Something about this particular rig on this particular day felt so right. Just effortlessly perfect for the moment. A little bit dressed up, a little bit undone. I don’t even mind my Little Spanky hairs on days like this. (Short hair can be harder to tame than it appears.)

That is the wonderful thing about classic wardrobe pieces. You can wear them over and over in hundreds of different combinations that suit your mood, the weather, the requirements of the day.

I did a fun little exercise with the White Shirt last year, for those of you who remember. Here, here, here, here, and here. The important thing is that, while each of these posts featured a different white shirt, I really could have chosen ONE white shirt to use for all of these outfit options.

I’m back at home, and getting back into the saddle this week after the perfect escape to the desert. More pictures of my trip, including the white I wore, to come. What were your weekend adventures?

XX, Megan

Shirt: Madewell (similar), Skirt: Lucky Brand, Bag: Old Navy, Shoes: J.Crew (similar), Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper, Necklace: J.Crew (similar), Lips: Stila Beso

 

Image via Gray Malin, shop his prints here.

Coming to you from the Arizona dessert, I am excited share some of my favorite swim suit and beach towel picks with all you wonderful Refined + Rugged readers!

Not only that, but how fun, whimsical, and fancy free are these shots by photographer Gray Malin? Malin is probably most famous for his aerial shots of beach-goers around the world. Like this scene from Bondi Beach, Australia, below. (Available for order here.)Image via Gray Malin

Swim, swam, swum. Let’s talk irregular verbs, shall we? Many people will insist that there is no such word as swum, but they are not correct.

Swim, swam, swum, similar to shrink, shrank, shrunk; begin, began, begun; drink, drank, drunk; sink, sank, sunk; and a joins handful of other irregular verbs. So grab your swim suit and run to the beach where your Grandmother has swum in since she was seven.

White Halter Top, Graphic Black and White, Polka Dot One-Piece, Maillot, Floral Wetsuit, Black Strapless, Colorful Stripe Two-Piece, Mesh Black Bikini, Red White and Blue Striped Bikini

Image via Gray Malin

Seashell Circle Towel, Turkish Towel, Sun Rays, Paisley Paradise, Pendelton Bright River Jacquard, Aztec Round Turkish Towel, Oceanic Circle Towel, Mara Hoffman x Pendelton

If you need some beach towel reading here is an interesting L.A. Times article about Gray Malin. I’m reading a touching true story by Dianne Rehm, On My Own, about her husbands decision to end his life after battling Parkinson’s.

What are you reading lately? Any recommendations? I am ALWAYS looking for good books, new or old! I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

XX, MeganImage via Gray Malin

Did any of you ever watch the show Ugly Betty when it aired on ABC? Well, either way, I didn’t. But when I put this outfit on it all I could think about was America Ferrera in her nerdy glasses and button up shirts.

Catching the school girl vibe is fun, even for a mama of two. Especially if it leans more Ugly Betty and away from Brittany. I really do wear glasses, btw. I’ve had friends who see me in a pair of true spectacles for the first time ask if they are real or “for fashion”.

I’m not above trying a trend like glasses even if I don’t need them, but in this case I’m not faking near sightedness for fashion. So many classic elements here in my book. The polka dots, the pearl earrings, the pop of red. You just can’t go wrong with red!

TGIT to you all!! Thank you for stopping by and reading, commenting, following, supporting, and your overall positivity here on Refined + Rugged.

XX, Megan

Shirt: Gap (similar, similar, love this), Skirt: Banana Republic, Shoes: J.Crew (also love these), Bag: J.Crew (similar, splurge, save), Earrings: Vintage, Glasses: Retrosuperfuture, Lips: Stila Beso

I cannot emphasize how important the perfect trench coat is in a well curated, and even minimalist, wardrobe. I’ve had this coat since college. I swear I love it more every season!

We’ve hit that time when the weather waffles back and forth between a mild warmth, and a blustery fluttery wind/rain/sleet/snow mix. Welcome Spring! Because as much as I’d like to think that Spring means tulips, daffodils, greening buds, and warming earth. It really means a lion to lamb bi-polarism.

Grab for those trenches, bombers, jean jackets, and the like. It’s Spring! I hope you enjoy your Tuesday in every way.

XX, MeganTrench: Banana Republic (similar, also love), Shirt: J.Crew (similar), Pants: Blank Denim, Bag: J.Crew (similar, splurge, save), Sandals: J.Crew (similar, splurge, save, save), Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper, Earrings: Gift, Ring: Vintage, Lips: Stila Beso

Next week I’m headed on hiatus to AZ– Arizona. A little sun, a little pool time, a little cactus viewing is just what this mama needs to recharge her batteries! I put together an abbreviated Sunshine and Seventies Getaway Packing List back in February.

With my trip now days away, I wanted to put together a real-time guide for those essentials I’ll actually be packing. You can see the entire list of items below. Then browse some fun outfit combos I’m planning to wear!

Happy Friday!!!!

XX, Megan

The pieces I’m packing: white blouse, black blouse, striped tee, denim skirt, eyelet shorts, overall shorts, little white dress, practical sandals, easy espadrilles, travel sweatshirt, two pair of sunnies (here and here), panama hat, swimwear.

Add to that my small attache of travel beauty products, my underwear, and a good book and I’m OFF!!!

Perfect Purse Pairings

First things first, choose your carry on, and the purse you are going to need when you arrive! I love this tote from Madewell. It’s minimal design is both chic and utilitarian.

This saddle bag stands the test of every outfit. My favorite cross-body pairs perfectly with everything from dresses to skirts, from frayed shorts to flared denim. I love it!

Travel Day

Fly away! An easy tee shirt, walkable shoes, and an on-trend skirt will keep me comfortable while traveling. Don’t forget a shirt or jacket for the unpredictable airplane cabin weather 😉

Poolside

It never fails. I arrive at the resort and the first place I head is the pool! I might as well get my Vitamin D recharge going immediately!

Dinner Dress-ups

It is nice to dress down on vacation. To just throw on a coverup and some flip flops and call it good. But it’s also fun to bring something that you can dress up in. This LWD fits the bill perfectly!

Shopping Excursions

Without a doubt there will be shopping involved. Hit the shops in something cute and pulled together. I can’t hide my love for the overall trend. Casual with a tom-boy twist. I love it.

Drinks in Town

I have been know to get to my hotel or resort on these mini-vacays and roost! As in, I don’t leave the area for much of anything. Drinks at the pool. Dinners on site. But sometimes it’s fun to explore the area you’re in (depending on the amount of total down-time you need!)

Home Again, Home Again

That’s a wrap! Until next year, that is! It won’t really matter that you smell of sunshine and sunscreen. Throw on your most comfortable outfit and head home.