One of the many things I enjoy about Summer is seeing a change in wardrobe. I am a classic staple girl when it comes to buying clothes, however.
Clean straight lines
tunics
t-shirts
skirts
shorts
are my very faves for Summer.
You will rarely see me in a printed top (not that I don’t like them, I do) but again think basic here. Basic color as well: white, khaki, heather gray, denim, & if I am really daring either pink or green.
Since I do buy basics – classic pieces I feel confident wearing them for years & years. (Well, as long as they last.)
But this year I was inspired by all the catalogs coming through the mail and blogs highlighting fun trends. So I thought I would take my Summer Wardrobe & update my staples with a touch of color or whimsy for a new look.
EVERYTHING YOU SEE IN THE ABOVE PICTURE IS EITHER LAST YEAR (LY) OR EVEN OLDER *except for 4 items.*
Here’s what I did starting with the first outfit:
My{new} little knit wonder dress!!! Bought this year at Kohl’s. I mainly use it for a bathing suit cover-up.
Yes, it is a knit nightgown. Paid $19.99 & I have lived in this little number ever since I got it.
Let me go ahead & get this out of the way ~ I am a “L” size. No, I better be honest here, a “XL” size. So those itty bitty bathing suit cover-ups that are next to the itty bitty swimwear just don’t do (or cover) it for me! I wanted something longer. This little nightgown has met every expectation I had!
hat came from goodwill.
bling bling shoes are new this year
This little 2 tired cotton top has been sitting in my closet for 2 years. I just felt it needed some life ~ I l.o.v.e. the color combo of pink & green so I made some fabric rosettes & felt it made the world of difference!
These fabric rosettes cost maybe $1.00 to make. maybe.
paired with double ly white linen shorts. (double ly meaning = 2 years ago to you non-retail girls 😉
I *heart* a white tunic! I bought 2 of these last year on a end of Summer clearance at Target. I decided to add pink gingham ribbon to the neckline & sleeve cuffs with fabric glue. I am loving how it turned out & the sweet look it creates.
This is a no-sew – no brainer =EASY& CHEAP!
p.s. highly recommend a white cotton hat! easy to pack for vacay & simply throw it in the wash when needed. the hat is 5 years old.
The white knit top is a longer style top. Is is very plain to look at without the orange ribbon rosette belt. This is one of the most simple things you can do to update an older top! So very easy.
the khaki linen shorts – 13 years old!!! from Ann Taylor still in great shape. 😉
Shoes from Piperlime last year.
For the next look, I took a classic white tank & updated it with a large organza rosette. I used thick felt for the backing & fabric glue to hold in place. I then added a green jeweled brooch right in the center. (see better pic below)
But the best part of the outfit above is that this long skirt used to belong to my Grandma. I believe it is around 15 years old! She had such a great style!
The original DIY of them all – white jean cut-off shorts. Full length jeans found at Goodwill but were too short. Last year’s tunic from Boden. Notice it’s the only printed top out of the whole bunch. 😉
So here is a recap picture of what I did to my already existing Summer wardrobe. All literally done on a dime & EASY whimsy touches brought life back into older classic pieces. Personally, I don’t think one could ever go round buying classic pieces. It is all about accessorizing them!!!
A few other mentions or tips:
* Buy off season for cheap deals!
* My entire wardrobe for the Summer is either cotton or washable linen. For the coolness, and of course the fabric of our lives…:) but also for the easy care.
* In almost every outfit I could easily switch the top out for a different bottom. I try not to buy something that only goes with one thing! Again, when you buy classic pieces you will find it much easier to switch them around.
* When wearing “color” pieces always wear the most flattering color for your hair & skin tone. Especially when it comes to tops. I used to be really into this color/skin/hair/make-up thing. Not so much anymore. But it will always help highlight YOU when you choose the right color to wear next to your skin tone.
And finally~
~both bag will be coming to a certain etsy shop near you *hopefully* real soon!~
linking this with
tatertots & jello
just a girl
funky junk interiors
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THANK YOU!