High Summer Essentials // The Perfect Summer Dress

As I mentioned in my self care post yesterday, I'm hoping to really grow this little blog of mine, and that means more posts! If you all have any suggestions or requests about what you'd like to read about, please let me know! I'd love to get your feedback!

I don't know about you all, but I have been looking for a summer dress literally all summer long. My ideal summer dress is not form fitting, but flattering, simple, but not plain, and well made. I finally found the perfect dress a couple of weeks ago at Madewell, and I've been wearing it non stop. 

Outfit Details.

Dress. The Striped Midi Dress from Madewell. Perfect for every occasion.

Shoes. Target Lois Criss Cross Ballet Flats - under $25!

Hair. DryBar Blow out - check out my Instagram to see more about my blowout experience at DryBar!

This dress is a true midi dress. It hits perfectly mid-calf, has elegant ruffles, pin stripes, and is lined, + my absolute favorite aspect of this dress is the delicate buttons down the back, such a subtle addition, but it really makes the dress stand out.You never have to worry about that after-meal bloat, panty lines, or anything else unflattering. All you have to do is sit back, enjoy the summer breeze, and if you're like me, drink all the iced coffee in sight. 

If you're still in the market for the perfect summer dress, I highly recommend this one from Madewell. 

Keep up with all the goings-on over on Instagram here!

Detailed Tops // Goodnight Macaroon

I'm curious, have you guys ever ordered from Goodnight Macaroon? It's an online boutique that specializes in on trend, feminine clothing. I recently received a shirt from Goodnight Macaroon and really love it. I always talk about being flexible with your capsule, and I think this shirt is the most flexible I have been. It's definitely more trendy than anything I usually purchase, however I think it fits into my capsule well. It has a simple, elegant design, and is pretty good quality for the price.

Outfit Details.

Top. Goodnight Macaroon - Similar Here and Here

Bottoms. Madewell High Rise Denim Shorts in Washed Black

Kicks. Cole Haan Originalgrand Wingtip Oxford

Clutch. Lou Lou Boutique Oversized Woven Clutch

Necklace. Bauble Bar Charm Necklace Builder (so fun - you get to customize your own charm necklace!)

When I got my top from Goodnight Macaroon, I was surprised with how small the sizing ran. I am pretty much always a size 4 or medium in bottoms and a small in tops. For Goodnight Macaroon, I had to order a large to fit into their clothing. The top I bought is super cute and I've been happy with the quality, considering GM is mostly a fast-fashion company, but I felt I had to share with you all how small their sizes ran. If you're interested in spicing up your capsule, and I highly recommend you do, check out Goodnight Macaroon - I'll link some of my favorites below. However, make sure you can return whatever you buy in case the sizing is off, and order at least a size if not two up. Also, order quickly. They tend to turn over stock a little quickly, so don't wait too long to grab one of their unique pieces.

Here are some of my current favorites that I think would be great for spicing up a very neutral capsule wardrobe from right to left.

Top Row.

Frankie Denim Shredded Hem Side Cut Jeans

Argelia Essential Linen Shirt Dress

Luana Stripped Tied Strap Peplum Top

Bottom Row.

Shanika Stripped Embroidered Peplum Top 

Gala V Neck Basic Top

Janessa Stripped Knotted Sleeveless Top

 

Casual Style // Coffee Shops

In the summer time, and most of the year, my favorite places to work are coffee shops. The other day I was able to have a creative meeting, one of a weekly series, with my friend Sydney. We like to spend time working every Thursday on our creative side-hustles. Last Thursday we went to the South Congress Hotel's Mañana coffee. Such a great spot for collaborating.

Here is a glimpse at one of my working-at-the-coffee-shop outfits. Three words. Comfy. Casual. + Classic. 

Outfit.

Top. Madewell Stripped Tank Top (Now on sale!)

Bottoms. Lucky Brand Sasha Super Skinny Jean

Shoes. Madewell - similar here and on sale!

