^^A great song lyric from one of the greatest musicals, Grease, and one that sums up the theme of this week’s blog post. Plus, who wouldn’t want to prance around in a bathing suit with a young John Travolta?!?!

Summer is one of fashion’s hottest seasons, (no pun intended), so it’s no surprise that as the temperatures continue to rise, so too do Hadley Emerson’s racks with gorgeous summer must-haves! Summer fashion is so exciting because it allows for so much to play with – bold color palettes, various types of fabric, and so many different styles of clothing!  Summer brings back the maxi dress and the romper, but continues to push for mini dresses, white pants, and denim shorts. Here’s a taste of our favorite summer looks in the store this week – you may want to go grab a lemonade while you’re at it!

-Tri Block Tank in Aqua – $74

-Lily Sugar Skinny Jeans in White – $98

Shown with:

-Emmy 2 Necklace in Gold Chain – $53

-Sadie Deco Style Earrings – $36

I love the colors of this tank! Turquoise and aqua are essential summer colors, as they will forever remind me of the beach. I love pairing the relaxed fit of the tank with the fitted white skinnies. Finishing the look with subtle jewelry accentuates the bright hues of the top. Beach chic at its finest!

-V Back Dress in Light Peach Multi – $138

Shown with:

-Garland Gold Chain Beaded Necklace in Black – $56

This outfit is sassy and perfect for a hot summer night on the town! We love its open V back and intriguing tribal print. The Garland Necklace adds a hint of depth against the neutral peach tone of the dress.

-Sunburst Cami in Guava- $58

-3 Inch Denim Shorts – $58

Shown with:

-Beaded Stone Necklace in Peach – $15

-Rhianna Earrings – $46

Stroll in the sunshine wearing the cutest casual summer outfit! This pleated cropped tank works wonders against faded summer denim shorts. We choose to pair the look with a matching peachy necklace and fun coral-shaped earrings for a subtle summer statement.

-V Neck Romper – $158

Shown with:

-Elizabeth Necklace – $136

-Sabrina Bracelet – $68

-Claire Earrings – $36

What’s better to wear out in the sun than one of the summer’s hottest trends – the romper? This V Neck Romper features flirty hood and sash tie waist. We paired with colorful jewelry to make its print pop!

-Tier Laser Cut Top in Royal Blue – $76

-Laurie Wide Leg Trouser in White – $108

Shown with:

-Constance Earrings – $48

-Sabrina Silk Entwined Gold Chain Bracelets – $68 each

This bright, airy top in Royal Blue pairs beautifully with these wide leg trousers. We highlighted this gorgeous shade of blue by pairing it with matching earrings, and played with the color-blocking trend by adding multiple Sabrina bracelets.

-Parrot Dress – $174

Shown with:

-Tricolor Colorblock Necklace in Pink – $22.50

Step onto the sands of the Mediterranean with our breathtaking Parrot Dress! The aqua/lime green print of this breezy little number looks almost oceanic, and we love the way the pink necklace further brightens the dress. Molto bello!

…But just in case you hesitated when you read that last line, and I figured you might have,        Hadley Emerson is here to help! This week we have picked out some of our favorite items in the store that will surely make your mama smile. Take a look – you may just find exactly what you’ve been looking for.

LRC Bow Clutch – $78

Carolyn Tunic in Aqua – $134

Shown with:

-Laurie Wide Leg Trouser – $108

Assorted Summer Colored Clutch Wallets – $110

Capri Scarf Dress – $298

Sabrina Silk Entwined Gold Bracelets – $68 each

Mia Tunic in Sunset – $128

Shown with:

-Laurie Wide Leg Trouser – $108

Claire Earrings – $36 per pair

-Damsel Cropped Tank in Faded Mint – $58

-Lily Sugar Skinny Pants in White – $98

Shown with:

Tricolor Colorblock Necklace in Seaside – $22.50

We love the neutral earthy tones of this ensemble. The faded mint top pairs perfectly with the tricolor necklace, which just goes to show just how chic earthy tones can be! We also love that the skinny pants are made of tencel, which is a naturally occurring cellulose fiber in wood. This is an example of a new age twist on fashion that everyone on Earth can appreciate!

