Shopping For : Off The Shoulder Tops

Have you been bitten by the off-the-shoulder bug like me? I have not been able to get enough of the shoulder-baring silhouette this summer, purchasing a few options and making a few myself (such as the style seen above). An off shoulder top highlights the collarbones in a flattering way while also being super comfortable and flow-y. It's like wearing sweatpants that are actually attractive...or something like that.

I've rounded up a few of my favorite off-the-shoulder tops so that you can get one before the summer ends. And since no one wants to pay too much for a trendy piece, all the options I have selected are under $100. A few are even under $30! Here are a few ways I have worn the style.

with tailored black shorts
with casual jean shorts
in the form of a printed dress
again, with jean shorts (as seen above)

Click below for my picks!

Summer Blues

Top : Urban Outfitters / Shorts : Loft (40% off right now) / Bag : Forever 21(similar, 60% off) / Sunglasses : Quay / Shoes : Loeffler Randall (get the olive color 40% here)

I have always loved a good off-the-shoulder top, but this summer my love has grown to pure obsession. I can't stop! This blue shirt from Urban Outfitters was a recent purchase and one that I am very happy about. It is so comfortable and light, and would work equally as well as skinny jeans as it does with shorts. I definitely plan on pulling out as much as I can before the warm weather fades into fall.

I was in the West Village for dinner a few nights ago and threw on this breezy shirt and short combo to brave the heat. I got these shorts and pulled them out for the first time, a perfect basic black piece. Sometimes a leather bag can just feel too heavy in hot weather so instead I opted for this Forever 21woven bag instead of my usually cross-body items.

City Floral

Dress : Emily Farina (for similar see bottom of post) / Sunglasses : Karen Walker / Bag : Coach (similar) / Sandals : Sam Edelman (similar) / Lipstick : MAC

I have been in love with ruffles for a long time. Looking back at all the different collections and pieces I designed throughout my college career as a fashion student you can see just how obsessed I was with flounces, layers and feminine ruffles. Another thing I love is a bright, vibrant floral pattern. This dress combines both of those loves into one. I got this fabric years ago on sale and just loved the bright color & print and decided it would be a perfect simple and airy dress.

Summertime Gingham

Top : Emily Farina (similar, similar) / Hat : Ace of Something (similar, similar) / Jean Shorts : Forever21 (similar) / Bag : Loeffler Randall / Bandana : Thrift Store (similar) / Sandals : Sam Edelman

[Scroll to the bottom of the post for more links to re-create my look]

Happy belated 4th of July everyone! I hope your weekend was filled with fun, relaxation, celebration and happiness. I spent my weekend north of the city at a friend's lake house. It was so nice to get away from the crowded and smelly city streets and enjoy fresh air and nature. 

Pink & Eyelet

Top : Zara / Skirt : vintage (similar) / Shoes : Loeffler Randall / Bracelet: Madewell / Bracelet : Club Monaco

How I Shop : Forever 21

Many of us twenty-somethings probably have a love-hate relationship with Forever 21. We love how easy it is to test out a new trend or pick up a full look for a night out without having to think twice about the price tag. But we hate the crowds of tweens and teens, the anxiety-inducing overstuffed racks and how you always find the perfect top just to see there is make-up on the collar. Sigh.

I love Forever 21 and gotten tons of great finds from the retailer. In fact, I often have many friends ask me where I got a select item after which I gleefully exclaim “Forever!”. I am always met with the same response - “I can never find anything good when I go in there”. It’s true, the store makes it extremely difficult to find anything decent. And then even if you do, the line is long and you just give up and walk out with nothing. I hear you. But I want to let you in on my Forever 21 secret. 

Shop online! 

It really is that simple. From the comfort of your own couch you can spend as much time as you like scrolling through the options, where you an actually see what the stuff looks like versus in the store where it’s packed together. Plus, you can take your time looking without worrying about the people everywhere. This time around I have done the work for you, and pulled out a handful of my favorites currently for sale online. But go have a look for yourself and tell me the stuff available doesn’t look way better than it does in the store.

What do you think? Can you give Forever 21 another try?