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Three of my local RVA blogging girlfriends are hosting a wonderful event at the Short Pump Town Center J.Crew store on Thursday, May 19! Support the VCU Massey Cancer Center and get styling suggestions from Joanna Avant, Christina Dick of Tiramisu for Breakfast, and Jordan Nolan of Petite Modern. I wanted to be sure to let you all know in case you hadn’t heard – the event runs from 6:00 – 8:00PM – and if you spend over $150 you get 20% off! Please join to shop for a worthy (style?) cause.

I’ve shared some of my favorite items from the May 2016 J.Crew Style Guide below. Since I’m busty, I often mix things up in store and wear both men’s and women’s blouses. The men’s madras plaid shirts this season are awesome. They’re lightweight, slim-cut, and made from genuine Indian madras (Chennai) fabric. Speaking of plaid… I love the women’s madras shorts and some of the plaid shoes that J.Crew is offering this season, so I included them below! The Guernsey shawl collar cardigan is yes, again, for men but it has this wonderful pattern and comfy drape… plus it’s the same color as my eyes! I feel like it will be perfect for my frequent trips to the cool mountains (in the evenings) and beach trips (early AM and late night hangout sessions).

Gingham was BIG on the runways for Spring/Summer 2016, so you’ll notice I included a few items in that pattern – the pleated mini skirt which has knife pleats and is made of linen, some basic button-up shirts that look great dressed up (Carolina Herrera-style) or dressed down (with beat up shorts à la Joey Potter on Dawson’s Creek), and the Tippi sweater which I already have in probably five solid colors but the punchy blue/emerald gingham shade is adorable.

One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that cashmere retains color much better than cotton… so I hope to stock up on some of the cashmere t-shirt sweaters in vibrant red, brilliant peony, vintage kelly and navy blue… Another pattern on trend (is it really on-trend if I wear it every summer though?) are stripes, which in a chic comfortably-cut sailor-style bateau blouse is always a welcome addition to a well-rounded closet. Summer weight cardigans are great when you have a cold office or a date night that runs late – and the punchy, cheerful colors from J.Crew really provide interesting contrast to any outfit. Another way to provide fun contrast? Timeless tortoiseshell patterns. Whether in a clamp/cuff bracelet or a pair of sunglasses, you’ll always look chic.

I hope you all can attend this event at the Short Pump Town Center J.Crew this Thursday – benefiting VCU Massey Cancer Center!