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.

Memorial Day officially kicks off “Picnic Season”.  There are graduation parties galore (typically outside), July 4th, and just plain BBQ get togethers to celebrate the sunny weather and an excuse to use the grill.  So, what to wear to one of these fetes when formal wear is a no-no, but you still want to look chic and not dessheveled?! 

Loose cottons are typically a good start, since the temps are higher and you don’t want to feel like your clothes are stuck to you.  Linen is another nice option, however it can look messy after sitting for a minute – but definitely breathable and summery looking.  And finally jersey knits – comfort is key with this stretchy material and I love it in a long flowy maxi dress or short halter-neck sundress to the knee. 

Remember to slather with suncreen for daytime and bring a pretty wrap to cozy yourself if your afternoon picnic turns into an all-nighter. Happy Picnic’ing… Don’t forget your sunglasses!

Shorts: Linen – Cheap Chic – the white pair are a mere $9.80!

White Tank: Jersey knit with chiffon ruffle – this top would be awesome with shorts, a skirt, or pants!

Yellow Dress: I love this little cotton bubble hem number and it’s a cheap chic option too – ONLY $19.80

Brown Maxi: Who could resist slipping into this jersey knit brown maxi!? Comfort to the max (easy on the wallet – $22.00) and would look super stylish with an oversized floppy straw hat, wooden accessories, and a wie belt to cinch the waist.

As we e anter the month of May, the air becomes a bit more friendly, the sun shows its lovely rays, and dum dum da dum… We begin wedding season.  Brides-to-be choose springy summer months for obvious reasons in Ohio – nicer weather and for some a freed up schedule.  So, what do you do when you get the invite and it says, “Black Tie Optional” or doesn’t state a dress requirement at all?  Well time of day dictates a lot.  Perhaps the happy couple elects a daytime luncheon/brunch on Sunday.  For an occasion such as this a pretty summer floral dress would be appropriate and even a hat. Choose bright or pastel colors that reflect the festiveness of the event and carry a girly clutch to close the deal.

Should your lovely invite states “Black Tie Optional”, “Black Tie Preferred”, or “Black Tie” women need to wear their finest attire.  A full-length gown is acceptable or a lovely satin dress with beautiful details like crystal embellishments or ornate ruffles would be the way to go.  It should go without saying, but hair, make-up, and accessories must be spot-on as well.  Your man should don his tuxedo, however if the invitation states “optional” it’s not a requirement to rent a tux if they don’t have one.  HOWEVER, they must wear their best suit.  Sport coats for an event like this are unacceptable.

Ok, so your invite mentions nothing about dress code and the blessed event takes place after 5p on either Friday or Saturday night.  What to wear?  The general rule of thumb is dress up more than you think you should.  Ladies: Cocktail dresses are a great way to go.  Should you despise frolicking in a frock though you may choose a beautiful pair of silky trousers paired with a chiffon top again with special details.  A tank top and black pants is a no-no.  Men, since it is after 5p a sport coat and nice pants is the most respectable way to be dressed.  Khakis and a polo-style shirt are entirely too casual for an event such as a wedding and bottom line insult the hosts of the party.

So, unless the nuptials you are attending state “Hoedown” or “VERY casual backyard picnic” skip shorts, jeans, cut-offs, wife beaters, tee-shirts with inappropriate slogans or beer bottle graphics, and tennis shoes.  Remember, a wedding is a very important day to the bride and the groom and when guests arrive in jeans or something else worn on a lazy Sunday afternoon they are showing the ultimate disrespect to those who planned this day so carefully.  Choose your attire wisely and you’ll not only feel better about yourself, but the merry couple with appreciate your efforts.

One of my favorite looks for the summer months is the maxi dress, and I am proud to proclaim that this comfortable and stylish MUST-have is back on the style radar for Spring 2009.  So how do you wear this day or evening dresses just right?  First, focus on length.  If your long and flowy number hits the ankle (or higher) you may want to consider a size up to increase length… However if you want to stick with ankle-length as opposed to floor sweeping just make sure you are pairing with the proper shoes.  Mile high platforms, wedges, or heels are inappropriate here.  Instead focus on super flat strappy gladiators or another cool non-heeled sandal (there are lots of options these days! The ones featured here that would look AWESOME with look #3 are a sweet $12.50)  Adversely, if your favorite new frock hits the ground, bring on on skyscraper shoes – the higher the better!  You want the dress to hover above the ground, but not drag on it. You could try these brown woven-looking pair that are easy on the old pocket book… Cute, trendy, and only $24.50 (I would do these with dress #1)!

What styles are out there right now that will make you swoon?  Express and H&M have some good ones right now that definitely won’t break the bank.  This blue one featured right is $79.00 and would be styled up just right with some white oversized earrings, bracelets and perhaps wide belt at the waist.  Bellisima!

Maybe a jersey knit is more your speed for an easy daytime look.  I love this grayscale maxi from Delias (right) with halter neckline.  Pair this lovely $49.50′er with lots of silver… oodles of bangles and in-your-face hoops. Don’t forget the over-sized shades!

For a REAL steal, try this floral numer with bead detailing for a mere $34.50 and found at Wet Seal – who would have thought?! This pretty frock could be worn day or night dependant on the accessories and choice of shoe but will look great whatever time of day you decide to don it!  I would do a seriously stand-out eye with this one… Try a dramatic aqua smokey effect – shimmery bronzner on the cheekbones, and a kiss of baby pink frost on the pout.  Pretty!