Sundress Season

Photos by Jeff Davis 

First and foremost, apologies for the lack of posts! Between stress, building a business, working 9-5 and trying to decorate my home, all I want to do is sleep!!!! As much as I love my job, I've been thinking of ways to create a passive income because I believe it's important to keep an extra layer of security and of course for various life goals. I'll talk more on that in other post, aside from that the weather lately has been quite insane. What is there to do when the weather reads between 100- 110 degrees fahrenheit?! My answer: wear comfortable clothing.

Ditch The Flops

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

It's summer and the living is easy! The weather is warm and beautiful (most days) and of course sandal season is upon us. It's time to put away those booties and loafers for something much more comfortable to walk around in the heat. While reaching for your flip flops might be the simple and easy choice, it's definitely a fashion faux pas! Sure fashion is subjective but if you want to make an entrance those $5 flips flops from Old Navy just aren't going to cut it! This summer I'm making an entrance and turning the sidewalks into runways with Soft Surroundings latest summer footwear collection! 

Bodysuit Power

Photography by Brandon

This summer the heat feels like it's been intensified even more than last year! I love summer, but I wish that profusely sweating wasn't apart of it. Believe me I totally understand how science works and know that it's inevitable. The only thing left is to accommodate myself and my wardrobe for the heatwave. In the summer, I tend to wear minimal layers, but enough to stay comfortable. Bodysuits are the perfect pairing for your summer wardrobe, one layer that will transform you life! This one piece will get you out the door faster and it looks good with just about anything. This wardrobe staple is also subtly sexy without going overboard. 

Simplistic

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

It can get relatively difficult getting dressed on days that feel like 100+ degrees! On Days like this, I tend to revert to basics, because staying comfortable will always be on the top of your mind whilst you're sweating! A white tee is a basic piece that every woman owns, its a staple that can go from ordinary to extraordinary in seconds and versatile to wear with most of your wardrobe. From worn in jeans, pencil skirts, slip dress, you just can't go wrong with a tried and true white tee. Plus, it will keep you cool on days that feel oppressed from the heat! I've rounded up some of my favorite white tees that will pair perfectly with everything in your closet!

Beauty Bit, Mineral Fusion

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Conversational pieces or statement pieces are always welcomed into my wardrobe. No matter what season, a good statement nail look is always on the radar. What better time than summer to dress up our digits for all of the BBQs, vacations, and parties we will attend?! Summer is the season of bright and fun, since I tend to keep my wardrobe quite muted, making my nails look vibrant is a must! I'm not one for nail art, but I attempted it anyway. Fortunately, painting my paws with Mineral Fusion wasn't too bad!

The One- Piece Essential

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

When it comes to swimsuits, I'm willing to bet that what you've heard is mass approved opinion in which more skin is in. The attitude right now is that only the skimpiest bikinis will do, while high waisted bottoms and one pieces are "trendy" in the market right now.  I believe that anyone can pull off any swim style, because in fashion, almost everyone knows that it's all about the illusion and presenting the best part of your body. With that being said, I feel that the one- piece is where it's at. 

Eco Button

Photos by Cheyenne Gil

Lately, I've been tired of wearing pieces that made me feel bad about myself. Underwear is so important, not just because of the obvious, but because it's difficult not to feel inadequate when wearing something that doesn't feel comfortable. Lingerie has a way of boosting our confidence and making us feel empowered. For me wearing under garments that also help contribute to a better Earth, well then that's a win- win! Many brands are adopting a philosophy of creating clean and easy garments that exist somewhere between a modern culture and a natural world. High quality and organic fabrics that benefit both the producer and the consumer while minimizing environmental impact are just purely and naturally beautiful! I recently got the opportunity to work with one of my favorite photographers to showcase some great lingerie! 

Paparazzi Blocker

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Getting some sun is great, it increases our vitamin D and it even gives us the most natural tan. Sunny weather always puts me in a good mood, the sun's rays just has a way of giving me good vibes, more serotonin is always in need! Alas, too much of anything also has it's consequences, because nothing good ever came without the bad and the ugly.  Sun damage is real, and it's not a good look. Too much sun can cause pre mature aging, sun spots and skin cancer. In the name of fashion, those are a big NO for me! Fortunately there's a game changer ready to hit the fashion scene with pizazz and protection from the sun, Saint Chic! 

Gold and Chemise

It's the dog days of summer, and the humidity is at a steady 90%! Layers are useless, clothes feels useless, but we need clothes for decency! I do love this season, but it's quite a challenge to stay fashionable in such sweltering heat. Challenges are fun especially when fashion is involved. Honestly, i've been finding any excuse to wear the most loose fitting garments ever. Anything that clings is bound to show those awful sweat stains! Loose fitting and airy fabrics are the name of the game! 

