Picnic Perfect

May 12, 2016May 12, 2016 | Megan

This bright plaid shirt and retro skirt vibe has me all sorts of happy. Plus, the weather had been glorious over the last few days so bonus! Here’s the great thing about sturdy separates. You can wear them season after season in a variety of ways.

I’m already planning on wearing this skirt come fall with tall suede boots. I’ll wear this shirt layered under a cozy sweater when it’s winter. Choose pieces that you love, regardless of their seasonal designation and they will easily transition into any season you like!

I hope you have a fabulous Thursday. I hope you really do get to picnic with your family, or lie in the sun like a lizard. TGIT!!

XX, Megan

Shirt: J.Crew, Skirt: J.Crew, Bag: J.Crew, Sunglasses: Ray-ban, Heels: Jeffrey Campbell, Necklace: Gorjana, Earrings: Kate Spade, Lips: MAC Girl About Town

Match that Mood

May 10, 2016May 11, 2016 | Megan

Happy Tuesday, friends! This past week-and-a-half has been go, go, go. I mentioned on Instagram that I have taken the opinion that May really is as busy as December without the fudge and presents.

Yesterday we got to go to Hogle Zoo with my son’s school class. Today he is presenting a book report about Harry Potter. This weekend is our first wedding to kick off the season, and we are traveling to Austin to celebrate this beautiful couple. If you have any Austin, TX recommendations, I’d love to hear!!

It will be my first time in Texas and I am excited to get a taste of Austin. Literally, I think our plan is to eat our way through the city. What has May held for you? I hope that all of you had a wonderful Mother’s Day, whether celebrating your mother or being celebrated.

Here’s to go, go, going until June!!

XX, Megan

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Jacket: Gap (similar, similar, great option, love this one), Sweater: J.Crew, Shorts: Madewell, Bag: Madewell, Shoes: Birkenstock, Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper, Necklace: Gorjana, Cuff: Madewell, Earrings: Gorjana (similar), Lips: NARS Barbarella

Just White

May 5, 2016May 5, 2016 | Megan

I get warm and happy just looking at these pictures. The sun has returned, and this was really the first warm day we’ve had in two weeks! We’re supposed to get more rain and gray this weekend, but those forecasts seem to change even hourly. So maybe we’ll have a little sunshine for Mother’s Day despite the weather report.

Lovin’ an all-white outfit this fine Thursday. I hope you all have a beautiful Cinco de Mayo. My boys will be kite flying and eating as much salsa and chips as their tummies can handle. Tacos for dinner and drinks on the deck. Yay!

Have a fantastic Thursday, friends!

XX, Megan

Shirt: Banana Republic, Flares: Joe’s Jeans, Cardigan: Splendid, Bag: Madewell, Shoes: Splendid (or here), Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper, Necklace: Gorjana Knox, NARS: Orgasm Lipgloss

Land Locked

May 3, 2016May 2, 2016 | Megan

This outfit is the epitome of easy-casual. That’s right, it’s not just casual, it goes further into the EASY casual realm. Basically what I’m saying is that this rig is one step away from scrubs, or an all-velvet track suit. Yes, that’s all that separates me from the category of a pajama dressing. Which is a thing, if you’ve kept any sort of tabs on Spring 2016 runways.

I shouldn’t do such a disservice to these uber comfortable linen pants. Maybe I should have begun by stating that they are the epitome of casual-cool. That’s better. Now I’ve brought this entire ensemble more street cred.

The best part about an outfit this effortless is that it will take you through an entire day of running, writing, cooking, choring, carpooling, cleaning with complete ease. So here’s to Tuesday, and the fact that it is no longer Monday!!

XX, Megan

Shirt: H&M, Pants: Ann Taylor (similar, similar, similar, similar), Bag: J.Crew (similar, similar, similar, similar), Shoes: Birkenstock, Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper, Watch: Pope Watch Co., Cuff: Madewell, Bracelets: J.Crew, Earrings: Madewell, Lips: NARS Barebella

The Little White Dress Files

April 29, 2016April 29, 2016 | Megan

Friday, I’m in love with you! I’m also slightly enamored with the LWD– Little White Dress. I’ve featured white dresses on several occasions here on Refined + Rugged. The white eyelet dress above is still one of my favorites, view the post here.

I haven’t traced the style roots back far enough to know when these beauties came on the fashion scene as more than casual wedding frocks, but I find this style to be perfect for Summer, easy for anyone to pull off, and at this point a true closet staple. The dress pictured below is shown here.

There are many, many white dress options on the market this season, and the dresses linked here are pictured below. Click on the link to view and shop.

Little White Dress 2016

There are several other LWDs I’ve fallen in love with here, here, here, here, and here. The other great thing about a Little White Dress is that you can use it as a truly clean slate. Start with your dress and layer up! I love to wear mine with a denim vest, or for a preppy twist with a cardigan tied around my waist.

You can pull just about any and every jacket over one of these styles and be ready to transition from a warm summer night to that over-cooled restaurant air. I hope you have a fantastic Friday, and that you’ll weigh in on this Little White Dress phenomenon in the comments below if you’d like!

XX, Megan

Juliette dress available here.