New Yorkers are still shaking off the dregs of their July 4th vacations, and I am no different. Today I wore an outfit that seems a little more more Cape Cod than Manhattan. Consider this my visceral attempt to bring a vacation state-of-mind to the office. It’s also an excellent example of bargain hunting — almost everything was on sale or found in an outlet, consignment boutique or fast fashion mega-store.
This look screams summer: The saffron-esque color, which reminds me of flower pollen, is as energizing as the ginseng shots at Feel Food. The honeycomb material is low-maintenance, resisting wrinkles and holding its pleating without major upkeep. The lace collar means I can forego a necklace — a big bonus, since my metal allergies can act up in the heat. And the rings were a funky <$10 find at Forever 21. They remind me of my grandmother’s vintage sconces at her Coconut Grove home.
The piece has a shorter, skater dress silhouette, making flat shoes a must. I typically abhor blatant logos, but I got these for a STEAL at my favorite consignment shop in the East Village. These shoes easily win MVP of my closet — they go with everything and are easy to clean.
The white oxford was a last-minute addition: When I put the dress on this morning, I was dismayed to remember that my bra straps were visible, due to the cut of the shoulders. The oxford was my attempt to cover up without a blazer or cardigan — two guaranteed ways to kill a summer look.