Nina Raglan Tee (L) // Madewell Jules in Foster Wash (29) // Dolce Vita Cely Thong Sandals (8) // Madewell Open Weave Leather Belt (M/L) // MAISON de SABRÉ Zipped Bucket Gag c/o // All At Sea Charm Bracelet c/o // Cyndi’s Bracelet Stack c/o // Jane Win Grace Pendant Coin c/o // Luv Aj hoops c/o // YSL sunnies

On Friday, Alison and I took some photos of several white tees for my post on the search for the perfect white t-shirt, and I stayed in the final outfit after the shoot.

Later on, Paul and I decided to go out for a casual dinner and walk around town, so I ran upstairs to change my shoes and add some jewelry to level up the simple white tee-and-jeans outfit for going out.

MOTHER Little Goodie Goodie Tee (L) // Madewell Jules (29) // TKEES Square Toe Lily c/o (8)

I first swapped my plain beige flip-flops for brown thong sandals with stone embellishments. Then I grabbed a brown bucket bag to coordinate and added a whimsical charm bracelet in similar colors to the sandals. As a final touch, I decided to try a colorful beaded necklace.

MOTHER tee (L) // Madewell Jules (29) // Dolce Vita Cely (8) // MAISON de SABRÉ Zipped Bucket Gag c/o // All At Sea Charm Bracelet c/o // Vida Semi-Stone Necklace

It felt like it was missing something, so I added a brown woven belt to connect the bag and sandals and break up the white tee and light-wash denim. I like how the woven texture softens the contrast and keeps the dark brown from feeling too heavy for summer.

The more I looked at it, though, the more I felt like it wasn’t quite working. The colorful necklace, charm bracelet, and embellished sandals were all competing for attention, and the MOTHER tee also felt a bit too casual with everything else I had going on.

So I made a few changes.

First, I swapped the tee for the EVEREVE Nina Tee. The slightly heavier fabric and raglan cap sleeves give it a more polished look. (Fit note: I sized up to a large in this one.) Then I removed the beaded necklace because I felt like the colors were competing with the bracelet and sandals.

Instead, I added a large gold coin pendant. It still makes a statement at the neckline, but in a simpler way. I also added the Cyndi’s Bracelet Stack (20% off with Jolynne20). I was debating between it and the more colorful charm bracelet, but in the end I decided to wear both! I don’t normally wear bracelets on both wrists, but I feel like it works here.

Nina Raglan Tee (L) // Madewell Jules in Foster Wash (29) // Dolce Vita Cely Thong Sandals (8) // Madewell Open Weave Leather Belt (M/L) // MAISON de SABRÉ Zipped Bucket Gag c/o // All At Sea Charm Bracelet c/o // Cyndi’s Bracelet Stack c/o // Jane Win Grace Pendant Coin c/o // Luv Aj hoops c/o // Laguna Sea Pebble Ring

This final version feels much more balanced to me. The Nina Raglan Tee supports the more elevated styling, while the dark brown bag, belt, and sandals create a striking contrast against the white tee and light-wash denim, giving the outfit a more modern feel. The embellished thong sandals add a trend-forward element, while the coastal-inspired charm bracelet brings in a playful, summery touch. And the bold gold hoops and coin pendant add some shine near the face and balance out the trendier, more playful accessories.

It’s a good reminder that sometimes the difference between a basic outfit and a great outfit isn’t necessarily adding more—it’s editing.

Ok, moving on!

A Few More Outfits from the Past Two Weeks

SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and typically wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 or 30 in jeans and pants, and a size 8.5 shoe. I often fall between sizes these days, so fit notes matter.

I wore this outfit to my semi-weekly mani/pedi appointment. I always try to wear loose-fitting pants that are easy to pull up in the pedicure chair, so I went for my super-soft PAIGE Anessa raw-hem wide-leg jeans. I paired them with this pretty butter yellow cashmere sweater tee, and for shoes, I chose these brown jelly thong sandals with polished gold hardware. I love how they complement the outfit, and they’re open enough that I don’t have to worry about messing up my pedicure.

To that, I added a bold pendant necklace, gold hoop earrings, and a fun beaded bracelet stack. I love how the turquoise tones in the bracelets complement the soft yellow sweater. Finally, I grabbed an oversized espresso brown tote that coordinates with the sandals and is large enough to carry my laptop… Because I’m always multitasking!

Quince cashmere tee (L) // PAIGE Anessa (30) // Loeffer Randal Jovie Jelly Flip Flop c/o (8) // M.Gemi tote c/o // Nordstrom bracelets // Luv Aj hoops // Jane Win Grace Pendant

We went to see The Outsiders at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia last week. I had just gotten this sweater top, and it seemed like the perfect option—refined yet comfortable. (It’s also on sale for $29! Size down if you’re between sizes. I’m wearing the small.)

My first instinct was to wear it with white denim, but I decided to switch things up and pair it with black linen trousers instead. The monochromatic palette felt chic and understated while still being comfortable enough for a night at the theater, and the relaxed trouser silhouette gave the outfit a fresh, modern look.

I really wanted to carry this raffia clutch with the black leather trim, but since I don’t have a strap for it yet, I was worried it would be a little cumbersome. I really need to order one!

