Seattle-based Asa Herrman (35) works in healthcare and shares weekly outfit and beauty tips on her blog Lace & Pearls. Our petite blogger is a jeans gal at heart with a fab collection of cardigans and sweaters. She also loves a fun bootie, and keeps things fresh by mixing her mostly casual style with on-trend and the occasional boho-lite touch.

“My personal style has always been a mix of classic and girly. In the last 5 years, my style has evolved from being less preppy to a more everyday casual. I’m always striving for comfort too. You will rarely find me in an uncomfortable shoe or outfit. If it’s not functional then it’s probably not for me.”

Asa is a denim gal who adores booties, and this outfit perfectly reflects that. She is also a fan of wearing white jeans year round, and created this look around a pair of ankle-length skinny jeans. She’s paired the jeans with a short-sleeved statement ruffled top in navy and white. The feminine ruffles mimic the effect of ocean waves, which adds lots of soft movement. Keeping the jeans ankle length showcases the booties with fun scrunched detail. Opting for low-contrast footwear lengthens the leg line. A small shoulder bag in a non-matchy beige complements the colour palette. Asa finishes things off with a chunky necklace and pink lipstick.

When asked which Spring/Summer 2018 trend she enjoys wearing most right now, Asa said:

“Since I’m more of a classic girl, I rarely follow the trends. So my favorite non-trendy item is white denim. I love wearing it with my denim jacket and a bright red lip! All three are classics and are true to my personal style.”

When our blogger isn’t sporting jeans, she usually goes for dresses. Here she is wearing a fab Summer frock in subtle empire style with abstract black and white pattern in a flowy silky material. The elasticated band emphasizes Asa’s waist, while the bottom part with the pattern running horizontally is a fun design detail. The dress falls just below the knee on our blogger who is just shy of 5’4. Block-heeled peep-toe booties add casual oomph. Keeping the colour low contrast elongates the leg line. Asa’s shoulder bag makes its second appearance and matches the footwear perfectly. A minimalist silver bangle, an oversized ring pendant and soft pink lipstick are the subtle finishing touches.

Wouldn’t this make for a fun casual holiday look! Asa is sporting black toothpick jeans tucked into Chelsea booties. But the burgundy blouse in crushed velvet is the star of the show. The colour is rich and vibrant, while the velvet adds a luxe touch. I love how the material catches the light to create movement and visual interest. The blouse is fitted on the shoulders, and then gently tapers out in vertical pleats, which helps to create vertical integrity. The Chelsea booties in a speckled bronze are unexpected and add festive sheen. The embossed envelope clutch with its sleek lines adds a touch of strictness. A fun outfit juxtaposition. Large earrings peeking out from Asa’s soft wavy ‘do and her trademark radiant smile complete the look.

Asa has a great collection of cardigans and sweaters that she often pairs with her beloved jeans. In this casual outfit it’s all about contrasting textures and materials. Our blogger has paired indigo skinny jeans with a rust blouse and cream cardigan. The soft colours create a soothing effect. The chunky knit cardi accentuates the smooth silky texture of the flowy blouse. The pleated detail on the top creates vertical integrity. Rolling the hems of the full-length jeans showcases ankle skin which adds a little structure to the lower leg line. Asa is wearing her hair straight here, which also emphasizes vertical lines. Her two-toned blush hobo bag complements the colour palette beautifully. A gold-toned pearl pendant, fun earrings and light pink lippie, and she is ready to go.

Our blogger is a short-waisted petite who regularly shares brands that work for her on her blog. Cuffing skinny jeans is one of Asa’s go-to tricks to avoid having to hem full-length jeans and pants. Here she is wearing distressed skinnies with a mixed-media striped long-sleeved tee. The crisp pleated peplum inset of semi-transparent material adds visual interest. Black leather peep-toe booties add soft edge and echo the stripes in the top. Asa has a penchant for animal-adorned items like this playful crossbody with chain strap. She finishes off this casual Summer outfit with silver chandelier earrings and her trademark pink lipstick. And who can resist her infectious smile!

Another fab frock look that screams Summer. The silky material and sleeveless style make it an elegant and breezy option for warm weather. The large navy polka dots add playful charm. The drawstring waist works well on our short-waisted blogger because it creates a flattering blouson effect and defines the waist. Pairing the ladylike dress with soft edge black peep-toe booties is an effective way to create on-trend outfit juxtaposition. A simple gold locket, silver rings and Asa’s quirky cat crossbody are the accessories of choice.

