MIDI ON MY MIND

Wearing what is probably one of my favorite dresses ever... The metallic knit, lace lattice inserts and of course my favorite midi length, all come together to create what is a perfect dress in my opinion:) So good for cocktail hour, I've been so obsessed with this dress, I've actually looked for ways to downplay it a bit so that I could wear it daytime as well. So far, simple strappy flats and a structured cross-body seem to be the winning combination, but I'm reserved to find new ways to wear it just the same. Perhaps boots and leather jacket once it gets a bit cooler... Regardless, I have a feeling you're gonna be seeing quite a bit of it on this blog:)

Photography by Karen Rosalie  

SELF PORTRAIT Ava lace-insert midi dress { also here } | CARVELA Gosh black strap heeled sandals via ASOS |  ILLESTEVA Boca mirrored sunglasses { in blue here } | CHANEL Boy flap bag in perforated leather | TIFFANY & CO Atlas open ring | WANDERLUST & CO rings 

SUMMER STRIPES

When it comes to clothing, I think all of us have that something that we consciously or subconsciously gravitate to. For me, it's full skirts! Never met one I didn't like, but from time to time I meet one I like so much, it becomes an instant classic and a go-to skirt for every occasion. Today's post features a great example of just such a skirt:) Perfect tailoring, bold stripes and my particular weakness - pockets, all come together to create the prettiest, dreamiest skirt I've ever seen! Today, I decided to go for a slightly dressier look and paired it with a white blouse and bright red heels, but of course it would look just as cute worn with a pair of pointy toe flats and a simple tee... Basically the possibilities are endless, and of course you know how much I love that!

EASY BREEZY EYELET

Found this totally twirl-worthy eyelet skirt on a recent trip to Beverly Hills. You see, I've been meaning to add a nice white midi to my wardrobe for some time now and this one is proving versatile beyond all expectations. Seriously, I'm yet to find something it doesn't quite work with:) So good with pretty much every crop top imaginable, I also love the way it pairs with simple stripped tees, denim jackets and white button downs. Basically a perfect little summer skirt to wear day or night and to dress up or down! Naturally, I love that, cause you know how I feel about items that work with everything in my closet:)

FREE PEOPLE MLM Willow crop top | CLUB MONACO Huette eyelet skirt | AQUAZZURA Amazon lace up sandals { also here } | CHANEL Boy flap bag in perforated leather | ILLESTEVA Boca mirrored sunglasses { in blue here } | WANDERLUST & CO rings 

SIMPLE GEOMETRY

Back in my favorite weekend uniform, i.e. a pair of distressed jeans, oversized shirt and fun heels. Funny, but of all the things I wear, this particular combination is the one I feel most comfortable in. And sure, high heels are not exactly synonymous with comfort, but you know me, I am not flats kind of a gal. In fact, I've gotten so used to wearing heels anything below 3 inches is comfortable and therefore qualifies as weekend wear... Though for pumps as gorgeous as the ones from Paul Andrew I am wearing in today's post, I gladly break the 3 inch rule:) 

RAG & BONE The Skinny jeans | BANANA REPUBLIC soft-wash poplin tunic | CHANEL Boy flap bag in perforated leather | PAUL ANDREW Zenadia high heel pump | GILLIAN JULIUS  multi tube bracelets 

THE 70s FLARE

I love skinny jeans! I love them a lot in fact, but after wearing skinnies pretty much non stop for the past few years, I am ready to add something different to my denim repertoire. 

Why flares, you ask? Why not straight leg or boyfriend, for example? Well, mainly because I think flare is probably one of the most flattering jean-shapes there is, provided of course they fit properly. Like any other girl who is 5.8 and has a penchant for sky-high heels, when I talk about the proper fit, it's all about the length!

I have a few pet peeves when it comes to clothing, but all of them pale in comparison to my hatred of short jeans and pants. When flares are long enough ( go all the way to the ground and cover your footwear completely), you look like you're 20 feet tall and the have the longest pair of legs in the universe, but when they're too short, well, let's just say the results aren't pretty :) 

So, after trying a million different pairs on, here is what I found :

Most jeans come in 32 or 34 length. I tried 34 on, and though they look alright at first ( not all the way to the floor but pretty darn close ), they tend to ride up as you walk and eventually end up looking way too short. 

35 length was definitely good but 36 was even better:) Unfortunately, I found only a few denim labels that make jeans this long. If I had to choose two favorites, I would go with Stella McCartney and FRAME Denim, the later being my particular obsession at the moment due to a few amazing styles and washes! 

What about you guys, how do you feel about the flare? 

Stella McCartney The 70th Flare jeans | Sandro sweater & Vega jacket { in cobalt blue here } | Free People school boy hat | Chanel Boy flap bag in perforated leather | Wanderlust & Co chevron double silver ring 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,

Annabelle