Summer Essentials (making the most out of a limited wardrobe)

Okay I've been busy, and I mean like really really busy. In fact I've never been so busy in my life.
Internships are hard but honestly I'm having an amazing time in Durham and I love my job.
However... it is real hot down here yall. The heat index is over 100 degrees, and has been this way for a week. So I've been trying super hard to wear my cool fabric shorts and flowy sundresses, but I only have so much... The thing is, basics go a long way.
While I may love that really cool printed shirt. the white one in the same style will go with five things in my wardrobe verses, the one pair of shorts the printed one works with.
Frugality is my job not my passion
By that I mean I have to really take time to consider how things work appropriately within my wardrobe instead of making impulse buys. However, I love fun prints and bright colors and sometimes I splurge.
You have to be a smart shopper. Luckily the summertime is easier because there is less clothing. And by that... I mean things are smaller and I dont wear as many layers.

My Summer Basics include:

• Fabric Shorts
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• Black Maxi Skirt
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• Solid Blousy Tops
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• High Waisted Jean Shorts
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• Various Strapless Solid Shirts
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• Solid Sundresses
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• My Jacks
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• Statement Necklace

Having Solids makes life easier when mixing and matching, I can throw a statement necklace on, and completely transform an outfit. Or I add wedges to a daytime outfit and BAM! instantly dressed to go out. I love summer clothes, however I have to be smart when purchasing basics that will transform outfits cross-seasonally!

What are your summer basics?

My Christmas Haul

I would first like to start off with expressing how extremely blessed I am. 2014 was an extremely hard year for my family, so the fact that I had a great Christmas full of joyous family and filled with special memories, is remarkable. I also got alot of awesome staples in my preppy wardrobe.

Also Not pictured: Some great activewear and etc !!

Red top

This is not the exact shirt I got, mine is a tartan or scotch plaid. It took me years and I actually mean years to find one that I loved as much as this one from L.L. Bean. I've already belted it, worn it with my new vest and also tucked it into a skirt to make it festive. Its a Fall/Winter Essential! Plus its super warm!

J Crew lightweight down vest

Okay, so everyone has these.... but that's because they are amazing, I think I've worn it like 5 times already...oops! I currently own a black vest already so this off-white color is perfect for all of the things that I cant wear with the black vest. PLUS, its about to get cold so its the perfect weather for these things! I give this a 5 star rating.

Sam Edelman brown riding boots

I am probably the pickiest person when it comes to riding boots. I've been surviving on some not so great ones for the past year..can we just say ( I crazy glued the bottom to keep them together ) hahaha!  Well these Sam Edelman boots were a great buy, I got them for about 30% off at Nordstrom and used my Christmas cash to score these! I'm already loving them and I'm sure they will get great use out of them!

Longchamp tote

  FINALLY! my longchamp void in my closet has been filled. This bag is great! You can literally dump anything in it. It folds to travel or you can use it as a carry-on.  I've been using vintage Dooney and Burke bags for far too long, and its nice to have a new sturdy bag!

Monogram jewelry 
You cant go wrong with monograms! This year I  was blessed to receive a beautiful gold script "R" I don't know how I survived without it!

Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses

You can honestly never have too many sunglasses! And I like the classic look of ray-bans!





What did you guys receive for Christmas?
-XOXO