Wear Anywhere Summer Style

I love a challenge, so recently, I was given an assignment to go to my nearest H&M, and pick out an article or an outfit, that suits my style. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to this store; but it was an all time favorite just a few short years ago, so I was really excited to see their latest and greatest! I started to check it out online (did you know they have an APP?! Not only to browse online; but if you are in the store and they don’t have your size, you can scan the tag, and it will tell you if its available, then you can purchase on the spot!! WOW, right?!); but I’m an in-the-moment person and I have to see, touch and lay things out, so off I went to Willowbrook Mall in Houston, with my daughter Sophia, and my great friend / style twinsie, Torry.

Initially, it felt really urban, and young when we first walked in. A lot of what you would find on the city living, twenty-somethings who love to be on trend at a great price. So I was a little worried this 40 year old mom from the suburbs might not be in the right place…..but boy was I wrong! I found some AWESOME pieces that I can accessorize in really unique ways, that can mix and match with other pieces in my wardrobe and made me feel both on trend and on point with my Method to Style. Happy dance! ( So be sure to scroll AALLLLL the way down….there’s more than one look that I’m showing off here)

 

It took about 7 minutes before we came across this incredibly cute design. Now I am not typically drawn to prints, I own a few; but you will usually find them on a top that I can pair with some kind of denim; but, I was really digging this super pretty, tropical inspired print in almost a tangerine orange and a very subtle turquoise. Summery colors; but done in an understated way….JUST the way I like it!  So when Torry walked up to me with these shorts and this full-of-interesting-details blazer, I was like, YEAH!! I happened to be wearing my favorite flowy cream tank top from LUSH brand clothing, so score! Off to the the dressing room and I stepped out saying, SOLD! This is why it’s great to shop with a friend AND try things on. I never would have chosen these shorts online or while walking by; but someone who really knows my style thought they would be fun to try on. SO glad I did!

Where would I wear this? SO many places! Date night, evening drinks with friends, backyard summer party (and it still looks cute with the jacket off, so use it as you need to!). Great for an evening patio meal, or heading into the city for the day. But my friends who know me well, know I would wear this outfit to the bank, the grocery store and the post office while running errands on an given Tuesday! ha! Yes, it’s safe to say my personal motto is, there’s never a bad time to get dressed up.

But since versatility is so important when we choose our wardrobe, H&M has got your back. I know this linen jacket will look amazing with white, distressed or even dark denim. A white summer sun dress, or a blouse and slacks/trousers for a dressier look. And with the neckline and lapels being the way they are, I can accessorize this with a statement piece or the long layering delicates I like so much! PLUS, the rouching in the sleeves allow for me to rock any arm party I want, with any outfit (and you know my Stella & Dot Style is necessary with every outfit!). It’s literally an accessory junkie’s dream jacket!

Then I got to thinking, while this outfit is cute, why stop there? How else can I style these shorts to be a different look? Sometimes patterns are so memorable, it’s hard to wear them again without looking like you are just wearing the same outfit. And if you are like me, there’s no way I can buy a new outfit everytime I have somewhere to go…my closet has to work with me. SO, as we continued to browse, we came across this incredibly on trend blouse in a cream color. (tassels or pom poms are absolutely everywhere right now, right?! Did you notice those turquoise fringe earrings with the last outfit! Perfect pop of color to the linen) Again, not a high impact piece on it’s own; but when I pair it with my new fedora for summer, my same heels (but colored flats and a fun clutch would be awesome with this too), well, I’m ready to head to a girls lunch on a patio, walk through some shops with friends, or even just to run some errands around town.

 

This very sweet tassel blouse is just as versatile as the jacket. Why not add this to a pair of denim shorts while you are at the beach, or a really fun pair of colorful high waisted trousers and platform cork sandals for a casual summer night look? Again, add pops of color with your accessories and you can’t go wrong! Even the way we choose to do our hair can change the look of the outfit. Wear it short and messy, wavy, straightened, off to the side in a beachy bun, or a fancy ponytail.

 

 

In the end, I was really happy to get back into an H&M store. I used to shop there ALL THE TIME when I lived in Calgary, Alberta.  I loved this store then and I love it now because for these three pieces that are all “outfit makers”, versatile and incredibly on trend, I spent $110.00. Normally, that is what it costs for just a blazer! I’m thrilled with my choices, saw a few other gems in the store (jewel toned short sleeved blouses, extra long flowy sleeveless t-shirts, dresses, etc), and would totally recommend you check out the store nearest you. If you never have before, take your time! There is lots to see and all kinds of combinations waiting to be made that creates YOUR Method to Style, and if you are like me and haven’t been there in a while….. go check it out and be prepared to have some fun. Who couldn’t use an incredibly affordable summer wardrobe update, right?!

xoxo Taryn

Special credits to:

Photos courtesy of: Mandi Roach Photography – www.facebook.com/mudpiephotographytx or follow @mandi411 on Instagram

Hair: Heather Donaldson – The Parlor – The Woodlands, Texas

Accessories: Stella & Dot – www.stelladot.com/tarynmeyer