-Contrast Tank in Yellow – $84

-Sofia Denim Shorts in Regent – $84

Who doesn’t love the bright, sunshiny feel of this gorgeous little tank? We love to pair it with our Sofia denim shorts for a cheery, summer look. Speaking of summer, why not take advantage of one of the greatest advantages that Mr. Sunshine has to offer? Solar power is an extraordinary energy source that is just about as natural as it gets. Not ready to make such a huge change? Why not simply try to keep household lights off as often as possible throughout the daytime hours, and try scented candles instead?

-Jane Watercolor Wrap Dress – $118

Shown with:

-Tricolor Colorblock Necklace in Pink – $22.50

We love the Monet-esque print of this pretty little wrap dress! It reminds us of a beautiful spring garden in full bloom. Why not take the time to plant a small garden in your yard – this dress may just inspire you!

-Empire Top – $88

-Lily Sugar Skinny Pants in White – $98

Shown with:

Nappa Clutch in Coral – $58

The whimsical feel of this sheer, silky top is reminiscent of a watery landscape. We also love the easy travel feasibility of this sweet little clutch. This outfit inspires us to protect our local estuaries, ponds, and creeks from harm. Make use of your free time and save local wildlife by picking up trash by local watersheds.

-Turks Dress in Sky Blue – $188

Take in the day with this gorgeous printed dress! The bright colors remind us of a perfect clear sky – the best weather for walks. Leave the car in the garage and put on your walking flats with this ensemble! Not only will you be doing the environment a favor, but you’re legs and behind will more than thank you!

-Boat Neck Top in Turquoise – $98

-Sofia Denim Shorts in Regent – $84

-Shown with:

-LRC Bow Clutch – $78

Bored on a pretty day? This is the perfect outfit for a spring day at the lake! Get some exercise at your local community lake and take a paddle boat ride in the sun. If you are local to the RTP area, try University Lake in Chapel Hill or Lake Howell at Pullen Park in Raleigh.

1.  Coral lips are my top obsession. There’s never been an easier way to look fashion conscious because it’s a very achievable trend. This sheer version from Fresh makes it all the less intimidating, plus it tastes like lemon cookies and moisturizes your lips with SPF 15 as well.

2.  Neon nails are crazy fun, but now that I’ve crossed over the threshold into my 30′s I’m not as confident walking around looking like my highlighter exploded. Thankfully, there are new interpretations of neon on the market and sea foam green might be my favorite one. China Glaze’s Aquadelic is bright and cheery without being too in your face.

3.  Luminous skin and sunny cheeks are a must for spring and summer. You can kill two birds with one stone using something like Lancome’s Pink Safari Aqua Stick. It glides easily over the high parts of your face that normally catch the sun and it’s a dream to blend. The effect is soft, pretty, and sun-kissed.

4.  Lush blush is going to be everywhere! Bright, almost neon hues, void of shimmer applied with a light hand will give you a perfect flush to wake up the entire face. I love the bold color payoff in Buxom’s True Hue Blush Collection and the Euphoria shade is taking center stage for me this spring.

5.  For hair, it’s all about the ponytail. Whether it’s loose and low, slicked back, to the side, or looped under, tucked back is where it’s at. Ponies are stealing the spotlight from the top knots and buns that we’ve seen making statements of late, and there’s no better way to tame your tresses than with a hand-made hair tie. These little beauties are popping up everywhere, but my favorites can be found on Etsy from Mane Message.

6.  In eyes, pastel eyeliner is making a splash. A swipe of baby blue across the top lid or a pop of pale pink in the inner corners really brings eyes to life this spring, without making you look too woodland fairy. NYX has a great array of shades, and at $3.50 each you won’t feel so bad tossing them when this trend inevitably fades away.

As a final note, I might advise not trying to wear all of these at once, and of course I highly recommend pairing them with your favorite piece from Hadley Emerson for a day at the beach or a night on the town!

