Kelly Purkey

What to Pack: Overalls

In friendship foklore, the story goes that back in Jr. High we all thought my best friend Heather was the coolest because she could rock the denim overalls. She was trendy and fashion forward. That might have been 15+ years ago but as we know, all fashion trends come back around (Birkenstocks everywhere, oh man!) and overalls are back in style once again.

I love them for traveling because they're comfortable and casual. You can bring your own personal style to them and play around. Here are some to shop for:

1. Madwell Park Overalls - I love the loose fit. Man, do these look comfortable.

2. rag & bone JEAN Overalls - they definitely do denim right and you can't get more stylish in an overall than these.

3. Splendid Railroad Stripe Overalls - adore the look of these and the thin stripes. Perfectly paired with a crisp white tee.

4. Citizens of Humanity Quincy Overalls - I'm about two seconds away from scooping these up. Sold on the smooth look of the denim and how they're paired with heels. (Also digging these too.)

On me above: Overalls - H&M | Shoes - Forever21 | Sunglasses - RayBan | Lipstick - MAC Lady Danger (a great summer go-to red with a hint of orange, try it!) 

What do you think? Are you ready to bring overalls back into your life?

What to Pack: Paris Casual Chic

In Paris, it matters how you dress. It just does. At the beginning of his book David Lebovitz describes changing into a button down shirt + crisp pants to take out the trash. Looking your best is part of the city's culture. I put on a full face of make-up everytime I leave the apartment, even if I'm only going to the grocery store. Dressing like a slob appears disrespectful. Show (and wear) the respect and you'll receive respect back. 

Luckily the women of Paris are the masters of casual chic. I honestly don't know how they do it. No matter what they're wearing, they look effortlessly amazing with extra emphasis on the effortlessly. I certainly am no expert but here are a few things I've picked for you to pack to fit right in as you walk along the Seine. 

1. GAP Fitted Boyfriend Oxford Shirt with LOFT Stretch Skinny Pants: a crisp oxford shirt with black cigarette pants always reminds me of Audrey Hepburn. And nobody does tres chic like Audrey.

2. J.Crew Painter Tee with Madwell Wavelength Skirt: you know how I love a tee paired with a skirt. Stripes make me feel oh so French and I love the zipper details on this one (in more colors as well.)

3. Club Monaco Liora Faux Leather Top with J.Crew Stretch Toothpick Jeans: as you can see neutrals rule here, so finding unique textures to add some interest is key. A pair of skinny jeans is an absolute must.

What girl isn't shoe obsessed? I spent a solid day shoe shopping in Paris and wandering around the Left Bank I've never seen so many shoe stores in my life. Here's the perfect way to not appear like a tourist - stylish yet incredibly comfy shoes.

1. Repetto Ballerina Flats: because of the cobblestone streets, flats are the smart way to go. These Repetto's come in a rainbow of colors. One for every day of the week?

2. DKNY Lucia High Heels: go from day to night in a chic pair of heels. The peep toes are right on trend.

3. Banana Republic Afton Ankle Boots: I'm obsessed with these ankle boots. They're easy to pair with all of the outfits above and will be great when the weather starts to get a cooler.

One more thing to pack in your bag is a matte red lipstick. Parisian girls wear minimal make-up but will add that perfect punch with dark lashes and red lips. My longtime favorite is MAC Ruby Woo. And now you're ready to rock the casual chic! 

DVF Journey of a Dress

Last week I was lucky to be in sunny Los Angeles for a couple days and one thing that was on my must-do list was the Diane vonFurstenburg exhibit Journey of a Dress at LACMA. It's a free exhibit and oh my goodness, it was heavenly. Jenny and I went on Sunday night and pretty much had the entire place to ourselves.

My first exposure to the DVF wrap dress was an episode of Sex and the City. It seemed like the perfect dress. The color. The pattern. The fit. That woman, she knows what she's doing. Someday I'd love my own wrap story.

My favorite DVF quote is hanging on my computer next to one from Marilyn Monroe. It reads "I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I always knew the woman I wanted to be." Like I said, that woman, she knows shat she's doing.