This dress is from Ann Taylor’s 7 Days, 7 Dresses capsule for summer. (I mean obviously I’m loving the name.) It’s a warm weather classic, done right: a tan scoop-neck dress in a linen-esque fabric with tie at waist that is adjustable (which my bump and I thoroughly appreciated). As soon as it was on, I immediately started calculating the variety of occasions I could wear it to effortlessly. Low-key day at the office with a layered white tee? Check. Dressed up with statement earrings for a summer date night? Check check.
ANN TAYLOR
Joanne Ruffle Heeled Sandals
And when I say versatile, I mean it. You’ll notice that the weather again decided to take over as head creative while we were snapping these photos, and while at first I was bummed because, honestly, another rainy day (?!), I was actually unphased when I saw how easily this dress was to style for inclement weather. Being incredibly wearable and comfortable didn’t hurt, either.
ANN TAYLOR
Scoop Neck Long Sleeve Tee
Ann Taylor’s capsule collection of dresses is about staples, but stunning ones. The confidence-building wardrobe wonders that will take you to any event this spring and summer, so rather than panicking at the sight of an invitation, you rejoice. If you wanna buy new shoes though, I’m here for it.
Rent The Runway now offers an Unlimited Membership where you can rent four items at a time for a flat $159 monthly fee. You can swap out your items at any time, and if you really fall in love with something and don’t want to send it back, you can purchase it for a discount and keep it forever. The standard membership allows for the rental of four items, but you can expand your membership to rent even more than that if you prefer. SKY’S THE LIMIT, FRIENDS.
Bottom line: You can now have a magical rotating closet without the investment. We’re talking dresses, separates, jewelry, handbags—all of it. Membership gives you access to a truly unlimited assortment of styles, trends, colors, seasons, shapes, and sizes. Because I know you’re already concerned—rest easy, they take care of free shipping to your door and dry cleaning.
BROCK COLLECTION
Ondina Dress
LOEFFLER RANDALL
Wicker Tote
SLATE & WILLOW ACCESSORIES
Pearl Drop Hoops
I’ve been using the service for the past several months and I cannot express to you how freeing it is to know I can change up what’s in my closet at any time, in any way I want. It’s like Avengers: Infinity Closet in here. Membership is $159 per month (which is far better than actually like…buying all of this), and you can pause or cancel any time.
If you’re thinking… “I have no idea what I’d rent,” allow me to remind you just how handy having a literally unlimited closet might be: jackets for weird transitional weather, suits for interviews or an important work conference, trendy jewelry you’ll be sick of in three weeks, dresses for weddings or galas, bags for… do I really need to give you a reason for more bags? You see where I’m going with this. There are always reasons to rotate new pieces into your closet, and Rent The Runway is constantly updating its stock (literally every day) with new finds that you can wear and enjoy without the investment.
In the past, Rent The Runway has always been a great resource for weddings or other special events, but their Unlimited Membership has drastically changed this for me. Especially while pregnant, it’s been an absolute life-saver. With an ever-expanding midsection, I can avoid flushing money down the toilet on clothing that will no longer fit me in a couple weeks. Plus, they have a dedicated maternity section with a curated selection of bump-friendly pieces. Talk about saving time AND money. I truly can’t recommend the Rent The Runway Unlimited service highly enough to anyone, but especially pregnant women.
Also, as a side note, I have a feeling my love affair with this company will grow even deeper soon because they just launched Rent The Runway Kids! If you have little ones growing like weeds, this is a godsend. Sold.
A forever-rotating closet is no longer something out of Clueless. It’s real, and it’s a genius way to constantly incorporate new style into your wardrobe without the fear of clothing commitment (or spending your entire rent check on your wardrobe). We’re rounding the corner of a new season. It’s the perfect time to start style experimenting and opening up your closet to infinite, unlimited possibilities. Climb aboard, people.
BROCK COLLECTION
Ondina Dress
LOEFFLER RANDALL
Wicker Tote
SLATE & WILLOW ACCESSORIES
Pearl Drop Hoops
Thanks to Rent The Runway for partnering on this post!
The goal here was to create a genuinely wearable, comfortable heeled sandal that doesn’t sacrifice one ounce of chicness.
If you’re going to go into a project with a goal this major, you have 100% of my attention (and prayers, because… how?). Plenty of brands claim to make heels that are comfortable, but not until I wore Sarah Flint’s Perfect Pump did I actually believe someone could pull it off. With summer coming, you can imagine my rapt attention to the Perfect Sandal.
