Category: summer

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fall guest summer

Summer to Fall Transition

Slow Southern Style is going to be featuring a few guest bloggers each Monday to liven the place up and get some fresh voices on a variety of subjects. This week Meghan Wright of Fashionably Meg is filling in. Interested in guest blogging? Contact me at nolagurl at gmail dot com.


Summer to Fall Transition: Southern Style

    Transitioning your wardrobe from Summer to Fall is a bit different in a warmer climate. Down here it goes from “Sooo hot,” to “Hot.” The key is to have Summery pieces, but in Fall colors; and to start shopping for those items around July so you can phase out your Spring and Summer pieces. I’ve included pieces that are wearable, affordable and trendy for the coming season:
Easy to Layer Dresses – 


Summer dresses in darker colors and patterns that are still comfortable on a hot day are perfect for going into Fall. Wear them alone while it’s still a scorcher out and play around with layering as the weather gets cooler.

Topshop – Forever 21 – Topshop – Modcloth



Anything but Black Tights – 

Black tights are too Winter and at the end of Summer/early Fall they can appear too formal. Colored tights are becoming increasingly popular; so go for colors like dark green, mustard yellow, maroon, or a even pretty cream color.  Or get creative with the tights above.

All – Modcloth



Lightweight Cardigans/Vests/Sweaters & Such – 
This one is a given, they are the ultimate layering piece.  They’re easy to carry during the day when it’s still warm, and perfect to throw on at night when it cools down. They aren’t just Summer-Fall layering pieces, but perfect day-night pieces as well.

They are also must-haves down here because once Winter approaches you don’t need layers of chunky sweaters and coats, you need one of the following and a good jacket.

Forever 21 – Nasty Gal – Forever 21



Ankle Boots – 



90’s grunge is making a huge comeback, and I personally love a cute dress with some great some boots. That’s of course if you’re willing to put up with boots in July, but I promise it’ll pay off! Invest in a good pair, nothing too high (keep it ankle length or go for a fun cowboy boot) or you’ll be jumping ahead a season. Add a little edge to your look by wearing them with a dress or skirt, then add some jeans or tights once the temperature drops.

Jeffrey Campbell – Rachel Comey – Rachel Antonoff by Bass – Maurie & Eve

Colors to Look For:
Olive Green
Orange
Maroon
Navy
Cream
Teal
Rust
Grey

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summer what i wore

What I Wore- Citrus in the Summer

During the summer I’m more prone to wearing loose, light clothing to help keep cool, or rather less miserable in this heat and humidity. Saturdays are my only day off with my husband so normally we sleep in and I’ll make coffee and breakfast when we roll out of bed. And when I say we I mean two cats, a dog, and two humans. It’s a mammal party every morning!

This outfit saw me through an early afternoon meeting with Ben of NOLA Bow Ties and a comedy act in the evening. If you like to laugh (and if you don’t well you are probably an awful person) consider helping Hell Yes Fest to get going in New Orleans.

My feet are festive, to say the least. Sometimes people think my tattoos are socks. I’d never wear clashing patterns, unless I can’t avoid it. D’oh!
Emma & Sam tank top via LF sidewalk sale
Everything else via Buffalo Exchange

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summer what i wore

What I Wore- When Neutrals Attack

Ask me a few years ago if I’d ever wear white jeans and my response would have been “never in a million years.” Not only could I not keep white jeans pristine but I’d imagine my legs would look like pearly little sausages. So I’m not quite sure what attracted me to these cream colored skinny jeans but I can’t stop wearing them despite the heat. I’ve also never been huge on taupe but lately I can’t get enough of it. I picked up this Sanctuary t-shirt from United Apparel Liquidators for a steal. The shirt was originally $85 and I got it for a measly $25.  My friend Dorothy also loves getting quality clothes at a bargain and has the tank top version.

The best part about these Citizens of Humanity is that I bought them already distressed so if I happen to stain them it will only add to the charm. 
Y’all like how I injected some words on top of the next picture to distract from the blurry hands and my rain barrel in the background? There’s 55 gallons of unfiltered acid rain sitting in there. Thirsty?
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scarf as a top summer

What I Wore- Scarf As A Top

Sometimes taking an old favorite and reinventing it breathes new life into an otherwise tired staple. While I still love this safety pin printed silk scarf I was getting a little bored with just draping it around my neck all the time. I randomly stumbled upon a video on how to turn a square scarf into a halter top and I’ve been obsessed with the idea ever since. Unfortunately I can’t find the original video as it was posted on one of the 4,543,943 blogs that I keep up with but if enough people want to learn I might make my own to share. Just leave a comment if you are interested!

