*Image via Emilia Wickstead.
Q: What to wear to an afternoon church wedding followed by a reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres at a museum in the coastal south in June? Second wedding for my widowed father in law. Most guests in 70s.
A: Congratulations to him! I would wear a pretty floral dress like this, this, this, or this. Something sweet and summery but not too dressy.
Q: A spring jacket.
A: I own and adore this reversible style, which seems to go with everything in my closet. Two other quilted floral jackets in a similar vein to contemplate to get the vibe for less (both under $100): this J. Crew Factory and this navy blockprint/stripe option. I have been wearing my Everlane quilted liner jacket A TON though for the last few weeks. It’s warm enough to handle 40-50 degree mornings but lightweight enough for slightly warmer temps, too. It’s currently on sale for under $100, and I would ABSOLUTELY recommend buying in that chic tawny brown color before it sells. out.
On the sportier side, I really love these Stutterheim Mosebacke rain jackets. IMO, they are totally suitable for everyday wear thrown on over whatever you’re wearing, whether it’s raining or not. I’ve had my eye on one for ages. More color options here.
And! I’ve mentioned this a few times, but am really loving the look of boxy Barbour jackets right now. I have been wearing this oversized Bedale. Looks SO good with classic fit jeans and a feminine top. (See me in this look here.)
Q: A dress for a formal wedding in Nashville.
A: Fun! Love this Agua Bendita, this corset dress (under $180), this Bernadette (see it on my girlfriend Lauren — SO fabulous) or this one, this fun ASOS, or this solid-colored SEA.
Q: A bold 30th birthday party dress. Under $200 if possible.
A: You need this! Happy birthday!
Q: Two-piece modest swimsuit.
A: I was just reading about the swimsuit brand Stylest, which are specifically designed to help you feel your best. They have a “swim solution finder” where you can indicate the areas you want to flaunt versus shape/be more modest with what you don’t. I love this one-piece and the matching swim cardigan. Also really like this rash guard / high waist swimsuit bottom from Nat Note’s new collab with Dillard’s. So unexpectedly chic and fun but modest.
Q: Pool slides. Have Freedom Moses, other option?
A: These Bottegas are loud and fun (and half off), and I love the look of these matte pastel wavy two-strap slides (under $50!). I also just dug out these Valentino bow-topped flip flops (look for less with these) for the summer ahead. Glad I hung onto them.
Q: Black sandals for every day.
A: Hermes Orans or the “inspired-by” style from French Sole. I also really love the well-made styles from Ancient Greek, like these, or the sleek and refined styles (very The Row but less expensive) from Aeyde, like these.
Q: I feel like an idiot, but I can’t really tell time. I can with a few seconds of focus, but not that “glance at my watch and know what time it is” way. Are you aware of any attractive digital watches? I have searched high and low and can’t find anything. I don’t want an Apple Watch. Help!!
A: My husband routinely ribs that I cannot tell time since it also takes me a split second too long to read the clock! You’re not alone (and not an idiot!) – ha! I spent a decent amount of time looking for this and far and away my favorite style was this Nixon one with the bracelet band. I wear a gold bangle every day and could see it looking lovely stacked together with this watch. It’s surprisingly feminine! If you’re looking for something sportier, I do like the slim style of this FitBit. Even if you don’t use all the features, it looks like a sleeker/slimmer version of the Apple Watch, but not Apple. Plus, you can swap out the bands for more delicate styles from this Etsy shop.
Q: 2-2.5″ special heels (block – it’s on grass) for my wedding.
A: Congratulations, friend! Let’s see — these are so, so sweet. Love the little bow popping out beneath a bridal gown. Alternately, these Alexandre Birmans are classic, and I love a pearl detail. I’ve also heard these heel covers can be worn over the heel of your choice for walking in grass and then removed when you’re at the reception, in case you really love a pair with a kitten heels — this or this would be gorgeous.
Q: Evening shoes. Wedding guest dresses for Paris wedding.
A: Lots of shoe requests this batch! FUN summer plans ahead! My top picks for versatile heels that can be worn with basically any cocktail/formal dress are either Alexandre Birman’s Clarita, Aquazzura’s So Nude sandals, or Larroude’s Annie (comes in other colors, but gold/black are probably most versatile). For something with a lower heel, I love these from Larroude. A few other trendier options depending on dress code: these puffy raffia sandals, these platforms, these hot pink babies (on super sale), or these Aquazzura twists. I’ve also been seeing a lot of these heels with the slightly pointed/elongated foot bed — like these and these — trending.
Q: An everyday slip-on sandal for summer that makes me feel trendy.
A: You need this pair from J. Crew! A more approachable/feminine/summery take on the dad sandal / Birk.