Have you bought anything you loved lately? In the PEOPLE StyleWatch offices, the answer to that question is usually “Yes.” This week, we’re all about amazing summer finds — from the accessories we’re wearing everywhere to the under-$100 outfit we’ll wear all summer.
Courtesy Whitney Little
Whitney Little, Associate Producer: I tend to go on very innocent benders from time to time. Some nights I’ll watch five straight hours of Bravo programming. Other times I’ll eat an entire pint of ice cream without coming up for air. This Memorial Day weekend, while everyone else was at the beach, I decided to go on a Gap spree.
At left you can see my purchases: a summery white linen dress, a denim vest (deal with it) and a pair of aviators — all totaling under $100, thanks to the store’s 40% off sale.
But really, the pièce de résistance is the lovely floral collared shirt I convinced my boyfriend to purchase (it appears to be sold out online, but there are similar styles here). He’s so good with his money it makes me envious, but even he couldn’t resist the great deals — and he gave in when I convinced him the top was just out-there enough to look trendy. And after trying it on he agreed, which is why he decided to pose like Zoolander in all of our Memorial Day party photos.
Courtesy Kate Young
Kate Young, Celebrity Stylist and Ask.com Style Expert: Summer is all about brightening up your look and the easiest way to do that is with pastel colors, which are the “hot” trend this summer. I tell women to incorporate the pastel trend into their accessories for a playful pop of color. A fun pale yellow shoe or a creamy lime green bag can give a basic outfit a boost of summer color.
My fun purchase this summer is my Mansur Gavriel large “Cammello” tote. I love the brand for the simplicity and modernity of their bags and I’m excited about the tote because I’m currently obsessed with pink. Pink makes me happy. I love that the inside of the bag is pink, which is so unexpected, cheerful and definitely on trend. The bag shape is basic but the pastel interior adds a ladylike femininity that’s perfect for summer. I can take this bag anywhere and the pastel interior will brighten up any outfit.
Kate Young is a top Hollywood and editorial stylist with clients including Natalie Portman and Michelle Williams. She is also the style expert for Ask.com.
Courtesy Matt Bernson
Andrea Lavinthal, Style and Beauty Director: If you’re a regular What We’re Buying reader, than you already know my fashion golden rule: If you love it buy in two (or more) colors. And man do I love my new Matt Berson “Harrison” sandals. I had been eyeing them online for a few weeks, but it wasn’t until I tried them on at the brand’s TriBeCa store that I knew I’d be leaving with more than one pair of the same style. Not only are they super-cute, but they’re really comfortable. Like I can wear them for 12 straight hours and not want to amputate my feet at the end of day. They come in four color combos and after much deliberation I chose the sand/gold and the black/congac, but I have a feeling the natural/white ones will make it into my closet by summer’s end.
Courtesy Shopbop
Alex Apatoff, Style News Editor: It’s starting to worry me that “Shopbop was having a sale” is becoming a consistent theme in my “What We’re Buying” posts, but in the wise words of my sister when I ask her why she’s still asleep at 2:00 p.m., “It is what it is.” This time around, Shopbop targeted my weakness for large discounts and summery clothing with this pretty Charlie Jade “Ava” maxi dress.
The best thing about it is that it’s under $100 with the discount. The second best thing about it is that I can already think of a handful of ways and places to wear it this summer. The third best thing about it is that I’m sick of all my existing maxi dresses so this is going to brighten up my wardrobe in a big way. (Especially because the other things I bought were a black blazer, black dress and black top. I may live in San Francisco, but my closet is still totally N.Y.C.)
What are you buying lately? Tell us in the comments. Plus, check out what else our editors have been loving over the past month…
What We’re Buying: Trendy Pants, Gorgeous Shoes and a Scarf for a Great Cause
What We’re Buying: Three Great Pairs of Shoes and One Killer $25 Dress
What We’re Buying Our Moms for Mother’s Day
What We’re Buying: A Chic Handbag, the Perfect Tee, a Funky Hair Accessory and Killer Blazer