The great thing about this look is how easily you can customize the fit. I’m wearing mine loose over a strapless body suit but you can make it less blouse like and more fitted with a tighter knot. Initially I wasn’t sure if the print was too busy since I’m so used to wearing the scarf folded over but thanks to a few encouraging words I decided it made for a good enough outfit for a Sunday brunch outing followed up by a trip to the library.
Silk scarf, Zac Posen via Buffalo Exchange
Sunglasses via Buffalo Exchange
Jeans, DL1961  via The Blues Jean Bar
Clutch and shoes previously seen here
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southern style summer what i wore

What I Wore- Summer in the South

In the summer time it is so hard to look presentable when the humidity and the temperature are battling it out for who has the highest digits. Suddenly a tank top and shorts seems like the only viable option, and even a leather sandal seems too heavy. Ladies and gents, summer in the south is a constant battle, and the only way to win is by stocking your closet with cotton and linen pieces that will help see you through to Fall.

I bought this 100% linen dress but needed to find a slip to go under it since it is completely sheer. I might be a little daring, but I’m not THAT daring. The sherbet slip is a fun alternative to a neutral underpinning and I like how it changes up the hemline of the dress. It’s also amazing how good my hair looked on this day. My big secret? I showered then slept on it then ran a pick through it to get the knots out. So why is it when I actually try to fix my hair that I can’t achieve perfectly wavy tresses?

Dress: Flax, Gae-tanas
Slip: A Common Thread, Buffalo Exchange
Scarf: Gifted from Armoire Boutique
Shoes and cuff: Buffalo Exchange

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saints summer

Time for Therapy

With all this talk of the oil spill it’s enough to drive even the happiest person mad. Fortunately we all have one thing to look forward to and that’s football season. Even if you’re not a fan it’s hard not to get excited about the Saints after their incredible Superbowl win.

With games comes the ritual of game day outfits and when Jean Therapy sent me their new game day scarf to test drive I was more than happy to oblige! I love scarves, especially in summer.

I know what y’all are thinking “It’s too hot to wear a scarf! Is she crazy?” But this swath of fabric is a linen and cotton blend so it is really, really lightweight. When the humidity is this high I run for a tank and shorts and a lightweight scarf is a nice addition to any simple summer outfit. Just throw on some jewelry and you’re good to go.
We all know that football starts in the “fall” meaning we’ve got to survive the heat of September and part of October so you know you’ll get plenty of use out of this lightweight accessory. Until the pigskin gets thrown around sit inside with a good book and a big glass of lemonade.

Pick up your “Game Day” black and gold fleur de lis scarf at any Jean Therapy location in mid-July.

And for more summer survival tips y’all might like these posts:

Guest post: Look cool even when it’s hot

Summer Survival

Biking in New Orleans: Don’t sweat it

Rain on my parade

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skirts summer

Summer Survival

Let’s face it y’all, summer in the south can downright suck. It’s hot and the humidity is so high you can cut the air with a knife. Fortunately there are a few simple ways to maintain your cool even if you’re burning up. When it feels like a sauna outside comfort is the only thing on my mind. Forget trying to look cute, I’m purely in survival mode June through September. However a well stocked closet equates looking presentable vs. just throwing on the first cotton t-shirt I see.

 Pack up the synthetics and only keep natural, breathable fibers on hand. If I read “rayon” or “polyester” it gets socked away to the back of the closet until the (climate) coast is clear. Keep your accessories light as well. It doesn’t make sense to pair a linen dress with a clunky PVC belt. Nothing ruins an outfit quicker than unfortunate sweat marks! Also stick to loose fitting clothing that doesn’t inhibit air circulation.

 
Black strapless body suit: American Apparel
Black cotton skirt: Sanctuary
Black leather belt: Gap
Green linen scarf: Violet Delmar
Hot pink sandals: Seychelles
I also like to stash some smell good in my bag to combat the “locker room with the air turned off” aroma. Fellow blogger Miss Malaprop turned me on to Manor Hall Soap Company’s all natural perfume roll ons. I’ve bought three of their scents and I can’t get enough of them. I like throwing one in my handbag so I can arrive at my destination feeling fresh. You can also keep your perfume or body spray in the fridge. Some people keep baby wipes on hand but I always feel bad buying disposable products for obvious environmental reasons.
So what are your summer survival secrets?
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skirts summer

Skirting the Issue

I’ve had a long standing love affair with dresses and still do but lately I’ve been pining for separates. In this heat cotton skirts are all I want to wear but it’s hard to find skirts that are summer appropriate. Fortunately I have found a few contenders that can stand up to our heat and humidity.

This chambray ruffled skirt from J Crew is perfect for summer and the neon waistband adds a spark of interest. I had actually tried it on in the store and loved it. Now that it is on sale I’ll probably break down and buy it.

The pleated ultra mini from Hemline is perfect for a hot night. Just throw on a tank top with this and go. I like the contrast of the peachy color vs. the black elastic waistband.

Pleated Ultra Mini

This 1940’s inspired high waisted skirt from Trashy Diva is sure to be a head turner with its interesting silhouette. This would be great during the day or an evening event.

I’ve been thinking about making the skirt that I’m wearing here again just in a longer, cotton version. If you have a sewing machine it is super easy to make an elasticized waist skirt. I found the directions here and made mine in less than an hour.

So what’s on your mind for this summer?

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