Monthly Musings
[dropcap2_large]W[/dropcap2_large]ith the weather here in California starting to warm up, I’ve got summer on my mind and definitely channeling vibes from my last trip to Puerto Vallarta. A couple of years go I shared a little summer style shop and I really enjoyed putting it together. I know I’m looking forward to putting on some real clothes (sometimes), and can’t wait to do fun summer-y things again. Today I’ve rounded up some of my favorites for summer into a minimal summer style guide. Hopefully it will make the transition from pandemic sweats to something more elevated a bit easier for you.
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Illesteva Leonard Sunglasses
Onia Nina Swimsuit
Wilfred Durante Jacket
Maddox by Janessa Leoné
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Melanie, Maddox, Felix, & Nico hats by Janessa Leoné.
I’ve been very into natural textures and tones for the last couple of years, in everything from my house to my wardrobe, so it definitely applies to my hats this season. All of these hats are from Janessa Leoné, a favorite of mine for years because of their quality and ethos.
The straw Melanie hat is packable and boasts UPF 50. I imagine it both at the beach and in the garden. The Maddox hat has been a favorite for years. I’m wearing it in the photo on the left. It isn’t packable but transitions well to fall so it gets a lot of use in my minimal wardrobe. The Felix hat is lightweight and packable, and can be worn with the brim flipped up or down. Here is a budget-friendly alternative. The Nico hat is a wide-brimmed visor that offers UPF 50 for everything but your middle part.
Going somewhere? See my my hat packing trick here.[/one_half_last]
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Hyeres Dress, Poplin Beach Dress by H&M, Tie-Front Shirt Dress by H&M, Japanese GoWeave Slip Dress by Everlane.
For me, the easiest transition from bumming around the house in leggings to actual clothing is to go straight for a nice dress. I really love the roomier, oversized styles that are out right now
Last summer I spent most of my time in dresses and this summer my dress of choice is the Shaina Mote Hyeres Dress. It’s fitted above the bust and anything but after that. It is made from organic cotton so it flows freely and is voluminous, but not too much. It also has pockets (!!!). If that’s a bit out of budget, you should also check out this dress, and if you prefer a jumpsuit version, this one is wonderful. This Poplin Beach Dress is an easy piece to dress up or down and is made from 100% cotton.
This Tie-Front Shirt Dress by H&M looks absolutely chic and I can see it lasting awhile in a wardrobe. In the summer you can wear with sneakers or sandals, and in the fall you can layer with a boots and a sweater or coat. The Japanese GoWeave Slip Dress by Everlane has been a staple in my wardrobe for quite some time. I have worn it everywhere, from the beach to formal events with heels. The fabric is thick enough that you don’t have lines and can bra-less, yet it still hangs and feels soft on your skin. It is an absolute workhorse in my wardrobe and I highly recommend it.[/one_half]
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Maddox by Janessa Leoné
Illesteva Leonard Sunglasses
Reformation Ibiza One Piece (similar)
Cuyana Washable Silk Scarf Bandana Mask
Everlane Cotton Twill Short in Bone
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Silk Cropped Tee by Cuyana, Aro Shirt by Shaina Mote. Linen Pleated Front Shorts by Cuyana, Amy Button Fly High Rise Denim Shorts.
I have been loving the high-waisted look with a looser top so that might be the next transition from my stay-home attire. I’m also looking forward to wearing some nicer tops with denim and sandals, always a favorite look of mine for summer.
The Silk Cropped Tee by Cuyana fits the bill for a put-together oversized look. If you like your tee to have a pocket this one is perfect, and if you prefer a little longer shirt this one has you covered. The Aro Shirt by Shaina Mote is also fitted and loose in all the right places. We have a mild summer so I’m looking forward to wearing it with shorts and sandals.
These Linen Pleated Front Shorts by Cuyana are fitted in the front with some give in the back, an easy way to look put together. This pair is a little more budget-friendly. These Amy Button Fly High Rise Denim Shorts from Reformation will be both flattering and look great with an elevated top. A summery bag and some minimal sandals will pull everything together nicely.
