Summer Blues: a Casual Day Pick Me Up

So easy and soft, this dress works for day right into a night of casual fun. The straps are just thick enough for a bra with thinner straps to work underneath, and the arms holes are a nice size so your undergarments don’t show from the sides. We love trading out the fabric waist tie with a leather belt – natural, a pop color like green or yellow, or metallic.

Do you remember rugby shirts as fondly as we do? Equipment has a way of making everything fresh and new and this luxe cashmere sweater is no exception. Soft and slouchy, wear this on a cooler evening with white jeans – and we promise you will be pulling it out of your closet with dark jeans through the fall.

Lanston uses a lightweight terry material that is perfect for this time of year. It is NOT heavy at all, and the terry is so soft. For those of us who feel like basic t-shirt material is just too thin for a dress, this is your answer. The cut of the straps make the shoulders and arms look more toned, and the bold shade of blue flatters pretty much every skin tone. If you are looking for something shorter, the same fabric and color is available here.

We couldn’t resist these buffalo check linen shorts. All we want to do is pack a picnic basket, a crisp bottle of white wine and find a shady tree to sit under in these shorts. We think they are just perfect with a simple white tee and sneakers or flip flops.

We talked about shirtdresses last week, and just couldn’t squeeze this one in. So, we were relieved to find a place to share it with you this week. AYR makes easy, timeless pieces (the brand cleverly abbreviated the words All Year Round for it's name). And, boy, does this one hold up to that mission. An easy fit in a soft, tencel cotton, you will reach for this any morning you want to feel and look great...without trying. Feel free to add a belt to show off your waist.

This chambray linen sweater is so easy – we’re feeling more relaxed just looking at it. Slip this on with white jeans and a tank top and you are ready for a day of...well, anything.

Florals are important this season – and into fall – and this blue version is one of our favorites if you are looking for a summery top that has an easy fit with arm coverage. It works with a navy maxi skirt or cropped pants, as well as white or dark denim jeans.

If you are looking for an easy, relaxed fit we often look to Joan Vass who does timeless, unstructured design in high quality fabrics. This ink blue maxi dress will look great with a chunky necklace and ballet flats or Grecian sandals. The ¾ sleeve is very flattering for those of us who prefer to cover our arms.

Looking for a great tote for the beach or a day out on the lake? This woven sisal fabric one with leather handles and fun pom pom detail is just the answer. We love this deep blue, but it also comes in a summery turquoise that is equally amazing. Throw in your sunglasses, some sunscreen, a light sweater for later, and have some fun!