July 4th is the official picnic day of the year!  Everyone gathers together throws “stuff” on the grill and overall enjoy each other for the afternoon.  But what to wear?  Skip the stilettos to avoid sinking into the grass and instead try a fashionable wedge for height.  If you can forgo the heels for a day stick with flats - either ballet round toes or a slip on sandal.  The following are some ensembles that are sure to steal the show when you show up to your outdoor soiree.

The safari dress featured to the far left is found at Forever21.com and comes in at $28.00 while the strappy wedge sandal can be purchased at revolveclothing.com by Report Signature for $83.00.  Accessorize your jungle-y look with nature inspired colors and materials like feather earrings ($3.80 - forever21.com) and a sweet leather cuff bracelet found at lulus.com.

I also love shorts for a summer event.  When I found these ABSOLUTELY adorable ruffled be-boppers I almost fainted!  Who could resist the pseudo skirt look that is both dressed up and casual since done in a rough and tough chambray.  Pair your favorite new “skorts” with a white top that gets extra attention with an oversized bow and playful buttons, hoop earrings with bows and a playful flat shoe printed with girly flowers and secured around the ankle with a skinny strap. 

Where to shop this look?  Lulus.com:

Top: $35.00

Skort: $32.00

Earrings: $10.00

Shoes: $42.00

It sure is hard to look fresh faced and remain sweat-free during the heated days of summer.  The past week has nourished us with a healthy dose of humidity and sunshine (both of which are welcome in my world) but also ask us to reevaluate wardrobe options so as to remain not only super comfortable but also look uber chic.  So, what to love? Crisp cottons in light colors like white, yellow, pink, and green are lovely and appear cool and refreshing.  Try a shirtwaist dress with an adorned flip flop sandal or a tropical print a-line shift - I like Lily Pulitzer.

Jersey knits are nice options as well - the most flattering done in maxi dress styles.  OR, if long dresses aren’t your speed, try a trapeze shaped knit top that flows away from the bod, paired with white or denim shorts.  Finish your look with metallic gladiators.

Linen is a breathable fabric that many folks turn to when the temps go up.  My beef with linen is the wrinkle factor, however the casual rumpled look is the epitomy of a chic beachcomber, so forget the wrinkles and enjoy your slouchy look.  Find these pictured right at Bananarepublic.com

Skip: Skin-tighy poly-blends that will make you ooze moisture in unflattering places, waist cinchers that will cause your dress/top to cling to you and make you feel more bloated and heat worn, leathers and suedes, plastic shoes or belts, and denim… I know some will fight be on this but jeans to me are hot, hot, hot and not in the “you look good way” but more in the stifling “get me out of these now” way.

Ah, another year another Stan Hywet gala on the beautiful grounds of the stately old manor.  I have attended the SH gala for the past six years and look forward to it year after year one because it marks the anniversary of my six-year-long courtship with my lovely mate, and two because it’s a chance to don a long flowy evening gown on a warm summer evening.

Since, the gala is “black tie” women must dress accordingly.  Short dresses are ok so long as they are “gussied” up and not mere daytime sundresses.  What will pass the test?  Sparkly embellishment, ruffles, interesting necklines, and a beautiful fabric.  What will not make the mark?  Cotton or linen day dresses, skin-tight bandage dresses, or business attire.  Long gowns are an obvious choice and since the summertime heat may come between you and your favorite heavy satin dress skip weighty fabrics and instead try chiffon or a drapy silk that is without excessive boning.

I must say, in the past I see a lot of “Pageant” like dresses(read: excessive sparkle, noticeable foam boobie cups, and in-your-face colors like canary yellow or brighter than bright pink) that not only look dated, but also look ridiculous on folks who aren’t on stage doing the “Lightbulb” wave.   I have also (GASP!) seen a few ladies donning straw hats on the lawn as well… hats are terrific - however are reserved for afternoon tea or for another daytime event.  So, please skip the toppers, they aren’t welcome after 5p.  The following are some basic rules to follow when choosing your attire:

1. No “Homecoming Hair” a la 1980/90 with corny tendrils and cascading curly q’s.

2.  No pageant dresses

3. Play up your best assets: Love your legs?  Go short - try a pretty sequins dress and don simple gold wrap around the ankle high sandals.  Rather show off your well-sculpted arms?  Go long in a pretty chiffon dress that will flutter in the wind.  Choose a pretty color like butter, petal pink, or chartreuse.

