An Occasion

dress (DVF, c/o AJs Casuals avail online HERE), heels (Zara, see similar HERE splurge HERE), clutch (Kate Spade see similar pink HERE and HERE), cuff (Similar), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

Have a wedding to go to this summer?  Wear THIS DRESS.  Don't have a wedding to go to this summer?  Grab a girlfriend, crash a wedding, while wearing THIS DRESS.  It's that good, gang, I promise you.  Something about a maxi dress just screams summer, and it definitely screams a summer occasion.  This one speaks for itself so I literally wore next to no makeup, next to no accessories, not even nail polish and just let her stand and shine all on her own (I do; however, love the idea of a topknot and bright pink lip)!

The lovelies at AJs Casuals are consistently giving us Lexingtonians dress after amazing dress and this one certainly does not disappoint.  If I may take a moment to welcome/thank AJs Casuals for being one of 

s + s' newest sponsors--love having the hot pink sign on the blog gals--big thanks!   Also a little reminder, if you're out of state and spot an AJs lovely you'd like to snag (see HERE, HERE, or HERE), be sure to mention s + s and the gals will ship (within the continental US) free of charge!  Alright gang, cheers to a lovely Tuesday and be sure to shop this look and some other favorite maxis (both dressy & casual) below.  

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

The Spotted Stripes

dress (Old Navy in stores, see similar online HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, or HERE), bag (Clare Vivier, locally at Omar + Elsie, avail online HERE), flats (Zara, see other black ballets HERE or these adorable Spotted Flats), necklaces (Target--I doubled up two--see similar HERE), shades (Ray Ban), cuff (Similar), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

This is a quintessential high/low look we've got going on.  Taking the "High" route is my absolute favorite Clare Vivier Spotted Tote while rounding out the "Low" is more or less everything else (Rings Excluded).  The stripe dress (Similar), ballet flats, Cuff, necklaces, and Shades combined total less than the Tote itself (hells, the dress alone was only $15)-which to me, is kinda what styling and fashion is all about.  Balance.  Go with what you love.  Invest in key pieces that will take you the distance (and if you follow s + s on Instagram, you know this tote has done just that).  Don't worry about the tag, but rather the fit and feel.  Tips I've definitely had to learn as I've gotten older and see myself purging my dang closet of things I either never wore, or only wore a few times---it's a hard habit to break, but I've learned the hard way!  Oh and remember my little tidbit I shared on This Post, double up your Inexpensive Baubles for a look that's more substantial and statement-making.  

I hope everyone had a lovely 4th--I truly had such a wonderful time celebrating with My Babes and dearest friends.  Sad to see the weekend end, but let's cheers to a fabulous start to our July, shall we?  Make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

Pink Loves Chambray

 skirt (Forever 21 ONLY $15!, love this MIDI, too), shirt (Current/Elliot, Omar + Elsie , also available online HERE), sneaks (Chucks), belt (J.Crew, see affordable option HERE), tote (Barrington c/o), cuff (Similar, love THIS CUFF, too), watch (Timex, J.Crew, how fun is this CAMO VERSION), rings (anna beck, lagos), shades (Gucci)

How about the fact that this Lace Lovely is only $15?  One would think the quality would be horrendous, but I have to say, I've had this for over a year now (see HERE), and it's still in tip top shape (also own the NAVY VERSION, too).  And a classic CHAMBRAY?  Definitely an item every gal should have in their arsenal--maybe even two washes if you're so inclined.  Alright gang, cheers to a wonderful holiday weekend with your family and friends...we've got some bbq's, pool time, and fireworks with pals on the agenda.  But first, before I dip, can we discuss some of the phenomenal sales that I will no doubt be taking advantage of this weekend (with a certain level of restraint..hopefully)?  Take a gander below:

ANTHROPOLOGIE extra 20% off sale with code BUZZ20
Ruffle Tee//Dotted Top//Raffia Dress

BANANA REPUBLIC 40% off with code BRJULY
Dotted Chambray//Shirtdress//Oxfords

DOLCE VITA Extra 30% off sale with code FIREWORKS14
Sandals//Romper

C.WONDER Big Wonder Sale with Free Shipping on orders over $125
Monogrammed Jewelry Box//Rugby Tote//Driving Moc//Nautical Tote

ELAINE TURNER Sale up to 50% Off
Cheetah Haircalf //Hunter Croc//Cork Clutch

J.CREW 40% off final sale with code SHOPMORE
Graphic Heels//Leopard Slingbacks//Neon Shift//Floral Dress

PIPERLIME Up to 50% Off Summer Styles PLUS 25% off with SHOPFAST
Floral Maxi//Lounge Romper//Stripe Drop Waist//Spotted Wedge//Summer Sandal//Spotted Clare Vivier Bag 

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem

The Patriotic Palette

look 1:  skirt (Kayce Hughes, Omar + Elsie, how adorable is THIS PALM PRINT, similar red HERE), shirt (J.Crew see similar HERE, HERE, HERE), shoes (Zara see similar HERE), clutch (Clare Vivier), shades (Ray Bans), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck), necklace (Page Sargisson see SIMILAR), cuff (Similar)

look 2:  shirt (Equipment ON SALE 50% OFF see similar HERE), shorts (Old Navy ONLY $15), belt (Crewcuts see This CLAW Version), bag (Barrington c/o), sweater (HM), sneaks (Vans)

Look 3//Look 4//Look 5//Look 6//Look 7 (Blue Version Boyfriend Shorts On SALE HERE )

Several things could not ring truer.  Girlfriend loves a stripe, a patriotic palette, a straw fedora, her Red Ray Bans, and Red Vans...which therefore translates to girlfriend loves loves this time of year because not only is it totally appropriate, it's festive to boot!  No better time to share some of my current fave patriotic looks as well as some from the archives.  Remember, your fourth fashion need not be literal with stars, stripes, etc (although I absolutely do love that combo and don't think I won't be sporting These Fellas come Friday), you can mix and match the palette, do a stripe on stripe combo, or make it all Americana and Chambray it out with cutoffs or white denim.  Bottom line, have fun, be cozy, and show some love for the red, white, and blue!  

last image c/o Lindsey Potter

all other images c/o Kristin Tatem

A Tale of Two Bikes

pants (Kate Spade, AJ's Casuals), blouse (Library by Lauren Lail c/o, also love THIS CREAM TOP & THIS CREAM PEPLUM), shoes (Isola ON SALE c/o), bag (Vintage, Street Scene, Lexington), shades ( Gucci ), cuff (Similar), rings (Lagos, Anna Beck)

While this look as zero to do with bicycles, Kristin and I kinda loved them for the backdrop of these Kate Spade Pants (not to mention they were parked right outside of our fave lunch joint, Doodles, where we shortly thereafter devoured sammies and such).  Based on this POST, there's no denying my current love of the palm frond---it simply screams summer and is such a fresh print--I have no doubts I'll own several palm pieces by the season's end.  
Got a boatload to get to today so I must cut the post a tad short--feel free to shop the look below (tossed in a few extras of this print)!  Y'all have a great weekend & def make it a good one!

photos courtesy of Kristin Tatem