While I am not usually one to completely skip over seasons, it's only 27 degrees here in Wisconsin. That means while it technically may be spring, my mind is jumping right to summer (not the first time this has happened) and spending way too much time concocting my summer wardrobe.

If you know me, you will then know that I am a gal of obnoxious color. I own skinnies in mustard, green, red, blue, polka dot and damask print, to name a few, and have no problem sporting the colors of the rainbow on any given day. Red + pink? Mustard + coral? Stripes + polka dots? There is no combination too gregarious or obnoxious for my equally gregarious + obnoxious laugh.

But as I've gotten older, I've realized the value of investing in neutral basics. They pair with everything and no matter how you mix + match them together, you come out looking all Jackie Onassis chic (as opposed to Rainbow Brite). So this summer, I've got my eye on some summer neutrals that will help balance out my wardrobe but won't break the bank - minus that luscious $150 Madewell tote.

And yes, I do realize the sandals are partially bright green and blue. Just goes to show, you can take the girl out of color but you can't take color out of the girl, amiright?

nail polish  |  tote  |  t-shirt  |  scarf  |  shorts  |  bracelets  |  sandals

I know I shouldn't be doing this.

It's rather masochistic the way I'm torturing myself by daydreaming of summer, bike rides around Lake Monona, jean shorts, blinding bright sunshine and melty cold ice cream cones when it is EIGHT DEGREES OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW. But I have to. I fear the only things that will carry me through these bitingly cold winter days are the happy thoughts of leisurely summer bike rides.

Summer bike rides happen to be one of my very favorite things. The manfriend and I enjoy spending our weekends biking the lakes and bike paths of Madison and occasionally stopping to swig down a cold beer or devour a large scoop of Wisconsin-made ice cream. Chocolate peanut butter from Babcock Hall happens to be a favorite (Wisconsinites, you know what I am talking about). And any appropriate bike ride deserves stylish bike gear, amiright?

Casual, breathable clothes. A backpack to carry snacks. And all the necessary (read: functional AND cute) bike accessories.

It may only be January, but I say it's never too soon to start stocking up in preparation. I've got several of these gems already checked off my list and my eye on several others. Please, don't forget a bike helmet and perhaps an obnoxiously loud bike bell too. I mean hello, safety first!

t-shirt  |  slip-ons  |  shorts  |  backpack  |  sunnies  |  polish  |  basket  |  bottle  | ice cream