Fashion is still quite fickle, but it’s a lot less rigid than it used to be. We are living in an era that is accepting and encouraging of all sorts of outfit juxtapositions, outfit proportions, colour combinations, fabrications and silhouettes. Never before has there been as much variety in fashion and style as there is right now. The fashion industry has a long way to go in terms of celebrating diversity of age, body type and beauty, but things are improving. Small change is better than no change at all.

The decline of the trend’s power over the way we dress has resulted in a true rebirth of personal style. It’s HOW you wear and interpret fashion that counts. Gone are the days when looking stylish meant dressing in one particular way. There isn’t a distinctive “look of the decade”, and individualism reigns supreme. 

There’s only ONE rule around here, and that’s to have fun with fashion and style. The rest are merely guidelines that you can take or leave at your leisure. On that note, I’m dispelling some fashion myths that you might have thought of as gospel, but make little sense these days.

1. Petites Can’t Wear Midi Lengths

I have many petite clients who are south of 5ft 3. They ALL wear midi-length skirts and dresses and look fabulous. They often wear their midis a little shorter, just covering the knee, which lengthens the leg line from the knees downward. Some like to pair the length with a heel, and others don’t. Some prefer dresses over skirts because they’re more elongating. Some like to tuck or semi-tuck the tops into midi skirts to lengthen the leg line from the hips upward, and some like to wear pointy-toe footwear that lengthens the leg line from the lower leg downward. One of my friends is 4ft 9 and wears a midi with the best of them.

2. Horizontal Stripes Make You Look Wide

If the fit and fabric of the garment is dead right, horizontal stripes do not widen your frame. Bold high-contrast stripes make more of a statement, but it’s no different to wearing a bright solid colour. When in doubt, keep the stripes low contrast, or choose a very narrow stripe.

3. Dressing for Your Body Type is Best

Body type dressing was all the rage about ten years ago, but fashion and style has moved on. Wearing outfits that create conventionally flattering proportions are always in style, but they can limit your creativity, constrict your comfort, and take the fun out of dressing. If you don’t know where to start, defining your body type and reading through the guidelines provides an excellent starting point. Much like you need to understand the rules before you can successfully break them. That’s why the modern and liberating approach is to create a set of PERSONAL figure flattering priorities and stick to them. Opting for outfit proportions that are just flattering enough is more interesting and adds variety to your style.

4. Heeled Footwear Elevates Your Style

Gone are the days that you had to wear heels to look stylish and fashionable. In fact, the trendiest footwear is flat or very low-heeled these days. More and more outfits look the most current with flatter footwear, and of course – we are a sneaker generation. Almost every outfit can be worn with some sort of sneaker, and dressy flats are gaining momentum in corporate settings. There are ways to lengthen the leg line without wearing heels, (one of my favourite styling strategies).

5. Neutrals are Best

Most people wear neutrals, and many prefer them to non-neutrals for their calming, soothing, versatile, chic, practical and mainstream integrity. Neutrals have all these wonderful qualities, but it doesn’t make them better if they don’t make you happy. Non-neutrals can be just as versatile, chic, practical and soothing if they affect your mood and emotions in just the right way. It’s a personal choice, and you should follow your feelings.

6. Wear One Animal Print or Metallic Item at a Time

It used to be a faux pas to wear more than one animal print item at a time. These days, it’s fabulous to create complements in the same patterns or colours because the styling strategy helps pull an outfit together. It’s also a nod to the Maximalism trend. By all means, sport animal print shoes, bag and belt in the same outfit because why the heck not? The same goes for wearing multiple metallic items together. The only limit to the combination is your own tolerance for it.

7. Don’t Wear White After Labor Day

Wear white wardrobe items at any time of the year. If you like, wear white jeans year round. There is nothing offensive about wearing white — or any other colour for that matter — whenever you feel like it. As long as the items are appropriate to the weather and setting, go for it.

8. Structured Outfits Are the Best Way to Go

Conventionally flattering outfit proportions are forever stylish. They slim the silhouette, define the waist, lengthen the leg line, and accentuate vertical integrity. These are the outfit proportions that we’re used to thinking of as flattering because fashion created the benchmark all those years ago — and it stuck. Well. If we all looked the same, style and life would be very boring. Wearing fluid fits is more comfortable, and they do a great job of camouflaging lumpage and bumpage. Oversized garments have dramatic, arty and architectural flair, which is just as fabulous as wearing a structured look.

