Vogue a Trois: Down By The Sea

Posted on April 21, 2014, 5:52 pm
8 mins

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Down By the Sea Cover

Spring break vacations and warmer days are finally here, and I am feeling in the mood to lighten it up. Dark boots and heavy layers just seem wrong, even if there are occasional days when you still need them. Here is some inspiration for getting yourself in the mood for sunny weather. And here is the good news: You can still wear your wellies if you need to. They look really cute with a skirt.

Milly has lightened up their spring look with bright prints and a sporty motif to play off of their feminine silhouettes this season. I am all about a great skirt because it looks good on practically everyone and you can style it easily to a particular occasion or mood. The Milly Leather-trimmed Tweed Skirt is my Vogue A Trois for this week because of its vibrant print, leather trim and flattering lines.

Down By The Sea

The look of the season is definitely the crop top—but not everyone can wear it all by its lonesome. If you are of a certain age or are feeling timid in general, then layer it with a tank, blouse or tee underneath. You will still look of-the-moment and you won’t have to take a Xanax before leaving the house. :)

The black cropped Whistles Evie Dart Detail Cropped Top has an elbow length sleeve and is very modern. I would layer it over the J.Crew Silk Cami in vibrant fuchsia to play off of the bright color in the skirt, and then add the same color in your accessories, like these Kendra Scott Elie Small Oval Earrings. I think Loeffler Randall’s Dixie Suede Cutout Sandals are incredible and versatile. The cutout trend and suede designs are über-chic and you can wear these all summer.

I have been in love with the new Prada line since I laid eyes on it on the runway. The print art bags feature designs like this partial face of a woman printed on Prada’s hardy Saffiano leather. The artwork details are stunning, and this particular Prada girl bag is my favorite from the collection.

Down By The Sea #2

Dressing this skirt down for a casual day on a sunny Saturday doesn’t mean you won’t look chic. The Bailey 44 Playhouse Eyelet Front Top is white eyelet in the front and has a solid black back, which is unexpected and cool. The flat beaded Prada flats have great details that you can pick up on with accessories.

If you aren’t familiar with the gorgeousness of Chan Luu jewelry, check out her website for an amazing variety of cool summery bracelets. I chose the Red Mix Beaded Cuff Bracelet because it’s not matchy but it works. Don’t forget a great little raffia hat with a black band, and your sunnies, like these festive Kenzo Black and Multi-Color Wayfarers. I own this fantastic summer bag, the Shopbop Bop Basic crocheted raffia bag, and I cannot say enough about it. This bag has both fabulous form and great function. It is super roomy and on trend as a bucket shaped backpack—the look of the moment in bags—and it is striking because of its exotic material. L-O-V-E.

Down By The Sea #3

Denim vests are back with a vengeance, and I am particular to this lighter colored bleached version from rag & bone. I like it over the Free People LA Livin 90210 Muscle Tank with its bright white color, sophisticated turtleneck collar and rough hem edges. The skirt would be great with a pair of edgy d’Orsay flats, which are everywhere this season. This Dolce Vita Agusta pair has a pretty ankle strap and is two-toned, with soft caramel back, silver hardware and a snake print toe.

In case you missed it, fast fashion retailer H&M announced their next collaboration will be with Designer Alexander Wang, debuting in November 2014. This brilliant designer is known for his sophisticated and chic designs, and his bags and boots are among my favorites. I chose this Alexander Wang Diego Rose gold Leather Bucket Bag to bring our low-key pieces up a notch. It has great details like the fantastic studded rose gold feet. Wearing a little pearl and rose gold coral design ring shows a little beauty can go a long way. Mirrored sunglasses are also having a moment, and I recently discovered the Audacia-Havana Blue Mirrored Lens from the Milan based sunglass brand Spektre. They have a great combination of both retro and street style.

Before you shop, go through your closet and give it a good cleaning. Give away what you don’t wear, consign the good stuff, get some velvet hangers to keep things tidy, and colorize things so you can find what you own and wear it. Afterwards, check out my list of what I personally think are great additions to any spring summer wardrobe.

  1. A pair of d’Orsay flats with or without ankle straps.
  2. Cat eye sunglasses: Try a bigger shape that suits your face.
  3. A cropped bomber or varsity jacket in lighter colors or floral sleeves.
  4. Distressed denim that you can crop by rolling the legs. No, you aren’t too old.
  5. A floral piece, like a skirt or blouse.
  6. A vest in denim, leather or stretch cotton.
  7. A bucket bag, small backpack and a crossbody that can double as a clutch. I think of my bags as investment pieces, but you can certainly get a fun of-the-moment bag if you don’t mind it lasting just a season.
  8. Mirrored sunglasses.
  9. Pajama pants or track pants in solids or patterned.
  10. A cropped top that you can layer underneath or wear with…
  11. High-waisted pencil skirt, a long skirt or a flirty flared style.
  12. Sneakers. And I don’t mean running shoes or athletic wear.
  13. A little leather detailing or a leather skirt or shorts. Warm weather leather is here again.
  14. Patterns, colors, florals, stripes!
  15. A lightweight statement coat with pattern.

Happy Spring!

Lisa Cole is the fashion and style writer for Vanguard Seattle, and her work includes covering fashion news and events, runway shows and boutiques. She has her own fashion and lifestyle blog, www.westfultonstreet.com, and is a member of Independent Fashion Bloggers and Fashion Group International.