Summer Stripes & Tassels w/J.Mclaughlin & Swell Caroline

Did I tell you or did you tell you that more white and tassels would be coming your way this week? These white shorts will be my staple this summer when it’s too hot to wear denim–they are so comfortable!

Aren’t these wooden beads and colorful tassels fun? The great thing about this statement necklace (besides being so cute) is that it’s not heavy like most of my statement necklaces are, which means no icky nasty neck-sweat #ew.

This whole outfit has me wishing I was on a boat somewhere. Either pontooning on a lake, or boating out on the ocean–I’ll take any body of water at this point, I just a vacay!! When my husband and I took these photos, it was a balmy 90 degrees (don’t look too closely, you’ll see my frizz!). It felt like it should be summer vacation already, and the first thing I want to do is lounge by a body of water. #justafewmoredays #icandothis

I am so happy to introduce you to an amazing preppy brand, J.McLaughlin! They are an American brand that began in 1977, and are known for their classic American styles, with a twist. Looking through their lookbook, I LOVE how they put together unexpected patterns still look classic! For instance, this paisley-print top has a striped trim…or mixing equestrian and nautical themes in this coral and blue dress.

When I was contacted about doing a review on one of their striped shirts, I thought YAY, I get to work with this brand! But what’s going to make this striped shirt better than a similar one that costs only $30 at a department store? What if I told you that it is the most comfortable shirt I currently own? It’s made of a stretchy *NOT body-hugging* breathable material that literally feels like I’m wearing a comfortable workout shirt. I kid you not, it’s super soft! And how adorable are those buttons on the shoulder??

As I get older, the more I appreciate fine craftsmanship and want to invest in pieces that I know will lost awhile. Being a teacher, I have children hanging on me on a daily basis, jumping up and down, bending, standing, dancing, etc., and I need pieces that can last through seasons and not fall apart. And c’mon, you can never have too many navy striped tops in your closet! 😀

And speaking of you can never have to much of something, didn’t I warn you about tassels this summer?? I know I already mentioned this tassel necklace above, but OMG I have gotten so many compliments on it! I’m glad many of you are also digging the tassel trend this summer, let me know if you find any great pieces that I can add to my collection share with others!

So I while I will not be sipping cocktails by the pool anytime soon, I am going to go sip on on the Starbucks patio…It’s the next best thing :D.

Stay Classy!