Fitted Button Down Vintage Denim Shirt – $134

Shown with:

• Newport Wide Leg Linen Pants in Snow – $ 118

Petal Joey Boho Top in Aqua – $138

Shown with:

• Laurie Wide Leg Trouser in White – $108

Shirred Placket Shirt in Royal Blue – $94

Shown with:

• Laurie Wide Leg Trouser in White – $108

Strapless Placket Denim Sundress – $128

Geena Smocked Top in Blue – $148

Shown with:

• Laurie Wide Leg Trouser in White – $108

Saint John Kaftan – $88

Evangeline Dress in Sky Blue & Cream – $198

Balinese Dress – $138

Karen Twisted Knot Dress in Mariner Blue – $108

Jasmin Vintage Czech Crystal Earrings – $48 for small, $54 for large

Slub Open Sweater in Rio – $44

Simple V Neck Tee in White – $34

Three Inch Denim Shorts – $58

Gauze Ruffle Dress in Miami – $62

Grace Halter Top in Blue & White – $124

Pant Ballet Jean in White – $78

Skinny Tonal Pocket Tank in Lady – $54

Stripe Open Sweater in Bass & White – $104

Simple V Neck Tee in Navy – $34

Pant Ballet Jean in White – $78

Braided Strap Dress in Rio – $64

Coral Embossed Summer Dress – $138

Isabella Off Shoulder Eyelet Dress – $118

Diamond Woven Top in Bass – $80

Christa Pencil Skirt in Mandarin – $ 112

Carolina Bow Dress in Blue & White Seersucker – $148

Pink Pocket Tee – $42

Samantha Pocket Shorts in Blue & White – $108

One Shoulder Braid Dress in Largo – $68

-Nicole Sleeve Printed Shift – $184

Shown with:

• Alanis Necklace – $68

-Cross Back Maxi in Blue & White – $188

Shown with:

• Madison Necklace – $48

-Round Sequin Top in Emerald – $84

-Pant Ballet Jean in White – $78

Shown with:

• Mix & Match Vintage Czech Crystal Bracelets – $6 each or 3 for $15

Fuschia Ruffle Dress – $130

Shown with:

• Rosa Necklace – $58

To ‘do’ pretty is to present yourself in the best way possible. So, if you present yourself as the best you, you will be the best you. By presenting yourself in a confident, sophisticated manner, others will see you that way. So where in this little life lesson do clothes fit in? Trust me, there is a point to my madness…

So many women, myself included, get caught up in the craziness of life that they forget the little things – namely, how to ‘do’ pretty in the work place. It is important to note, however, that pretty in the workplace is much different than pretty at another occasion. So why only put the time in at a fancy dinner and not at work? Perhaps its as simple as this – many women just get to the point where they don’t care.

Hadley Emerson invites you and your tired work attire to a challenge. It’s as simple as this: apply ‘pretty is as pretty does’ to work. Or, as I’d like to call it, “professional is as professional wears.” You may giggle at my seriousness, but this is a concept that each and every working woman can use to her advantage. If you want to be professional, you have to look professional! Tailor your clothing to match your inner greatness!  Check out our take on professional work wear for the modern working woman – shouldn’t you look as powerful as you feel?

Dolman Sly Madilyn Dress in Mauve Dust – $108

Shown with:

• Ajariel Handbag in White – $95
• Grace Necklace in Coral – $54

Nicole Bell Sleeve Dress – $184

Shown with:

• Marilyn Pearl Necklace – $48

Soft Crepe Top in Black – $68

Caprivilla Skirt in Jade/Silver – $218

This jade and silver skirt is absolutely stunning, and thankfully is the perfect length for work! We paired it with a solid top to accentuate the high waist of the skirt, and to play off of the black lining of the pattern.

Stacy Dress in Multi Pink – $188

Shown with:

-Sheer Rayon Cardigan – $88

-Clover Necklace in Orange – $48

-Skinny Bow Belt in Orange – $56

This ruffled collar dress is cute enough on its own, but we paired it with this sheer-back black cardigan to make it a little more comfortable for a professional setting. We added the clover necklace and bow belt to bring out the orange in the dress, and to add a touch of style. Adding accessories makes an outfit uniquely yours – so don’t shy away from subtle accessories when dressing for the job!

