You may remember that I’ve been trying to lose weight. Last time I checked in with y’all, I was down 5 pounds. Well … I’m happy to announce I’ve lost 21 pounds. Last time I did an inch count, I’d lost 16 inches, and, after an “I lost weight, now I need new clothes” shopping weekend in Tulsa with Mrs. Robertson … I discovered I’m down 3 sizes!!! It was probably the most fun I’ve had shopping in a while.

I went in search of a new summer wardrobe, since I don’t have a single pair of shorts that will stay on anymore (it’s a good feeling) … and I had these top 5 fashion staples in mind when I hit the mall running:

1) Boyfriend jeans.

I was not going to let the summer go by without investing in a pair of these slouchy, sexy jeans. I stalked Pinterest long enough to know exactly what I wanted and got it. I went old-school and hit up Gap for their “1969 Destroyed Sexy Boyfriend Jeans” (I was in shock at my new smaller size!) and am SO excited about them. They really are sexy. I love how my butt looks in them. They’re perfect for the week-long beach vacay I have in two weeks.

1969 Destroyed Sexy Boyfriend Jeans / Gap

2) Nautical.
This is one of those styles that I’ve always loved and always kept handy in the closet. Don’t ask me why. It’s just my absolutely FAVORITE look. Ever.  So, when I stumbled upon this Gianni Bini Piper Stripe Maxi Skirt at Dillard’s in February, I couldn’t resist.

Me in my Gianni Bini Piper Stripe Maxi Skirt at my sister’s rehearsal dinner at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ. It was the perfect outfit for the destination wedding.

3) Neon.
I’ve been obsessed with neon since my trip to Las Vegas in October.  The trend never seemed to die down, and neither has my fondness for it.

So, this weekend, I bought a J.Crew neon green belt, hot pink J.Crew Chinos, neon mint cut-off shorts from Forever 21, a J. Crew rhinestone and neon yellow necklace, a hot pink v-neck Pink by Victoria Secret tee (softest tee you’ll ever wear) and bright white cut-off from Forever 21, a neon yellow blouse from Forever 21, and a neon orange heather tank from Gap and one in heather white, too (they’re going to look hott with my boyfriend jeans)!

 4) Chambray.
This is a summer essential for everyone, because everyone looks good in it. They’re lightweight, so you can use them to cover up on a windy summer night without getting too hot, or to accesorize the perfect maxi dress (which is why I desperately had to get one). I hit up Gap again and found this one … LOVE it. Super lightweight and love the light wash on the denim. Summer love right here, y’all!

my new chambray shirt!
1969 chambray boyfriend shirt / Gap

5) A good pair of sandals.
(After all, you’ll live in these this summer!)
I have to credit my sister Ashley for these bad boys… Tory Burch Logo Thong – “Miller” – in Sand Patent. They are the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever owned, and they’re dressy enough for outfits you kind of want dressier sandals for and still casual for everything else. I also scooped up Vaughn T-Strap Sandals from Ann Taylor LOFT recently … they’re not as comfortable but are super cute (and a fraction of the price of the Tory’s).

And here I am in my new neon blouse, some older bright white pants that I can actually fit into again (I haven’t worn these since summer 2007!), my Tory Burch “Miller”s and gold accessories! Yay! PS: I’m at work, so sorry for the bad lighting in this photo.

Happy Summer!