Bag. Nisolo Lori Tote

Summer Rompers // It's Hot in Austin

It has been excruciatingly hot here in Austin. High temperatures in the 100's and lows in the 80's means we are all dying, and don't even get me started on the mosquitos! The best thing about summer in Austin, however, is all of the summer fashion. Any other season of the year, it's typically too hot to wear all of the cute new styles, or the great classics, but summer is our time to shine, so I thought I'd share with you all a cute little linen romper I've been wearing non stop.

Recently snagged from the huge sale going on with Anthropologie, this little linen has become a staple in my wardrobe. Now, I know what all of you are thinking, "Ami, that isn't capsule wardrobe," but oh contrare my friends. This romper while maybe more "trendy" than most capsule pieces, was well-made with quality fabric, incredibly comfortable, and will come back for next summer.

Here is my little philosophy on capsule wardrobes, if you think you will wear it next year, if you think it will hold up until the next year (and hopefully many years after), then I think it fits the capsule wardrobe label. The thing with capsule wardrobes is that they are very tricky, especially in a world in which most pieces of clothing can hardly last until the end of the current season. We have no idea what our bodies are going to look like next year - maybe we gain a lot of weight, lose some, get pregnant, or our hormones shift and our body shape changes. It's not realistic to plan a strict-capsule-wardrobe when you don't know what your body is going to look like. *stepping off soapbox now*. Here are some photos of this gorgeous summer romper.

Pictured.

Romper - Anthropologie (similar/favorites below)

Shoes - Target Lois Criss Cross Ballet Flats

Bracelet - Bauble Bar - not in circulation

Necklace - Britta Ambauen Jewelry Underline Necklace

And here are some links to my favorite summer rompers/jumpsuits that I am currently in love with.

Elizabeth Suzann Mara Jumpsuit - an all-time favorite - this guy is on my wish list!

Anthropologie Linen Stripped Romper - I love the pattern - very unique but not over the top.

Anthropologie Chantal Jumpsuit - I love this look - very 1920's with pants (lol)

Madewell Apron Bow-Back Jumpsuit - I have had my eyes on this guy for months - love the fabric and the elegant bow detail

Madewell Side-Button Drawstring Romper - similar to the jumpsuit above but in a romper!

James Perse Twisted Strap Romper - In love with this darling denim romper - it looks so cozy and perfect for summer weather.

Stay up-to-date on all my adventures on Instagram.

Zilker Park // Spring Transitions

Last weekend, my fella came to town and we spent our time together roaming around one of our favorite cities. Sometimes I get stuck in my own little corner of town and rarely make it out. While I love my neighborhood, it's a great feeling to explore and feel like a stranger in your own city. 

My favorite moment of the weekend was when we went to Zilker Park with a little picnic and a couple books from our favorite local bookshop, Malvern Books. We spent hours lying in the grass, under our Texas sun, feeling as happy as can be. 

It's getting hotter here everyday, which means bye-bye cute winter clothes (although, did we even have a winter?) and hello shorts and tank tops. Spring always hits here a little early, but I wish we could hold on to the winter chill a little longer.

On our park date I chose a functional, spring transition outfit.

Pictured.

Top. Madewell Riverside Textured Sweater (similar color here)

Bottoms. Madewell 9" High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Lunar (here)

Shoes. Nisolo Sofia Slip-On in Noir (here)

Hat. Thrifted - I do love antique store finds!

I hope these spring feelings have you happy and adventurous. 

Comfy and Casual // Daily Wear

I've been getting asked what sort of outfits I wear on a daily basis with my capsule wardrobe, so I wanted to give you all a glimpse into what my daily wear looks like.

I love casual clothes (it's probably half of my wardrobe) and I try to find pieces that are accessible for multiple occasions. 

Pictured here are some of my favorites.

Jeans. Can't go wrong with black denim. Dress 'em up, dress 'em down, they're perfect for errands to a night out. These are from Madewell.

Cardigan. My absolute favorite cardigan/sweater/light jacket/every day coziness is from Bannana Republic. I love this color, tan just goes with everything. Similar here.

Shirt. I love stripes but I am very particular about them. I liked the uniqueness of this top, it's great for casual days out. Here is a stripped shirt I am majorly crushing on from Everlane.

