Monday, June 27, 2011

Floor Length Maxis

This season, breeze into a room for the the ultimate entrance with a floor length maxi dress or skirt. These flattering lengths and lighter-than-air materials give movement a new meaning. Pair it with a tucked in tank and flat sandals for a relaxed look or throw on your favorite heels for a night out on the town. 


Anthropologie maxi

pair it with 

a lightweight tank tucked into the skirt

and
a jeweled sandal


This floor-sweeping dress is great for day or night


This organic maxi dress is perfect for warm evenings

pair it with

a dazzling heel

and
a delicate clutch


Channel your inner goddess with these comfortable, stylish, yet breezy dresses and skirts. Trust me, they'll surely sweep you away.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Grill It Up

To me, summer is synonymous with long warm evenings, thirst-quenching cool drinks, refreshing days by the water and (my all time favorite) fabulously, flavorful grilled foods. Nothing is more festive than the smell of a grill burning and food cooking.

 
 
Can't mess with a classic like Weber. I love the natural smokey flavor that charcoal grills offer. My top grilled picks are juicy burgers and steaks, chicken with a smokey barbecue sauce, or simple grilled veggies.


These tools are useful and stylish

A pop of red adds fun to this Flameguard Red Oven Mitt (hey, you never know)

For a standout table, add ambiance with a plethora of lanterns, colorful checkered napkins, textural bamboo runners and rosemary centerpieces.






The smell of smoke is literally in the air, so I hope you take advantage of summertime and fire it up! 

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Navy & White

Nothing says summertime more than the classic color combination of navy and white. Perhaps it pays homage to sailor chic which make it perfect for seaside travels, a relaxing day by the pool, long afternoons full of sun, and so much more.


Out to Lunch



Pair a navy cotton tank and crisp white jeans with a traveling tan tote and a comfortable pair of flats for a day out to lunch. 


Running Errands









A lightweight tank, comfortable jean shorts, TOMS shoes, a carry-all bag, and cool aviator shades are  perfect for running errands around town, while staying comfortable and cool.



Out to Dinner



A beautiful navy dress is a great alternative to the LBD and pairs wonderfully with a lighter-than-air white wrap, a muted color pump, a lovely feminine clutch and gold drop earrings. 




By the water


Wear your favorite navy bikini with a lightweight white cover up, a metallic sandal and floppy hat for a laid back stylish look.


 Navy and white exudes a classic look that is sharp, sophisticated and perfect for warm weather. Whether you are out to lunch, dinner, running errands or by the water, this chic color duo will surely keep you stylish and ready to embrace this summer season.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Retro Swimsuits

Fashion is known for trends coming and going faster than one can say abracadabra. Then of course, they usually end up cycling back again. 70's garb? Check. Skinny jeans? Check. Stripes? Oversized sunglasses? Check. Check. One of my absolute favorite revivals for this summer is the retro swimsuit.   

1950s Vogue

The retro swimsuit is so chic and so flattering, who wouldn't want to lounge around a pool, sipping a cocktail, while wearing an ever so fabulous swimsuit.
Here are some of my modern day twists on how to sport the retro swimsuit.

Anthropologie's Natalie One-Piece sweetheart neckline and boy cut legs is the perfect piece to lounge poolside in.

I love polka dots and this darling J. Crew Retro Underwire tank in navy hits the spot.

 This Phillip Lim Halterneck swimsuit gives a peek into sexiness and sophistication.



Topshop's Black Scallop Stripe's graphic print is perfect for the summer heat.


Add a splash of color in Carmen Marc Valvo Solid Bandeau.


Pair this demure style with beautiful flat sandals, a great cover up (I love caftans) and you are ready for a stylish afternoon brimming with sun and fun. These suits are particularly perfect for a pool party where you can enjoy yourself without feeling uncomfortable. 


Complete the Look


or

a cotton embroidered tunic
 
and
a studded sandal

or

a colorful wedge


What is so fantastic about the retro swimsuit is that it is forgiving in all the right places. It shows off and conceals just enough to be comfortable while looking stylish. After all, who says a one piece can't be sexy?

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Summer Essentials

Even though June gloom is in full swing, I am still ready as ever to embrace this summer with open arms. Here are a few of my essentials that will help keep you looking and feeling cool for the summer heat. 

Pops of Color

Anthropologie blouse looks great paired with your favorite lightweight wide leg pant or vintage style, rolled denim shorts.
A bold colored wallet choice always brightens my day, check out this one in Kelly Green.

This dress can easily take you from day to night.  Pair it with a brown flat leather sandal and a woven belt for a day full of errands. Once the sun sets throw on a pair of sky high heels and grab a fabulous clutch as you jet out the door.


Stylish Shorts

J Crew's image perfects the way to dress up a pair of shorts by adding a long blazer and a crisp denim shirt (I love denim shirts!). 
I love these gray shorts which can be dressed down with bronzed flat sandals and a white airy top. Jazz it up for the evening with an elegant pair of nude heels, a fitted black blazer and a black silk blouse.    







Wedges
These DVF wedges are comfortable, stylish and has a tropical flare, perfect for the warm seasons.


Anthropologie platform wedge


Linen Shirt


J Crew's white linen shirt looks great with the sleeves rolled up and tucked into your favorite pair of jeans, slacks or even a pair of fun shorts.  It also, makes for a great beach cover-up while paired with your favorite straw hat and LBB (little black bikini).

Stripes

This Brigitte Bardot shot exudes summertime chic;  classic stripes (I love them in any form and on anything), a lightweight cardigan and a straw hat that shades any ray of sun.


Sunglasses

Love the Ray-Bans New Wayfarers have a super cool aura and provide great shade.


A Pretty Pedicure
 
Essie's Ballet Slippers never disappoints for an always chic and classic color.
All these items are the perfect pieces for the long warm days and the comfortable cool evenings that summer has to offer. Whether at the beach, a barbecue or even late night cocktails, these essential pieces will certainly turn up the heat.