Polka Dots, Prints and Picnics: Summer Style and Easy Entertaining

Jul 14

Jul 14 Polka Dots, Prints and Picnics: Summer Style and Easy Entertaining

"I brake for birds. I rock a lot of polka dots. I have touched glitter in the last 24 hours. I spend my entire day talking to children. And I find it fundamentally strange that you're not a dessert person.”

Zooey Deschanel/ The New Girl

I have to agree with Marc Jacobs. There never IS a wrong time for a polka dot. I also believe there's never a wrong time for a simple floral print or even a bold tribal pattern.

But of course, it all depends on why you are choosing these looks.

This is the Polka Dot Shirred Cami Jumpsuit and you can find it here by clicking this caption. Use code: MTFIista for 15% off.

If you are wearing what you really want to wear, because it speaks to you in some way, and makes you feel like you are presenting yourself to the world in the best possible way, then there's never a wrong time for anything.

This is the Ditsy Floral Shirred Bodice Cami Dress and you can find it here by clicking this caption. Use code:MTFIista for 15% off.

I’ve always felt and expressed in so many blog posts throughout the years, that style is about being yourself on purpose. It's about knowing who you are and being able to communicate with the world without having to speak. It's not about what's right to wear, it's about what feels right on you.

Another Marc Jacobs quote comes to mind:

“I always find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect - they are much more interesting. There is more freedom in the idea of what glamour is and what beauty is and what is right and what is wrong. It's all changed. It's a different world - all those old cliched definitions have morphed into something less definable.”

For me, it's the freedom that fashion and style bring that makes it so much fun and a worthwhile use of my time. It's not a whole lot of time, but I do think about what I'm going to wear ahead of time and I am here today blogging about outfits, right?

This is the Ruffle Trim Wrap Belted Tribal Print Dress from Shein and you can find it here by clicking this caption. Use code: MTFIista for 15% off.

Today I'm sharing these three super affordable pieces which are all linked in the captions and perfect for any summertime ( socially distanced) occasion.

Although many events are cancelled and this summer is looking different than any summer we’ve seen, we have been able to pack up a picnic basket and enjoy several meals in some lovely spots in New England.

And since July is National Picnic Month, here are some of my favorite picnic basket packing tips and recipes:

Picnic Packing Must-Haves

blankets or old quilts and pillows
napkins
glasses
tablecloth
trash bags
paper towels
bottle opener
matches
flashlight & batteries
insect repellent or citronella candles
insulated bag or rolling cooler and ice packs if you are serving foods that need to be kept cold
traditional picnic basket, backpack or even a wheelbarrow if your picnic dishes won’t spoil too quickly

Easy & Delicious Meal Suggestions ( click for complete recipes)

More Picnic Suggestions:

Think about a theme for your picnic. There are an endless amount of kid-friendly picnic ideas such as circus, teddy bear, water games, and picnic game olympics. You could even invite people to dress up as super heroes, pirates or as if they were from a certain decade, such as the 1920’s or 1970’s.
Consider an international food-based menu such as serving scones, clotted cream and jam for a British theme, fresh spring rolls, crispy shredded beef and spiced duck salad for a Chinese theme, or tapas for a Spanish themed picnic.
Create your own picnic placements, I especially love this design which even includes a pocket for utensils.
Keep it super simple and stylish with this picnic kit for a family of four, or try this kit for a romantic picnic for two. I also love this option if you are also going to be camping.