Summer Daze

It's the middle of summer here and in the eastern region of the USA, that means sky rocketing temperatures and humidity included. From sweating your makeup off to the horrible arm pit stains that creep up on you when you're wearing your favorite silk shirt, it's the essence of summer! Keeping layers super simple is of the utmost importance when it's 95 degrees, thats why having easy pieces to throw on and go is a wardrobe staple. Especially when your SO surprises you with a weekend trip to the south!

Born To Be Wild

It was an unlikely day in Philly recently, the weather was actually nice and cooler than it usually is during the summer. I took advantage of this day by wearing jeans! I know it doesn't seem like much but with high humidity and temperatures, jeans tend to feel like second skin which is why this day was an anamoly!  I usually stick to lighter fabrics like linen, polyester blends, cottons and sometimes silk. Rather than plain ol' jeans I took it a bit further!

Lazy Days

Somedays you just want to dress for yourself and be comfortable. It's summer in Philadelphia, which means rising temperatures and high humidity. With that said, it can get quite uncomfortable being outside for too long, especially dressed in the wrong fabrics. Denim starts to feel like second skin, polyester can feel suffocating, and not to mention silks! I try to avoid that distressed feeling by wearing relevant summer clothing. Relaxed and light, are my summer key words! 

Hands Free Summer

Drafted by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

During the summer, I like to get up and go places. Learn new things, discover new places and explore new fashion risks! Nothing worse than a cute bag slowing you down from your excitement. I love bags, but I hate not being hands free when I'm trying to get to point B from point A, especially when you're on a bike. Shoulder bags, tote bags, clutches, I love them all yet they're not totally functional. This summer I'm trying out something different, something that lets me stay on trend and allows me to keep my freedom! Shoulder bags!

Power Brunching

Illustration by Jacqueline Davis Moranti, c. 2009

The best way to start your day is with breakfast, everyone knows that but did you know that starting your day with brand new shoes can give you a healthy dose of the energy you'll need all day?! Okay, maybe not but shoes do present you with some much needed confidence and happiness that you may not have known you needed! I recently attended a brunch event with other shoe lovers to talk about, well shoes of course. The perfect way to start my day, with food and shoes!

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti, c. 2010

With the temperatures rising every year, it seems as though waist lines are also rising. As a short woman, (5 ft. 4 inches) finding clothes to elongate your body can be a difficult feat especially since most retailers tailor to the 5 ft. 7 inches and above crowd. The best way That I have found to make my frame look taller is by wearing high waisted bottoms, from jeans to skirts, trousers to shorts and my favorite, the high waisted bikini! I am all for this trend, although it seems that not everyone tends to agree on this. Petite women want to look tall sometimes, as do I, but a recent survey found that those women looking for some attention might want to steer clear of this trend.

MakeUnder

Illustrations by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Now that it's unofficially but ceremonially the start of summer, it's time to peel off the layers and really think about what we wear under there! One of the easiest ways for women to express their personal style is with lingerie, at least I believe so. How do you think about choosing that intimate first layer? Is it because of the outfit you're planning on wearing, the occasion or just maybe, the makeup?  Makeup is an interesting concept to match up with your most intimate choices! I've teamed up with Adore Me to share some of my favorite looks from their collection and makeup to go with it. 

Slinky Silk

Technically, there are still two weeks of the Summer season left, but it's the time of the season where the weather can be quite unpredictable. Some days are bright and humid, others are cool and breezy which makes for the perfect time to experiment with ensembles! This is the time to mix and match your summer pieces with fun Fall items to make the transition smoothly. 

Summer Prints

With summer coming to a close, the weather is getting to be cooler and cloudier. The days are much shorter and the humidity isn't nearly as burdensome! Don't let the nostalgia of summer trip you, enjoy it while you can! I'm going to enjoy it to the very end, with a ton of white separates, floral patterns and beautiful Philadelphian gardens! 

Casual Cool

As you know, I have an undying love for tee shirts in all shapes and sizes. They are literally the easiest and coolest pieces for hot days. The looser and more billowy fitting shirt always wins me over, those are the shirts that can be paired with endless amounts of pieces! 

T-Shirt Daze

Some days you just want to throw on a comfortable t shirt and pants because putting on anything else feels like such a hassle! It's been quite a hot and humid summer so far, and i'll admit that it's been making me a bit lazy with my warm weather dressing! One of my biggest essentials and main stay pieces for the summer is a handful of t shirts, they make getting dressed in the morning so much easier. Especially when they're quality tees!