If I buy a pair of white shorts, I expect to wear them forever. That is, I've learned, until a few summers later when high-waisted shapes come roaring in and I'm tempted to get a pair so I can achieve that type of (drool-worthy) look! Or I can buy a classic gingham top for life, for example, only to find myself wanting gingham as an off-shoulder top,  romper, or any number of configurations - rendering my "plain" gingham top no fun. Which is precisely why I love today's look so much. It takes your regular 'ole gingham top and makes it a new and exciting shape (by tying it in the front - hardly a new trick) - a shape that happens to pair well with this summer's high-waisted shorts. I find re-purposing colors to be pretty easy, but shapes are harder to get creative with, so I love how fresh this trick makes this gingham top feel!

Top: Gap, $30 (similar, similar)
Shorts: Mud Pie c/o, $50
Shoes: Macy's c/o, $40
Bag: Forever 21, $25 (similar, similar)
Bag charm: street vendor in India (similar, similar)
Earrings: J.Crew, $43 (similar, similar, similar, similar)
Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe, $4
Approx. dates: Top is 3 years ago. Bag charm is 1 year ago. Shoes, bag, shorts, earrings and sunglasses are this summer.