Classic Summer Uniform

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With just 19 days to go before the first official day of summer, it’s time to start thinking about a go-to uniform that will carry you through the warmer months. Today we’re highlighting classic pieces that are perfect for any casual outing — from a morning at the farmer’s market to a leisurely brunch with friends. We’ve picked out pieces from Shopilly brands to fit every budget, so happy shopping!

White v-neck tee
Sometimes it feels like we’re on a never-ending search for the perfect white v-neck tee, but these come pretty darn close. At just $3.80 per shirt (no, that’s not a typo!), the Favorite V-Neck Tee from Forever 21 is a steal. If you like your tees a little on the longer side, try the Washed V-Neck Tee Shirt, 2 for $24.00 at Urban Outfitters. We also love the comfy jersey fabric of the Very Light Jersey V-Neck Top, which is $48.00 at Splendid.

Boyfriend jeans
Boyfriend jeans are great for achieving a relaxed but polished look, especially when cuffed at the bottom. The most casual jean of our picks is the Deconstructed Sexy Boyfriend Jean, on sale for $55.96 at Gap. It has a relaxed fit and just a few distressed accents for character. If you’re looking for a slimmer jean, try the Sienna Tomboy Crop, $99.00 at Lucky Brand, or the Rivet & Thread Selvedge Boy Jean, $228.00 at Madewell.

Strappy leather sandals
After months cramped up in closed-toe shoes, it’s time to let your feet enjoy the summer air in a pair of strappy sandals! The Merona Kiana Sandal, $19.99 at Target, has a cushioned insole and comes in cognac or black. The beautifully-made Congo Sandal, $68.00 at Splendid, features color blocking and a zipper closure at the heel for easy on-and-off. If it’s a gladiator-inspired sandal you seek, try the Joie Positano, which is made in Italy and comes in three colors. You can get it Zappos for $145.00.

Roomy tote
You never know when your casual outing will turn into an adventure, so carry a roomy tote to hold all of your necessities. We love the affordable Mossimo Supply Co. Tote Handbag in a summery coral shade. You can get it for $29.99 at Target. The sturdy Kennedy Canvas Tote, $79.50 at Banana Republic, comes in two fun prints and is the roomiest tote of the bunch. For a more luxurious look, check out the Madison East/West Tote in Saffiano Leather. It’s available in six beautiful shades and sells for $298.00 at Coach.

What’s your go-to summer uniform? Share your favorite pieces with us in the comments below!

Cheers,
The Shopilly Team

Photo credits: forever21.com, madewell.com, splendid.com, target.com

Essentials for a Beach Getaway

Summer is still two months away, but with the days growing longer and the weather warming up, it feels like it’s right around the corner (at least in this part of the country – apologies to our friends in the Midwest who are being slammed by more snow!). If you’ve been daydreaming about your first visit to the beach, or if you’re planning for an ocean-side vacation, this post on beach essentials is for you.

Essentials for a Beach Getaway

Double-stripe bandeau top and double-stripe tab hipster, J. Crew ($48 per piece)
Want a cute bathing suit? Check out J. Crew’s 2013 line of swimwear, which features fun patterns like summer stripes and playful polka dots. With a variety of cuts and styles – for example, bottoms are available in hipster, high-waisted brief, bikini and lowrider cuts – you can mix and match tops and bottoms to create your ideal bathing suit.

Mossimo Supply Co. Floppy Hat, Target ($14.99)
Too much of a good thing can be bad, and that definitely holds true for sunshine. Protect your face from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays with a stylish, oversized hat. This floppy hat from Target gets the job done without leaving a dent in your wallet.

Slingback Boardwalk Sandal, Madewell ($49.50-$59.50)
I’ve never been a fan of the thong style of flip-flops, so I’m much more likely to reach for a pair of slingback sandals like these. Plus, the two-tone textured leather makes these sandals extremely versatile – they can go straight from the beach to boardwalk to bar.

Printed Canvas Tote, Gap ($39.95)
A big, sturdy beach bag is a necessity for safe-keeping your beach towel, sunscreen, reading materials and snacks. Choose a canvas bag, like this printed tote from Gap, for easy cleanup, as it wipes clean after a long day at the beach.

