Cupcakes and Cashmere

Wardrobe Refreshers

April 26th, 2012

One of the best and worst parts of traveling is that you can’t take all of your things with you. It’s tough to know exactly what you’ll want to wear, what the weather will dictate (I must have packed eight summer dresses that I’ve ignored in favor of my rain slicker), and the items that will be the most adaptable. It’s a challenge that I secretly love – and one that reinforces the idea that you only need a few key pieces each season to completely punch up your wardrobe. Here are the three items that are currently at the top of my list.


 1. Silk striped dress.  A classic pattern in a versatile silhouette that’s as well suited for a graduation as it is for a date night. During the day, I’d wear it with a straw hat, loose waves, an armful of bracelets, and neutral sandals. At night, I’d pull back my hair in a low knot, wear a tuxedo jacket, strappy heels, and a sequined clutch.


2. Crisscross sandals. These are plain enough so that you can throw them on with nearly anything, but with enough detailing (I love the toffee-colored leather paired with the pop of pink) to make them special. During the day I’d wear them with jean shorts, a plain t-shirt, and a blazer. At night, they’d be the ideal complement to a ’60s-inspired shift dress with a sleek blowout and a nude lip.

3. Horseshoe necklace. In warmer months, I gravitate towards simple, delicate jewelry that looks good on its own, or layered with other pieces. During the day, I’d wear this with a few longer gold chains, a bright tunic, skinny jeans, and wooden wedges. At night, I’d wear it with a strapless nude-colored dress, a high messy bun, and simple platforms.

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  • http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com foodfashionandflow
  • http://runninginsideus.blogspot.com/ Jessica

    that necklace is super cute, i love something of that size that goes with everything!

    -Jessica
    http://runninginsideus.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.rachelsfashionpatch.blogspot.com Rachel

    Such a good idea for a post – its great to see someones inspiration for their spring/summer wardrobe! xx

    http://www.rachelsfashionpatch.blogspot.com

  • http://www.quarterlifecrisiscuisine.com Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine)

    I agree on all accounts :) LOVE my striped dresses!

  • http://nosweatsallowed.blogspot.com Emily

    Agreed! All of these pieces seem perfect for traveling!

    -E
    http://nosweatsallowed.blogspot.com

  • http://www.thefrenchtoast.net Elisse

    Gorgeous! I especially love that necklace!

    http://www.thefrenchtoast.net

  • http://sweetlittletips.com/ Carina

    I really agreee!!!

    xoxo

    http://sweetlittletips.com/

  • http://www.makeupartistas.com Kassi

    Hi there,
    nice sandals!
    kassi

  • http://www.unacolombianaencalifornia.com/ Cristina-Una colombiana en California

    I like to wear stripped dresses. I hope you’re having fun!

    http://www.unacolombianaencalifornia.com/

  • Malia

    Love this post! Thanks for sharing two ways you would incorporate these items!

  • http://www.coffeeandcolor.blogspot.com Lauren

    I love that necklace! Thanks for sharing.

    -Lauren

    Coffee and Color.

  • http://livinginbandw.wordpress.com/ Katie

    Love the striped dress evening outfit idea. Low knot, strappy heels – sounds perfect.

  • http://www.dishesanddiamonds.com Tarana

    love the horseshoe necklace!

    http://www.dishesanddiamonds.com

  • http://bevyblogs.blogspot.com bevy

    yes, a stripe dress can take you far! seems very versatile in the summer time. great necklace too!

  • http://www.thehumblegourmet.wordpress.com Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet

    I love those flat sandals. I’ve been looking for a good pair since my beloved Gladiators broke last summer (sob!)

  • http://andreamatillano.wordpress.com Andrea

    Great suggestions! Love the list!

    Andrea
    http://andreamatillano.wordpress.com

  • http://kellinasthoughts.blogspot.com Jessica
  • http://www.dressedandfed.com Kristin

    I did an entire post on horseshoe and clover necklaces for St. Pat’s day, but I missed this Alexis Bittar piece! Very cute! Love the Madewell flats as well.

    Kristin
    Dressed and Fed
    http://www.dressedandfed.com

  • http://www.gopurple.it Magilda

    I love sandals and the dress..
    Magilda

    http://www.gopurple.it

  • http://camomeetscouture.blogspot.com/ Camo meets Couture

    Love those sandals, and I absolutely agree on dainty necklaces.
    ~xx

  • http://amyturman.blogspot.com Amy

    I love these tips! Time to go shopping.

    xoxo,
    mon amy

  • http://classickitsch.blogspot.com/ Abby Carlson

    I’m a huge fan of flat sandals for summer! They can fit everywhere – be it luggage, small bag, etc – so it makes traveling so much easier! I totally agree with simple jewelry for summer, the hot weather alone makes me want to stick to light, simple pieces {especially ones that shine!}.