Shoes. My classic Nisolo booties. I pretty much live in these slip-ons. I wear them with everything from jeans to dresses. 

Jewelry. Britta Ambauen everything! I can't stop wearing her pieces. They are so well made and accentuate all of my daily wear. 

I like to keep things simple. Lots and lots of neutrals are in my wardrobe, and lots of basic/plain tops. I tend to stay away from patterns unless they are really nice stripes. 

Capsule Update. Favorite Fall Booties

Alright friends, I think I have found my soul mate in a bootie. My good friends over at Nisolo have come out with an incredible bootie that is incredibly accessible and fits ever-so nicely into your capsule.

The Sofia Noir has been THE shoe I cannot stop wearing. I have never found a bootie so high quality with such a unique design that is also so comfortable.

Here is how I have been styling these bad boys.

(Click the photos to head directly to Nisolo and check these cutie-booties out!)

 

I like to wear these guys casually and daily but they are very versatile and can be worn more formally. There will be another post on here very soon about dressing up these booties. 

Outfit Details.

Booties. Nisolo Sophia in Noir

Jeans. Madewell

Top. Old Navy. (similar top linked)

Bag. ONA Bowery Bag

Jewelry. Britta Ambauen.

Wrap Ring

Wrap Bangle

Mountain Range Bangle

Underline Necklace

Nisolo as a company has been one I have not been able to stop raving about. Everything they produce is Intentionally designed, Ethically produced. Fairly priced.

If you're as in love with these as I am, grab your next pair by clicking here!

Also, to give all of you lovelies a heads-up, head over to my Instagram tomorrow to see how you can win one of my Britta Ambauen pieces! All you will need to do is like my Giveaway photo, follow myself and Britta Ambauen, and tag three friends in the comments on my photo; and if you're interested in entering a second time for a greater chance, tag three friends in Britta's Giveaway photo!

Late Summer Staples

Living in Austin, fall doesn’t quite hit us as fast as it does for everyone else. Our warmer temperatures, however, mean that we can wear our summery frocks for a bit longer, soak in a little extra sun, and eat popsicles and ice cream without our insides freezing.

It can be difficult to try and wear appropriate fall-transition clothes without dying from heat stroke, which is why I paired a fun and an almost fall-ready outfit the other day.

Outfit Details:

Top – Old Navy (similar here in a different color)

Bottoms – Ann Taylor Loft

Jacket – old (similar here from Madewell)

Bag – ONA Bags The Bowery  

Shoes – Nisolo Oliver Oxford in Brandy

Jewelry – Britta Ambauen (Marquis Tower Earrings, Gold Wrap Bangle, Mountain Range Bangle, Gold Wrap Ring, Underline Necklace)

Hair - Birds Barbershop

I loved wearing this outfit to the farmers market last weekend. It’s a fun, casual outfit perfect for daily errands or lounging at home! It’s light and breezy while still being cute. It was so fun getting to spend some time with Patrick, finding quality, local food. One of our favorite Austin small business is Kokonut Yogurt! Totally changing the yogurt game. I heartily recommend, whether or not you are dairy-free/vegan. There may be a yogurt-based fall recipe up on the blog soon!

Fall Transition Pieces

As September starts, colder weather is headed in, and with it comes lovely fall fashion! I’m making the transition to a fall capsule a little early this year as wishful thinking that maybe it won’t be incredibly hot in Texas anymore.

Here are a couple pieces I’m currently loving

Outfit Details.

1.

Madewell Jeans, Calvin Klein Shoes, Topshop Shirt (in black), Nisolo Bag, Britta Ambauen Jewelry (Don't forget, you can still get 10% off your order when you use code HIMONAMI10)

2.

UO Corduroy Skirt, Esby Apparel Shirt, Britta Ambauen Jewelry

3. 

Thrifted Trousers (similar here from Everlane), NO Shop Shirt, Calvin Klein Shoes, Britta Ambauen Jewelry

As fall weather comes in, embrace that crisp chill in the air. I love summer as much as the next girl, but fall is my absolute favorite time of year. The air smells better, pumpkins are everywhere, and the world seems a little happier. I hope I’ve given you some inspiration for your fall capsule/closet!