Keep it cool for back to school
As the calendar turns from July to August, if you are anywhere from 5 to 25, just the words “back to school” are enough to flip your stomach. Knowing what you are going to wear the first day (and maybe the next five as well?) can help ease the jitters. Stylebriefs headed out recently to find out just what was in store in some of Mountain Brook’s hottest shopping venues for a little first day/back-to-school inspiration. Because we know we can expect at least two more months of blazing hot days here in Alabama, summer fashion is still the name of the game.
Martha Thompson and Caroline Gidiere write a weekday style blog at stylebriefs.com.
Cool meets youthful
Who: Lowery Thompson is heading to the junior high this year, so she wants something cool and, of course, we wanted it to still be youthful. We thought the selection at Stella Blu would hit the perfect balance.
Lowery’s look: Lowery is wearing distressed jeans by SOLD ($148), a Rory Becca Silk Tank Top ($178) and a tribal scarf ($48). The jewelry is from Stella Blu, too. Each of these pieces are closet basics and can work with a thousand other looks. This tank would be awesome with some fun shorts for a Friday night at the movies. The scarf can do double duty around the neck for a solid go-to look for any day of the week. Just have fun with it and, if you get stuck, ask the ladies at Stella Blu for help!
Hip and effortless
Who: Anna Jackson Cooper, Eleanor Baddley, Drew Graham and Lindsey Brakefield will be cruising into their junior year at MBHS. Safe to say, they know the drill. Hip and effortless was the look we were after for the high school girls. Leslie Pittman at Laura Kathryn in Crestline always has her finger on the pulse and put together some great looks for us.
Anna Jackson’s look: Anna Jackson’s fitted black tank by Kerisma ($39) and faux wrap skirt by BCBG Generation ($120) definitely put a sophisticated spin on the first day. We say add a casual sandal and a scarf and its a perfect look for dinner at Lake Martin or the beach.
Eleanor’s look: Eleanor’s spaghetti strap silk tank from Alex & Trixie ($225) is paired with a mini skirt ($75) and a matching clutch by BCBG ($62). We think this is great look for that first Friday night of the school year.
Lindsey’s look: Lindsey scored our favorite piece for summer – the romper! The one she wears here is by Nell ($169). The romper is cool and cost effective – it’s a shirt and shorts all in one. And, keep your eye open for great looking jumpsuits for the fall – they are a sure bet.
Drew’s look: We were looking for the perfect game day look for Drew, so we headed to Mobley and Sons because we knew they could hook us up right. His shirt ($ 99.50) and chino shorts ($72.50) are both by Southern Tide, a Mountain Brook classic these days. His woven cotton belt by Martin Dingman ($55) works as well with jeans as it does chinos – and isn’t that just what every high school guy needs – fool proof fashion?
College chic
Who: Abbie Rodgers is heading to Alabama this August and needed a dress for rush, and Anna Wynn Rodgers is a rising junior, also at Alabama. April at Marella is huge help and definitely knows a thing or two about pulling together great looks for rush.
Abbie’s look: Abbie is wearing a beautiful blue dress from Hunter Bell ($374 but currently on sale) (who by the way also graduated from Alabama as well). We thought it would be perfect in the heat and for bustling from house to house. We paired it with a necklace made by April herself. Gorgeous.
Anna Wynn’s look: These printed pants from Ella Moss ($148) are the perfect complement to the college wardrobe. We think they would be perfect for a night out with friends or for that cute boy who knocks on your door. We paired them with a tank from ecoSkin ($62) and a blue scarf from Vince ($55).