The Hunt for the Best Gladiator Sandals

by Laura Perkins


Gladiator Sandals:  TopShop  (and here are similar styles if they ran out of your size) || Essie Nail Polish Color: Clam Bake (just in case anyone was curious!)

I was recently on a hunt for gladiator sandals. It was a pretty serious search. I think I explored every option out there. I've been loving this trend and just really wanted a pair of my own. While there are so many great styles out there, I wanted to find the best sandals for my budget. I found myself immediately having crushes on brands that carried styles over $150, but I just couldn't do it. Or really my husband wouldn't let me. But then I found these cuties! TopShop! And they are only $45! (Yippee!!) They are a steal if you ask me. I know I'll be wearing these lace-ups into fall with jeans but right now they are perfect with shorts and causal summer looks.

If you're looking for a gladiator sandal that's a little more subtle (and affordable), I have a great option for you! These Madewell lace-ups are only $69.50 and available in black or tan. Perfect to wear with just about everything! 

And if you are looking to splurge (or at least splurge in my book), these Bernardo Olivia sandals are gorgeous for $155! Still an amazing deal for the quality of these luxury sandals. The burnt orange brick color is my favorite (very 70's chic) but black and sand are also very classic! 


Patriotic Playsuits for the 4th of July

by Laura Perkins


Playsuit: Jack Wills (now available at the outlet store)  || Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Wedges: Steven Madden (10 years old! but similar cute styles are available online)

Playsuit: Jack Wills (now available at the outlet store)  || Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Wedges: Steven Madden (10 years old! but similar cute styles are available online)

Playsuit: Jack Wills (now available at the outlet store)  || Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Wedges: Steven Madden (10 years old! but similar cute styles are available online)

Playsuit: Jack Wills (now available at the outlet store)  || Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Wedges: Steven Madden (10 years old! but similar cute styles are available online)

The 4th of July is one of my favorite times of year! BBQ's, fireworks and maybe a good game of slip n' slide wiffle ball! So this year, I thought what better way to celebrate our nation's birth than in a playsuit! That's right, a playsuit! (It's actually called that! And yes, I feel like a toddler and I love every second of it!) I snagged this retro jumper at Jack Wills in Newport, RD while my husband and I were on our anniversary trip through New England. I don't know about you, but I had never heard of Jack Wills. Apparently they are all throughout the NE (just not in NYC...womp womp). I call it the British version of a Madewell or J. Crew. (okay don't judge me that I'm wearing a British brand on America's holiday! Maybe I should have left that part out!) But the best part is they have an Outlet store online! (Yippee!) This romper caught my eye on the sale rack but I'll be honest with you, I wasn't sure at first about the sleeves. It was definitely an example of don't judge a book by it's cover because when I tried it on for fun, I immediately fell in love and thought it was one of the cutest things I had ever seen! And since jumpsuits are back in a big way, I think the romper, onesie, playsuit...whatever you want to call it (although  now I prefer playsuit!) is here to stay! While going to the bathroom may be tough, they are just so playful (see what I did there!) and perfect for any day to night event. 

Sizing Tip: I will say their sizes run really small so don't freak out when you have to get a bigger size. And if you're tall like me, you might have to go for an even bigger size so the shorts aren't too short in the back. But the tie around the waist brings it all together.

I hope everyone has an amazing 4th of July weekend! God Bless America!! 


Stripes On Stripes

by Laura Perkins


Dress: J.Crew ||  Sandals: Target  || Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels  ||  Lipstick: Mac (So Chaud)

Dress: J.Crew ||  Sandals: Target  || Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels  ||  Lipstick: Mac (So Chaud)

I'm a big fan of stripes. And I've always thought mix and matching prints is so chic. So when I spotted this tweed dress a few months ago at the J. Crew sale rack (for a crazy discounted price), I couldn't resist. I also think a drop waist dress is so cute and if you haven't tried one, you need to! I love how this dress has a mix of vertical and horizontal stripes in different sizes, giving you a fun twist on a summer classic. The good news is this dress is still online in a few sizes! But hurry!! I also included some similar styles and other gorg stripe and drop-waist dresses below. These bow sandals are also perfect for any summer look and are only $19.99!! Definitely a steal!

Here are some adorable stripe and drop-waist dresses to shop the look!


Trend to Try: Wide Leg Pants

by Laura Perkins


Top and Bottom Set: Zara  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  || Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels

Top and Bottom Set: Zara  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels

Top and Bottom Set: Zara  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels

Top and Bottom Set: Zara  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels

One of my favorite trends this spring/summer has been wide leg pants. For any of you skeptics out there, I know what you're thinking - how could that much extra material be flattering? Well I promise these voluminous trousers are cuter on than you may think. So put your skinny jeans to the side (come on, it's been over a decade!) and opt for a wide leg pant. Just trust me! They're very Katharine Hepburn, effortlessly chic! And not to mention, very comfortable! (it's like you're wearing pajamas!). There are so many fun styles out there but my first recommendation is to just try on a bunch until you find the perfect fit for you. I personally like the higher waist because I think they're the most slimming. In fact, my one rule would be you need to show off your waist in these pants, don't cover it up. So try tucking in your shirt or styling with a crop top, either one that shows a sliver of skin or hits right at the waist, like this matching printed top I found at Zara. Maybe it's because these pictures were taken on a surprise trip my husband planned for our anniversary with a night stay at the gorgeous Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, RI, but for some reason whenever I where this outfit I can't help but feel a little old hollywood glam! 

Shoe tip: Opt for a chunky platform, block heel or wedges with your wide leg pants for a modern look that elongates your legs.