What's in Our Wardrobe: Stylenotes Summer Picks

The T-Strap Sandal:

Nearly every girl spends the summer in sandals and flip flops, but when it comes to casual, breathable footwear, we cannot live without a T-Strap sandal. Or, more specifically, these Rope T-Strap Sandals from Old Navy ($19.50). Something about the T-Strap elevates the informal sandal to a sophisticated level, so even though they're just as comfy as a pair of foam flip flops, they look more pulled together. The Old Navy pair we own have a seersucker-striped sole and rope detail, which gives them a fun nautical feel, but we also adore the style in leather. The Gap offers these Grecian Sandals ($34.50) in a variety of hues, while these DV Olive Tear Drop T-Strap Thong Sandals from Lulu's Fashion Lounge ($59) exhibit flashy patent leather.

The Boyfriend Cardigan:

Summer is a strange season for dressing because throughout the day you can go from oppressively hot to frigidly cold. That's why it pays to have a basic cardigan on you at all times. We couldn't live without our extra long, "boyfriend" cardigan because it feels so cozy and blanket-like when we're chilly. We own the Unisex Solid Rib Oversized Pocket Cardigan from American Apparel ($38), which is great for stuffing into purses because it's made from sweatshirt material instead of a delicate knit. We also love the ability to transform this Belted Roll-Up Cardigan from The Gap ($34.99) and the lightness of this BDG Zip Back Cardigan Sweater from Urban Outfitters ($58).

The "Going Out" Top:

If you've ever worn a lovely silk top to a club in the summer, you probably know how excessive perspiration can wreak havoc on its delicate fibers -- not to mention the fact that the sweat marks are exceedingly obvious. Therefore, we have a repertoire of jersey, modal, and cotton tops that are sufficiently chic and hip for going out dancing in the summer. This One Shoulder Ruffle Top from Urban Outfitters ($38) is great for dancing the night away, while the Ruffle-Trim Tank ($14.50) and Sequin V-Neck Tank ($15), both from Old Navy, are understated cool with skinny jeans and heels. We also love the Pleated Drawstring Cami from Martin + Osa ($34) for just about any event.

The Maxi Dress:

There's nothing easier to throw on in the summer than a comfy, lightweight dress. Specifically speaking, an evident dress trend this summer takes the form of the maxi dress. This style is a longer length, and usually flows to right above the ankle or even can skim the floor. The maxi dress can be found in a variety of styles such as spaghetti strap, tube top, halter top or in solid, floral, or paisley prints. We've come across hundreds of different maxi dresses and have been tempted to buy them all, however we've limited ourselves to just a few! We have this Long V-Neck Braided Halter Dress in Dafodil ($22.99) from Target, which is great because it is both office and cabana appropriate! The Gap also carries a great selection of maxi dresses including this Madras Patio Dress in Blue ($54.99 or $64.99 for the orignal madras color). We love the little bit of swing that this dress has, not to mention the eye-catching print – perfect to wear to a picnic or concert. Lastly we found this LinQ Petal Jersey Halter Maxi Dress ($83, in three different colors) at Bluefly.com, which is perfectly elegant yet casual thanks to the lightweight jersey fabric.

The Canvas Sneaker:

We've been obsessed with canvas sneakers for quite some time now, but have really seen this trend skyrocket this past summer. The leader of the pack is naturally Converse, and we must admit to having several styles in a variety of colors. The thing about canvas sneakers is that unlike normal running shoes, performance shoes, etc, they actually look cool with skirts and dresses. White or off-white canvas sneakers looks ultra-hip. Plus, when they start to get dirty or beat-up looking, you can bleach them! We love pairing these Converse One Star Court Oxfords in White ($39.99) from Target with a dark denim pencil skirt. We also have, and highly recommend, the Converse Jack Purcell ($50) from Piperlime, or the exclusive J.Crew Jack Purcell Broken-in Chino Sneakers ($65), which has a nice vintage-y look with an extremely durable rubber sole. We also dig the retro brand Tretorn as of late, and found these Tretorn T-56 Canvas Sneakers in white or black ($49.99) at Shoes.com.

Quirky Jewelry:

We're not very big on the bling, so we find ways to incorporate other types of jewelry into our daily wardrobe. Plus, we are pretty casual every day at the office, and usually sport jewelry that compliments this way of dressing. You can call it humorous, or quirky, but we like different, distinctive jewelry that may solicit a laugh, instead of a gasp at the size of a "rock" on a ring. For instance, we like pendants and charms, with a twist, like this cleverly named Key to All Hearts Necklace, ($10.49) and this Amelia Necklace ($11.99) at ModCloth.com. We also have these You Spin Me Record Earrings ($10) at Fred Flare, and extremely oversized Zodiac Hoops, ($10), also Fred Flare. We also recommend this Rose Ring ($3.80)from Forever 21, and these Kenneth Jay Lane Monkey Bracelets ($160 each) at Max & Chloe.

Now that you've seen what's in our wardrobe, stay tuned for more fabulous picks from the team of deal and style savvy fashionistas at stylenotes!

-- Stylenotes Staff

Note: there may be a way to make the items mentioned above an even better bang for your buck -- remember to search stylenotes for special promotions and coupon codes that may be applied to your order.