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.

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!

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.

We all want to look like catwalk stalkers, but unfortunately most of us don’t have the dough to get the exact look.  While it’s fun to window shop at the high end designer stores, I revel more in finding less expensive versions that mimic the exact getup I saw on the runway.  So, now is your chance to look like a million bucks (even though you didn’t spend nearly that much!) SHOP ON!

Boy do I love Balmain and boy do I want to rock out some of the quintessential looks that make up the Sprin9 2009 collection.  What’s cool about this look?  Slashed skin-tight stretchy white denim, loose, but not too loose silk cami, broad shouldered boyfriend jacket, and get-out-of-my-way sexy studded shoes. 

Begin your hunt for denim on a budget by hitting up Wet Seal where you’ll find the second skin white ruched denim featured below for a mere $29.50.  Nope, they don’t have the hole-y knee, but with a pair of scissors I trust that you fashionistas out there won’t have a problem with a little DIY.   Jacket?  Head to Express where you’ll find a fabulous black blazer for $79.50…  Don’t fret about your shelling out lots of moolah for your white cami.  You’ll get the same effect with a $10.00 men’s Hanes undershirt, save the left-overs for your sweet shoes.  I love these from Piperlime that will have you doling out $75.00.

The collections from the fashion power house Chloe always get me going and this Spring was no different.  The buttery colors and baggy shapes exemplify style to the max.  I was pumped to have found a very cute onesie that almost perfectly imitates the high end piece!  Woo Wee! Psst… for $34.50

Want the pretty bow shoes too?  Give these a try… What a terrific way to tie it all together!  I found these cuties at endless.com for $60.00. 

Just think about all the things in your closet that you could wear these with…

Gucci, cucci, coo… Love the menswear inspired looks from Gucci Spring 2009 RTW?  It’s simple to replicate these slouchy cropped pants, floral pop, and casual appeal.

The most important part of getting this look JUST right are the pleated trousers.  I found a similar and way more affordable pair at a cool site called Pixiemarket.com – these au currant trousers come in at a cool $132.00!  What a difference from Gucci price tags!  Another great find?  A straw fedora, I was floored when I stalked out this versatile one at Target for a mere $3.25 – WHAT?!?  I am thinking it would look just as sweet poolside too…

The pretty floral top peeking from beneath adds a fem touch in the midst of all the masculine madness.  I like this one for a slick $24.50. 

You may even want to don that sparkly cropped jacket featured above to replace the basic black blazer from your Balmain look for night time!

Friday always gets me in the mood to shop (not that, that is hard to do) but I thought why not share some of the current items that I am lusting over with you TGIF’ers this very day that definitely won’t break the bank, but are highon the style meter.   Terrific threads sure are important, but accessories also make my heart go pitter-pat… So, enjoy dear readers I have been www’ing all morning looking for the perfect pants, most handsome handbags, beautiful bracelets, knock ‘em out necklaces, sassed-up sunglasses, jiving jumpsuits, fabulous frocks, and killer kicks.  WHEW… Oh, and ENJOY!

SEXY SHOES:

What’s better than a towering platform heel?  Not much for a shorty-pants like me.  This fab threesome above knocked my socks off (no I probably won’t do the sock trend this spring) and could be used all year round… From denim to damask these stilettos will be fabulous. 

Couldn’t you die over the “big” shoe trend?  I love gladiator styles and shoes that have multiple colors and oodles of ‘tude.  A prettied up fem floral frock would be made WAY more interesting with a pair of these gorge glads!

 DEAD-ON DRESSES:

I like this trio because I can wear them all now.  I love the architectural shape of dress #1 – very current and malleable – wear with bright tights, booties, and a shrunken leather number now and bare legs and sky-high heels later in the year.  Dress #2 would be cool with a long chunky sweater top  now and with flat fringed sandals later. Dress #3 makes florals functional all year round and would look super sassy with the first brown shoe shown above.

Jet-set Jumpsuits and Perfect Pantalones:

I have posted my love for jumpsuits already, but in case you are hungry for more, the two pictured above are simply easy to salivate over… Just think how comfortable you’ll be in your new onesie.  All you need to do is add an eye-catching belt and lots of jewels – try a wide cuff bracelet (get inspired below) and pretty long pendant necklace… Don’t forget your gladiators.

I love the high-waist pant… And you dear readers definitely know that already.  Just look at how much longer the leg looks in both of the styles shown and just think how well you can show off your new shoes with these abbreviated lengths. 

Sassy Satchels and Can’t Live Without Clutches:

Two are pretty, and one is more rock ‘n roll… Have to love them all though, right?!  The oversized black suede tote also has a convertible strap so you can wear it across the bod if you need to go hands-free.

Awesome Accessories:

Don’t have a PERFECT necklace, belt, ring, or cuff?  Try one of these on for size.  Always remeber, when piling on the sweet stuff make sure it shows up.. Skip dinky studs and mini-bracelets for something that speaks louder than words.

Cute Coats and Cover Ups:

Gotta love the ruffs on these pretty pink jackets and the petal toned bolero.  Try the sleeveless trench with over the elbow sheer gloves for a fun look or just layer over your favorite light sweater with kitchy pattern.