please don't

4. Dress your age.  No 60 year olds in second-skin lycra and no 30-something in a dowdy drape-y nothing. This rule also applies to your shape…

5. When in doubt classic is the best way to go.  Try a strapless black column gown with dainty pearls.

The Summer Solstice party at the Cleveland Museum of Art on June 20, was not only a celebration of the arts - featuring the unveiling of the Museum’s new East Wing, but also a chance for hundreds of people to attend a party.  Cocktails flowed as guests mingled and enjoyed the various entertainment throughout the evening that included a Jazz band and a DJ from New York City who spun Bhangra infused electronica to a revved-up crowd.  In the style department the majority of the attendees disappointed in uber-casual shorts, t’shirts, cropped pants, and breezy daytime sundresses - which is quite appalling actually for an event that took place after-five.  However, the stylish couple here impressed that Clevelanders certainly deserve a spot on the style map.  Casey Burry  and  her significant other Ike Karipides, Cleveland transplants from New York  City, injected a city chic vibe to the event donning summer cocktail attire that was altogether eye catching, enviable, and well-styled.

Casey, President of Tagua, a line of organic handcrafted jewelry and handbags from South America, sashayed through the fete in a champagne toned silk frock by Elia Abuchaibe for Tagua that was embellished with over-sized baubles and coppery disks.  Casey topped the whole look with a shrunken lightly quilted and shortsleeved black vintage jacket and punctuated her whole look with perforated black closed toe t-strap custom-made tango shoes that added a truly unique close to the entire look.  Accessories?  Beautiful antique-like chandelier earrings from Mexico and a vintage handbag.  Casey’s look is a melange of old and new, custom-made and store bought,  so, when she seeks a fabulous new find in Cleveland she can’t help but to dip into Saks Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Place to examine the potential wares.  Those interested in checking out Tagua’s stylish wares should log onto: www.tagualife.com. 

Ike looked fresh for summer in cherry red linen Ralph Lauren trousers topped with a modernized Etro seersucker jacket - that was cut slimmer than the classic counterpoint  creating  Euro-chic appeal. Ike’s white shirt was custom-made in Singapore and his shoes were cognac colored TOD’s driving mocs that kept the whole look in perspective.  Ike’s eclectic wardrobe and style,  has been cultivated as a result of travel abroad, however he has found some agreeable pieces at retailers like Kilgore Trout in Eaton Collection (Chagrin Blvd.) and at Cuffs in downtown Chagrin Falls.  Check these retailers out for some fashionable, yet classic essentials.

So Akron, Cleveland, Canton, WHOEVER, take a few hints from this stylish couple:

1. Don’t “Play it safe” - forgo your favorite denim and wear a pair of pants like Ike in a fun color - keep everything else relatively neutral.

2. Save up a little for a on-of-a-kind custom-made piece like Casey’s fabulous Tango shoes - you’re sure to get compliments

3. Dress up!  Even if you’re just going out to dinner it’s nice to throw on some extra-special - You’ll feel better if you look better and you may even earn a compliment or two.

4. Head to a vintage shop or website (check out my examiner page for a list of good sites) and purchase a unique piece that will help you stand out. 

If any of you out there feel that your style deserves to be featured on my Ohio.com or Examiner.com page please send me a picture and you just might end up another Akron/Cleveland Style Setter!

The Phillip Lim 3.1 spring summer 2009 collection certainly didn’t disappoint.  One of the stand-out and signature features of the collection was Lim’s use of the zipper as an artsy embellishment.  Zippers were formed into cascading waterfalls against classic silhouettes and the shoes that stomped the runway mimicked the pretty and girly vibe from start to finish.  Mimic the Lim look for less with a few of the key items shown below…

The metallic t-straps shown left are a fabulous Lim look alike and would not only be fabulous with a Lim-like frock but also as an eye catching punctuation with everyday denim, professional pencil skirt, or fun easy-going jumpsuit.  Log onto www.asos.com to purchase.

The purple ruffled T-straps featured right are not only a fun hue, but the added height provided by the platform will provide uberlong legs and a sleek overall effect.  Try a pair of colorful kicks with an all-white ensemble or all-black.  Buy these on www.topshop.com for $190.00.

 To replicate the zippy frock, log back on to asos.com where this  pretty black number that gets a boost of style with the mesh top and ruffled peplum skirt.  Pair this dress with  the gold ruffled pumps above and finish your 80’s-inspired look with some gold shoulder dusting earrings.

