In my mind, it’s still summer because, well, it is still summer…
THE STORY
…However it is that time during the natural course of things that if you look closely, things are subtly changing. The leaves aren’t that bright fresh green anymore, some even have a tinge of yellow/orange to them. The flowers are starting to brown a bit around the edges and it’s dark just the slightest bit earlier.
Swimsuits have been on the clearance rack now for many weeks and when you walk into the big box stores, it’s notebooks, markers and pencils as far as the eye can see. And if you’re looking for a raft for the swimming pool, forget about it. You’d better just patch up the one you have…if you can find a patch kit that is.
Just yesterday my husband and I went to a local greenhouse that also happens to be home to something called Santa’s Christmasland. Every holiday season they have a beautiful and elaborate indoor Christmas tree display that you can walk through. We had to travel through the greenhouse section to get to the back of the store to pick up something that we needed for the yard.
Guess what? It was absolutely empty. I mean down to the bare floor empty; no shelves, no tables where the plants and flowers are displayed. Nothing…nada. And workers were buzzing about everywhere. I’m sure by now you can figure out what they were doing. Yep, they were busily going about setting up Christmasland. I know things move much quicker in the retail world, but seriously?
It’s times like this, times when there is an upcoming shift between seasons or specific times of the year, that I think it’s more important than ever to really slow down and take time to appreciate the moment that we’re in. Look around, really observe, and drink it all in. Appreciate the beauty of where you are presently. Enjoy the colors and scents still to be found in the flowers. Sit outside at night and simply listen to night sounds and enjoy the mellow warmth of a summer night. Lay on the ground and look at the stars. Sit outside in the morning and relish the feel of the sun on your face. Don’t miss out on the here and now worrying about what color lights to put on your Christmas tree this year…
THE OUTFIT
I found this jumpsuit back in April at a local boutique. When I first wore it I styled it for work with a tee layered underneath, a denim jacket on top, a belt and my black platform sandals. Today I styled it for a casual date night and since it was hot out I kept the add-on’s at a minimum. I did wear one of my criss-cross front bralettes underneath to add a little interest to the neckline. If you’re curious about the power of a good bralette, Jodie and I did a bralette post together just last week.
One might not think that a leopard jumpsuit would be as versatile as say, a jumpsuit in a solid color. Not so, my friends. I consider leopard to be a neutral much like camo print so it works well with most colors and other prints as well. I didn’t get at all fancy with this outfit; I kept it simple because I knew that after dinner we’d be doing some shopping for the upcoming vacay so I wanted to be comfortable too, hence the flat nude sandals.
As much as I appreciate air conditioning in the heat of the summer, I get cold easily. A cardigan would probably be too much, so for that reason I brought along the kimono because I knew that I’d probably get chilly in the restaurant, and I was right. It was the just right amount of coverage to be comfortable.
I was looking for a pair of nude flat sandals that were a bit dressier looking and this pair from Target were perfect. I will say however, they are a bit loose in the strap area where it comes up around my heel. This could be because I have narrow feet, so if your’s are a little wider the fit might be just right for you.
THE TIP
Jumpsuits are an easy and comfortable way to look put together even when you don’t feel like making a lot of effort. They’re versatile and can easily go from casual to dressed up with a simple change of accessories and shoes. When shopping for a jumpsuit, keep in mind:
- Ease of getting in and out of a jumpsuit is key. You want a jumpsuit with a wider neck or that has some give in the fabric. If it does have fasteners like buttons or snaps, make sure that they’re in the front where you can easily reach them. I suggest avoiding jumspsuits with a back zipper unless you have an entourage to accompany you to the bathroom every time that nature calls.
- The drapier the fabric, the more comfortable the jumpsuit. Stiffer fabrics such as denim still make for a cute jumpsuit, just keep in mind it will be more constricting. That probably doesn’t bother most people, but I’m weird about stuff like that.
- Cropped jumpsuits, like cropped pants, work all year ’round. Simply add a pair of tall boots once the weather cools down.
- Same with jumpsuits with spaghetti straps like this one. To make it cool weather (or work) appropriate simply layer it over a tee or long sleeve top. It can also be layered underneath a cardigan or sweater, kimono, blazer or denim jacket.
- Whenever I buy something with spaghetti straps whether it be a jumpsuit, sundress or top if possible I make sure the straps are adjustable. The harem jumpsuits that I have do not have adjustable straps and I ended up having to knot them so they were the right length.
- The above suggestions also apply to rompers because cute names aside, a romper is really just a jumpsuit with shorter legs.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Jumpsuit: Similar: Kimono: Similar: Sandals: Target
