Spiced Neutrals

Good looking neutral solids make getting dressed a snap. When I want to make the pieces feel more casual, I change the accessories. A colorful handbag in a festive pattern and a cute straw hat have long been my favorite summer accessories.

When the heat and humidity become too much for me, I wear unstructured loose-fitting tops and pants made from a lightweight fabric with no zipper or pockets. Even if my hair is limp from perspiration, you can’t tell because the hat saves the day.

The Betmar straw roll-up hat was from Belk. The espadrille shoes are from the past year by Ralph Lauren. My friends at My Fair Lady supplied the Lior Paris “Lize” straight-leg pants and the top. The pants are here. The Clara Sunwoo short navy top is here.

17 Comments
  1. This bag is almost just like the one that Lesley wore for our photo shoot—the one she asked you if it was okay to link to about!!! Heck, maybe it is the same bag…I haven’t edited the photos yet to take a closer look!! But it’s such a perfect way to add a punch of color to any outfit~!!
    XOXO
    Jodie

  2. I ordered the blue print tunic from Clara Sunwoo that you highlighted several posts ago. Arrived within just a few days. I absolutely LOVE it!! Fabric is heavenly, print is wonderful, fit is great and lengthy is just perfect. I will be ordering more of this style. The June discount was an added bonus. Thank you so much for the info. Can’t go wrong with this beautiful tunic.

  3. Susan, I love your blog and have learned a lot from you. One question: You switch bags so often and I understand why, but how do you transfer essentials from bag to bag, and what do you consider essential? I love smaller cross-body bags but they never seem to hold all I want them to.

  4. I always enjoy your casual outfits, since that is what I wear most of my days. You always manage to take the outfit up a notch by adding accessories and a good looking shoe.
    Thank you for taking the time to maintain your blog. It must be a lot of work and I appreciate it!

  5. Susan, I’ve successfully adopted so many of your outfit ideas. But your youtube video about how to pack for a week in a carry-on bag is life-changing—THANK YOU! I travel fairly often both for work and pleasure/family trips and have tried every packing method known to woman…without success, until I followed your how-to video. I still can’t believe it–everything for 6 days is packed into my 20″ carry-on in preparation for tomorrow’s flight. I did not skimp on items, nor did I even have to open up the gusset–it’s like a miracle! And I can already see that my clothing will be less wrinkled due to how it’s folded. (This was a video from a couple of years ago when you packed for a photo shoot in LA, but you recently posted a link to it in a more recent posting). Thank you for all the knowledge you share with us so freely.

  6. J Jill is currently running 30% off all sale merchandise! You always look fabulous. Thank you for your help! It’s life changing.

  7. Susan,
    I look forward to your posts. You are a true inspiration. Keep up the great work with the knowledge that you are an important model for many.

  8. I love your style, it looks like something I would choose for myself if I was out and about and we about the same size and age. However I am a stay at home grandmother (meaning I keep my grandson 5 days a week and I love it. But there in lies the problem. Do you have some advice on how to dress when you are playing on the floor all day with a 13 month old? I would appreciate any advice you can offer.

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I share tips and inspiration for using what you already have in contemporary ways. Defining words include effortless, classic, refined, discreet, and elegant. My style is chic, minimal, and timeless with a bit of edge.