The Best Summer Dress Trends To Wear Now

Post-vaccination vacay. Outdoor festival. Day trip to a winery. Summer is almost here, and we might actually have reason to put on our pretty frocks this year. So, what should we wear? Today, I’m rounding up 3 top summer dress trends for 2021.

Saturated Shades

Saturated colors are coming in hot this year, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Bold hues look especially dashing on dresses. So, skip the black and neutral dresses, and reach for your brightest frock. Need some inspiration? I found this poplin mid dress at Zara for under $50.

summer dress trends

What I’m Wearing:

Zara dress | Telfar bag | Birkenstock sandals | Fendi sunglasses (shop options for less here)

Sizing: I’m wearing a medium, but a small or even extra small would be a better fit. The top of this dress is very stretchy and the bottom is voluminous.

Color aside, I also love this dress because it offers some cool styling possibilities. The straps could be worn up or draped on the shoulders for a subtly sexy vibe. I’m sure I could get away with tucking them for a strapless look as well. And, of course, with bold color numbers like this one, colorblocking with contrasting colors always offers fresh styling options.

Pastel Palettes

If bolder hues are a bit much for you, but you want to embrace color this summer, this next trend has your name all over it. Pastels hues pack their own power. Pale shades of blue are especially popular this year. So, this tiered dress from Zara was a must for me. It also has puff sleeves. Nuff said, right?

summer dress trends

What I’m Wearing:

Zara dress | Zara denim jacket (similar) | Teva sandals (also here) | Jacquemus bag

Fendi sunglasses (shop options for less here) | MaskC face mask

summer dress trends

Sizing: I’m wearing a medium in this dress. While it’s oversized, the buttons across the chest and the cuffs on the sleeves fit snug, so I’m glad I took the Zara size recommendation and sized up to a medium.

Fresh Florals

Thought you were over florals for summer? Wait a minute. You must see the amazing collection of pieces featuring this fresh floral print at H&M. There’s something so irresistible about the hand-painted, wild flowers print. I opted for the bandeau dress because showing shoulders is kinda my thing. The print is available on several pieces at H&M though.

summer dress trends

What I’m Wearing:

H&M dress ($19.99) | Birkenstock sandals | Jacquemus bag

summer dress trends

Sizing: This dress runs large, so size down. I sized down to an extra small.

Shop summer dress trends:

West County Center x H&M Spring Giveaway (5 Winners)

I’m so thrilled to be partnering with West County Center, home of the flagship H&M store in St. Louis. FIVE winners will receive an H&M spring box curated by yours truly AND a $50 gift card. You already know how H&M has been bringing it. It’s one of our go-to places for fresh finds, and spring is already shaping up to be super fabulous. So, I couldn’t not share this giveaway opportunity with you. Entering is easy. Text SPRING to 444-222 (through March 21, 2021). That’s it! Want to read more details? Go here.

Check out how I’m wearing some favorite H&M finds: Purple sweater (shop it here), orange voluminous dress, and, kelly green sweater.

How To Stand Out in Your Next Video Call

I work remotely for a tech company that has a very casual vibe. So, my daily uniform is one of my favorite jogger sets (like this Target pullover/jogger combo that I own in 3 colors) or some combination of my favorite knits. My sets are cute and comfy, but some days (especially those that involve a video call) I just want a little more oomph. I like to throw on some statement jewelry when that’s the case. And, sis, Kendra Scott’s Spring 2021 Collection, which dropped today, is filled with the perfect statement makers. I’ve rounded up my absolute must-haves.

Kendra Scott Natalie Earrings and Cocktail Ring

Since cutting my hair, I prefer wearing smaller earrings. I took one look at the rattan-inspired design on these large Natalie earrings and knew I’d be making an exception. They’re GORGEOUS. I’m designating them my go-to pair for special occasions. But, when my casual knits need a little jazzing up to hop on a zoom call, these earrings do the trick every time. And, the coordinating Natalie cocktail ring? It might be my favorite Kendra Scott ring ever. I talk with my hands just to show it off.

video call style

What I’m wearing: Kendra Scott Natalie statement earrings and Natalie cocktail ring

Rebecca Large Long Pendant Necklace And More

The Rebecca necklace is so edgy, from the bold chain to the standout pendant. It’s the best finishing touch for turtlenecks or pullover sweatshirts. It takes those pieces from plain to fashion in an instant. I’m also wearing the Brylee chain bracelet. By the way, the Brylee necklace is another new favorite for dressing up basic knits. I’m also wearing the Natalie ring in this look. I told you it was my favorite.

video call style

What I’m wearing: Rebecca Gold Long Pendant Necklace In White MusselZoey huggie earring set | Brylee chain bracelet (see also Brylee necklace)| Natalie cocktail ring

See what I mean? The pieces are extra special in this collection. Check out the entire new launch here. You’ll surely find the perfect items to add a little pizazz to your video call style.

