a taste of americana || madewell’s late spring arrivals

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Embroidered Stitchtake Dress_styled

 

it’s safe to say that from about memorial day to labor day, my wardrobe slowly emerges into one big american flag. there’s just something about summer that keeps me reaching for reds, whites, and blues (or any combination of the three) over and over again. so with the kick-off to summer 2015 just six days away, and with madewell’s latest collection just landing in stores, i figured i’d share my top picks this season for adding a little americana to your closet.

reds

one || empire maxi dress in tropical coral. from what i’ve heard, being pregnant during wedding season is a bit of a challenge. you want something flowy yet also still length appropriate. enter the empire waisted maxi dress in a bright hue to emphasize both your glowing complexion and adorable baby bump. in addition to being crazy versatile, this dress has every girl’s coveted feature –pockets. i can see it paired with a panama hat and aviators for a backyard bbq or with metallic sandals and a few piece of golf jewelry for an afternoon wedding.

 

Empire Maxi Dress

 

two || silk bow-back tank top in italian floral. this italian floral pattern actually incorporates red, white, and blue. you’ll find the back detailing on its solid-colored cousin in #8 below (which i’m kind of obsessed with), but the front almost peplum-like shape is also playful and flattering. i love how it’s styled with a pair of denim rolled cut-off shorts, but would probably wear it with white jeans, myself.

 

Silk Bow-Back Tank Top in Italian Floral

 

three || graduate cardigan sweater in red twine. we like to think that once summer rolls around, we can pack up our sweaters for good until october. however, in southern california at least, there are phenomenas called “may grey” and “june gloom” where temperatures hover just about the 60’s and exposed limbs beg for a little reprieve. that’s why it’s always good to keep at least one or two light-weight sweaters in your summer arsenal when the moment strikes. i’m more of a pullover gal myself, but this cozy over-sized cardi in a brilliant red color could be just the perfect pop of color with a simple white tee and jeans, or over your favorite LWD.

 

Graduate Cardigan Sweater

 

whites

four || embroidered stitchtake dress in bright ivoryconfession: this is my favorite piece of the entire collection. and while i’ve categorized it under the “white” section, technically it pulls double duty with its blue embroidery detailing. the fact that it boasts both colors makes justifying its potential purchase much easier. it would be perfect with a pair of red d’orsay flats or white lace-up espadrilles for a daytime travels or with leather sandals and a pop of red lipstick for date night.

 

Embroidered Stitchtake Dress

 

 

 

five || high summer skirt. truth: sometimes finding shorts that fit my muscular thighs is a challenge. so in an effort to avoid feeling sorry for myself, i turn to skirts, instead. this linen mini skirt is the perfect short-alternative. since its hemline isn’t too ample, i’d probably avoid wearing it with anything with a heel, but pair it with your favorite summer sandals or even a pair of sneakers (like the ones below) and it’s a perfect look to take you from running errands around town to sipping a cocktail on your patio at sunset. i love the idea of a simple tee tucked into its elastic waistband, or even pairing it with your favorite chambray button-down for a crisp, classic look. just be sure to invest in some nude colored under garments 😉

 

High Summer Skirt

 

six ||  vans era 59 striped laced-up sneakers. aside from my beloved chambray polka-dotted vans slip-ons S gifted me last christmas, i haven’t worn sneakers since middle school when i paired my adidas “sambas” with my pleated uniform skirts. but now, i love the idea of pairing a more casual shoe with a fancier dress or skirt (i sported that look during S and my photo shoot in march). these striped cuties would be adorable with most of the looks above or with a pair of boyfriend jeans and tee for an afternoon baseball game or day at the zoo.

 

Vans Era 59 Striped Laced Shoes

 

blues

seven || skylight overlay dress in brilliant royal. i don’t know about you, but eyelet detail just screams summer to me. i love the azure shade of this simple spaghetti strap dress, a color that i believe to be flattering on nearly everyone. this would be another contender for wedding season, when paired with a wedge sandal or metallic flat, or perfect for a day at the beach with your festive fedora. the best news is that it also comes in white so you can add either (or both!) to your summer dress collection and stay cool (and fashionable) all season long.

 

Skylight Overlay Dress

 

eight || silk bow-back tank top in brilliant royal. as i mentioned in #2, this is the solid-color cousin of the italian floral print. how cute is this back? i love the scalloped edges and feminine bow detail. it’s the kind of top you’d have to wear your hair up to show off. pair it with your favorite dark-wash skinny jeans or even a slim-fitting pencil skirt.

 

Silk Bow-Back Tank Top

 

nine || summer shoulder-tie jumpsuit in brilliant royal. if the embroidered dress is my favorite pick, then this jumpsuit comes in at a close second. being so long-waisted, i’d have to definitely try this on to be sure it fit properly, but i love the effortlessness of its flowy fit and shoulder-tie detailing. i’d pair it with a panama hat and red flats for the perfect memorial day/4th of july look or with a light-wash denim vest and leather sandals for every other summer day.

 

Summer Shoulder-Tie Jumpsuit

 

chances are, there’ll be some great sales over the upcoming memorial day weekend, giving you the perfect opportunity to add a few (or all) of these pieces to your summer wardrobe. when it comes to summer dressing, you can’t get more classic than red, white, and blue!

happy shopping!

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1 Comment
  • Aunt Teresa
    May 20, 2015

    EVERY one of those is darling. I especially like the two tops (#2, #8). And just because I eagle-eye those photos, I love the purse shown in your intro photo.
    Any (and all) of those outfits would look great on you. May they soon be on sale, in stock, and in your size!!!

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