My mom had major surgery on her spine a couple of years ago, and during the weeks she was in the hospital I remember what felt like ever-fluctuating temperatures (frequently more on the chilly end). My best advice for dressing for an environment like that is to be all about the (cozy) layers. My favorite dressing in layers piece is a long, open cardigan that can be worn over tees and jeans/leggings (or a dress). My sister bought me this ridiculous, blanket-like one a couple Christmases ago, and it’s been perfect for days when I would prefer to be under the covers. It’s also ideal because it can be shrugged off in an instant if I’m no longer shivering.

It’s not prime sweater-buying season, but a few that look like they’d fit the bill are below. I tend to splurge on one nicer, incredibly cozy sweater a year (JCrew Factory and Gap are two of my favorite sources), and I’ve never regretted it; the cost-per-wear tends to be incredibly low. I swear, I actually do love color, but—as with sandals—I like getting cardigans in neutral colors I can wear over and over (perhaps without anyone noticing!). That said…oh, how I lust after unique pieces like this one or this one from Anthropologie.

Other ways to stay warm (and be able to easily remove a layer): soft scarves, leggings under tunics/dresses.

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Dressing in layers is the easiest way to ensure that you’ll always be a comfortable temperature, whether at the hospital or at home!

We had one of those magical “first days of spring” in Chicago yesterday (we all know what a fun, never-ending winter this has been). The boyfriend and I made it to rooftop bars and patios after work and walked a few miles around our city…so I got to test out my first pair of 2014 sandals: these ones from Target (they were on sale for $13 when I nabbed them a few weeks ago!). They passed the can-I-wander-aimlessly-for-hours test, and now of course I also want them in mint.

Personally, I’m not a big shoe person, at least not in the traditional sense. I don’t like heels, and don’t get too caught up in cool athletic shoes (just give me the ones that correct for my apparent over-pronation) or flats. But I do love the two seasonal extremes: sandals and boots! Warm weather style feels easier to me in a lot of ways—throw on a dress, grab a pair of sandals, add necklace, GO. Very little effort and I can still feel put-together and ready to face the day. With that ease in mind, I tend to stick with sandals in neutral colors (there’s usually a black pair and a gold/metallic pair in my closet every year) and that aren’t too pricey. No matter the make of the sandal, I honestly feel like I wear them out in a year or two, so staying well under $50 works for me.

A few of my favorite pairs right now are below. The transition into warmer weather is on my mind, especially with a few events coming up this week (bridal shower, baptism, Seder dinners, Easter, oh my!) and the realization that my usual tights/boots/dress combo might not be an option with a 70 degree forecast. Hope you’re enjoying the surge of higher temperatures and are slowwwwly starting to put away the wool sweaters and down jackets and bust out the skirts & sandals.

P.S. Worthy of partnering with any summer footwear? Essie’ new minty shade (fashion playground).

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One of my favorite ways to pull an outfit together is by adding on a statement accessory or two. 

I try to look presentable on most days (…sometimes this just means saying ‘no’ to sweatpants and yes to jeans), but it’s the tough days (whether heartbroken, visiting a family member in the hospital, or getting ready for a stressful meeting at work) where I lean on my closet the heaviest. And—whether short on time or on budget—statement pieces of jewelry can be the easiest way to help me feel more like my best self. Necklaces don’t care about your weight or the weather (or the fact that I spend a lot of my day chasing after preschool students), they add something to a jeans/tee combination or elevate a little black dress.

A few of my current favorites are below. Do you have your eye on any statement pieces?

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Lacuna Loft is excited to start introducing some guest bloggers! These great folks represent a variety of perspectives on the myriad of topics covered here at Lacuna Loft. Before everyone starts really getting into the nitty-gritty of all they have to say, we wanted to introduce them a bit. Without further ado, here is Elena!

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Hi! I’m Elena, and I’ve known Mallory since college (and this year we’re gearing up to be bridesmaids together in our friend Shelly’s wedding!). I’m a speech-language pathologist in an early childhood program by day, but I also have a love for clothes and personal style (I used to have a personal lifestyle blog over here; now I mostly stick to instagram).

While I’m the daughter/granddaughter/friend of people who have battled (and triumphed over!) cancer, it hasn’t affected me directly, so I will be very open to your feedback and what you’d most like to see here. From talking with Mallory, I’m planning on writing about style 1) on a budget and 2) for changing bodies. I’ve always had a firm belief in the way I dress and present myself affecting how I feel, and I hope to come at my posts from this perspective. Is the right pair of red flats or pair of earrings everything? No, not at all, but sometimes it is that extra baby step that helps me approach my morning with a cheerier perspective; that gives me an extra jolt of confidence when the day ahead is looking rockier than usual.

Thanks for having me at Lacuna Loft! I’m looking forward to a return of sorts into the world of style blogging.