We all know I love neutrals, and at this point I feel like I have a pretty amazing selection of wardrobe staples and solid building blocks to layer and style a million different ways. But I’m also someone who loves a statement piece – I love to incorporate color into outfits with a bright knit, a vibrant printed scarf or a playful pair of shoes. You can’t put me in a box! I dress more for my mood and the weather than I do with a particular formula or set of fashion rules. Fashion is supposed to be fun, not boring! There’s a time and a place for capsule dressing (I find this works well for me when I’m traveling, specifically!), but you shouldn’t feel the need to only buy basics. When you’re spending your hard-earned money on something new, don’t you want it to spark some joy?
These Tabitha Simmons floral-embroidered flats are a great example. They were a seemingly random, statement-style purchase I made back in 2017, but each and every year I trot them out come spring – they are still some of my very favorite shoes to wear when the weather is warm! Finding pieces that excite you like this will make even the most creative and colorful pieces easy to wear and style year after year. When something is that good and makes you smile, you’ll find ways to wear it.
My personal approach to shopping is to try to only spend money on things I really see myself wearing a lot – whether that’s a statement-making scarf or a classic pair of jeans, it doesn’t matter. But at the very least, I’m always trying to ask myself, how does this piece make me feel? Whether it comes down to feeling confident in a silhouette or simply adoring the color, pattern or fabric, joy can come in many forms. Below are some styles that have been sparking joy for me this season! Some of these pieces are items I already own, others are pieces sitting in my cart, while others are firmly ranked high on my wish list for the spring/summer season!
LA LIGNE MINI MARINA FINE STRIPE SWEATER
I wouldn’t say orange is a color I think of as “my color” – I certainly didn’t own much of it going into this season! Well, joke’s on me, because now it’s a major player in my spring/summer palette. This cheerful striped sweater was an immediate add to cart for me! La Ligne has consistently been a favorite label of mine for years, a go-to for wearable everyday dresses and quality knits in swoon-worthy color combinations. This sweater in particular evokes a memory of juicy dreamsicles from my childhood, a tasty treat that just screams summer! If you’re on the hunt for the perfect summer sweater, this is it. Layer it over a white tee with jeans, throw it over your shoulders with sundresses, or just tag it in anytime you want to incorporate a punchy pop of color this season. I’m wearing the XS!
OLYMPIA LE-TAN EMBROIDERED CLUTCHES
These clutches are a splurge, but for good reason. Not only are they hand-embroidered and adorned with the most alluring of appliques, each is a limited edition piece and they are numbered as such. They are released in very small quantities, often with only 16 to 77 of each design made. While not one of one, it does lend an air of exclusivity and makes the purchase feel truly special! There are a bunch of fresh styles for the season, I couldn’t limit myself to just one to highlight here!
- Heading to the Provence or the French Riviera this summer? Snag this.
- If Italy is the destination, you’ve got a Napoli city scene, juicy lemons and this Lake Como-inspired clutch!
- Is Spain in the itinerary? Don’t miss this terracotta rooftops on this or the colorful Mediterranean motifs here.
HERSKIND NYA EMBROIDERED MESH PANTS
These are kind of a crazy purchase for me, but when I saw them on a friend’s IG stories I was smitten! I thought they’d be such a cute and unique style for summer in the city, styled simply with a tee and sandals. They come with a pair of optional shorts for wearing underneath for a little coverage, or you can layer them over your bottoms of choice! They’d also be such a chic beach/pool coverup over swimwear. Super fun, and with a stretchy waistband + loose leg they look incredibly comfortable too! I ordered the size 34.
JENNIFER BEHR DEMETRIA EARRINGS
I have been eyeing these for weeks! These wild poppy statement earrings will make such a gorgeous accent to your summer dinner and party looks. They are handmade right here in New York, and I can vouch for the quality at Jennifer Behr. I’ve been wearing her pieces for years and they haven’t failed me yet! Also loving these lily drop earrings from the same collection if you’re open to exploring other styles!
