My Chic Aunt in LA Shops These 10 Summer Finds from Coach and J.Crew

My aunt is one of the most fashionable people in my life. Growing up, I was always in awe when she would fly home from Los Angeles and show us all of her recent fashion purchases. She made basic leggings and button-down shirts look so chic, and they were always paired with a pair of kitten heels that turned heads — she was my original Carrie Bradshaw.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve incorporated many of her fashion essentials into my own daily uniform, but I’ve long been longing to refresh what she’s wearing these days. So I called to see what she’s buying this summer, and she named 10 pieces from Banana Republic, J.Crew, Madewell, Golden Goose, Coach and more that caught her eye. You can find them below.

10 summer essentials chosen by aunts:

• Banana Republic Lantern-Sleeve Poplin Mini Dress, $150; bananarepublic.com
• Free People Freddie Oversized Cotton Button-Down Shirt, $76 (originally $108); nordstrom.com
• Mango pleated high-waisted shorts, $46; mango.com
• J.Crew Callie Sandals, $95 (originally $148); jcrew.com
• Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean, $128; madewell.com
• J.Crew Carolina Flared Pants, $148; jcrew.com
• Reformation Cello One-Shoulder Knit Top, $78; nordstrom.com
• Golden Goose Pure Star Leather Sneakers, $450 (originally $545); golden.com
• Coach medium straw pocket tote, $395; nordstrom.com
• J.Crew Captain Shirt Dress, $85; jcrew.com

Banana Republic poplin mini dress with lantern sleeves

One of my aunt’s favorite fashion details is long sleeves, so it was love at first sight when she came across the Banana Republic Poplin Lantern Sleeve Mini Dress. She has since removed the dress from her wish list and added it to her cart because “it’s a need for (our) next family cruise.”

She bought it in the black and white striped version, but it also comes in white and purple stripes and solid navy. The 100% cotton dress has a high crew neckline, a hidden button placket at the front, lantern sleeves cut a few inches above the wrist and an A-line silhouette that flows away from the body. But the best part: there are pockets.

Free People Freddie Oversized Cotton Button Down Shirt

For years, my aunt’s summer uniform consisted of comfortable denim or linen shorts and an oversized button-down shirt. So you can only imagine how impressive her collection of button-down tops would be. She plans to add this Free People Freddie Oversized Cotton Button-Down Shirt to her repertoire for summer.

It is available in white, beige and sky blue and sizes range from XS to XL. The top features contrasting tortoiseshell buttons, a large front patch pocket, dropped shoulders and long sleeves with buttoned cuff closures. It’s made from 100% cotton with an asymmetrical shirttail hem that falls to mid-thigh and a loose fit that flows away from the body without looking sloppy.

J.Crew Callie Sandals

My aunt says, “Everyone needs a pair of versatile sandals that can go with their favorite jeans and a pretty dress.” » But with everyday wear comes tearing, so my aunt will be replacing last year’s slides with J.Crew’s Callie sandals. Although my aunt has her eye on the faux raffia style, they also come in silver, green, brown and black with sizes ranging from 5 to 12. They feature a classic slip-on design, adjustable buckle for the perfect fit . fit to the foot, cushioned insoles and rubber soles with a slight heel for a little arch support.

Check out more items from my aunt’s summer fashion wish list below.

Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean

Cello Reformation One-Shoulder Knit Top

Mango pleated high-waisted shorts

Coach Medium straw tote with pocket

Golden Goose Pure Star leather sneakers