandals | similar sandals | similar sandals 2 | similar sandals 3 | bag | similar bag | similar earrings | similar earrings 2 | similar earrings 3

and an old favorite

this fit and flare dress from Talbots is the perfect dress to ease me into warmer weather. and the best part about a dress is that it’s one and done. just add shoes, handbag, and a few baubles, and you’re ready to walk out the door in no time flat.  there’s no need to match your handbag with your shoes. instead, coordinate the color scheme for a seamless look.  fit and flare dresses are universally flattering.  if you’re shy about showing your arms then cover them with a cardigan or blazer. style is always about your personal preference.

[read the entire post…]

fit & flare dress | fit & flare dress 2 | fit & flare dress 3 | fit & flare dress 4

 

 

happy Friday everyone! we’ve come to another weekend and it’s been quite a wet one here, in Athens. but that’s ok, because the summer heat will be here soon enough! i have been spending a lot of time lately sprucing up my home and outdoor spaces.  in case you missed it,  i gave a virtual tour of my living room earlier this week.  but i’ve gotta say, it’s been so nice to take advantage of our outdoor space:  it extends our living area and provides a great escape from the workday.  yesterday, we talked how to wear white.  we’re continuing in that theme today, and i’m going to show you how to wear a white summer dress.  

we’ve also got an easy frittata recipe courtesy of Ina Garten, with a few modifications by me. luckily my herb garden is ready to supply me with fresh thyme for today’s recipe. we are testing out a prohibition era cocktail called the Last Word. it’s a gin-based cocktail that is light and feels more glamorous than its 4 simple ingredients, perhaps because of its prohibition-era origins. 

a white summer dress

a white summer dress to welcome the change of season. today’s ootd is an easy, sleeveless shirt dress with a ruffle hem from Banana Republic (similar here and here) to add just a little panache. can’t wait to trot this ensemble to brunch one sunday soon.  black jewelry (similar necklace and bracelet) ties into my black and white polka dot pointy toe slingbacks from Talbots (similar here) for an easy chic outfit that’s one and done. 

similar dress | similar dress 2 | similar dress 3  | similar dress 4 | similar dress 5 | similar dress 6 | similar dress 7 | similar shoes | similar necklace | similar bracelet

zucchini leek frittata and simple side salad

last word

known as a prohibition-era cocktail, the Last Word actually predates the Volstead Act. it was introduced at the Detroit Athletic Club and according to a menu from 1916, at 35 cents, it was the most expensive drink on the menu –  which in today’s money, is about $8.22.  i brought the cafe table to the front, so i could enjoy the hydrangeas while i sip my cocktail.

brass tray | cocktail shaker | glasses

table | chairs

fridays with oscar

oscar loves to be in the front yard, watching the people and cars go by.  this week he was so preoccupied with all the hustle and bustle he didn’t quite have his FWO game face on… sometimes, we win and sometimes we go with the flow. that’s life! well gang, another friday in the books. june is upon us and i for one am really looking forward to the sunny days of summer. i know oscar is too, he loves to run and play in the backyard! we have a lot of fun content coming up this summer, so you will want to be sure to stay tuned. and remember, i love hearing from you! drop me a line in the comments below to let me know what you’d like to see more of as we stroll into summer. ollie, oscar and i wish each of you a lovely weekend!

similar dress | similar dress 2 | similar dress 3  | similar dress 4 | similar dress 5 | similar dress 6 | similar dress 7 | similar shoes | similar necklace | similar bracelet

are you ready for summer?  with all that’s been going on in the world, it’s easy to forget it’s right around the corner.  spring came and went, much of which was spent under quarantine. it’s easy to lose sight of—easy to forget—simple constants and milestones like the passing of seasons.  it’s unclear what this summer will look like.  although some of the country is slowly beginning to reopen, it’s hard to imagine this summer will be filled with, say travel like years past.  and that’s going to take some getting used to, no doubt.  but as we’ve said on the blog:    we have to look upwards first and forward second.  in the spirit of positivity, today we’re going to herald in summer in only the way we can over here on the blog:  we’re going to run through our top 4 summer wardrobe essentials that will serve you well June, July and August.

jumpsuit

there’s always a lively discussion when it comes to jumpsuits. some women can’t be bothered with them. but i’m a fan. just like a dress, they are one and done. and they’re perfect for those hot summer temps that are on the horizon. jumpsuits look fabulous with a blazer. but they can fly solo just as well, which is why a jumpsuit makes the 5 summer wardrobe essentials list.

similar wrap top jumpsuit | similar stripe jumpsuit | similar wide leg jumpsuit

white pants

whether it’s white denim, white chinos, or white straight leg trousers white is more than all right all summer long. white pants are crisp, and clean, and cool. 

white denim |  white trousers | white chinos

summer sandal

get your tootsies summer ready with a pedicure ‘cuz it’s time to slip into a pair of summer sandals. 

similar metallic block heel | similar jack rogers | similar strappy sandal | metallic wavy sandals

summer dress

summer days and summer nights call for a summer dress. let’s make sure our wardrobe has more than a few on hand. maxis are perfect for the evening. sundresses for beach chic vibes. and let’s not forget a shirtdress for lunch with the girls. 

similar black dress | similar shirtdress | similar striped dress | similar white dress