basic color blocking

I simply cannot get over this outfit spotted on Lucy Laucht's blog.  There is something simplistic in the color blocking of the Alberta Ferretti Skirt and navy sweater.  Perfect for those cool summer mornings, but with a quick switch of the top, transitions into the perfect summer outfit.

My take:

summer basics by thebrunetteone featuring kate spade jewelry

Stretch top, $36
Jane Norman stripe skirt, 32 GBP
Again suede leather shoes, 40 GBP
Michael Kors wrapped jewelry, $225
Kate spade jewelry, $98
Kate Spade bubble jewelry, $67

summer inspirations

Summer has arrived, which means it's time to retire those coats and layers and pick up some new flouncy skirts, tailored shorts, floral prints, and those trusty white jeans.

Here's a glimpse of my summer style inspirations:

What are your favorite summer styles?

Images via tumblr & lucy laucht

pretty little things

pretty little things by thebrunetteone featuring a ruched dress

Diane von furstenberg dress, $695
Diane von Furstenberg silk dress, $467
Diane von Furstenberg sheer dress, $385
Diane von Furstenberg one shoulder silk dress, 360 GBP
Diane von Furstenberg ruched dress, 330 GBP
Diane von furstenberg dress, 328 GBP
Diane von Furstenberg ruched dress, $325

High Rise Treatment

high waisted heaven by thebrunetteone featuring elastic waist shorts

Sea NY twill short
215 GBP - liberty.co.uk

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania short
$440 - anastasiaboutique.com

Printed short
$479 - farfetch.com

Leifsdottir elastic waist short
$178 - leifsdottir.com

Short
14,700 JPY - hfm.co.jp

Miss Selfridge tan short
36 GBP - missselfridge.com

This spring I've found a new staple for my wardrobe.  High-waisted shorts, skirts, pants, the whole kit and kaboodle.  I first fell in love with the high waisted look when I found the perfect skirt at Gap.  It's navy, has pockets and a bow to top it off.  Perfection in my eyes.  It can can be dressed up with heels and a sparkly necklace for a night on the town or toned down for a day at the office.  It was then only a matter of time before I found the perfect pair of black high-waisted trousers from French Connection at a local boutique.  I've now set my sights on finding the perfect high-waisted shorts, perfect for the many summer nights ahead spent out with my girlfriends.  These are a few of my current favorites!  What summer staple are you looking to add to your summer wardrobe?

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