Après Tennis Mini Dress – $268

Shown with:

• Madison Lucite Medal Necklace in White – $48
• Ajcourt Silver/White ZigZag Bag – $95

Ruffle Collar Top in Yellow – $108

Parisian Button Skirt in Navy – $78

Shown with:

-Alanis Necklace – $68

-Raffia Straw Clutch in Natural/White – $58

This is Parisian chic! The skirt is a statement in itself with its cream-colored collar and navy buttons, but the yellow top adds dramatic color without being too bold. The straw clutch is fun and summery, and the necklace is classy without being to flashy. J’adore!

V Neck Sleeveless Top in Ecru – $74

Black Bow Skirt – $194

Shown with:

-Madison Lucite Medal Necklace in Black – $48

This beautiful black bow skirt is school girl chic and totally work appropriate! We paired it with an ecru top to soften the boldness of the black, and added a black necklace to tie the look together.

Newport Green & Blue Dress available at Hadley Emerson – $138

Queen of the prepsters, this little number does ruffles right! This is the ultimate example of using ruffles to add style and flare to an already gorgeous dress.

One Shoulder Ruffle Dress in Lavender/Orange available at Hadley Emerson – $198

This is another example of adding ruffles to a neckline. Here, ruffles cascade down the shoulder to add drama to this precious piece.

Fiona Garden Dress in Pink Multi available at Hadley Emerson – $128

Ruffles flow through the center of this garden dress to play off the ribbon strap neckline. Although the print hides these ruffles slightly, any good fashionista knows ruffles when she sees them!

Sara Side Ruffle Top in Honeysuckle available at Hadley Emerson – $122

The ruffle on this top is so subtle, yet the ruffle makes the top! This easily could be paired with jeggings, shorts, or a skirt.

Low Back Ruffle Top available at Hadley Emerson – $78

You’re sure to catch jungle fever with this fierce ruffled top! We love the use of ruffles along the sleeves, as well as down the back.

Side Cut Dress in Light Sky available at Hadley Emerson – $148

This sweet powder blue dress features soft ruffles along the sleeves and the back that will flatter anyone wearing it.

Ruffle Tie Dress available at Hadley Emerson – $108

Small ruffles line the neck of this tie back dress and add movement to its flowy silhouette. Perfect for an outdoor shopping spree or an outdoor lunch!

Vibrant One Shoulder Dress available at Hadley Emerson – $128

This dress is simple yet so stunning! The hot pink hue and the ruffled one shoulder may be girly but this dress is nothing but elegant!

Blue One Shoulder Floral Top available at Hadley Emerson – $98

The vertical placement of the shoulder to waist ruffle is dramatic, but adds the perfect touch to this adorable one shoulder top! Too cute!

Flower girls. Flower bouquets. Flower power. What’s not to love about all things floral? Especially these days, when floral prints are blossoming all over the runway. Floral prints are classic – just like roses on Valentine’s Day. In nature, their fresh, feminine essence is timeless – but in fashion, women are suckers for les fleurs. They allow us to experiment with color and mix and match pieces we love. Lady Bird Johnson said “where flowers bloom so does hope.” We say “where floral is printed so comes style.” Check out our selection of favorite fresh-cut florals at the store this week.

Belladonna V Neck Kimono in Multi available at Hadley Emerson – $158

Lantern’s Fuschia Tank available at Hadley Emerson – $104

Shoulder Dress in Smoky Navy Multi available at Hadley Emerson – $98

Open Back Romper in Petal Multi available at Hadley Emerson – $118

Floral Print Clutch/Wallet available at Hadley Emerson – $128

• Shown with Basic V Neck Tee in Navy – $34
• 3-inch Jean Shorts – $58

Pullover Skirt in Petal Multi available at Hadley Emerson – $48

• Shown with Soft Crepe Top in Black – $68