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Ribbed Underwire Swimsuit by H&M, Sleeveless Shirtdress by H&M, Jean Seersucker Bandeau Bikini by Hunza G, Relaxed Plissé Drawstring Trousers by & Other Stories.
Swim is one of my favorite categories of clothing, maybe because I love being at the beach or poolside. It was hard to pick a few favorites to share in this post, I have so many.
I have had my eye on this ribbed underwire swimsuit by H&M because I love the texture and the idea of wearing it like a bodysuit with denim. This cotton sleeveless shirtdress reminds me of one of my favorite Cuyana coverups that is no longer sold. It works perfect over swimwear or worn on it’s own. Plus, one of my all time favorite ways to cover a swimsuit is with a button-down dress like this one. You can wear it as a dress when you’d like and only button a few buttons when you’re at the beach or poolside.
Again, a sucker for texture in this Hunza G bikini (see what I did there?) and it doesn’t have any annoying clasps or buttons so you can lay poolside in any position you like. I would love to wear it with a high waisted wrap like this beautiful printed silk-georgette pareo by Matteau or with these Relaxed Plissé Drawstring Trousers. The trousers would also go great with heels and a more fitted top, with a t-shirt or tank and sandals, or with a sweater around the house during colder times of the year. I like that they are made with recycled content.
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Illesteva Leonard Sunglasses
Cuyana Coverup (similar)
Tkees Gemma Slides
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Mansur Gavriel Mini Cloud Clutch Bag, H&M Cotton Mesh Bag, Carrie Forbes x J.Crew Soraya bag, Cuyana Canvas Tote.
The Mansur Gavriel mini cloud cutch bag is a whimsical shape and the perfect size for just the essentials. The strap is removable so it can act as a clutch, and the color is versatile enough to last year-round. I have had one of these cotton mesh bags in black for years and despite it looking like a bad idea to take it to the beach, it makes it very easy to shake out sand. It helps to use of these sheer mesh organizers to keep your personal items in, both for privacy and retaining them.
The Carrie Forbes x J.Crew Soraya bag is made from synthetic raffia, so you don’t have to worry if it gets a little wet. If you’re a fan of larger bags, the Cuyana canvas tote should be right up your alley. The sides do fold in to make it smaller when you don’t need all the space, but I like that there are options. I’d use it as a carry-on item for a flight, but also as a beach bag once I reach my destination.
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Tkees Gemma Slides, Tkees Mia Napa Sandals, On Roger Center Court, Dear Frances Tye Slide.
In the summer I am always all about easy and minimal sandals. One would think that this includes flip flops, but sadly with how in-style elevated leather ones have become, it does not. I have been wearing the Tkees brand for a few years now and their shoes are made well and have a minimalist aesthetic that I love.
I have had the Tkees gemma slides for over two years now and they are still going strong. I love that they are perfectly minimal and go with everything in my wardrobe. They feel a little snug at first but break in and don’t slip off your feet. I hiked a small mountain during my trip to Taiwan and the Philippines so I can honestly say I put them to the test. The Tkees Mia Napa Sandals have been high on my wishlist for their clean lines and minimal look, especially in black.
A few months back I purchased the On Roger Center Court Sneakers and haven’t looked back. They go wonderfully with anything, but I especially like to wear them with dresses and if I know I’m going to be doing more walking than I’d like to do in sandals. They make a good transitional season shoe too for spring and fall. The Dear Frances Tye slides have also been on my mind this year. I love the knot detail and the oversized styling. It helps to balance out a sometimes overly simple outfit.
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Shop all minimal summer:
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I hope that this guide inspires you or helps you find your way with minimal style this summer. I’ve been taking some time to focus on what I really want to do with this space and my presence online and now that I finally have a plan in the works, I’m really excited to do more here.
The images in this post are from a trip to Puerto Vallarta in December of 2019 but felt so summer-y and wonderful that I had to share. The photos of me were taken by Ryan Young. While my trip was hosted by Visit Puerto Vallarta and the Puerto Vallarta Free Soul Festival, this post is not sponsored.