Let Loose: Relaxed Fit Tops for Easy Summer Dressing

Between travels, weddings, and illness, I haven't had a chance to stop by the blog in the past week and a half, and it sorely needs tending. Since summer seems to have arrived in all it's sun-scorched glory, I thought I'd welcome you back with some easy, relaxed tops that will keep you feeling as cool as the icy sweat dripping down the lemonade pitcher.

Eskell's loose, silk Chloe top features charming design details, including a printed waist tie and three yellow buttons to close the shoulder. $200.

Loose, Dolman sleeves are a godsend this time of year. If it's cross-ventilation you're after, this should do the trick. T Alexander Wang 1x1 Rib T in Heather Grey, $90 @ Otte.

Stuart & Wright's Easy Silk Tee. The name pretty much says it all, and it's gorgeous in navy. $188 @ Refinery29.

If you like the look but can't bear to part with 200 bones, American Apparel has some appealing options, including the new Silky Loose Crop Tee, $38. It actually looks a lot better on, and works great over one of their tight cotton bodycon dresses or high-waisted pencil skirts. Also available in tank form.

Photo credit:
1&3) www.refinery29.com
2) www.otteny.com
4) www.americanapparel.net

Spring Stepping: Floaty, Feminine Frocks from Eskell and Stuart + Wright

As New York remains suspended somewhere between winter and spring, my wardrobe grows ever more confused, and as a result, increasingly sloppy. Though rays of resplendent sunshine may peek through my blinds in the morning, a most unfriendly chill greets me the moment I step out of doors, causing goosebumps to spring to attention. Alternatively, a dark, forbidding sky might yield a surprisingly warm and gentle rain. My biggest complaint about such capricious weather is that I’m not able to embrace either season, and the resulting hodgepodge of neither-here-nor-there, multi-seasonal “outfits” (if they can be called that) are either boring or off or just awful.

I cannot wait until the day I can fling myself wholeheartedly into the arms of summer and cavort about town bare-armed, in silky, knee-grazing numbers like these:

Eskell Luna Dress, $284.

Stuart and Wright Cocoon Back Dress, $388.

Photos: www.refinery29.com