Oh goodness, what a week. While Lar has been keeping AsianCajuns afloat, I’ve been spending most of my waking hours in a car – or at least it’s felt like that. Troy and I had to drive up to Vandalia, OH unexpectedly last week for his grandmother’s funeral. It was an intense couple of days sandwiched between two nine hour drives. Almost as soon as we got back from Ohio, we jumped back in the car and headed to Dahlonega (about an hour north of Atlanta) for a short weekend getaway we’ve been planning for a month. The past six days have been a mix of emotions without any downtime and I’m exhausted.
My cure for exhaustion? Nope. Not sleep – sleep is overrated! If I really want to feel energized, I spend hours reading other fashion/design/lifestyle blogs. I get so inspired by the creativity of others. This summer I’ve noticed a lot of style bloggers have learned to work the layered look in the heat. So I tried it out myself.
Usually just the thought of wearing layers in the Atlanta heat would get me sweating, but I’ve learned to keep it minimal – like my yellow dress that’s pretty skimpy on the top and a crop top with loose short sleeves. I was outside for a good five minutes while Lar took these photos and I didn’t even begin to sweat. Success!
Outfit details: American Apparel dress, Dolce Vita top, Dolce Vita sandals, freebie faux Ray-Bans, second-hand necklace and AsianCajun necklace from MyNameNecklace.com.
And here’s a little bit more layering for you – in necklace form. Not the most unique idea, but I figured I’d point it out since the whole point of this post is about layers. Or is it about inspiration?
This Dolce Vita top is one of those purchases I made thinking I’d wear it a lot more than I do. I love the look of it – especially the handmade stamp vibe of the graphics on the back – but it’s kind of an awkward length. It’s not a full on crop top, but it’s short-waisted enough to look white-trashy with denim shorts.
I didn’t realize this outfit consisted of so much Dolce Vita until I started working on this post. I bought the sandals over a year ago and still love them so much. I imagine it’s the type of shoe Audrey Hepburn would wear if she was filming Roman Holiday in 2011.
I’m feeling better already. Here’s to a less stressful week!
Hi Kitcath! Long time no see. I love this outfit (as you know from my reaction when I took these photos ;). So glad you are back in town!!!
I can see how that top would be a challenge to wear without looking “white trashy” (ha!), but I think you’ve found a winning combo! Love this look.
Love how the top and necklace look paired together!
And haha, that’s right, the cure for exhaustion is more work! Sounds like you may have a bit of the workaholic bug in you too. =D But yes, I definitely get inspired by all the style bloggers. like this blog! Totally inspiring for my TZ venture! =D
Lovely layered outfit, Cath! I wish I could do layers in the summer. I just get cranky when I do. Sorry to hear about your exhausting, emotional week, but blog browsing is totally a cure for exhaustion for me too! That and TONS AND TONS like disgustingly large amounts of catnaps.
I LOVE that top although I understand your apprehension in wearing it. My personal worry is less “white trash” and more “muffin/cupcake/brownie top.”
But I love it layered with a dress!
Aw that sucks about your terrible week 🙁 But on the upside, I love your combo of dress + crop top! and of course necklaces count as a layer! Maybe the shirt wouldn’t look too white trashy if you wore high waisted shorts and an undershirt tucked in?
I’m sorry about your exhausting week. I hope you get some rest soon!
I layer during the summer too even though it gets scorchingly hot here in Atlanta. I love your bright blue top paired with the yellow skirt. Very cute!
And just to respond to your comment on my blog, Alexa Chung is actually going to make another collection for Madewell! So maybe you two can have the chance of purchasing some of her pieces 🙂
I love that top! I actually have that same American Apparel dress, and I wouldn’t have thought to layer it with a crop top. I love how it looks together. I can’t wait to try it out since I’ve never worn that dress for anything other than GT football games.
Definitely the way to layer in the summer. I know what you mean about long drives, on the 20th I have to drive 8 hours (which will turn into 10 because my baby hates the carseat) for my grandpa’s memorial. le sigh.
~F
Which name necklace is it? I’ve been wanting one for a while. It’s so hard to choose one, based off of off the pictures they have on their website. I really like the one I saw on you guys though.
Hey Erica,
I used MyNameNecklace.com. i think they’re based out of Israel – it took about 2 weeks to arrive, but I’m really happy with the outcome. Thanks for the sweet comment!
Hey Erica, the name necklace is the sterling silver one. I had to pay a little extra because it was such a long “name,” but it was totally worth it. Lar and I love our necklaces!