I absolutely adore getting a bargain, or finding out the best places to bargain hunt, especially in these rough economic times when a fashionista like myself has morphed into a recessionista practically overnight.  In recent months I have (GASP) not really been in the malls, but unfortunately for my wallet, I have been fastidiously shopping online and have come across the website of websites for all you ladies out there who can’t live without your Loubs or your Dolce.  The site is called “The Outnet” and was founded by the wonderful people who are behind the brainchild (not to mention drool worthy) website net-a-porter.com, and features fabulously discounted merchandise at 60% to 80% off.  There is also a nifty aspect to the site that allows you to bid on certain items and essentially name your own price… This E-Bay’ish option isn’t available all the time though or on all items, but is still pretty sweet.  

What can you find on the site?!  Fabulous lables like Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Diane VonFurstenberg, Cavalli, Jimmy Choo, and of course all the important stuff like: handbags, sunglasses, dresses, outerwear, tops, shoes…. This fab-o dress shown here to the right is a Tory Burch find - orginally marked at $600 is now $238 - yes still not CHEAP, but who says it won’t be reduced more?!  AH, it’s simply amazing.  So, check this gem out for yourself .  You’re not going to be disappointed, however be warned, you will get hooked.  www.theoutnet.com.

I know that all of my dear Ohio.com readers have wondered where I have wondered off to for the past week.  While I am not into excuses, I have a good one…I have launched yet another style post on the Cleveland Examiner that went live for the first time last week.  I am fastidiously attempting to boost my page views, so I ask all of you loyal SJS’ers to please check it out.  As with See Jane, you’ll get lots of advice, shopping ideas, plus slideshows of fun fashion! http://www.examiner.com/x-13166-Cleveland-Style-and-Fashion-Examiner is the link - please subscribe!!!! And don’t worry once I get all of this down pat, I will continue to update SJS!

Megan Fox looked smokin’ hot at the MTV music awards in her thigh skimming frock and towering platforms and she nailed her accessories right on too - not shying away from gold even though her dress was adorned with silver.  So how can you replicate this fabulous look for less?  Quite easily actually.  I found this full skirted shortie on asos.com for a mere $53.00 and came across these uber high heels at Bebe again at an easy to swallow price of only $128.00.  Why does this look work?  Typically one should shy away from a short dress and chunky simply because the proportion is a bit too sex-pot and not chic.  This however is ok, because the dress has a definitely feminine vibe as it is adorned with beautiful (girly) flowers and has a dainty full circle skirt.  The prettiness of the dress perfectly offsets the trannie-like vibe of the platform and creates an eye-catching balance.  Yes, Megan looks sexy, however she still looks pretty and current.  STYLE NOTE: NEVER WEAR sexy stripper-like shoes with a tight bandage style dress - WAY TOO OVER THE TOP!

Who else gets a style star after waltzing the MTV red carpet?  I was quite partial to the easy breezy appeal of Vanessa Hudgens (Photo courtesy of MTV.com) melon-hued satin frock and totally dig the boho vibe that her uber long gold necklaces lend to the entire look.  What else is a style surprise here?  The subtle peek we get of her black sturdy sandals and deeper hued clutch - both dark colors contrast nicely with her sorbet colored frock and give her a nice MTV style edge.  While this charmeuse gown is harder to come by, Hudgen’s fab shoes were not.  I found a similar pair on stevemadden.com for about $189.00 and scoured the web for some cool long necklaces too and found these gems at asos.com.  The long pendant style necklace is a cheap thrill at only $15.00 while the shorter disk style necklace comes in at $30.00.  Just think about how much use you’ll get out of all this stuff!

Ah, what a relief!  The sun is finally making an appearance today, and while the temps aren’t soaring, it still reminds me that summer is pretty much here and that bathing suit season has officially arrived.  Before dread washes over don’t fear, there are oodles of options out there that will compliment various body types, and I am also including some secret tips so help you look long, lean, and luscious while lounging poolside.

My first BIG time tip is to buy your bathing suits in a larger size than you would normally wear.  Why?  Because you don’t want to pinch and squeeze the fat of course.  We all have an area on our bodies that we would like to minimize, for many of us women out there with extra-fleshy hips buying a bigger suit (bottom - if a two piece) definitely comes in handy.  The best style to don when scaling down the hips is the tie up bottom.  If you wear a size 4 normally buy an 8 instead and tie the bows toward the front instead of the middle so that the focal point is the girly bow and not the area you’d rather forget. 

