Chelsea Bird

Happy Monday, friends! I hope your weekend was grand! I thought it would be fun to kick off the week with an outfit that I absolutely adore (and feel so good in), along with a few tips on how to style a straw hat and bag. With summer on its way out the door, I thought it would be good to finally share these thoughts that I’ve had in mind the past few months — although, I foresee the straw trend hanging on a little longer through the fall — especially with all things rattan being so in right now! 

My favorite way to style a straw hat is with either a light colored top + dark bottoms, or a chambray dress — both do the job of offsetting the light color + texture of the hat, but also compliment it to create the perfect combo of light and dark. Straw hats are also super versatile and can be worn many ways depending on your adventure — they’re perfect at the beach (with a swimsuit + cozy towel), great for going on hikes (especially if you purchase a tie that can be clipped into the hat so it won’t blow away) and even for just a day around town where you want to make sure the sun is staying off your face while you’re going in and out of the shops.

While straw hats may also seem seasonal, they’ve come to be a staple piece in my wardrobe that I find myself grabbing for more often than not. And if you’re curious, the hat I’m wearing is from Gigi Pip who sells the most darling hats (straw, wool, felt, etc.), but I’m also a big fan of this Cuyana straw hat and the Madewell ones that they bring out seasonally. 

When it comes to straw bags, these rattan cuties have had a huge moment this spring + summer! I purchased this one a few months back from a seller on Etsy (this one if you’re curious), but Free People and 31 Bits having also been adding these styles to their recent collections. I’ll be honest when I sat that I’m usually not one for trendy bags, but this spring/summer I’ve truly loved two very on-trend bags and have no regrets in my purchases. 

Aside from all this, I like to style my straw bags similar to how I style my straw hats — with light + dark tops and denim, with flowy dresses and also with dark tops + light bottoms. Basically, I believe rattan bags can be styled with just about anything and I see mine making its way into my fall wardrobe with ease! What about you? Are ready to set the straw aside for the next few months, or bring them with you into the cooler days of fall and winter? 

What’s everyone’s week looking like? Things are shaping up to be pretty low-key around here, which is perfect because the fall market season is almost upon us and I know that our days are just going to be so busy from there! Scott and I have some awesome markets lined up for the upcoming season, and I hope that if you’re local (or just visiting) that you can stop by our booth and say hi! We honestly both feel SO lucky that we get to work on a business that we love so much together and we truly couldn’t do it without all of your support, friends!

RayBan Sunglasses                                                                                                                                Gigi Pip Faye Hat                                                                                                                      Madewell Bandana                                                                             
Madewell Side-Tie Sweater Tank (on sale!)                                                                                          Madewell High-Rise Jeans                                                                                                                Ellen and James Bag                                                                                                                          Vince Camuto Mules    

Here’s to an amazing week! And don’t forget to share your thoughts on straw hats + bags with me, and if you have different styling tips of your own — I’m all ears! 

-Chelsea xo

PS How amazing was the Eclipse earlier? WOW!