  • http://fitfabcities.com Caitlin

    Love your ideas for the dress. I saw it in JCrew and fell in love…What can I say, I have a total obsession with stripes:)

    http://fitfabcities.com/

  • http://www.chicpear.com Christina
  • http://www.fashionablepeople.co.uk Freya – Fashionable People

    I love the sandals, there so simple and look great with shorts or a pair of jeans!

  • http://www.sarahfashionista.blogspot.com LilFashionista

    Great Idea! I love the necklace :-)
    ~Sarah
    http://www.sarahfashionista.blogspot.com

  • http://www.fashionablepeople.co.uk Freya – Fashionable People

    I love the sandals, there so simple and look great with shorts or a pair of jeans!

  • http://www.deloom.com Melissa

    Agreed! Versatile, easy to dress up/down. Love the flat sandals! :D

  • http://iloveublank.blogspot.com/ Votre Amie

    I am all over this! Just recently got a striped maxi dress, 2 new pairs of flat sandals, and oh man, delicate necklaces for days :) jewelry is my vice!

    x
    http://iloveublank.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.TheSkinnyConfidential.com Lauryn

    Cute shoes! Love the thinner jewelry for Summer ’12!

    http://www.TheSkinnyConfidential.com

  • K

    Really loved this post!!

  • http://www.stylingmylife.com Alison

    I love this post and the items that you’ve chosen are so perfect. I especially love the ideas that you’ve given for day and night. I feel so inspired!

    http://www.stylingmylife.com

  • http://thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com Mady

    great picks!

    xoxo
    Mady

    thegirlfromthemirror.blogspot.com

  • http://www.creativityandchocolate.blogspot.com Eva
  • http://definingcharmander.blogspot.com CHARMANDER

    I love those sandals, I’ve been eyeing them for a while myself!

    definingcharmander.blogspot.com

  • Diana M.

    these silk large bid necklaces can be fun too!

  • Diana M.

    These silk large bid necklaces can be fun too! http://bit.ly/HAqEZ7

  • http://hiddenrosegardensecrets.blogspot.de/ hrs

    so happy to know that I’ve got all of these already and don’t have to splash out more cash :) loving the pink in the sandals <3

  • http://www.itsacharmlife.blogspot.com Charlene

    Loving the striped dress! Perfect for spring!
    Char xo
    http://www.itsacharmlife.blogspot.com

  • http://www.bluebirdkisses.com ana {bluebirdkisses}

    stripped dresses are a must this season for sure

  • http://www.newmommylounge.com New Mommy Lounge

    This couldn’t have come at a better time! I am in the process of preparing for an upcoming 2 week Europe vacation with good intentions of packing light. I ove the idea of a shift dress – thanks for the inspiration! I can’t wait to hear about your honeymoon in Italy! xo

  • http://www.rachaelkhawkins.blogspot.com Rachael

    Great suggestions for all 3 items! I loved that you gave us examples for day and night. Thanks!
    xo
    Rachael
    http://www.rachaelkhawkins.blogspot.com

  • http://www.talesofanhbswife.com Tales of an HBS Wife

    I love all the ideas – perfect for putting together a light travel bag. A striped dress is a must for me!

  • http://www.splendourandrouge.com Sarah
  • http://www.luxessed.com Miss K

    What a beautiful necklace! I want!!!

  • http://theclosetanthropologist.com/ The Closet Anthropologist

    I have a serious problem with packing lightly so I love to see what other people think are essentials for a trip abroad. For warmer weather, dresses always win!

    http://theclosetanthropologist.com

  • http://hotcinnamon.blogspot.com.es/ Dámaris
  • http://theredtrousers.com Luna

    I could see you wearing all the pieces at once! I especially love the horseshoe necklace.

    P.S. When is your book coming out?

    xoxo,
    Luna
    http://www.theredtrousers.com

  • http://www.mochaandmoccasins.blogspot.com/ Monica

    I love the stripped dress! I worry about wearing horizontal stripes because they sometimes give the illusion of being wider, but the other pieces you said that would pair nicely with the outfit make it seem easier to wear.
    That necklace is very pretty.

    M.

  • http://fiveminutefashions.blogspot.com/ Janey

    I love that striped dress! I would also add a maxi skirt to your list since you can dress it up, down, or wear it as a dress.

    http://fiveminutefashions.blogspot.com/