Working in an office all summer is painful at times. I look out my only window and see the bright sun shining on the green, green grass – children frolicking, birds chirping, the whole thing! Equally painful is deciding on what to wear in a business-casual office environment. Not only are most appropriate outfits made from uncomfortable wool or polyester, pieces for the office usually collect dust once I’m back to school and more casual daily uniform. Because I write a column all about versatile pieces of clothing, I set out to find a top that was work appropriate, but could also be fun and casual. So this week, I’ve replaced my day/night comparison with business/casual for a bit of variety and personal gain.

The Striped Racerback from Lanston is such a great summer tank! Super lightweight and luxurious-feeling, this tank actually lets your skin breathe without being sheer. The mismatch of horizontal and vertical stripes is unique and visually-appealing, and sure to be a welcome addition to your closet.

I’m going to start out with the casual look:

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I decided to leave the tank as my neutral and throw on a bright pair of denim shorts. Of course, you can wear plan old blue jeans, but the red is unexpected and fun. The white cocoon sweater ensures that the outfit doesn’t become too “body-hugging” and will keep you cozy when the wind picks up. Converse Chuck Taylor low-tops are my sneaker of choice and give you a bit of hipster cred. Basic black will also prove to be useful, but I own them in a rainbow of colors! A denim bag is a fun option for summer, while the bright scarf and simple charm bracelet add some volume.

And now for business:

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I had a lot of fun coming up with this business outfit and imagine that you could probably work any tank top into your outfit with a bit of creativity! A pair of skinny dress pants keeps the look young and modern, but tuck in the tank for added polish. A khaki blazer is suited to the hot summer weather and a pair of interesting pumps are office-friendly but still chic. The faux-croc satchel is structured and proper but could still work outside of the work environment. Simple jewelery and a gorgeous, yet functional statement watch finish it off!

This tank is a great option for those of you who want to get some extra wear out of your work pieces. See it here at Revolve.

The other day, I decided to inventory my tank tops. I split them up into super casual (boyfriend tanks, etc.), casual or dressy and just dressy. And you know what I found? My casual or dressy pile was nearly empty. It’s so hard to find a tank top that work equally well for a day at the beach and a night out! Dressy elements like ruffles and chiffon get destroyed in a game of frisbee, while a boyfriend racerback just won’t cut it at a classy joint. And then I came upon the Gentle Fawn Shoreline Top.

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Safety pins are no longer just for those dire emergencies when you’re getting your dance on, trying to get low, and then you split your skirt and need to pin it. (Yes, if you’re wondering, this may have happened to me recently.) Metallic safety pin inspired fashions are all over the runways this season.

They’re making a statement on necklaces, earrings, bathing suits, purses, and anything else you can imagine. Whether metallic or color, safety pins can add an extra edge and funk to your wardrobe!

I needed inspiration on how to best incorporate this season’s look into my college wardrobe, so I looked to my all time favorite DIY craft heroes, the ladies over at P.S. I Made This, and they did not disappoint!

Here is an inexpensive, easy, and fun way to transform your plain tank-top-and-jeans-typical-college-girl look to runway ready diva. Seriously, it’s so easy you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of this sooner. Read More »

A couple of days of waking up to gorgeous, sunny weather is all I need to start having spring cravings. Cosmos on a rooftop bar is the first, followed by an extra large Pinkberry, eaten outside of course. And then, you guessed it, the pangs in my gut that send me sprinting towards storefronts and catalogs in search of the attire to match the temperature.

Perhaps because I’ve felt like an Eskimo battling a four month long blizzard, or maybe it was the daily ordeal of putting on ten layers to prevent frostbite (just to take off nine of them when I reached my destination), but my skin is majorly craving some silky, flowy, feathery light material.

And I’ve found the absolutely perfect first buy: the Tecolote Tank from Anthropologie.

First of all, the tank is made from jersey, which is heaven to my skin’s ears (we’ve just had enough of heavy flannel and cashmere at this point). And the earthy details give it an extra unique touch that will stand out in the sea of tank tops that will soon flood our campuses.

The etched pattern of the fabric gives it the appearance of texture, reminding me of a white birch: natural and feminine. And you can’t get more girly and delicate than the silk appliqué Ranunculus blooms that are sewed on in a way that makes it seem like the flowers are growing around the neckline. Read More »

[I want it, I need it, I can’t live without it. There are so many things on store shelves and racks right now that we want to take home and hang in our closets. Things that are so cute, everyone should know about them. We’ll share ‘em with you here (because we’re that nice), but as far as actually getting them goes….well, you’re on your own with that one.]

Spring, especially in late April and early May, is one of those tricky seasons where you don’t quite know what to wear besides your winter wardrobe minus your coat and plus flip flops. This is just the time when you need some cute new additions to brighten up your wardrobe, which is exactly what the Abstract Banded Back Top from Forever 21 will do!

The top is sleeveless, so it can be worn with a cropped cardigan right now, or on its own this summer. It’s full of bright colors and a cool design, so it’s the easiest way to add a little pizazz to that drab wardrobe leftover from winter. And the coolest part about this top? The back! It’s cut out like a racer back, but the strap from the neck to the back is actually an elastic band, so it’s totally adjustable. Classy for class but cleavage for Friday night? Sounds like a plan to me.

Of course, since the top happens to be from Forever 21, it comes at a fabulous price tag: only $20! And that is exactly why I’m running out to get one right now.

Forever 21, I love you!

You have stuffed so much clothing into your closet that the door won’t shut. The bottom of your Ikea drawers are drooping from the weight of all your long sleeve tees shoved in there.

And you didn’t even bring everything you own to school!

Yet, no matter how much sh*t you have, you keep wearing the same three things over and over. We know how that goes; we too have that one favorite thing in our wardrobe that we just can’t stop wearing. With everything. For every occasion.

So what if it has holes in the armpits? And who cares if it is 4 years old? That is fashion perfection.

Below is a list of our writers’ favorite wardrobe items. You may want to consider adding these items to your over-stuffed closet; obviously, they are totally worth it. Read More »

True to my procrastinating nature, I have yet to begin my summer diet-exercise regimen. And, like any adept procrastinator would, I’ve spent the past month coming up with excuses for why I’ll hit the gym and pick up a yogurt “starting tomorrow.”

In the spirit of making excuses, I’m going to pardon myself and the rest of the lazy gals who have, too, put off their summer 2007 workout plans. The excuse? Summer didn’t officially start until yesterday.

So while there’s no point in regretting our inactivity thus far, I do think it’s about time to step up our game and make up for lost time.

And I’ve got the perfect assistant to help you get back on track: “Tank Top Arms, Bikini Belly, Boy Shorts Bottom.” It’s not just a catchy title. This workout delivers a solid total body workout that’ll prep you for each of the three clothing items referenced.

Minna Lessig, who’s apparently an at-home exercise guru, leads the workout, which is broken down into six sections: warm up; tank top arms; bikini belly; boy shorts bottom; total-body workout; and cool down. Read More »