Splendid x @Cellajaneblog Sleeveless Cardi (S) // Madewell Zoe linen pants (8) // Cuyana Raffia Clutch c/o // Ann Taylor crossover sandals c/o (8) // Lili Claspe cuff // Thatch Isla Noir Bead Necklace c/o

So I decided to carry a red bag instead. While it’s not as summery, I like the pop of color against the all-black look.

I also changed my sandals at the last minute to the Sam Edelman Camille. While I love crossover styles in theory, I finally realized why I never end up wearing them! They make my long toes look even longer.

These two pairs are very similar, but I feel like the style with just a bit more toe coverage is more flattering on my foot. They’re also a little more comfortable for walking because my feet don’t slide forward as much, so that sealed the deal.

left: Ann Taylor Leather Crossover Kitten Heel Sandal c/o (8) // right: Sam Edelman Camille (8) // similar red bag

FYI: If you’re interested in either pair, the Sam Edelman sandals are currently 40% off, and the Ann Taylor crossover slides are 25% off. They’re both beautiful sandals; I just prefer the Sam Edelman style on my foot.

I went to Virginia for a couple of days to visit my family, and I wore my comfy Vuori straight-leg pants and a linen tank on the plane. (And if you’ve had your eye on this tank, it’s currently 40% off.)

I also brought my denim jacket and was glad I did because the airport was freezing, even though it was warm outside.

Athleta Getaway Linen Blend Tank in Cacti – 40% off (M) // Vuori Halo Modern Straight Leg Pants (M) // On Cloud 6 (9) // Risen denim jacket (M) // AWAY Carry-On // AWAY Featherlight Backpack

The next day, we ran a few errands and had dinner with my brother’s family. I tried about 10 times to get a decent photo using my iPhone timer, propped up on a tissue box on the porch. I finally gave up and settled for this one.

I like the look overall, but this top is pretty short with the mid-rise jeans. I think it would work better with a higher-rise jean, like the PAIGE Anessa.

Splendid Shelly Smocked Tank c/o (M) // Madewell Jules in Atlin Wash(29) // Loeffer Randal Jovie Jelly Flip Flop c/o (8) // Jane Win Grace Pendant c/o // Cyndi’s Bracelet Stack – 20% off with Jolynne20 c/o

Here’s a fun casual look I wore to an outdoor blues festival last weekend. I kept it relaxed with cut-off denim shorts and jelly flip-flops with a little bit of bling. This button-front vest top in a muted shade of brown felt like the perfect pairing. I wanted something casual but still interesting.

I added a neutral beaded stretch bracelet stack and a pair of fun wood drop earrings for a little texture and interest. I also carried this raffia tote with black leather handles and seashell charms so I could toss in a couple of snacks.

Madewell Ribbed Crewneck Shell Top (M) // Risen Keira Raw Hem Shorts (30) // Loeffler Randall Taryn Jelly Flip Flops (8) // Madewell Mylie // Jenni Beaded Bracelet // similar earrings

I wore this casual outfit to work from home one day and then to see the chiropractor that afternoon. (I’ve somehow managed to mess up my hip again. Good times!)

Free People Jamie Henley Tank c/o EVEREVE (L) // Ruti On The Loose Work Pants in Walnut c/o (10) // TKEES Square Toe Lily c/o (8)

And this was just a morning walk, but I wanted to show you these new Athleta running shorts. They have a built-in brief, so they’re really comfortable, and this color is such a fun change from basic black. (They’re also 40% off right now!)

Vuori Energy Top Long (M) // Athleta Mesh Racer Run Shorts – 40% off (M) // XERO HFS II (9) // Swell water bottle

I wore this dress to church last Sunday. I love the bold blue color and the crochet trim, and it’s made from 100% cotton, which feels really nice on a warm day. I paired it with flat gold strappy sandals, carried a raffia bag with leather trim and gold hardware, and added some coordinating jewelry.

Sunset Harbor Lace-Trim Dress (M) // Kaanas Alayta Square Toe Sandals (8) // Cyndi’s Bracelet Stack (20% off with Jolynne20) // Jenny Bird Florence Earrings

I came home and changed for the pool…

crochet swim coverup (M) // Talbots swimsuit (10) // TKEES Lily (8)

Afterwards, I threw on this henley top with jean shorts for the rest of the afternoon.

Free People Jamie Henley Tank c/o EVEREVE (L) // KUT from the Kloth Jane Denim Shorts (8) // Birks (39)

This was just a casual work-from-home day. I grabbed the same denim shorts and Birks from the day before and added this relaxed graphic tee. It’s the MOTHER Little Goodie Goodie Tee from last year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, so it’s no longer available in this exact graphic, but the tee is still available in other designs. (Fit note: I always size up to a large in this one.)

MOTHER Little Goodie Goodie Tee – older design (L) // KUT from the Kloth Jane Denim Shorts (8) // Birks (39)

Finally, I wore this all-black look to Pilates yesterday. These SPANX leggings really hold everything in!

Vuori Energy Top Long (M) // SPANX Booty Boost Leggings (M) // On Cloud 6 (9)

And then I changed into a casual shorts-and-top outfit for the afternoon. I don’t normally wear blue and olive together, but I kind of like it. It’s a nice change from my usual black-and-olive pairings.

Z Supply Long Weekends Tee (L) // PAIGE Olivia Cargo Shorts (more sizes at Bloomingdale’s) (30) // TKEES Lily c/o (8)

And that’s a w