If you’re not super well-endowed, while it may seem opposite to buy larger, you should still do it… especially if you’re planning to don a triangle style.  Why?  When you go smaller, you’re drawing attention to a small bustline, however, if you go a little bigger it will cover more surface area creating the illusion of a fuller upper half.  Other good options for small chested lassies are bandeau styles adorned with ruffles again to create the illusion of more fullness

Bikinis aren’t the only swimsuits on the market… One pieces are actually making a big comeback with retro-styles taking a lead and monokinis making a definite mark.  I love the 1950’s Esther Williams styles that are done in halter styles, that almost look like ultra-mini dresses.  These styles are not only fun and flirty but also super flattering and would look good on a stick thin figure or someone with a little meat on her bones.  Monokinis on the other hand, aren’t for the shy and reserved.  These one pieces with strategically cut-out sections showing off whatever… These styles are NOT easy to wear and guarantee a second glance or two, however if you have the nerve monokinis are a great alternative to the standard bikini - but be warned, will cause strange tan lines.

What styles should you avoid altogether?!  I say a resounding “NO” to any athletic style one pieces.  (Picture the high school swim team.)  These bathing suits really don’t look good on ANYONE - they automatically take away all curves and flatten out the chest instantly!  If you want to look like a boy this is the suit for you.

I am also not partial to bikini bottoms that don’t have the ability to be adjusted - again because of the fat pinching - however if you are blessed with bones and no pudge then give it a try.

Another thing to remember, is always rinse out your suit after a day in the sun.  It’s important to get the sunscreen, chlorine, or salt water off your suit as soon as possible as these things will wear away at the elastic in the suit and make it unwearable.

So what about all the ladies out there who just can’t stand the thought of a bathing suit PERIOD?!  Beach cover ups are chic and fun to wear, and look absolutely beautiful on the sidelines.   I love caftan and tunic styles in whisper thin chiffon-like fabrics that offer a peek of what’s beneath but keep areas you want to keep a secret hidden.  If your comfortable showing some skin, mini ruffly skirts are super cute to throw on and keep your bum covered up while you make your way to the snack bar or restroom. 

Besides cover ups it’s also great to accessorize your suit with jewelry and pretty/fun hats.  1970’s inspired floppy straw hats are in right now and will shade your pretty face from the harmful rays, while straw fedoras are a trendier alternative.  Hate the hats?  Try tying on a beautiful printed silk scarf to cover up your newly highlighted or colored hair - scarves are super chic and look fabulous paired with solid hued suits.  And finally, don’t forget to throw on some colorful bracelets, a cool drape-y necklace, some hoop earrings, and of course your supersize shades for that incognito effect.

What’s the best part of summer dressing for me?!  Getting to pull out all of my bright whites, of course!  Who doesn’t love a crisp brand new white tank, tee, sweater, blouse, or pair of pants - and oh, how good they look when they are pulled straight off the rack!  While white is great to mix with whatever colors you choose, it’s also a fabulous monochromatic look as well.  There is nothing more fresh than a slouchy pair of linen drawstring pants, paired with a gauzy white tunic style top, OR, I love the simplicity of white perfectly fitted jeans with a simple ribbed tank.   For a dressier look, it’s hard to beat a pretty white dress with delicate eyelet details.  TO accessorize your favorite blank canvas you can stick with the white and pile on enamel-like or Lucite bangles, swing white hoops from your ears, and find a bauble-icious over-sized beaded necklace to swathe around your neck. 

Metallics are also fabulous with white.  You really can’t go wrong with gold or silver, just make sure that they are noticeable and not dinky.  Skip, button style earrings and instead try ornate chandeliers or something else that will sway in the breeze.

At work all day and have a hot date afterward, but no time to sneak home to get gussied up?  Then plan ahead my friends, and stash some nighttime stuff in your desk drawer or trunk of your car for a quick switcheroo.  Let’s start with a simple black sheath dress for your daytime look.  For work day appropriateness layer this season’s hottest outwear on top - the Boyfriend jacket.  Since its rather warm, push the sleeves up to the elbows and pop the collar.  Accessorize with simple chic pearls and gold studs in your ears.  How to turn your day into night?  Fling the jacket in the corner swap the pearls for something a little more sparkly ooh, la la!  Some big earrings like the feather shoulder sweepers below would be an awesome choice,  a huge in-your-face cocktail ring, and a sleek and colorful clutch will definitely create the evening look you desire.  If you have time, change shoes too - a strappy sandal instead of a classic pump or flat ballet style shoe would definitely spruce you up a tinge!