Hallo hallo. Last weekend, my sister and brother-in-law came into town and we had the BEST time exploring Chicago together — from the architectural boat tour (you must do this one if you visit in the summer) to a long walk along the lake to a trip to the botanic gardens to Stan’s Donuts to a magical paella feast in our backyard to the most delicious thin-crust pizza at Spacca Napoli (drool)…it was zeeee best. I can’t remember when I’ve laughed harder. I wish I had a picture to capture the magic of the weekend, especially the beautiful night we sat outside enjoying crisp Spanish white wine (txakoli, if you can find it, is our fave — it’s a white wine from the San Sebastian region that we DIED over and have a hard time finding out here in Chicago) and lingering over piles of paella, homemade bread (did I mention Mr. Magpie bakes his own bread from yeast he captured himself? he is a magician), a frisee-and-peach salad, blistered shishitos, and mounds of patatas bravas. We listened to the Vicki Cristina Barcelona soundtrack, fireflies and cicadas going off around us, and it just felt like the heart of summer. It was heaven. It made me really miss family time and especially wistful about my sister’s imminent move to London. While I can’t wait to visit her (I’ve only spent like 1 day in London while in college!), it made me hang onto the weekend just a little tighter. I have another friend who is leaving Chicago for Denver, and yet another friend leaving here for LA — and it all just reminds me how tough transitions are for everyone. When we moved up here from Chicago, I remember trying to have a “go with the flow” mentality — just one step at a time, make the decisions immediately in front of you and it will all get done eventually. Moving and feeling your relationships change can be so disorienting and stressful.
Well, in that vein: let’s go with the flo-rals. There are so many fab prints out right now that I’d have been remiss not to revisit this theme before the end of summer. (I saw a few companies release their “pre-fall” collections and cringed…didn’t summer just start?!)
+For starters, this floral tunic dress (on sale for $159) is so lovely and easy to wear. Exactly the kind of thing I’d pair with pointed toe flats for an easy workday dress.
+These Stella McCartney slingback espadrilles (on sale for $227) are so freaking chic and unusual. I see a sophisticated European sporting them with a LWD.
+I have a few pieces from Marissa Webb and I’m obsessed — this smart romper is also on my shortlist (har har), especially now that it’s marked down to $419.
+YSL had such a cute floral print out this season — many items bearing it have since gone on sale, including this crossbody, now marked down to $1,074.
+Now, this is not quite floral print but it just belongs in this post — I just snagged this J. Crew frock, on sale for $129 plus an extra 40% thankyouverymuch. I love these kinds of easy-breezy sundresses for the weekend.
+You simply cannot talk florals without acknowledging the queen bee of floral prints: Zimmermann. So many pieces to love and lust after, including this sundress, now marked down to $330. I also adore this and this, both marked down.
+This OTS dress ($90) is so elegant for a summer dinner date.
+And this is so boho chic ($90)…wear with loose, romantic hair…swoon.
Finally — and this is a slight departure into the fruit category vs. floral category, but I love this sweet summer Piamita dress (on sale for $242). Throw on some punchy yellow accessories and you’re squared away — like this affordable tassel clutch ($65) and these lace-up espadrilles (on sale for $59).
Some other interesting floral picks to consider:
+Still can’t get over this N Nicholas dress…
+Love the pattern on this beauty.
+Such a unique midi dress. Could be ridic sophisticated with pointed toe heels and a chignon.
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