Look of the Day — Free-Spirited, Flirty, and Full of Fringe!

After several dreary and rainy days, the sun finally emerged from its hiding place last Saturday in New York City and, even more remarkable, the temperatures rose to the mid-’70s, causing tropical types like myself to rummage through their closets for coquettish dresses and shorts. I spent the day with my son, taking him to play in the park, where he could ride his scooter and run around to his heart’s content, so I wanted an outfit that would be cute but practical since, clearly four-inch stilettos won’t do in such a scenario. I decided to create a Coachella-inspired ensemble that channeled my inner flower child.

I started with a lacy, above-the-knee, sleeveless Xhilaration shift dress in a bright coral hue with a cream-colored embroidered floral motif  adorning the bodice, which I purchased during a recent excursion to Target (it was only $24.99!). To emphasize the frock’s Bohemian vibe, I then slipped on a lightweight, cotton-and-acrylic, cream-colored Xhilaration sweater vest with fringe cascading down the hemline ($19.99 at Target and Target.com). If you’re keeping count, that’s less than $50 spent thus far!

Since I love the fringe detailing on the sweater vest and I wanted to play up the free-spirited vibe of the ensemble, I bypassed sandals and instead slipped into a pair of Nine West brown suede ankle booties featuring knotted strips of suede hanging loosely from their collars, giving the shoes movement and personality. I kept the look earthy by choosing the unfussy, Western-flavored, simple and sleek Rustico Explorer leather satchel in a reddish brown shade.

Even my choice of jewelry spoke to this Bohemian theme — from my gold Kendra Scott feather-shaped hoop earrings to my stack of Amrita Singh bangles. Last but not least, I reached for a pair of rectangular Stella McCartney sunglasses with wood accents on the frames and brown-toned tinted lenses.

It’s a very casual, laid-back outfit, but hopefully it will inspire you when putting together a weekend look of your very own!