For the Love of // Tees

Does anyone else find it unbelievably difficult to find a decent cotton tee? It seems as if they're either mom-fit crew necks from Target or a perfect LNA dream costing a little less than $100. Ridiculous, yes?

If I had my choice, I would have a nice drawer full of loose and soft Splendid tees- the perfect piece to undermine a dressy blazer or throw on with a pair of jeans. Such a drawer, though, does not exist (at least not in my closet).

It's hot here in the South. I can hardly think about being outside without shivering (oddly enough) with disgust at the idea of my face melting off and my clothes sticking to me. Thus, I have been quite the t shirt aficionado this summer (note: not the XL sorority version).

My collection, though, is rather sparse. I have maybe two tees that I actually like to (and regularly) wear.

So here are two lessons for you: the usual cue from some of the best-dressed style bloggers on how to translate the tee look to your own daily wear, and a nice little compilation from myself on where to get them.

As essential as they may seem, the t shirt is, after all, just a t shirt. There's really no reason to break the bank, is there?

Anthropologie//Anthropologie//J Crew//Urban Outfitters//Madewell//Madewell//Forever 21//ASOS

Top shirt: Madewell

Sources:
The Pink Peonies//Wendy's Lookbook//Harper's Bazaar Australia//See Jane//Kendi Everyday//Hi I'm Anna//Penny Pincher Fashion//Gal Meets Glam
Quote: Vogue

Featured on Julie Leah

Today's For the Love Of... is over at Julie Leah and all about printed denim. Hop on over to see what it's all about!

For the Love Of // Neon

I always tend to lean toward the more conservative side of trends and actually have not really picked up the neon movement yet. After doing a bit of research for this post, I'm not sure why. I have such "classic" dressing tendencies, always stocking up on J Crew, silk blouses and Tory flats. But what do you know- the 80's rave-like staple color can even be given a classic twist. So, let's turn to my favorite fashion bloggers for a little lesson in perfecting the pop of neon.

L to R: J Crew Cardigan//Equipment Blouse//J Crew Blouse//Clare Vivier Clutch//Kate Spade Sunglasses//Kate Spade Earrings//J Crew Denim//J Crew Belt//J Crew Necklace//J Crew Flats//Tory Burch Tote//Nanette Lepore Handbag//J Crew Skirt//Gorjana Bracelet

Yes, a lot of pink, J Crew, and Kate Spade. I can hardly apologize for that!



Credits: Top; Atlantic-Pacific//The Pink Peonies//Viva Luxury//Brooklyn Blonde//quote//Atlantic-Pacific//The Blonde Salad//Atlantic-Pacific//Kendi Everyday

For the Love Of//Rosie Huntington-Whitely

Let's just get it over with: She's gorgeous. Absolutely. Gorgeous. Those lips, those legs, that hair.

Alright, now let's talk about her style. Somehow, the 25 year-old British model and occasional (questionable) actress manages to have a California-cool meets high-fashion-model-off-duty look, and it  completely works. Very few of us can have a nice collection of Hermes and Alexander Wang bags or pull off leather pants with such finesse. Of course, very few of us can be Victoria's Secret Angels and star in Burberry ad campaigns, too.

Jacket//Silk Tank//Black Jeans//Sweater//Rebecca Minkoff Handbag//Pumps

Image Sources: Top; First row: 1//2//3; Second row: 1//2//3; Third row: 1//2//3//4

Baubles and Baubles

I know that I just did a roundup of jewelry, but I was browsing Bauble Bar I couldn't help but spend a good little bit of time pouring over all of the pretty art deco-like pieces they have right now and mentally pairing them with my own outfits for a fun night out on the town (if only!).

Lava Deco Cuff//Speakeasy Tears//Abstract Cascades//Snow Snake Cuff

UES Disk Pendant//Coral Shield Drops//Tearburst Necklace//Leaf Twist Ring

Gloria Necklace//Double Piano Cuff//Glam Noir Necklace

Most of you are probably like me in that you know somewhat what the term "art deco" means, and can peg a few buildings (The Chrysler Building in NYC), pieces of jewelry, and runway collections to the style. I decided to do a little bit of research to help understand the concept more. Here's the gist of the art deco movement.

The term art deco was coined in the 1920's in, of course, Paris. It encompassed architecture, art, industrial and interior design, fashion, jewelry, and more, and focused on glamour, elegance, and modernity. Art deco ideas drew ideas from earlier twentieth century concepts such as cubism and modernism and influenced many other well-known movements such as pop art and film noir (look for more on these two later!). While a lot of artistic movements are based from philosophical beliefs and ideas, art deco is solely, well, decorative, and draws from the geometric shapes of the classical Greco-Romans, Aztecs and ancient Egyptians. Faceted, crystalline, and repeated features are a common characteristic of an art deco piece, as well as the use of materials such as chrome, lacquer, and wood.

Old-fashioned yet modern, bold yet streamline, austere yet ornate. I'm really loving this trend Bauble Bar has going on right now. And the best part? It's all so wonderfully affordable. So please, indulge yourself in a little bit of old Hollywood glamour. It's a revival that can only be considered necessary.

For the Love of White Shirts!

There are few things more crisp and classic than a white shirt. Be it the all-purpose button down, a clean silk blouse, or a casual tee, there is nothing quite like this adaptable article. With pants, a skirt, and shorts of all colors, styles, fabrics and patterns, it is sure to be your go-to piece. Personally, I think Olivia Palermo does it just right!

Tinley Road//Joie//Lilly Pulitzer

La Garconne//J Crew//Madewell

//Top photo//

1//2//3//4//5//6//7

For the Love of Gingham!

Long reserved only for picnics and the preppiest of fraternity boys, gingham has made its way to be a most versatile pattern for daily wear. Pair with colored skinnies, tuck into a skirt, or throw a sweater over it- the possibilities are numerous. Take a cue from these bloggers around the web and stock up on the checkered treasures.

1//2//3//4

5//6//7//8

Shirt//J. Crew

Necklace//Anthropologie

Skirt//Net-A-Porter

Shoes//Madewell

For the Love of Mint!

Due to finals and moving back home to Texas, blogging has been rather far down on my list of things to do. Fortunately, I have an embarrassingly wide-open summer, and plan on being much more focused on The Corner Apartment. Expect new features, design, and whatever else comes to mind.

The newest feature, as you can see below, is called "For the love of..." and will include mostly trends and looks. A step up from A Weekend Outfit, I suppose.

It's clear that a mint trend has appeared for this spring and summer. And while it initially evokes in me a memory of a very bad minty-hued tiled bathroom in an old house I used to live in, a second thought is that provides a breath of fresh air to dull basics (khaki, white, black) while pairing well with almost any other color.

Sources, clockwise from top left:

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8//9//10

Of course, my personal favorite is the Rebecca Minkoff Mini 5 Zip Clutch (#3). There are a number of other bright candy-colored versions, but the unique mint hue is my overwhelming favorite. The Equipment shirt, too is another favorite. But who isn't in love with every Equipment shirt they lay eyes on? I will always believe in silk blouses.