beat-the-heat survival kit

Last Saturday, it took me twice the normal time to get ready for just a low-key night because I had to stop every few minutes to squat in front of my sputtering A/C and let the only-moderately cool air attempt to blow away variously dispersed sweat droplets (TMI?!). It's been consistently cracking 90 degrees in Minneapolis, and if you don't keep the routine quick & basic, you'll be a puddle of perspiration.

The struggle was a wakeup call that I am WAY behind in the warm-weather dress department and ill prepared in terms of heat-beating hair and makeup products. I hastily picked up a couple midis & maxis at Nordstrom & Topshop (it's going to be fall soon! now is the time!), and because cutting back on clothes is only half the battle, assembled a comprehensive sizzling-summer survival kit. Below, shop the products I'm stocking to stay cool.

In other news, this week has flown and it's already my Friday! I took tomorrow off and today is my company's summer picnic/kickball competition. The weather is PERFECT (so comfortable sleeping with the windows open last night!), so I'm looking forward to spending the afternoon outside. Have a fantastic weekend!


one | Clutch—lighten up with a petite purse
two | Texture Creme—hold the hair dryer and enhance your natural waves
three | BB Cream—weightless coverage with SPF and oil control
four | Blotting sponges—for touch-ups on the go
five | Lip stain—skip sticky gloss and smear-y stick; pick a pop color and keep other makeup minimal
six | Slides—easy on, easy off
seven | Dove deodorant—super effective and easy to re-apply as needed
eight | Mattifying serum—build a base that fights shine
nine | Light fragrance—a refreshing blend of water lily, honeydew and Turkish rose
ten | Waterproof curling mascara—lessens smudging in dripping humidity
eleven | Maxi dress (30% off)—not normally a fan of this style, but the flowing silhouette has an effortlessness that is so comfortable when it's so hot
twelve | Hair turban—channel Rachel Zoe with a trendy headpiece and messy topknot
thirteen | Delicate jewelry (30% off TODAY only with code XMASINJULY)—skip heavy bracelets and rings

windowpane print

With the exception of a few super casual sundresses, I try to extend my wardrobe by buying clothes that work on and off the clock. Like Breton stripes, a windowpane print seamlessly bridges the gap between dressy and casual. It looks expensive, and the pattern adds interest without being busy, distracting or juvy. The trend has been going strong since 2013, but I didn't see anything I needed until this pretty silk cami appeared on PLIG. I'll wear it to the office with ankle pants (a solid color, contrasting pattern, or this floral would be really fun), on weekends with a distressed denim skirt, and into fall with a jean jacket or army anorak. Shop the trend below!

While I'm starting to think transitional when it comes to my closet, I'm keeping my meals seasonal! It's almost August and I haven't yet had the holiest of summer sandwiches: the BLT. My mom said she was going to make an open-faced style this week after picking up tomatoes at a farmer's stand, and I think I need to follow suit! Hope your week's going well!!

Poor Little It Girl | Song of Style | The College Prepster | Damsel in Dior

fancy flats to replace your pumps

One thing I've learned in the last few years is both how to be alone (embracing the time to do something I enjoy rather than holing up inside) and how to meet new people (not restricting myself to prescribed high school & college groups). This weekend was a really happy balance of both. I saw Trainwreck, capped an afternoon boating with a killer view of the Aquatennial fireworks from Lynlake Brewery's roof deck, and Sunday, savored the relaxing routine of an early(ish) morning run and walk to grab groceries & my favorite Agra Culture salad. Even though I'm still in a semi-transitional state since moving back to Minneapolis, I felt really content doing regular things around the city and happy that I'm here.

As I sipped a chocolate Crafted Press and loaded apples, broccoli—and yes, baked Cheetos—into my basket late Sunday morning, I realized that flats had been on my feet all weekend. And I couldn't actually recall the last time I'd left the house in heels.

I've relied on a little extra height for special occasions since college, and often a comfortable low wedge for every day, but more and more, elevated kicks feel like overkill. And frankly, impractical for the majority of my daily activities. But just because I'm—literally—lowering my effort level doesn't mean you're going to see me cruising around in Crocs. A sleek pointy toe is my M.O.

Click through below for a few pairs (loving the mules!!) that will look good with a dress at dinners and parties in lieu of stilettos (sorry loafers and oxfords), transition into fall, and—most importantly—offer options for summer's movie matinees, Lunds runs and nights sipping flights at all the breweries I've yet to try (looking at you, Bauhaus)!

off-the-shoulder blouse

Ahhhhh! My sister, a friend and I saw Ryn Weaver last night at Triple Rock and she was so, so good! We were a little nervous because the last time we went to this little venue, the main act cancelled (cough, Misterwives, still bitter). But—after a little mic dysfunction—she showed! This girl is a badass and her voice is really unique. If you have a chance to see her, definitely do! Besides the hit "Octahate," I love "Promises," "Stay Low," and "The Fool." And "Pierre." Basically all the songs.

An off-the-shoulder shirt isn't the best thing to wear to a concert (if, I'm assuming, you're raising your hands in the air and rocking out), but it's perfect for a breezy weekend lazily walking around a farmers' market or grabbing lunch. I wrote a post in April that captures my sentiments on the trendy style and I think we're all well aware of its current popularity, so I'll spare you a recitation of its awesomeness.

To sum up: off-the-shoulder shirts are fun! I felt a little like a gypsy wearing this (the oversized earrings added to the effect), but in a fun way—and fashion SHOULD be fun! I liked the effortlessness of this blouse so much I'm already looking for a shoulder-baring dress for those 90º days still ahead! Shop under-$200 picks at the end of the post! This grid-pattern one is perfect!

Madewell jeans (similar) | LOFT blouse (size down)
Boden slingbacks (similar here  & here) | J.Crew clutch (similar here & here)
J.Crew earrings (similar here & here) & coordinating bracelet

Essie polish in Peach Side Babe | Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses (similar)

photos by Andrew Saxum

his style: short suit

Short suits are on my mind today! I was unsure how I felt about the stylish man's summer-occasion uniform when it started popping up at popular retailers last year, but you can now consider me a big fan. The combination of casual shorts and a crisp sport coat is seemingly such a paradox, but having the savvy and self-assuredness to wear something from the fashion frontlines is hugely appealing. This time of year, it's really only practical to cut the pants off a bit above the knee. And as street style star Nick Wooster proves, you don't have to be twenty-five to go short. If you have weddings ahead yet this summer, it's definitely worth picking up an "abbreviated" pantsuit at 30% off. Swirling a Scotch as the happy couple cuts the cake, you'll be cool and comfortable, and the ladies will be captivated. ;-)

images one | two | three | four

Ludlow Suit in Fine-Striped Cotton (Scarlet)

Ludlow Suit in Italian Cotton Piqué (French Navy)

30% OFF with code GOSHOPPING

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