A few things to appreciate about this sandal’s sheer ingenuity (meaning, here are some of the reasons these shoes won’t kill your feet):
• They have wider toe straps than most sandals, so they won’t crowd and smoosh your toes together in pedicure-ruining pain.
• They have tons of extra footbed padding (an extra 6mm!) and raised arch support (that no one else can see, but you can really feel).
• The rubber sole, which solves lots of stability issues, but that also means you don’t have to take your new shoes immediately to the cobbler to have them add a protective layer to the bottom of your brand new shoes. PRAISE THEM.
Here, I’m wearing (and probably never taking off) the 85mm heel height, for your reference. But in another stroke of genius, they’ve made the sandal in a 100mm heel height option as well. Unlike most heels that are wearable from the time you lock your front door to maaaaybe the end of your first glass of wine, this shoe is meant to be worn and walked in… as in all day and night, comfortably.
Lest you think this shoe is all function, no form, it’s SO CHIC, PEOPLE.
I love the trifecta of delicate straps across the toe and the perfect dainty ankle strap. Add to that a major dose of versatility, and you have the perfect shoe for summer wedding season, rooftop cocktails, and warm weather events of literally all kinds. I’ve already snagged the nude hue as well.
Better news still, the discount code MARY50 (all caps) will score you $50 off your first purchase on SarahFlint.com! The code doesn’t expire. It’s good on your first purchase of any pair of shoes, not just the Perfect Sandal (though I think I’ve made my preference clear).
Genuine breakthroughs in footwear are rare, even more rare when we’re talking about the heeled variety.
As women with classic style leanings, we’ve worn a heel or two in our day. I’m telling you, this brand is game changing for us, so much so that I’m stocking up. A closet full of pain-free footwear? Why not? It can’t hurt (literally).
Apart from furthering my confidence that pregnancy and belted looks can coexist, today’s get-up serves as sartorial proof that all-black outfits work as the weather gets warm. The fun sleeves of this dress by Beaufille speak to the buoyancy and playfulness of the season. While the open neckline makes way for your favorite layered necklaces. Add to that a skirt that’s got some good flow to it, and this look is right at home in May. A cute mini bag and one’s favorite sunglasses certainly don’t hurt, either. Speaking of cute black mini bags, just wait until you check out the beauties rounded up at the bottom of this post.
Even if you’re not going full head-to-toe monochrome, it’s always a good idea to invest in a fresh pair of black shoes/sandals/sunglasses/etc. for the season. They’re the wear-with-anything staples that will polish off every look from here through Labor Day (and beyond). Don’t look now, but I’d venture to guess last year’s options at the bottom of your closet are in need of a refresh.
The more you can infuse your all-black looks with flow and fun, the more often you’re going to be able to rely on them in the warmer months. There’s really no reason to say goodbye to this essential neutral and all it’s easily accesorizable (it’s a word) utility. Below, continue your love affair with this inky hue well into summer with a few of the pieces I’m shopping as we speak.
I found this dress by Nicholas on Nordstrom, and while I bought the orange option, I’m 100% going back for the floral, because I think I might actually like that one even more. It fit so perfectly into my travel day, and this style is one I think we all need to consider for sunny days and vacations moving forward.
The prairie dress is having a moment, and for good reason. There’s something about it that screams seasonality and welcomes in warmer weather like no other dress can. I particularly love it for warm weather travel, because it’s incredibly comfortable to wear and packs so easily. The style is also convenient for travel because gauzy, flowy, gathered fabrics hide any extra wrinkles that appear while in your suitcase.
NICHOLAS
Floral Print Pleated Midi Prairie Dress
LA VIE REBECCA TAYLOR
Provencal Midi Dress
CECE
Tie Shoulder Smocked Denim Maxi Dress
Beyond that, the prairie dress is supremely versatile. It works with heels for dinner, or flat sandals (and even sneakers) for a day of exploring. This style typically features lots of smocking, ruffles, and gathered or flowy elements, so it’s super comfortable and not restricting—you can easily walk around in it all day. A great elastic waist (or smocking in many instances) also adds to the comfort of the dress which will easily expand with every extra scoop of gelato.
REFORMATION
Marabella Linen Dress
There are so many dress styles like this one on Nordstrom perfect for escaping where we live in favor of sunnier skies, so I highly suggest you take a look. However, there’s no need to clear your schedule to dig through pages of frocks. I’ve rounded up all of my favorites below!
The Perfect Prairie Summer Dress
A special thanks to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for partnering on this post!