9. White Bottoms Make You Look Too Wide

Dark colours can be more slimming than light ones, but the fit, fabric and drape of bottoms also create a visually flattering effect. You might feel more comfortable in dark bottoms because they are less bright than white. Black bottoms are also much more available so it’s easier to get a great pair. But everyone can wear white bottoms. My size US16 to 20 clients and friends look AMAZING in white jeans, pants and white skirts. They don’t feel wider in them because the fit and fabric is dead right.

10. Style Is a Small Size & Young Age

Style is beyond size, age and body type. It is an energy and confidence that is expressed through clothing, footwear and accessories. Some of the most stylish people I know are in their seventies, and plus sized. There is no one way to be stylish, and style is not one thing. Style is a sum of many parts, and a confident attitude goes a long way.

This list is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to add to it in the comments below.

We’re off to Italy where we’ll spend two weeks at the gorgeous Amalfi coast. We’re splitting our time between a hotel in Positano, and sharing a villa with friends in Sorrento. Sam will hold the fort back home with our pet-sitter, and we will miss him terribly. 

Including travel, it’s a two-week trip and this is what I’ve packed. A few things upfront before I delve into the details.

• We’ll be doing a lot of relaxing, strolling and slowing things down. We’re looking forward to spending quality time together, hanging out with friends, sightseeing, savouring gastronomic delights, and lounging on a beach that’s a hundred steps from the villa.
• It’s going to be gloriously warm and sunny. Daytime highs of about 25 to 28 degrees Celsius (78 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit), and a little cooler in the mornings and evenings. Apparently, it will be humid, but that doesn’t worry me at all. I love the heat, and quite like the humidity.
• I’ll be putting a suitcase in the hold because I like to have more dressing options than a carry-on can accommodate. I’ll also be doing a little shopping on my trip which requires extra space on the way home.
• I will not be doing laundry on the trip.

The capsule does not include the outfit that I will wear on both sets of flights. It’s the same outfit, and I’ve shown the components at the end of this post.

This capsule came together extremely easily because I’d decided back in February that I would wear dresses, skirts, pretty tops and cropped white jeans on this trip, which is exactly what I’ve packed. I had all the dresses because it’s been the BEST dress season ever.

The Palette

The colours, fabrics and patterns reflect my sartorial preferences. I’ve stuck to my usual Summer palette of optical white, dark and mid-tone blues, denim blue, sour brights like watermelon and citron, and a smattering of black. I LOVE lace and eyelet so there’s a lot of that. I prefer classic patterns so it’s stripes, polka dots and checks all the way. I can wear head to toe neutral outfits, or throw in the brights. I happily wear watermelon with citron and white, and find it harmonious and soothing. All outfits are grounded with white, which calms the eye and adds that crisp and pretty integrity I’m after in my outfits.

No Formula

There is no one outfit formula because I’ll be wearing dresses, a skirt, and cropped jeans with tops. The only constant is flat white footwear, pearls, and my eyewear. Most of the tops can be worn with either the jeans or skirt, which is handy. That way I can pander to my mood when selecting what to wear for the day.

The mix of items is true to my style since it combines classics with trendier items, wardrobe essentials with statement pieces, solids with patterns, neutrals with colours, and old items with newbies. There is plenty of variety but with a good amount of discipline. There are ten fresh outfits which means I’ll wear a few items more than once.

Important: I took the time to try on all outfit combinations with various accessories and footwear options to make sure I liked them. Do not go with what you think will work in your head. TRY ON outfits before you pack to avoid disaster.

Here’s more detail on each part of the capsule. Note that wardrobe basics like undies, camisoles, sleepwear, loungewear and footies are not represented here, but of course I’ll pack them too. For the rest, these are the exact wardrobe items that I packed and will be wearing en route.

Footwear

I built a travel capsule around my shoes because it’s extremely important to have happy feet when you’re walking around a city and using public transport. Once I knew which ultra comfortable shoes I was taking, I planned the rest of the outfits to work with them.

All footwear has been tried and tested, and goes the distance. All footwear is white and FLAT because that’s signature to my style and bookends my hair. No heels at all. I chose mules to inject trendy newness into my outfits. I chose classic loafers because they work with everything and are my most worn Summer shoes. I threw in a pair of sandals for heat and humidity, and the beach. And streamlined white fashion sneakers for extra long walks and plane travel. All footwear options work across the range of outfits, although I prefer some combinations to others.

Shopbop

Frye Ivy Low Lace Sneakers

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8

Nordstrom

Naturalizer Simonette Mule

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23

Zappos

Naturalizer Wendy

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29

Nordstrom

SARTO By Franco Sarto 'Jolette' Penny Loafer

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55

Dresses

I feel a lot more pulled together and comfortable in a dress, so I don’t bother with shorts. I’ve packed five frocks across a range of of colours, patterns and fabrics for maximum versatility. They’re all midi length apart from one, which doubles as a tunic over white crops. Silhouettes are roomy, or tailored on the torso because I’m off fitted sheaths on this leg on my style journey. I want comfort, swish and romance, and nothing constricting on the lower body. All dresses are sleeved because I don’t wear sleeveless. Silhouettes are casual and smart casual, and quite dramatic. I’ll be wearing them with casual flats, which effectively dresses them down.

Topshop

Striped Drape Midi Dress

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32

Club Monaco

Elianna Knit Dress

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30

Banana Republic

Eyelet Maxi Dress

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25

Boden

Eleanor Dress

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26

Boden

Julieta Lace Dress

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19

Bottoms

I chose three bottoms for days when I don’t wear dresses. White jeans are favourites, so I packed those and two pairs for good measure. Who needs blue jeans when you love white jeans! I’m thrilled with my new lace skirt and threw that in to change things up. It’s a pencil style, but very breezy and comfy nonetheless.

Ann Taylor

Frayed Crop Jeans in White

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33

Nordstrom

Citizens of Humanity Elsa Ankle Skinny Jeans

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24

Anthropologie

Maeve | Anthropologie Tallulah Lace Skirt

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15

Tops

I’ve packed a range of blue and white tops because they look best with the bottoms and are robust for travel. No bright tops this time round, but there’s variety in silhouette, pattern and fabric to prevent me from getting bored. All tops can be worn with the three bottoms so I can mix and match till the cows come home. I’ll pattern mix, so there are many possibilities.

Boden

Kristie Broderie Top

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12

Madewell

Central Ruffle-Sleeve Shirt in Indigo

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14

Club Monaco

Weylyn Shirt

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20

Anthropologie

Michael Stars | Anthropologie Michael Stars Boat Neck Shine Top

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16

Anthropologie

Michael Stars | Anthropologie Michael Stars Shine Boat Neck Top

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19

Toppers

Denim jackets are a wardrobe essential for my Summer style and suitably robust for travel. I chose a light-washed embroidered style with a fluid fit, and a dark collarless tailored peplum silhouette to change things up. Both jackets work over any of the dresses and tops, although I like some combinations more than others.

Nordstrom

BILLY T Embroidered Denim Jacket

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26

Banana Republic

Collarless Peplum Denim Jacket

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29

Accessories

I’ll be we wearing my specs and sunnies along with gold watch, pearl bracelet and pearl wedding ring daily. I’ll throw in the pearl necklace most days too. To change things up, I’ve brought along two handbags instead of one. I MUST travel with a satchel and chose my citron Furla because it converts to a crossbody and adds a bright component to my outfit. The straw bag is a trendy classic and screams beachy-Summer so I packed that too. These bags add polish to my outfits, and are also practical. I chose a cotton citron scarf to complement the bag. I wear Summer scarves in the heat to keep the sun and sea breeze off my neck.

I will also be travelling with an umbrella and a cashmere wrap. I’ve left the wrap out of the capsule because it will not be styled into these outfits. It’s a cosy blanket for plane travel only.

Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Zappos

Hat Attack Bamboo Mini

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11

Yoox

Furla Handbag

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30

Nordstrom

SAN DIEGO HAT Pineapple Scarf

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14

Nordstrom

Shinola 'The Birdy' Bracelet Watch, 34mm

$525.00

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17

Swimwear

I created my swimwear capsule from scratch back in February and am thrilled with it. I won’t do much swimming, and will spend most of the time in the shade under an umbrella. I can wear the packable straw hat with any of my day outfits.

Boden

Alacati Cup-Size Bikini Top

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5

Boden

Mix & Match Bikini Shorts

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9

Zappos

Seafolly Crinkle Twill Beach Shirt

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9

Amazon

Wallaroo Hat Company Wallaroo Women's PETITE Victoria Sun Hat - Perfect for smaller heads!

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20

Travel Outfit

This is the exact outfit that I will wear tomorrow on the flights out to Paris and Naples, and the flights back to Seattle in a fortnight. It follows my strategy for what to wear on long flights. Layers, fabrics with stretch that don’t crease, and soft fabrics are cosy and insulating for plane travel. A jacket, scarf and dressy bag also make my casual outfit look pulled together and polished. Comfortable shoes are essential for comfort when traipsing through airports and cities with luggage.

Custom Find

by Angie

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Gap

Stripe peplum tee

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22

Nordstrom

Citizens of Humanity Emerson Slim Boyfriend Jeans

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35

Banana Republic

Collarless Peplum Denim Jacket

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29

Yoox

Furla Handbag

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30

Shopbop

Frye Ivy Low Lace Sneakers

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8

Nordstrom

Caslon Starflower Tassel Scarf

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6

You can visit the collection page to see my travel capsule in its entirety. The picture below shows the items just before I started packing. Mini in-house fashion stylist Sam gave his nod of approval.

Gone are the days when wearing heels (and very high heels) with skirts and dresses elevated your style. It’s more trendy and current than ever to wear skirts with flats, which in most cases is more comfortable, practical and casual. Of course, wearing skirts with heeled footwear is a classic, and you should by all means keep on doing just that if it’s your preference.

The definition of a flat is not clear-cut. I think of heels up to an inch high as flats. Heels between an inch and a quarter and two inches are low heels. Anything higher than that is a high or very high heel.

Here are some casual and dressy skirt and flats outfits to get you started. It’s all about satisfying your figure flattering priorities and wearing what makes you feel fab. Choose any colour palette. 

1. Dressy Blazer & Loafers

These proportions have a fab ‘80s integrity. Combine a dressy pencil skirt with a layering top and blazer. Finish off the look with a dressy loafer or flat mule, and a structured bag. Tucking the top lengthens the leg line from the hips upward, and offsets the longer length of the blazer. If you don’t want to tuck the top, wear a shorter top and blazer.

2. Casual Khakis & Slides/Sandals

Combine a casual skirt with a striped, printed or solid semi-tucked tee, and finish things off with flat slides, sandals and a crossbody bag. The khaki skirt can be substituted for a denim one and the formula is the same. Add colour or keep things neutral.

3. Moody Shine & Slides

I like the relaxed elegant vibe of this look. The dressy items are dressed down to look more down to earth. Combine a dressy tank, shell or blouse with a dressy pencil or A-line skirt. Semi-tuck it if you need to lengthen the leg line of a midi. Add dressy flat mules or flats, and a structured bag. I’m not as fond of the slides here, but they work. Keeping the palette dark has a moody effect.

4. Fit-and-Flare with Mules

This is a dressy outfit with flats. I love that! Combine a flared midi skirt with a tucked or semi-tucked top. A roomy cropped top will also work. Finish off the look with flat dressy mules, sandals or ballet flats, and a clutch. You’re ready for a Summer wedding. The low-contrast mules with pointy toes do a good job of lengthening the lower leg when the heel is flat.

I wear all my Summer skirts with flats these days. My current favourites are a new blue and turquoise lace skirt, and an old acid wash denim skirt. Both are knee-covering pencil silhouettes. I like to wear them with an assortment of blue and white tops that I semi or fully tuck. A few of the tops can be worn untucked. I finish off the look with white pearls, eyewear, and white or blush loafers or mules. Very occasionally, I’ll wear white sneakers with the denim skirt. The bag can match the shoes, or I’ll throw in another colour like citron or turquoise to break up the palette. Here are the exact items from my wardrobe that create those outfits.

Anthropologie

Maeve | Anthropologie Tallulah Lace Skirt

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15

Shopbop

Beach Skirt

$125.00 $37.50

Sale

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12

Anthropologie

Michael Stars | Anthropologie Michael Stars Boat Neck Shine Top

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16

Anthropologie

Michael Stars | Anthropologie Michael Stars Shine Boat Neck Top

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19

Club Monaco

Weylyn Shirt

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20

Madewell

Central Ruffle-Sleeve Shirt in Indigo

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14

Ann Taylor

Shrunken Mock Neck Sweater

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28

Nordstrom

Madewell Eyelet Bell Sleeve Shirt

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19

Nordstrom

Naturalizer Simonette Mule

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23

Nordstrom

SARTO By Franco Sarto 'Jolette' Penny Loafer

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55

Shopbop

Frye Ivy Low Lace Sneakers

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8

Nordstrom

SARTO By Franco Sarto 'Jolette' Penny Loafer

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26

Nordstrom

Naturalizer Emiline Flat Loafer

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24

Yoox

Furla Handbag

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20

Custom Find

by Angie

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Yoox

Furla Handbag

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30

L.K.Bennett

Rosie Leather Small Bag

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26

Zappos

Hat Attack Bamboo Mini

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11

Custom Find

by Angie

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Nordstrom

SAN DIEGO HAT Pineapple Scarf

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Top Pick

14

Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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Custom Find

by Angie

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