CANVASSTYLE UNIFORM

It has been a whirlwind here chez K with the end of the school year screeching to a halt, birthdays, lacrosse tournaments and black tie affairs (thus the lack of posts). Some of these activities were doubled up on the same day, some were back to back days and nights running into days.  

My survival guide at times like this is a uniform. Must be my all girls school uniform upbringing but it works. Boring? Maybe. But sanity-preserving - absolutely.

The best example of this was getting from a hot as hell Lacrosse tournament to a Black Tie affair and getting dressed in 30 minutes (yes I showered).

Uniform 1: Lacrosse tournament

Cut offs, white tee, TOMS, Panama Hat

Presto change-o:


Uniform 2:  Black Tie shindig

Ball skirt (sale!), black silk tank, F21 necklace, fancy shoes, (sale!) perfect India Hicks clutch

I find if I keep it simple and stick to my tried and true style, anything is possible. 

Including dancing in heels. 

CANVASSTYLE STRATEGY: DRESSED IN UNDER 5 MINUTES

With busy lives and kids and activities and working and and and ... there is usually about 5 minutes left on the clock for this mamma to get ready to go out.  Which is fine really.  One great floaty black dress and a few gold bits is all I need.  Makeup? I never wear any which is a great strategy because when I do put a little eyeliner and mascara on people are wowed into believing I spent an hour on my makeup alone.

Makeup and dressed in 5 minutes. Try it! It is rather liberating to float out the door not having spent an hour getting ready.

SHOP 4 EASY PIECES:

dress  //  sandal  //  clutch  //  necklace 

THE CAFTAN

Google 'caftan' or 'kaftan' and you get all kinds of images. From hippie chic to embroidered elegance, this item conjures up many vibes. I have been slightly obsessed with finding just the right one. Not too hippie, not to big that it swallows me.  Both chic and elegant at the end of a long beach day, this style staple can go straight to dinner.

SHOP THE LOOK:

WHITE:

SUBTLE COLOR:

MORE COLOR THAN I USUALLY WEAR BUT HERE'S WHERE TO DO IT COLOR:

The one on the far right in the mood board images is this one and it is breathtaking:

Anthropologie Silk Caftan

When I put one of these on I feel like I sort of float.  A good feeling on a hot summer night. 

THATS JUST SWELL

We've covered the basics with Madewell and the next layer of spring/summer flavor for me is the floaty laid back California girl in me.  For this I start at Swell.  Granted Swell is geared towards a much younger audience than moi, I do love hunting down the things that add to my basics when I'm in the mood. 

Be it white and delicate or black and dramatic there is always a little something that catches my eye.

Here are my Swell pics of the day.


SHOP SWELL:           

 L to R:  robe dress  |  kimono  |  black maxi dress (yay at 50% off)

L to R:  white pom pom tunic  |  white beach tank  |  white embroidered skirt

Swell

moodboard: here here and here

THE SUMMER SWEATER

Last Friday's image had me inspired to find the perfect lightweight summer sweater.

Just the right cozy layer to put on after a beach day or head out for an evening in the city, or to throw over your shoulders like a wrap, hop on a golf cart barefoot and head to town to find a Goombay Smash. Can you guess where my mind is? Firmly planted with my toes in the sand. 

SHOP SWEATERS :                                                                                                                                

Top row:  C & C California stripe //  free people v neck   // C & C hoodie 

Bottom row:  Feel the Piece  // Free People tunic  // Free People pullover

street style images found: 1 // 2 // 3