Summer Purchases: Wardrope Staples, Designer Dupes & Casual Tops

I love Express Portofino shirts – my black & white contrast trim version (last seen here) is SO easy to take care of – it drapes beautifully and requires no ironing. After seeing the Warm Stone color on Noelle, I was inspired to pick up a few more shirts for myself.

Express Portofino Shirt in Soft Ivory

I bought the Warm Stone and Soft Ivory versions. They were a bit pricey, but Express is currently running a promotion: if you buy 2, the second costs $29.90. I think these tops are wardrobe staples – they can be dressed-down with jeans, or paired with a pencil skirt (saving for this) and heels for a more elegant look.

outfits for summer

These H&M tops are more comfortable than stylish, but I think they’re perfect for wearing while lounging around with my family this summer. I have a hard time resisting pink gingham, and I loved the vintage-y rose print of the graphic tee.

Forever21 Free Spirit Pendant Necklace

I adore my Forever21 designer shoe dupes (as seen here), and these Edgy Studded Thong Sandals remind me of the Balenciaga Arena Studded Flat sandals – except the studs are smaller…and they’re $17 rather than $500+!!!! I’ve been looking for an oversized turquoise pendant for a while, and I’m so glad Forever21 finally restocked their Free Spirit Pendant Necklace – it’s the perfect accent piece for the summer.

My HG thermal spray (posted about here) was on sale, so I stocked up, and was super-happy to be given a gift-with-purchase when I checked out. I received a hot pink toiletry bag, mini-thermal spray (love the teeny size – perfect for my travel bag), a mask and cream.

I’ll end with 2 recent OOTDs:

casual summer outfit

Top: J.Crew

Jeans: Target

Shoes: Aeropostale (similar)

Necklace: Forever21 (similar)

longchamps le pliage bag small pink

Top: H&M

Jeans: Garage

Shoes: Sam Edelman

Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage

Watch: La Mer

Have you tried the Express Portofino shirt? What are your recent summer purchases?

DISCLAIMER: I purchased all these products myself.

18 Comments

  1. Hannah Ruth
    July 14, 2013 / 7:31 pm

    I don't wear a lot of shirts but this Express shirt is such a lovely feminine shape – I'd definitely love to try it! x

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      July 15, 2013 / 7:52 am

      Yes – you should definitely try it out – and it comes in so many lovely colors too!

  2. Beautygirl24
    July 14, 2013 / 8:25 pm

    I'm with you Ella – the portofino shirt is a must have! I love them so much. Great for summer, but even better for fall I think! I can't wait to layer a blazer on top of one. I love your summer style 🙂

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      July 15, 2013 / 7:53 am

      I think it would be perfect for the fall…I wonder what other colors are must-haves LOL?

  3. Lindy May
    July 14, 2013 / 9:05 pm

    I love your h&m tops! Very cute and casual. The express tips are lovely as well

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      July 15, 2013 / 7:54 am

      Thanks Lindy! Hope your move is going well!

  4. Kat
    July 15, 2013 / 1:01 am

    I bought the one with the black line as well! I didn't realize it was going to be so pricey so still on the fence if I will keep it! Do they pull easily? Seem like they will ruin quite quickly!

  5. Kat
    July 15, 2013 / 1:02 am

    I bought the one with blAck line but didnt realize it was so pricey! Lol! Do they pull easily?

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      July 15, 2013 / 7:56 am

      I might wait until they have a sale to stock up some more! I don't think they'll pull easily – the one I have (with the black stripe as well) I've washed and worn several times. It's made of a thick synthetic material, so they seem pretty durable to me.However, some of the patterned shirts (like the polka dot ones) are made of a different material – and they might not hold up so well.

  6. Lilly
    July 15, 2013 / 11:32 pm

    The Express tops are timeless. They fit you really well.The striped J.Crew top is one of my faves. I've worn mine so much I'm afraid it will fall apart soon haha. Love the color of those Garage jeans, perfect!

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      July 16, 2013 / 4:25 am

      I love the striped J.Crew top too…I remember seeing a yellow stripe version at the Factory store – wish I had picked that up too!

  7. Lisa - respect the shoes
    July 17, 2013 / 12:08 am

    Great cas and pretty outfits – you look great in pink!

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      July 23, 2013 / 4:55 am

      Thanks – I LOVE pink 🙂

  8. Erica
    July 23, 2013 / 2:34 am

    That necklace is awesome, I want to go get one now!!! 🙂

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      July 23, 2013 / 4:56 am

      I don't blame you…I'm thinking of getting the white stone version too – it's such a great necklace 🙂

    • Ella Pretty Blog
      August 6, 2013 / 5:19 am

      Thanks – I have SUCH a love for everything pink, including shoes LOL!

  9. phiphis blog
    August 9, 2013 / 3:19 am

    great buys! i love the portofino shirts on you – gorgeous. off to check them out too! 🙂

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