Summer Dress Staples: Stripes and Polka Dots

by Laura Perkins


Stripe Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Pikolinos (old) similar style at Madewell

Stripe Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Pikolinos (old) similar style at Madewell

Stripe Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Pikolinos (old) similar style at Madewell

Stripe Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Pikolinos (old) similar style at Madewell

Stripe Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Pikolinos (old) similar style at Madewell

Stripe Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Pikolinos (old) similar style at Madewell

I'm excited to share these two summer dresses with you that I found at Target and will be wearing all season long. They are super affordable and so cute!! As you guys know, I'm obsessed with blue and white stripes (it might be a problem) so I was immediately drawn to this stripe dress. I just love the feminine ruffles and wrap silhouette with a tie at the waist, making it a fun twist to this summer classic and very flattering. I'm all about breezy, comfortable dresses this time of year (especially when it hits 90 degrees! Eek!). And you can dress it up or down with block heels or flat sandals.

Polka dots are having a huge moment right now and were all over the spring runways. Although saying that also makes me laugh because doesn't it seem like stripes and polka dots are always in style?! But seriously - ladies, don't ever get rid of your stripes or polka dots because they will always be a classic look. I love that this polka dot dress has a fun little cut out detail with a knot in in the front giving it a modern feel to this retro style dress. Oh and there are pockets!!! There are a ton of adorable polka dot dresses at Target right now including this white and black one that I also love!

Polka Dot Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Old Navy

Polka Dot Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Old Navy

Polka Dot Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Old Navy

Polka Dot Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Old Navy

Polka Dot Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Old Navy

Polka Dot Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Old Navy

Polka Dot Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Old Navy

Polka Dot Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Old Navy

Polka Dot Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Old Navy

Polka Dot Dress: Target  ||  Heels: Old Navy


Ruffles, Meet Stripes

by Laura Perkins


Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Top: Anthropologie  ||  Black Jeans: American Eagle  ||  Low Block Heels: Marion Parke

Ruffles have been one of my favorite trends this year. The wavy frill adds such a playful and feminine detail to everything. I just love it. And stripes will forever be a summer staple. Combine the two with a peek-a-boo floral print and you have a winner. You've probably noticed that I'm all about the low block heel lately. They're so practical but also very much in style. In keeping with the stripe theme, I'm completing this look with these amazing Marion Parke mary jane's.

Below is another ruffle top that will instantly update your basic white tee style. I have gotten so many compliments on this shirt and you guys, it's from Target! Pretty sure I paid less than $20 for it. If you haven't checked out their Who What Wear section, you need to. Everything is so stinkin cute and super affordable. These shoes are from Target too!! And they have been my go-to this spring. Target's shoe section has really stepped it up lately (no pun intended! hah). I'm currently crushing on these. (insert heart eye emoji)

So if you don't own anything with ruffles, you need to give it a try. Just trust me. There are so many different styles - big, small, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, ]single or layered, on the top or the bottom....I could go on and on. I haven't met a ruffle I didn't like. :) There really is a ruffle for everyone. I think oversized ruffles are so chic but you might like a subtle ruffle....either way they are really fun so I recommend giving them a shot! :) Style tip: the larger the ruffle, the more it acts as an accessory so you might not need much jewelry.

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target

Top: Target (Who What Wear)  ||  Hi Rise Jeans: American Eagle   || Shoes: Target


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!