A couple of weeks of summer & sunshine and one day of amusement at Six Flags, had me surfing like a madwoman for some ideas of summer dressing to share.   Here are a some really great choices to try if you want to don on something aside from the basic shorts.  I can see any of these fabulous looks on those days at the beach, to the street festivals to the roller coasters!

It's amazing what a great hat can do for your outfit

I love a little mini/skort....especially if you have the legs! Look how cute it is paired back to just a basic tee.

My favorite summer look, a pretty sundress & sandals...comfy & pretty.

Love her denim shorts! Especially paired back to her red cork sandals!

images via Jak&Jil, All the Pretty Birds, Vanessa Jackman

Over the winter is the first time I ran into Delaina & Isoledad.  Kit, my daughter, and I were walking to our neighborhood diner.  We’ve lived in our neighborhood well over a decade so we know everyone!  So here comes the most adorable girl in a vintage pink wool toggle coat and boots walking her dog with matching bows!  Of course, I immediately ask Kit “who is she…and did you see how adorable she is and her dog??”   I’ve seen her a couple of other times as well, each time incredibly stylish with her own adorable spin and each time vowing I am going to take her picture!  Then one day a couple weekends ago…she’s standing right outside my house!  Threw the battery in my camera, ran outside and rudely (sorry!  But Delaina had me on a mission) interrupted her conversation with my neighbor  I loved how she described her style….”my sisters always teased me when I was little because I would do things like layer my socks and/or tights, then they borrowed all my clothes when we were teenagers and now they ask ‘how do you do it??’ ” Ms Delaina..

and Isoledad!! Imagine him fluffier with bows! Such a cute pair!

I love that Delaina had a story about each of the pieces she had on. She made the earrings she has on many years ago, the scarf was dry clean only but was accidentally washed, her cute cotton/crochet tank is vintage.

Those are tiny little flowers in her hair...adorable, right??

see you around the neighborhood!

Happy June everyone!  Hope you all had a great holiday!  The long weekend started for us with a photo shoot in the morning then Kuma’s Corner for some gigantic burgers in the afternoon.  It was a great day.  Perfect sunny weather, the energy of the city was filled with Cubbie fans and Obama (along with his five double helicopters…always exciting when those buzz by!) AND we had the pleasure of meeting & working with FORD hair/makeup artist, Maggie Kerr.  From the minute Maggie walked into our studio, we were smitten…Brandon declared girl crush within the first half hour!  Aside from her fabulous style & great eye, she has an incredible wealth of knowledge about this industry and utterly utterly sweet.

Gorgeous souvenir her boyfriend brought back from Japan. Maggie looped a chain through and wears the ancient piece as a necklace.

another n.d.c fan! Maggie says her n.d.c's are the only mocs she's found that "feel" pretty. All else are too "boxy". Maggie also says her n.d.c's only come off for yoga, bed or shower. My fav's are the Lou's in white :)

I wish I had a back shot of her dress. Soooo cute. You can see a bit of it....same colorul fabric in back too. Something she picked up, I want to say, while in Spain last year?? Much like us, Maggie shops her closet and incorporates newer items like her n.d.c's to keep her current.

Maggie and Brandon

maggie's tools

I love sunglasses, they’re such a great accessory….so many styles and colors to have fun with.  I love them, but they just don’t love me back!  I’m asian, my chubby cheeks and small bridge nose just can’t handle all that fashion on my face.  It’s a serious business!  Tom Ford and Karen Walker develop styles specifically for the asian market….it’s easier to find a new pair of jeans or a swimsuit than a pair of sunglasses for me!  Oh, but if I could……

oooo.....goooood wayfarer

WAIT! Is she asian??

images via Easy Fashion, Vanessa Jackman & Jak & Jill

This is Kristin, an adorable nanny with some really great style.  As some of us know, it can be a challenge w/a number of kids in tow.  Kristin clearly knows what she’s doing….layered comfy knits, flats and fantastic fedora.  Her gorgeous hair had caught my eye before and this time around I was not going to let her by without snapping her picture

Thanks Kristin!

We played around with more outfits last week.  One of my favorite items this spring (aside from every piece of Rachel Comey!) is the classic shirtdress.

I remember when the shirtdress popped up on my radar.  It was this image from a few years back of Giovanna Battaglia that turned me into both a Giovanna fan and a big fan of the shirtdress.  I just loved the way the great Giovanna layered her shirtdress under a crewneck sweater.  For a dress, you really can’t find an easier shape and the hemline makes it so pretty & flirty.  Needless to say, I have been on the hunt since then!

I honestly could not of been more thrilled when Rogan created his version for S10…

The hunt is finally over!

I wish you all could feel this dress...super soft cotton voile and also LINED with super soft cotton voile! Just a dream!

Check it out at The Shop!

Giovanna Battaglia image via The Sartorialist

For the last few days I have been in Northern Wisconsin sans internet, phone, email, text….just some good family fun  So needless to say, I couldn’t wait to lay my eyes on some fashion!  First day back and nothing could make me happier than a great new fashion blog and a good dose of inspiration.  Check out this FANTASTIC blog Brandon happened upon and a new favorite of mine….EXTRASKINNY.com

I love a woman that understands the power of some solid basics and rocking out those favorite pieces in more ways than one…. great ideas here.

Have you SEEN the fashion in Helsinki?  Yes or no, grab your favorite libation(s) and flip through here, Hel Looks.…loootts of fun.

It’s no secret to those who know me, I’m all about menswear.  I love a good tux for evening and my Steven Alan shirts & skinny’s during the day.  At this stage in my life, I know what looks good on me and I know what I love….THANK gawd, otherwise things could get UGGleee..

photos from my favorite street style photographer, Garance Dore

and also jak & jil