…for dinner with a girlfriend:
London Times dress from Marshalls
Orange beaded gold necklace from Deborah Kent’s (long, but wrapped)
Black crochet & leather belt borrowed from another dress
Tried and true gold braided leather sandals from Bandolino
…for a lunch meeting with a fellow volunteer:
Tribal silk top and cotton skirt from Banana Republic
Military belt from Salvation Army
Necklace by local jewelry designer Pour Toi
Bronze cork wedges by Mia
Lounging poolside with a cocktail, thoroughly reading my favorite fashion rags… this is my vision of heaven. There’s something so luxurious and relaxing about the act of just absorbing the environment on a beautiful summer day. Sometimes I like to blend into the scene and go unnoticed. Other times I picture myself as the mysterious lady of leisure (yes, despite the husband and two kids in tow!) who does this sort of thing on a daily basis. I like to be the gal at the hotel pool who looks like she actually put a little thought into her effortlessly chic poolside ensemble… or did she?
Let’s start with the swimsuit. Right now I am rockin’ a pre-kid string bikini that somehow still fits nicely (Amen), but I am on the hunt for the perfect black single-shoulder one-piece. Um, okay, so let’s move on to the cover-up, a crucial piece in my summer repertoire. I prefer a classic black, but it almost doesn’t matter what the cover-up looks like. Just the act of wearing one trumps the shorts and tank top norm!
During the writing of this post I am wearing my black and white floral 3/4-sleeve tunic. It has a hint of gold thread woven throughout. It’s perfect!
Now on to the shoes. You could go the functional route and opt for a pair of flip-flops. I’d recommend a gold or silver pair… they go with everything! But if you really want to step it up, slip into a nicely detailed pair of flat sandals with just the right amount of bling… not too adorned.
I love my gold braided leather Bandolino T-straps. I ordered them online last year during the gladiator sandal craze, but I’d definitely put them in the “classic” category.
Now let’s up the glamor factor with a great pair of shades. I know the Aviator style is what it’s all about right now, but I am totally faithful to my Bolle sunglasses!
These simple wrap arounds are not only tight looking, they actually do a great job of protecting my eyes! That’s a two-fer!
Hat or no hat? If I’m fully committed to the poolside Diva look, I’ll go for a big, round, black sunhat. Otherwise, I’ll go without, which is daring considering my hair, when pool-wet and air-dried looks like a poofy auburn Q-tip!!
Finish the look off with a great beach bag. Two words: Go Big!
Even if you only have a magazine and sunscreen to transport, carry a nice big bag in the crook of your arm and your Fashionista ensemble will be complete!
So remember:
Poolside Chic = Cover-up + Fashion Sandal + Great Shades + Sunhat + Big Bag
Easy Breezy!
