awkward

So, I'm at a really awkward age. Not the teeth grinding awkwardness of puberty or the "did I really do that?" awkwardness of the early twenties, but the awkwardness of "I've lived through that trend already, do I wear it again?" Yep, things I wore in high school and college are back. I mean, I know the 90's have already hit vintage status, and I definitely did do grunge the first time around too, but these feel more recent. Some trends I don't have a desire to do (off-the-shoulder-blouses), some I might (culottes), and there's one I'm pretty into (again): the mule. Yep, the sandal of the early 2000's and my college years (wait, who am I kidding, I graduated college in 2000) is back. Pretty much in the same incarnation too. Oh well, I liked it then and I like it now. Here are a few pairs I'm eyeing. 

Clockwise from top left (and if you want to get picky about it, the ones with a back strap technically aren't a mule...): Lucky Brand Lisza, Steve Madden Nonstp, Vince Tilda, Madewell Marie, Dolce Vita Tegan, Toms Mallorca, Steve Madden Nollla

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my cool girl outfit

Have you ever put on something that felt like the best representation of yourself? That's how I feel when I wear this dress. To be perfectly honest, I probably didn't need it when I bought it, but I knew that it would be something that I reached for over and over. 

I feel cool in it, and I honestly don't care whether anyone else agrees! It's from Banana Republic, but no longer available in stores - here's a link to the dress in white on eBay. 

Earlier this summer, after a client bought these shoes, I'd started looking for a similar style. I pinned a bunch of examples to my summer sandal search Pinterest board. 

(top row of Pinterest images: Nine West Breezie here, Jeffrey Campbell Lorah here, Vince Addie here, Lauren Conrad from Kohl's peep toe booties here.)

Having the style I wanted clearly defined made it easy to pull the trigger when I saw the ones I'm wearing at a great price (sorry can't find the exact style online!). 

Lastly, are you for or against expensive sunglasses? I know from first hand experience that I will inevitably dive into a lake with them on, leave them in the driver's seat and sit on them, or just plain lose any nice pair of sunglasses, so it's one thing I don't invest much in. I really like these from The Limited, and I've actually made it through the whole summer with them intact.

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more summer skirts

They're just so cool and easy - so here are a couple of other summer skirt looks I've worn recently... 

This skirt is from H&M and I just love the tangerine color. I'm wearing it with a zipper detail belt from Express, Old Navy tee, and Nine West sandals. 

This is a thrifted vintage denim wrap skirt, worn with another Old Navy tee, Old Navy necklace, and Target sandals  - a recent purchase, here's a close-up: 

These won my exhaustive summer sandal search and I'm really happy with them! 

The style is pretty trendy (ankle straps and low wedges are everywhere this season!), so I'm fine with spending less on them and saving my money for classics.  

Have you purchased any new sandals for this summer yet? 

summer sandal search

As you know, I'm on the hunt for a new pair of summer sandals. The more I look, the more I like the mod chunky heel thing that everyone has going on. Here are some picks that are out of my budget:

​1) Chloe, $469 2) Elizabeth and James, $250 3) Chloe, $510 (sold out - I guess they're in someone's budget!) 4) Marc by Marc Jacobs $470

And here are some actual viable options for me:​

​1) Pour La Victoire, $195 2) Sam Edelman, $100 3) Nine West, $45 4) Lucky Brand, $89 5) Sam Edelman, $125 

Right now I'm leaning toward #3. It's impossible to ignore the fact that they're half the price of all the others. Or am I having "sale brain"? I ordered them, along with a couple of other options, so we'll see what actually works IRL.

For even more, check out my summer sandal search board on Pinterest.​