outfit: easy going

Are you a pants girl, or a dress girl? When it comes to work I had always been a pants girl, and on the weekends there’s nothing I crave more than a pair of great jeans. Yet lately, I cannot get enough of breezy dresses, particularly if it’s in a print (remember this). A dress is a reminder that it really takes one item to get ready. Ok, layer on a necklace, cute flats or heels, grab your bag (whatever you’re carrying at the moment; it all matches!) and head out. Forget the fuss, especially in the summer. No need to pile it on.

This dress from the brand Velvet that I picked up at curate clothes + accessories is a new favorite. It’s ultra lightweight but is not revealing, has a flattering waist line and yet is not too figure forming. Not to sound gross or crazy but I love a print because solids in the summer stress me out with sweat. The print is way more forgiving TMI? Sorry. Florida is intense.

I wore this outfit last week (ok, and again yesterday) during a super impromptu trip to Palm Springs, Calif with my bro and a few other loved ones. More details on that later; this dress went seamlessly from a little sight seeing and errands to dinner and a walk around town (where I saw RHOBH Lisa Vanderpump’s star!). In line with Curate’s philosophy of supporting U.S. brands, adore that Velvet is a Calif-based brand by two women who still primarily manufacture in the United States.

By the way, if you happen to live near me you might have noticed I haven’t taken this necklace off since getting it at Curate. It’s by handcrafted local brand, Alexandra Gioia… quickly gaining a following on social media as well as a number of area boutiques, including Curate, which has a great selection. I saw a friend style this arrowhead beaded necklace for a casual girls night, and then layered over a swim cover up. Beautiful, right? It’s these types of pieces I’m learning elevate everything from a Target tee to a beautiful dress and all of it in between. 

Dress: Velvet c/o curate clothes + accessories // Necklace: Alexandra Gioia c/o curate clothes + accessories // Flats: Sam & Libby (one of may’s ‘latest loves‘) // Purse: Rebecca Minkoff (if you’re looking for white, also love this and this) // Sunglasses: ℅ Woodzee

 And, the iPhone pic of when I “met” Lisa… {couldn’t resist!}.