Summer Whites

Nobody did a white dress better than Marilyn. And those curves!

White dresses after Memorial Day aren't exactly a novel idea, but hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it! There's something so fresh and inviting about the mix of sunny days and floaty white frocks. Here are some of my current inspirations.

With a perfect body like Jennifer Aniston's, a clean silhouette is all you need.

I love the idea of wearing a super skinny belt, preferably bowed a la Alba's, with an otherwise sleek LWD.

Jessica always looks fab. This time in a flirty flippy white dress. The red belt adds the perfect amount of pop!

Notice a trend? Jessica rocks the LWD w/ a cinched waist like nobody's business. I'm still entranced by this Hugo boss dress thanks to its unforgettable sheer gingham print.

Cameron Diaz epitomizes effortless California chic. I love the pairing of a feminine lace white Oscar de la Renta dress with red pumps and a matching belt.

Media darling Pippa Middleton, looked sweet as can be in a broderie anglais dress worn with a cropped denim jacket. It may not exactly be balmy in England, but she's definitely projecting the summer vibe.

Speaking of British hotties, my newest style crush Mollie King kept her darling sweetheart LWD currant with an open tan blazer. Love that bag too!

She makes my heart happy! Zooey Deschanel in a knife pleated dress. Can I please have her turquoise bicycle?

Clemence is so French and oozes style.

 

Structured Elegance

There's something so very ladylike about a structured bag. They're the antithesis of the slouchy hobo, and although I usually associate them with fall looks, they're also an excellent foil to relaxed summer styles and a quick way to add polish to jeans. Once upon a time they struck me as old fashioned, but fortunately I've finally seen the light.

A gorgeous two-tone Kelly bag. Love.That.Red.

Grace Kelly and her signature Hermes Kelly bag. True style never goes out of fashion!

Another elegant structured purse carried by Grace in Rear Window

Stunning English actress Rosamund Pike doing her best Grace Kelly with of course, a crimson Kelly bag.

One of my favorite looks from the new Rachel Zoe collection. So effortlessly chic. What could be easier than a pair of dark denim flares (I finally picked up my J. Brands), a sleek blazer and a rich top-handle tote. Parfait! 

You can't discuss the glory of a structured bag without mentioning the uber-luxe Birkin. Naturally Mrs. Beckham has one in every color. And p.s. years later, this outfit is still a major do!

Since my pockets aren't nearly deep enough to even breathe the name Hermes out loud and I think knockoff bags are a major no-no, I've been looking for an alternative. Today at TJ Maxx I stumbled across this adorable faux Ostrich bag for only $25. It comes in olive, tan and cognac. Consider me sold! (And apologies for the poor picture quality)

Yes, I had an impromptu photo shoot right there in the store.

So what do you guys think? Are structured bags a do or a don't?