FIRST MONDAY

I've never worn the color yellow before. I can't believe I can actually say that at the age of 33, but I haven't. I have always ruled it out as a color that my olive skin can never pull off, but I was way wrong. This First Monday dress pulled me in. it just looked like sunshine to me, and I had to have it. 

When I wear this linen number I feel so feminine, fun and free. It reminds me of the carefree summers as a kid, and yet I feel like a beautiful woman in this at the same time. 

I appreciate the delicate tied straps and the smocked top as a nod to childhood, but I love that the dress sits closer to the natural waist instead of empire. I also love that the length doesn't lend itself to being too young. It's past the knee, and made of quality linen. 

If you're looking for a carefree, quality summer dress, look no further than First Monday. Also, have you seen the rest of their collection?! OMG! Their jumpsuits are amazing!

Photos by Lauren J. Photography

Summer Linen Style

This posts is sponsored by Garnett Hill. 

Linen is probably my favorite fabric right now. You guys see me wear it all of the time, and I finally got linen sheets from Garnett Hill this year. It was the BEST thing I have done for my home this year. So, being a big lover of linen and a believe in Garnett Hill's linen collection, I got three new linen pieces to add to my wardrobe. 

The first piece I got was a linen button down that I could wear with shorts, jeans or even as a pool cover up. I'm in LOVE. The blue goes with everything. (They are currently sold out of it, but this piece is similar). 

I also got an a-line dress in the most beautiful terra-cotta color. I'm obsessed with this color lately, and so is the rest of the fashion world. The dress has pockets, a zipper in the back, and is so classic. It's the perfect piece to pack in your suitcase for summer adventures. You do need to wear a slip with it though. 

I also bit the bullet and got white linen pants. It's definitely a risk being a mom of littles, but they are so beautiful and quality! Be sure to wear a thong with these pants though. ;)

Check out the rest of their linen collection, click here.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

STAYING COOL WITH NEUTRALS

I have lived in Arizona for 15 years. The first couple of summers were brutal as I adjusted to scorching temperatures. I kept thinking to myself, “Why do I even live here?” but then something funny happened. I started to fall in love with the desert and I adapted just like the animals and the vegetation have done. I learned that shade is king, plants can thrive and the summer sunsets are more amazing as the dust particle swirl in the atmosphere and heat radiates from the ground. Fields of corn stalks fill the brown patches of earth. Tan skin, sun-kissed freckles, gentle waves in my hair after a long day of swimming and soft cotton...These are just a few of my favorite things that I have come to cherish under Arizona summer sun.

So, to adapt in style and to enjoy the summer heat, linen proves to be the most efficient fabric by being light and breathable. In this way, The White Company's summer collection, feels more like a chic armory - keeping me ready for the summertime swelter.

Already familiar with their quality in regards to home linens and beauty products, I hoped The White Company’s clothes would be just as wonderful, and was not disappointed. I found myself drawn to the timelessness and simplicity of their easy linen dresses, pants and neutral accessories. In particular, I fell in love with this Floral Ladder Trim dress and ankle wrap sandals. Even on a blistering hot Arizona day, I would feel happy with the amount of coverage this dress provides, while allowing airflow. As for my feet, these sandals are chameleon-like - they can be worn with ANYTHING, creating the perfect finishing touch for nearly any outfit.

The cut of this linen dress is timeless, I’m confident I will wear this piece for years to come. Be it for an all day excursion at the beach or at a summer BBQ, it works for just about every occasion. I ordered a size 6 based off of their sizing chart and it fits perfectly. The length makes it comfortable enough for me to wear to church on a Sunday, with no hesitation.

I have been wanting a neutral, flat sandal for a while now, and I was really drawn to these suede tassel ones. I've mentioned before that I enjoy open toe shoes because of my long, narrow feet, and the ankle strap helps my feet feel secure. These shoes are going to get a lot of use this summer because they really go with any outfit - you can dress them up or down, and you don't have to bother with figuring out if they match what you're wearing, because odds are it already does. In Arizona the heat is dry and letting your feet breathe can mean facing a bit of dust but sometimes you must take the good with the mildly annoying :)

All in all my first experience with The White Company's clothing and accessories was great and I already see myself returning for more classic closet staples. If you're in the New York City area, I highly recommend stopping in at their first U.S. brick and mortar store.

This post is sponsored by The White Company. Products were given as part of payment for this post. All thoughts are my own. Photos by Rennai Hoefer.