Disclosure: My Kendra Scott jewelry was gifted for editorial purposes. All opinions are my own.

How To Transform An Empty Corner Into A Workspace

I started a new position in tech (more on that later), and it’s completely remote. I found myself often working from my dining table. You see, my husband’s office and my closet-office are both upstairs, and when we’re both speaking on zoom, it’s chaotic. Since he uses a desktop, and I use a MacBook, I relocate. I wanted a more permanent solution for this situation. So, I started scouting my house for the ideal location for a home workspace.

Location Scouting

I considered the big closet downstairs, but the position didn’t feel feng shui. I thought about the small room next to our dining room, but it’s too close to a bathroom. I then considered an empty corner of the dining room, and I saw serious potential. As an added bonus, there’s an electrical outlet right in the corner too. I took some measurements and decided that if I could find a desk that’ll fit perfectly in the corner, this could be a go. Found one!

home workspace

What I’m Wearing:

Jogger set hoodie + shorts | Blue light glasses | Kendra Scott earrings

home workspace

The Right Desk

Choosing the right desk required some thought and planning. I wanted enough useable surface space for my needs, but I was working with limited space. The solution? A ladder desk with the perfect dimensions for my empty corner, sufficient surface space, and two additional shelves that maximize the tight corner.

home workspace
Desk Essentials

To boost functionality at my desk, organization is critical. So, I added pieces that maximize every bit of the space. My laptop stand (under $30) is essential because not only does it prop my MacBook up to a comfortable viewing height, it also reclaims so much desk space. I can slide my external keyboard right under it when not in use. My vertical laptop stand (under $30) is another must-have because it’s a sharp-looking and space-saving way to stow away my personal MacBook and my iPad. Since I’m facing a wall and next to window, I use a small ring light (under $20) that I can clip to my screen or sit on the shelf above me for the perfect light for video meetings. It’s USB chargeable, which is such a plus.

home workspace

The rest of my accessories are just personal things I find inspirational. From words of affirmation (some stickers from an event that I framed) to special photos to meaningful artifacts, each was chosen with love. My lamp is from TJ Maxx. I got it mainly for the look and to add a little light to the workspace. It has a USB port, which is convenient. I usually use that port to charge my ring light. The fake greenery is from Target.

Finishing Touches

I wanted this little corner to feel like its own space, so I added this accent wall as a room divider. And, get this? The pattern is created using decals I found on Etsy (shop them here). And, of course, because Nevis (my Havanese dog) wants to be wherever I am, I got this Ikea bed for him. I wish I could get him to stay on it instead of on my lap, but that’s another story. The fake plant in a seagrass basket is from Ikea as well. My mid-century modern chair was a fortunate Ross find, but I usually shop desk chairs at Wayfair. I chose a woven wastebasket because it fits the overall decor. I use it to store extra cables and other stuff I want tucked away. The bamboo shades are really old, but I believe I found them at Wayfair.

Location: Home sweet home, Shaw Historic District, St. Louis

7 Outfits That Prove Combat Boots Are Essential

You’re not still on the fence about combat boots are you? No worries, I was there too. I had reservations about embracing the military-inspired boot this time around. Gosh..what age was I when I was obsessed with my Dr. Martens? I can’t remember, but I do know that since getting my Stuart Weitzman combat boots (see the new version here) earlier this year, I’m yet to find an outfit they don’t complement. Seriously, they go with so much, my other boots are getting jealous. Not yet convinced. Check out these 7 outfits I couldn’t image without combat boots.

1. Mini skirt + Chunky sweater

Combat boots

Zara sweater | Topshop ruffle skirt | Boots (similar)

2. Maxi dress

Combat boots

H&M dress | Gucci belt bag | Saint Laurent sunglasses (options here) | Kendra Scott earrings | Boots (similar)

3. Shorts suit + Tights

Combat boots

Endless Rose blazer and shorts | Banana Republic trench coat | Saint Laurent bag | Boots (similar)

4. Short dress + Tights

H&M dress | Saint Laurent bag | Boots (similar)

5. Jogger set

JoyLab for Target sweatshirt and joggers | The Jacket Maker jacket | Telfar bag | Wool fedora | Boots (similar)

6. Jogger pants + Turtleneck

Choosy Sweater (option) | Zara joggers (similar) | Theory coat | Gucci sunglasses | Boots (similar)

7. Oversized layers

H&M dress (similar) | Theory coat | H&M scarf (similar) | Saint Laurent sunglasses (options here) | Boots (similar)

Shop Combat Boots: