Up north, we spend our time playing outside with the kids, walking through dirt and gravel, sitting on the dock, and taking the dogs along. As much as I love it, I’m not about to wear my floor-grazing Marimekko dress to tromp around in the woods.
I’m bad at posing for photos, clearly. I tried to make up for it with illustrations!
My ideal everyday look could probably be described as business casual meets art teacher. Gimme a quirky accessory and then I’ll choose blouses over tees and pointed flats every time over sneakers, but as much as I love my regular wardrobe in Chicago, it isn’t suited to the time we spend up north each summer. I’ve learned to add a few pieces to my closet that I would have otherwise passed over for being too casual so I’m not stuck with only workout clothes to pack. I do the t-shirt and jeans thing a lot more, and my wide-leg cropped pants were on heavy rotation this summer. I even bought sneakers this year! Look at me, branching out.
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Wide Leg Marina Pant, Ann Taylor
I bought these in white too, to wear to Dîner en Blanc. -
Curvy High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Lucille Wash, Madewell
My favorite jeans in the world got even better when they introduced the curvy fit. -
4″ Pleated Shorts – A New Day, Target
How many times can I tell you about my favorite shorts? They have been restocked in almost every size, and they are now down to $6.88. Get some. -
Slice of Stone Pendant, Kate Spade
I don’t have this one. YET. I wore a different pendant necklace that’s no longer available so I found this one, and now I must own it as well. -
Mid-Rise Soft Pants, Old Navy
Pants that feel like pjs! -
Lampshade Hat, Shopbop
The best shape. -
Avianna Low Vamp Kitten Heeled Mules – Universal Thread, Target
All day, every day. A comfortable low heel, they stay on while walking (not all mules do so well), and the best light neutral. Love these! -
Anniemae Woven Slide Sandal – Universal Thread, Target
A little pattern that still goes with just about everything else, printed or solid. -
Triple Decker, Keds x Designlovefest
Cap-toe sneakers! They give a little height and bouncy cushion, too. -
Northside Vintage Tee (Weathered Olive), Madewell
Ooh boy do I love this color. I’m so glad it’s popping up in home and fashion again. -
Northside Vintage Tee (White Wash), Madewell
Yay, simple white tee. -
Whisper Cotton Crewneck Tee in Creston Stripe, Madewell
Striped tees forever. -
Monterey Hooded Pullover, Anthropologie
Far cuter than the mens’ hoodies I wore in my youth, eh? Just as comfy though. -
Wide-Sleeve Pullover Hoodie in French Terry, Gap
The blousy shape I like, but in casual sweatshirt form. -
Hallie Glasses (Lapis Crystal), Warby Parker
It’s hard to see here, but the finish is a lovely blue with a lot of depth to it. -
Iridescent Square Sunglasses, LOFT
Flattering shape, large scale, and hi, only $12. -
Shapes Statement Earrings, Madewell
Get these before they sell out! $28 and they are SO good. I almost bought them in more colors. (Still thinking about it.)