Stripe Dress + Gingham Shirt

Dress: Madewell (Sold out – J.Crew Factory has a similar dress + this Old Navy stripe dress is only $24!) | Shirt: J.Crew Gingham | Bag: L.L. Bean Tote | Shoes: Sperrys

This is the big smile of someone who l-o-v-e-d the beautiful, sunshine-filled weather we had the other weekend. It’s incredible how the sunshine can transform your entire mood! My friend CA and I were both starving so we headed to The Big Board on H Street for an order of fried pickles. I haven’t had a burger in forever and “The Great Chicago Fire” burger spoke to my soul and my grumbling stomach. This burger came topped with habanero jack cheese and a chili-mango salsa and a mango-habanero sauce. Okay, I need to stop because I’m getting myself hungry again.

After lunch, we headed over to Union Market to people-watch, dog-watch and do a little window shopping. We both dug down deep and got in line for Little Baby’s Ice Cream. I mean, with fun flavors like “Mint Julep” and “Thai Iced Tea,” how could we not?? As soon as I locked eyes with their Speculoos flavor, it was love at first sight and I had to get it. Cooke butter + ice cream = a few of my favorite things combined.

Speaking of a few of my favorite things combined, let’s chat about this stripe and gingham outfit. I love both prints on their own (as evidenced here, here and this throwback post here) but there’s something about bringing them together that just works. It adds an extra layer of fun and you know I love a good pattern play. This stripe dress is from Madewell last summer and I’m sad to say it’s sold out. BUT Old Navy has a near-identical stripe dress that’s only $24! I have this Old Navy dress in black and will tell you it runs true to size. I purchased mine in a regular medium instead of petite medium so I could wear it to the office on casual Fridays. The regular medium hits just above my knee (I’m 5’2″ for reference). I might have to add the Old Navy stripe dress to my collection…

J.Crew gingham is quite possibly the most wonderful thing ever. Their gingham shirts are always incredibly soft and comfortable. I practically live in them during the muggy summer months. And you can also layer them under your favorite sheath dress and blazer for an easy, breezy work outfit.

Like cookie butter and ice cream, a stripe dress and gingham shirt are both great separate. But together? Hearts.