Open-stitch Poncho Cover-up Sweater, Victoria’s Secret ($49.50)
This cotton and cashmere poncho is light, airy and soft – everything I want in a beach cover-up. Even better, it’s currently on sale for $49.50 off $10 from its original price.

Did I leave out any of your favorite beach essentials? Share them in the comments!

Photo credits: jcrew.com, target.com, madewell.com, gap.com, victoriassecret.com

Spring Trends We Can’t Wait to Wear

It’s feeling a lot like spring here in the Bay Area, perhaps thanks to Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction that winter will end early this year. Even if you live in a part of the country that’s still bundled up from chilly temperatures, take heart – the first day of spring is only about a month away. With warmer temperatures and longer days on our minds, we’re taking a peek at spring trends for a variety of activities:

The First Picnic of the Season

Sunshine, good food, friends and family – what better way to welcome spring than with a picnic? Here are our favorite dresses of the season, equally perfect for frolicking on Venice Beach or in Central Park:

  1. Colorblock Chiffon Dress, American Eagle Outfitters
  2. Recycled Jersey Stripe Dress, James Perse Los Angeles
  3. Lace-Yolk Dress, Anthropologie

A Jog in the Park

Lululemon Run Inspire Crop

“Dreadmill” haters, rejoice – you can look forward to many months of outdoor activities! Kiss your winter layers goodbye and pull on Lululemon’s Run: Inspire Crop II. These running crops feature moisture-wicking fabrics and mesh panels to help you stay comfortable in warmer weather. Pair them with the Breathe Racerback tank from Gaiam, and if there’s a morning chill in the air, top off your outfit with Puma’s Tech Performance Seamless Jacket.

A Morning at the Farmer’s Market

Gap 1969 chambray tunic

Here in California, we’re spoiled by nearly year-round farmer’s markets, but in other parts of the country, spring ushers in the return of farmer’s markets. For a leisurely morning spent scoping out fresh produce, comfortable footwear is a must, and the Cole Haan ‘Air Monica’ Ballet Flat (available via Nordstrom) fits the bill with its comfy Nike Air technology. Wear the flats with pastel-hued pants like Free People’s Herringbone Skinny Crops and a relaxed chambray tunic from Gap. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Power Lunch

J. Crew Collection Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan

We love the fun patterns and sorbet-inspired colors in J. Crew’s spring cashmere shop. This cashmere cardigan is simple and classic, but its featherweight feel and an impressive variety of colors make it a perfect springtime addition to your closet. Our favorite colors are lemon pulp (shown above) and neon rose – pair the cardigan with your favorite pencil skirt for an instant wear-to-work outfit.

Photo credits: ae.com, jamesperse.com, anthropologie.com, shop.lululemon.com, gap.com, jcrew.com

Favorite Blazer Fashions from Shopilly

In celebration of Forever 21’s 30% off Sweaters + Blazers sale, we have curated a list of our five blazer favorites. Blazers are the ultimate way to hold on to your favorite fall pieces while still staying weather-conscious during the wintry season. They are also extremely versatile, and are perfect for both a day and night look! Read on to see if your favorite blazer has made the cut.

This J. Crew blazer in caramel is perfect to give your ensemble a classy finish, with crested gold buttons as a subtle yet luxe detail. Pair it with a white Oxford button-down shirt and fitted jeans for a casual cool look or with your favorite LBD for a dressier look!

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Schoolboy Blazer in Wool Flannel, $198.00

We like the versatility of this neon coral blazer with gray trim from Gap; pair it with a simple monotone dress to create a business casual look, or experiment with some color-blocking for a fun day look.
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Ponte Academy Blazer, $88.00 

This oxblood blazer from American Apparel is a staple for any wardrobe. This makes our list because of the beautiful simplicity of the blazer’s construction, the merlot color, and the fitted and single button details!
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Women’s Blazer, $85.00

We are obsessed with this floral number from Anthropologie, inspired by the natural beauty and bold hues of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands; throw this blazer on for an artsy glam look.
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Ayora Brocade Jacket, $168.00

This H&M gem rounds out the list. This fitted jacket in a soft, denim-like linen blend is an exciting hybrid between a classic denim jacket and a standard modern blazer. We are loving the result!
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Blazer, $49.95 

Which one is your favorite? Be sure to stay up-to-date with sales and promotions by following brands like H&M, J. CrewAnthropologie, Gap, and American Apparel on Shopilly!