With summer on the way, I’m gearing up for wearing shorts and skirts practically every day. Typically, I don these particular items with a pair of flip flops. I do live in Florida, after all. However, there’s a new footwear style that I am planning to implement into my summer style wardrobe: the loafer. Slipping on a pair of loafers with some chino shorts and a lightweight shirt can keep you looking classy while still beating the heat. Loafers can add a touch of preppy style to your outfit…a bit more so than simple thong sandals. And with the many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect pair to add to your shoe collection! Here’s a roundup of my current favorites:

Clockwise from top left:

ASOS Margot loafer $55.66, DV by Dolce Vita Damala loafer $79, ASOS LEON slipper shoes $27.83, Sperry Top-Sider Brooks flat $75.99

Clockwise from top left:

Juicy Couture Topper flat $170.99, Wanted Explode loafers $59, Nine West Panto flat $59, MIA Baron flat $55.99, Tommy Hilfiger Polly flats $52.99, Born Dorota loafer $$75.99

Clockwise from top left:

F-Troupe Cat Leopard Print  shoes $173.95, Steven by Steve Madden Madee Slip-On $118.95, ASOS MADDOX Swallow Print Lace Up flat $20.87, Not Rated Brit flats $34.99

Do you have a pair of loafers? Are you planning to wear them this summer?

This season, I’ve been noticing quite a few rompers out on the racks at stores. I’d delved into the land of rompers last year, but this year I’m expanding my collection. They seem to be a polarizing wardrobe piece: you either like them or you hate them. And…they can be tricky: you don’t want to come off looking like you’re a 10 year old girl in a playsuit.

I found this linen romper when I was perusing my local Old Navy, and I thought it was just too cute to pass up! I love the slouchy fit and the lightweight material: it’s really comfortable! And at a price of only $25, it wasn’t tough on my wallet.

I know that many of you are hesitant about wearing a romper because you’re unsure of the logistics when you go to the bathroom (TMI?)…but if you find a piece like this one, a camisole is required underneath, so the fear of exposure can be a thing of the past. Just saying…

Linen romper: Old Navy (similar here), Glasses: Warby Parker Colton in whiskey tortoise, Bag: Urban Expressions Ditzy Hobo, Sandals: Xhilaration, purchased at Target (similar here)

By the way: I am loving my Ditzy hobo from Urban Expressions – the woven texture on the outside is so fun, the bag is roomy, and it is animal friendly! If you aren’t familiar, Urban Expressions makes vegan bags: they have the look of leather…and the fact that they aren’t made with leather really does make the price more affordable, while still having a similar look! Win-win.

So – have you joined in on the romper trend, or are they still too polarizing for you?

When I introduced you to my rediscovered floral shorts last week, it got me thinking: why don’t I have more shorts in my wardrobe? The floral shorts are literally my only pair, aside from the ones I wear to the gym. And there are SO many fun options out there right now. So – I thought I’d do a little round up of some of my favorites!

If you want to keep things neutral while still wearing a print, these darker hued shorts might fit the bill. Wear them with a black or white tee to keep it simple, or take it up a notch with a brightly hued shirt. Hot pink, kelly green…so many color options could work!

Top row (L to R): Aztec printed shorts, Topshop $60, Embellished Zebra Print Shorts, LOFT $49.50, Ikat canvas shorts, GAP $49.95

Bottom row (L to R): Insight Dream Lover short, Need Supply Co. $60, BB Dakota Reeza shorts, Piperlime $59

On the other side of things, you can also find oh so many options in bright colors as well! You know, if you want to kick it up another notch…

Top row (L to R): Lilly Pulitzer Callahan shorts, Zappos $64, Lucky Brand print shorts, Nordstrom $49.90, Madison shorts, Anthropologie $88, MM Couture print shorts, Piperlime $52

Bottom row: (L to R): Tulle striped button shorts, Piperlime $64, Paisley canvas shorts, GAP $49.95, Trouve print shorts, Nordstrom $68

Do you have a favorite pair of printed shorts?

Do you ever buy an item of clothing and immediately wish you’d purchased it in every single color/pattern that was offered? I find myself thinking that sometimes, but am thankful I maintain self control for the most part. 3 years ago, I spotted an awesome printed chiffon maxi dress at Target. I purchased it and wore it a few times…and quickly became obsessed. It was the perfect dress for the summer: easy to throw on, bright, and breezy. I returned to Target a few weeks later to pick up the dress in another color or pattern, but they were out of my size and it never got restocked. Single tear…

A few years have gone by, and I forgot about the dress. Until last week. I strolled into my local Target to peruse what was new, and my eyes immediately locked on a couple of maxi dresses hanging on a rack. Oh. My. Gosh! The dress! It was pretty much the same maxi dress (with a small change in the bust area) but in new colors and patterns. You better believe I immediately snatched it up.

I have to say, I love the tribal print on this dress even more than the original dress I bought a few years ago: score!

Maxi dress: Xhilaration, purchased at Target $27.99, Bracelets (L to R): Cara accessories, Kristin Hassan, Cara accessories, Clutch: ASOS (similar here), Earrings: kate spade new york, purchased at T.J. Maxx (similar here), Wedges: Coconuts, purchased at Marshalls (similar here)

If you’re looking for the perfect maxi dress to just throw on to run around town: this is it. Plus, you can dress it up or down. I am actually thinking about picking up the dress in the other pattern offered as well (if it’s still in stock this week – I might have a repeat of 3 years ago on my hands). The price is right too: you can’t go wrong!

And if this dress isn’t the right one for you, here are a few others I’ve picked out:

Clockwise (L to R): Desert Coasts Dress, Anthropologie $148, Hive & Honey printed maxi, Piperlime $69, Sabine scarf print maxi, Piperlime $79, Mossimo V-Neck maxi, Target $24.99, Sabine one shoulder maxi, Piperlime $39.99

Well, the weekend is upon us! I know that I’m looking forward to a little bit of a relaxed schedule for a day or two. How about you?

I’m doing another “drive by” outfit post today. If for some reason you didn’t see me announcing it via Twitter, next week is my last week at my office job. I’m so excited to be starting a new gig (and it is actually in social media – my field! Hooray! Keep the work coming, please…), and I’ll be working from home to boot. So – I’ll have a bit more time on my hands after next week is said and done (no more 1.5hr commute each day)! For now, I thought I’d share a casual outfit I wore recently. I actually wore JEANS, so I thought I’d document it (rare occasion, you know).

I don’t wear jeans regularly here in Florida for one main reason: it’s too hot. There is a short window of opportunity for jeans here, so I do take advantage when it does roll around. We recently had a bit of a cold streak (well, it was low 70′s…so I don’t know how “cold” that technically is), so I pulled a few pairs of jeans out of my closet to wear for the week.

Striped flutter tee: Michael Kors, purchased at T.J. Maxx, Jeans: Mossimo, purchased at Target, Clutch: ASOS (similar), Sunglasses: Ray Ban New Wayfarer, Spotted shoes: Zara (similar here and here)

 I hope you all have a wonderful weekend ahead! Any Cinco de Mayo plans to speak of?