My official start of summer yesterday was spent with Queenie, who has always been one of the most free-spirited people I know: she currently gardens for a living, and it was she who got me into running for fun and volunteering back in highschool. Although we are as different as night and day in so many ways, somehow we’ve been blessed with being able to stay in touch.

Since I can’t think of many happier things than eating sugary sweets in the park on the day of the summer solstice while catching up with a dear friend (enough prepositions there?), I took the opportunity to dress in brights and patterns, and made sure to wear the comfiest high shoes I’ve ever owned (& even better than flats!) for the walk to and from the park.

{Queenie!}

Wearing: thrifted dress (with sash from H&M dress), cardigan from HK street vendor, Coach wedges (c/o Coach) and bag, Joe Fresh bracelet, vintage earrings, River Island sunnies

{Photos by Paul Milaire}

This lace number has been my go-to for about a month now. Worn in its original intent as a dress with colourful jewels or tucked into a pair of shorts for a casual look, it’s the perfect feminine canvas to build a look upon. I really appreciate pieces like this and find that I’ve been re-evaluating my wardrobe for more versatile garments such as this one.

This reminds me of an interview with Alber Elbaz in an issue of InStyle, in which he says that women should “take a high fashion approach to lower priced clothing“. He believes that we should thoughtfully consider each item & buy only the pieces that will truly be worn and cherished, not simply because they are inexpensive & fun. I don’t know about you, but my limited bank account and diminishing closet space is growing to agree with this wholeheartedly. Although it creates more styling challenges (which is arguably a very good thing), I’m trying my best to really consider a piece’s longevity in my closet before taking the plunge. And to be entirely truthful, who needs so much stuff?

What do you think? Do you frequently succumb to impulse shopping? How has being a blogger affected your shopping habits?

Wearing: ASOS dress (as top), Zara skirt, Club Monaco belt, Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes, labeless bag