Top 6 Summer Accessories

I think my love of accessories has been fairly documented on this blog (see here, here, here, here, here, here... okay I'll stop), so I wanted to share a list of my top six favorite accessories for the balmy summer months.  Why six?  Why not six?  It's my lucky number according to numerology and it's also in the title of my blog, so those seemed like good enough reasons to me.  And don't forget to check out IFB for other summer accessory posts or submit your own!  In no particular order, here are my top 6 summer accessories.

1. Bracelet Stacks (obvi)
Just awesome.  I prefer bracelets over necklaces in the summer especially because you can layer them up to your heart's content and not end up sweating all over yourself or with an especially irritated neck because of the extra heat conduction around your neck.  Tell me I'm not the only one with these problems...  In any case, bracelets are the perfect solution for me - they add a pop of color, can be layered or un-layered on a whim, and they are probably the cheapest, most affordable update you can make to your wardrobe that pack the biggest punch.  Win-win-win.

Mine:

An assortment from H&M, Target, J. Crew, Michael Kors, Free People, Banana Republic, F21, and HauteLook

Could be yours:

(Talbots, Bar III, Forever 21)

I just got the Talbots sets and they are awesome

(they were a gift - thanks mom! shopping ban still in effect!

2. Gold Watch
While not a necessary component to the bracelet stack, it's a mighty fine addition and always a great anchor for other, more whimsical pieces.  I would say that this is the gold standard (har har!) of my accessory wardrobe - I can mix it in with almost everything and it elevates the whole look.  This is a classic that you know you'll wear forever, so I highly recommend saving up for the splurge; however, there are some decent alternatives if you're not in the market for a more expensive version (or if you want something to tide you over in the meantime!).

Mine:

Michael Kors

Could be Yours:

(Michael Kors, Guess, Target,)

3. Gold Aviators
Another gold standard accessory item - I wear these almost exclusively in the summer even though I own probably 20 pairs of shades.  The others are fun to mix and match with other outfits, but these literally go with everything I own.  There's nothing more retro yet current at the same time.  Whatever pair you get, though, I highly, highly recommend trying them on in person before you buy - aviators are a tough fit because some can be too large, too pointy, etc.  The great part is that there are so many variations that surely one will work on your face shape, but I would definitely try them on first!

Mine:

Kate Spade Ally Aviators

Could be Yours:

(RayBan, Urban Outfitters, ASOS)

4. Straw Fedoras
Awesome because: (1) they keep the sun off your face (the less I accelerate the aging process, the better), (2) they cover your hair on bad, frizzy hair days and look especially cute with a side braid, and (3) they're still lightweight and keep your head cool.  Plus they really just look cute with most summer outfits, no?

Mine:

J. Crew Factory

Could be Yours:

(Target, Urban Outfitters, Ben Sherman)

I'm totally lusting over that coral Target one - so perfect!

5.  Crossbody bag

Summer is a time for sipping cool beverages, browsing farmer's markets, flea markets, and all other kinds of markets, taking fun photos, and leisurely biking around the park, beach, whatever your favorite outdoor locale.  None of these things can be accomplished with a cumbersome shoulder bag or a clutch.  My favorite carryall in the summer is, without a doubt, the crossbody bag because it leaves your hands free to do all of the above!  I've amassed a small collection of various sizes and colors for different occasions because I love them so.

Mine:

Top row: Aldo, Audrey Brooke (similar via DSW), Kate Spade "Scout"

Bottom row: Melie Bianco "Angela" (via Piperlime), The Sak (via Marshall's), Deux Lux (via Hautelook), J.Crew Gold Glitter

Could be Yours:

(Kate Spade, ASOS, Urban Outfitters)

6. White Anything
It goes with everything, especially the above-mentioned gold accessories, can come in any number of accessories (jewelry, hats, shoes), and is the perfect cool antidote to the blazing hot days of summer.  Is there really any better reason?

Mine:

Michael Kors sparkle watch, Puma rubber watch, J.Crew Factory bracelet

Sperry Top-Siders, Dirty Well-loved

White Chucks, also "well-loved"

Could be Yours:

 (Chucks, Target, Nordstrom)

All Together Now!
Put it all together, and this is my favorite summer accessory combination.  Looks perfect to me!

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