DESTREE CAMILLE STRIPED MINIDRESS
I told y’all, I’m all in on orange! When I first spotted this linen-blend dress on Tuckernuck in the new arrivals section, I missed my size and was so bummed. Luckily about a week later it appeared at NET-A-PORTER and I didn’t hesitate. The multi-colored stripes on this dress are such a unique and interesting combination of shades – purple, olive, cream and two shades of orange… who knew those colors could be so captivating together? The fabric-covered buttons and classic shift silhouette make it a classic and feminine style I plan to wear on repeat this summer. One thing to note about this dress is the sizing is a bit wack – I’m usually a size 2/4 these days and couldn’t even button the small. It runs suuuuper small and straight! I ended up sizing up to the medium and it was thankfully a perfect fit. So definitely size up! Unfortunately they only offer up to a size large.
CHANEL PINK DENIM SLINGBACKS
Pink is another shade I don’t really ever buy, but once in a blue moon a piece will speak to me and all reason goes out the window. This is one of those moments! Now I will admit I’m a sucker for Chanel slingbacks, so the actual shoe shape was a no brainer for me… but the color? Not what I typically gravitate to. But the day before I stopped in the Chanel boutique in Dallas, I’d seen these on Hailey Bieber’s instagram and was intrigued. When I saw them on display in the boutique I figured I’d just try them on for fun… but when I slipped them on I knew I had to have them. This shade of pink somehow gives off the optical illusion that I have a tan, when we all know I’m about as pale as it gets! I think they’ll be such a fun, unexpected pop of color with my neutral everyday outfits, but I’m also getting more playful with color in my wardrobe these days. I’m excited to style them with other brights and vibrant prints!
CHRISTOPHER JOHN RODGERS EMBELLISHED METALLIC WOVEN GOWN
If I were a bride-to-be, this dress would be in my shopping cart for either an engagement party or my rehearsal dinner. The silhouette is breathtaking – I always swoon over structural pieces like this one! The metallic embellishments take the whole thing to an ethereal level, don’t you think? More sizes available here. Bonus? There are pockets!
CALA DE LA CRUZ X CLUB MODA ONE-PIECE & MATCHING MESH SARONG
If you’ve got a beach vacation or two coming up this season, add this beach look to your list. The color palette is very similar to my Destree dress and equally stunning, especially with the sparkly finish! The high neckline on the swimsuit is incredibly chic and elevated, while the bold pattern and use of color is playful and feels youthful too. The matching mesh skirt is a comfortable coverup that completes the look! I haven’t purchased this set, but it’s on my wish list!
ALEMAIS BISOU EMBROIDERED STRIPED SHIRTDRESS
I first saw this dress in my sister’s style show at Neiman Marcus when I was visiting Austin over Easter, and my mom immediately purchased it. All three of us have pretty different approaches to style, but easily agreed on this number as a winning piece. This flattering shirtdress features a swingy drop-waist skirt and a waist-cinching rope belt. My mom has also been looking for pieces with longer sleeves lately, and this one has sleeves down to the elbow! Perfect for summer in Texas. The green + white stripes are accented by vibrant animal embroidery to include, monkeys, tropical birds, lizards and more. Such a fun and playful piece you can wear day to night this season! If you need some styling inspo, my sister styled this dress in her show with this bag and these slingbacks. Since my mom got this number, I’m hoping I’ll have the opportunity to borrow it sometime!
AEYDE RAINE LEATHER SANDALS
Looking for a sleek sandal for summer that will actually stay on your foot? Don’t miss these. They come in three great colors and will be your go-to for long days of sightseeing on trips and everyday wear this season. Which color would you choose? While my natural inclination would be to choose beige, there’s something about the burgundy that feels fresh and unexpected. Plus, with leather this good, you just know they’ll mold to your foot. This is an example of a style staple that sparks joy for me – something versatile and elegant that feels current!
BIA BONGIASCA FLOWER FUNK MISMATCHED HUGGIE HOOP EARRINGS
I first tried on these earrings when my mom was visiting me in October, but had already spent a bunch of money on our recent trip to the Hamptons so I didn’t pull the trigger. Much to my surprise and delight, I came across the same pair I’d tried on marked down to final sale on Shopbop about a month ago! I bought them at almost 60% off – I’d call that a win. I’ve been wearing them non-stop since they arrived in the mail and am constantly getting questions about + complimented on them! Of all the jewelry that exists, I’m definitely more of an earring girl than anything else. I gravitate towards styles that are comfortable and wearable for everyday wear, but are a unique shape or interesting silhouette – this style certainly fits the bill! Lucky for you, I found them still on sale at 52% off here!
