Checked Out

I love me some gingham.  I don’t think that any girl that grew up anywhere in the preppy BOS-WASH corridor (Boston –> D.C.) can dislike gingham — it’s pretty much like denim for Californians or pastels for Southerners.  It’s tidy, bold, and somewhat priggish — you know that no BOS-WASHIAN likes to color outside the lines.  And scene.  I’m talking vague generalities now, which is never a solid foundation.  I’ll cut to the chase.  For your viewing pleasure:

Me likey.  I’d begin with a classic button-down ($150, J. Crew) with a blue blazer ($198, J. Crew), white skinnies (J. Brand, $169, Shopbop), and neon pink sloafers ($135, Bloomingdale’s):

Dreamy with the J. Crew bubble necklace ($150, J. Crew — I own this in yellow and find endless outfits to pair it with, so just imagine the versatility of a navy variation!) and the Chloe Marcie ($1,995, Net-A-Porter):

I might finish with one or two of these KJL giraffe bangles (certain colors on sale for $54 at TheOutnet; others available at QVC  for $66 a pop)  — I’ve had one in navy for years, and was a little bummed to see that J. Crew came out with a copycat version ($98) this season, but hey!  KJL is all about imitation, right?

Alternately, how about this simple denim dress ($289, Conifer Shop) with a gumball gem necklace ($120, Zappos) paired with these stunning Miu Miu gingham pumps ($595, Net-A-Porter)?

I’d finish the look with the ever-chic, structured Tory Burch Robinson tote ($575, Bergdorf’s) and a printed Marc Jacobs scarf tied to the handle ($138, PiperLime — what a precious print for Mother’s Day…HINT!):

Or, go whole hog with this gingham shirt-dress ($195, Epaulet Shop) with a tangly pearl necklace (Fallon, $200, Shopbop):

Roll the sleeves up for a very J. Crew look.  I’d finish with raffia ballet flats (Bloch, $120, Net-A-Porter) and a shot of sunshine (Rebecca Minkoff, $395, Shopbop):

Or, for glam poolside lounging, might you consider this dramatic one-piece maillot?!  I’m all about bikinis, but consider the retro drama of this style ($168, Anthropologie) with cat-eyes (Selima, $128, J. Crew) and a red lip ($30, Barney’s)?  Quite the bombshell.

Perfect with one of these cheeky beach towels ($85 apiece, Chance Co):

And P.S. — not so much into the one-piece?  Shoshanna has a few gingham bikinis that caught my eye…For some fun little POP of the print, check out these fun drop earrings (Miu Miu, $230, Net-A-Porter), cheery flats ($38, ASOS) and a gauzy gingham scarf (Marc Jacobs, $520, Farfetch):

Or, how about some little bits and bobs in gingham to cheer you on your way?  Consider this boxed set of cards ($15, Ship and Shape), these darling teaspoons ($24 for set of 4, Anthropologie — where else?!), or some patterned tape (so cute for taping up packages or affixing notes to gifts! — $3.95, In the Clear):

I even like it on the men-folk.  Mr. Magpie, please buy this Gant blazer ($595, Gant).  Yes, it’s loud.  And yes, Scottie Disick would wear it.  But…I love it.  Especially with your Persol shades ($360, Mr. Porter), dark wash raw denim jeans (Mr. M wears RRL’s straight-leg, dark-wash denim — $300, Ralph Lauren), and loafers (Harrys of London, $475, Mr. Porter):

Or, buy your beau a gingham bow-tie ($68, Forage — love this line of neckwear!) or one of these snazzy pocket squares ($25 each, Metro Retro Apparel):

Into it.