Happy Thursday, lovelies!
Everybody may be waitin' for the weekend, but when you're living in Orange County, California (like I am), almost every day feels like summer vacation. The heat is still pretty intense this time of year, but that doesn't mean we can't pretend to dress in the autumn spirit. Case in point: this rad maxi dress with a knotted split in the front from.
While this piece totally has an easy, beachy vibe to it with the knotted waist and super soft fabric, the dark charcoal hue and floor-length hem almost cancel out that summery feel. Adding in my favorite two-tone fedora from Urban Outfitters and one insanely gorgeous patent leather backpack from Harper Ave also made this look feel more back-to-school than by-the-seaside.
Since I didn't plan on completely burning up under the Southern California sun, these thrifted gladiator sandals saved my life (socks are the enemy in 80 degree weather). Not wanting to hide any shoe detailing - or my leftover summer pedicure, of course - I decided on knotting the bottom of the dress. Mimicking the knotted waist along the hemline tied the look together (so pun-ny) and also helped to ban the dreaded shapeless silhouette that I tend to suffer from with my super straight body frame.
As for jewelry, I wanted to top it all off with a black velvet choker from Brandy Melville, bracelets on bracelets from Lenny & Eva and Pura Vida Bracelets, and some lovely little rings from Kitsch (shop with the code AUDRIESTORME10 for 10% off). All of these little trinkets are my go-to pieces for any coffee date with my boyfriend and the color palette really complemented this super cute (and super true) phone case that I helped design in collaboration with Inkess.
BTW, if you kittens ever get a chance to check out The Camp or The Lab in Costa Mesa, it's one of my favorite places for brunch (Old Vine Cafe is life), shopping, and just strolling around for some Instagram pics. 'Til next time, babes.
xx Audrie
Fedora: Urban Outfitters // Maxi Dress: Wonderland Honolulu // Sandals: Thrifted // Choker: Brandy Melville // Bracelets: Pura Vida Bracelets | Lenny & Eva // Rings: Kitsch // Backpack: Harper Ave