As much as I love my pattern mixing (which is a lot), sometimes it’s good to get back to basics. I managed to again take off my mint heels (see last few posts), and slip back into my favorite black and white animal print heels. You really cannot go wrong with a black and white look (especially in animal print, of course), especially on a gray day. We managed to sneak in these photos right before it began to rain, though my hair is really showing the humidity. Does anyone’s hair do well in 85 degrees and 90% humidity, though? If I could make a hat work at work, I’d be seriously tempted to do so these last few days. Hat or no hat, frizzy hair, and all, I’m getting back to basics today.
Dress: Michael Kors via resale ($7, retails for $140)
Blazer: Forever 21 (approx $15)
Shoes:BCBG via DSW ($11 marked down from approx $100)
Belt:Urban Outfitters ($5 marked down from approx $60)
Elephant necklace: J Crew (gift)
Gold necklace:vintage via resale ($6)
Fashion Huntress tips:
1) As you all know, I’m a huge fan of short sleeve blazers. I have a few and they are all neutral colors (black, black/white, cream). I tend to find them via thrifting or at places like Forever 21 or H&M. I’ve found that my Forever 21 blazers have really held up over the years. The most I’ve had to do to any of them is re-attach a button. I do wash via the “hand wash” cycle of the machine, which seems to help with reducing wear and tear. You really don’t need to spend much to invest in a couple of short sleeve blazers ($5-$20) that will last years. Short sleeve blazers are also a nice option in fall and winter when layered over long sleeve shirts like button downs and long sleeve tee shirts.
2) It’s funny, even though this is a “summer” dress, I almost prefer it in winter! Here is how I last wore this dress in winter:
I’m thinking of maybe adding a pop of color to transition it to fall, perhaps with colored tights or a colored cardigan. As you can see, a simple sundress/summer dress is very easy to transition, especially when it’s a basic cut and color! Now is a great time to look for fall staples or host a clothing swap to find pieces to transition your summer dresses.
Anyone else prepping their clothes for fall? Happy Monday, all! Thanks so much for stopping by!
the fashion huntress 
Love those heels!
Should take lessons from you for posing. Oh how dramatic! Love it! 😀
I agree with frillthrills -you are amazing at posing! I haven’t thought of looking for short-sleeve blazers, but I totally need to get one! They look really awesome, and would be perfect for transitional weather. Do you wash all of your clothing on hand wash, or just your older/more fragile clothing? Just wondering. 🙂
Aww thanks you guys! I tend to feel very self conscious!! In regards to washing, yes, older and more fragile I put on hand wash, which is a lot of dresses or embellished pieces. But, I do dry clean anything that is dry clean only, despite my attempts to avoid pieces that are dry clean only! They tend to amass in a bag on the floor until I finally get around to it. Lol!!
Oh, and I line dry anything that could be damaged or shrink in the dryer-!
Love the dress with the belt..you did back to basics fantastically!! And hello lil pink elephant!! 🙂
xx
Love the heels 🙂
oh I love this outfit. it’s classy but not boring. love the belt and the shoes!!!
love that dress, and that pink necklace is so precious- makes the outfit so fun!
Great tip about the sweater!
As always gorgeous look and awesome heels !
again, i love how you play with the prints… and that purple elephant necklace is just the right amount of playfulness & extra colour in the whole mix!
i also love wearing my summer dresses in the autumn/winter. if i need extra length or warmth, sometimes i even wear a slightly longer skirt under the dress, so it’s more of a layered look. 😉
That is a brilliant idea!! I need to try that- thanks!!
Hi I’m back! In love with the dress! Nothing wrong with a little basic wardrobe and tying it with interesting pieces. Sometimes I do it out of comfort and on days I don’t “want to be seen” with my loud pants and chunky necklaces.
xx Rakhi
Welcome back!!! 🙂
Girllllll, this dress is beyond words… literally, amazing! You look phenomenal!
xx Cara
Wow nice dress and I love this very pretty necklace!
I really love the belt! 🙂
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Gotta love classic black and white! You totally rock this look!
Great!
love how you styled this dress! very chic 😀
LOVE the shoes!
You absolutely amaze me, Melissa, continuously. I had a set of heels like that and OH how I loved wearing them!!! They were SO comfy! And yes expensive!! I love this look and yes I would wear it. How you manage to find these things at the prices you do, I just have trouble believing. Outstanding job as always!!! Thank you! Love, Amy
Aww thanks for your kind words of encouragement, Amy! I appreciate it so much!! xo
WOW! Absolutely stunning! You look beyond gorgeous!
Absolutely adore your style! So sexy and stylish 🙂
This dress is perfect, and it’s goes so good with the heels and belt 🙂
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Love the selection! I agree ankle boots are great for days when it’s a bit chilly out but you don’t want to go out in full-fledged boots that wrap your calves. I paired my bohemian style outfit with some olive ankle boots as well 🙂 – Lena
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Yay! I love black and white – I usually wear a lot of colour, so when I do neutrals it almost seems refreshing. LOVE your shoes too, of course! 😀
You hunted down some bargains there, you style sleuth! X
🙂 Thanks everyone!! Seems like we all agree classic is always a good fall back style :)!