If, like me, your wardrobe skews minimalist, summer can present some sartorial problems. A downtown-chic, primarily black and white wardrobe doesn’t quite cover all of the social occasions summer presents. For those days when an LBD feels like overkill, there are stripes. I found some great summer stripes this week, plus there’s the little matter of the brand new Diorshow Mascara formula.
Here’s what’s in my online shopping cart this week…
1. Rag & Bone Manon Striped Shirt, $295.00
This classic cotton silk blouse with subtle grey stripes gets a modern silhouette with the oversized, boxy fit and mandarin collar. Like so many Rag & Bone shirts, this new blouse can be dressed up for the office or down for the weekend.
2. Glamorous Belted Shirtdress, $70.00
Sometimes my black, white, and grey staples feel too weighty for the occasion, like at a summer brunch or picnic. Black and white stripes feel like a nice compromise. I like this particular shirtdress for activities that require a demure touch, like aforementioned brunch.
3. Bec & Bridge Jedi Striped Deep-V Dress, $220.00
This more daring take on the striped summer dress feels just right for a day-to-evening outdoor event, like late afternoon cocktails. The deep v-neck is nicely balanced by the below-the-knee hem and sporty racer back. Fair warning: if you are larger on top, this dress could easily go a little trashy. But, for smaller-chested ladies, this is summer perfection.
4. Eileen Fisher Espadrille Smoking Flats, $108.50 (was $155.00)
A pop of red is always fun, but this season it’s also super on-trend. These tomato red shoes will make fall’s greys feel instantly updated. Plus, the mix of soft red leather and mesh is a particularly refreshing take on summer-staple espadrilles.
5. Dior Diorshow Mascara, $27.50
Have you heard? Dior’s cult-favorite Diorshow mascara is all new! The formula has been updated with microfibers that thicken lashes without clumping, plus they’ve added a new airlock tube that prevents the mascara from drying out. I didn’t think it was possible to improve on the already fabulous mascara, so I’m excited to try this new version.
6. Tibi Mado Seersucker Tie-Back Top, $325.00
I saw this top in the July issue of In Style magazine and instantly fell for it. It’s just the kind of perfectly ladylike summer top that will balance out ultra-distressed boyfriend jeans. Worn with a pencil skirt, or the matching asymmetrical skit, it’s even appropriate for a creative office environment. So, you know, fashion math.