Shade your Peepers:

I have an abundant sunglasses collection and wouldn’t give any of them up… The bigger, the better is always my mantra.  Who doesn’t look better when their shades are on?  I totally dig the retro styles above that are totally hot right now.  Buy ‘em up and throw them on, I promise you’ll feel like a star!

Want the inside scoop on where to shop for these must-haves? Shoot me an email and I’ll help you shop til you drop!

It gets a little frustrating when we must plan our wardrobe around the chilly elements that meet us once we leave for the day… I find myself bundled in the same thick cashmere or wool turtleneck, knee high boots, leggings/jeans, and a chunky as-cozy-as-I-can-get-it coat… To find some layering inspiration I went directly to my street muses in NYC and London to see what the downtown city divas are donning to stay toasty and chic… You decide though, do you think these gals got chic just right or looked more freak? 

Obviously, this lovely lady listened to her mother when she said that you lose 90% of your body heat through your head.  This is  A LOT of look and the proportions aren’t right.  The coat is too slouchy as is the aqua dress beneath and  the brazen textured tights are WAY too  loud especially when worn with open-toe and multi-strap ankle booties.  The white quilted bag?  EEK – I suppose the quilting mimics the pattern of the tights – but not in a complimentary way… Instead it competes with the entire look.  The fur hat?  Just one other color to add to this kaleidoscope look.  Separately these pieces could work though…  The tights might be fun with a simple A-line shape black dress and round toe black pumps.  Ditto for the fur cap… choose a mono-chromatic outfit – maybe full or skinny black trousers and a black turtleneck.  My vote: FREAK.

Three words: I LOVE IT!  Not only is this style maven warm, she looks terrific too.  In contrast to the first look, this is perfectly proportioned and should prove to any of you out there who don’t do black with brown that it does most certainly work.  Had she worn wider pants this look couldn’t have been muddled up… The citrus-hued bag peeking out it just the right dash of color to add to this pallette. My vote:  CHIC.

  How many coats does this style stalker have on?  Too many in my book.  Layering is great when done properly, but here a fuzzy hood only detracts from the interesting Aztec print of the coat.  Her fur-lined boots aren’t right either. Like the hood, it competes with what the overall look should be highlighting… the coat.  When you take a look at the coat alone you find a cute shape and great length.  To make the look more fashion-forward layer a cream colored turtleneck beneath.  If you’re short wear skinny jeans and black ankle boots… Tall? Wide leg flares will work.  Bring the whole look together with a black belt at the waist.  Skip hats and carry a black satchel.  My vote: FREAK.

I totally dig this lightened up look.  Many of us turn to darker colors during the gray days of winter, but this gal proves that muted metallics (the bag), winter white, and smokey suedes definitely make the grade.  I also like that she added a kitschy scarf that can be worn loosely (as shown) or bunchy around the neck.  These scarves are also great once you get inside… wrap around your shoulders to stay a little warmer – any little bit helps. What I might change?  Perhaps a deeper gray legging as opposed to jet black.  My vote: CHIC

I am sure it comes as no suprise that this red leather jacket caught my eye… My only complaint?  Worn alone this crimson biker wouldn’t keep the cold air away.  In Ohio, I would have no choice but to wear this staple (zipped up) under one of my favorite black wool coats.  The Ohio winds would stay more at bay and the pretty color peeking out would break up an otherwise bland black ensemble.  My vote: CHIC.

As of late fashion-y types and glossies have featured some pretty interesting new pant shapes and have heralded that shorts are the “IT” silhouette once the spring sets in. One such intimedating shape is known as the “Harem” pant or “Jodhpurs”, characterized by a full balloon shaped leg and cropped length.  Be not afraid though, these lovely pants can be wearable and are comfy to boot.  Take a look at these trousers left and right…. The perfect way to style them up would be ultra casual – say a slouchy heatherd tank, drippy cardigan, and loosely worn scarf.  The shoe?  Try a uber-everday perforated tie-up flat, leave hair loose or in a pony and add sparkle with metallic free-form earrings. Want to try these doozies for an off-the-cuff evening statement?  A simple chance of accessories will take you from day to night.  Choose a wrap around the ankle golden sandal, lots of layered metallic chains on the neck, piled up bracelets, and look-at-me earrings. Hair worn down and loosely curled would be devine.

Shorts are the new skirt for spring, and rompers are also big-time.  While the last thing on my mind right now is wearing leg baring anything I can’t help but be in love with this super cute onesies that would be a breeze to throw on day or night (similiar to the pants above).  These two looks are also very easy to switch up, by simply adding a different belt at the waist.  A wide woven belt in chestnut would do the trick for an afternoon out and about finished with mahogeny gladiators or even knee-high flat boots.  After sundown try a skinny animal print or shimmery belt that will catch the light and do-it-up with some funky platform patent sandals or wedges.

This past weekend I had the esteemed pleasure of more, or less personal shopping with a dear friend of mine. We were looking for fall trendy must-haves, wardrobe essentials, and of course killer shoes! Throughout our fun-filled afternoon of flinging clothing in and out of the fitting rooms I started to think about the absolute MUSTS that each and every woman should have in her closet. These items are those that should cost a little bit more, since quality is essential when selecting classic pieces that will always look fresh and guard against falling victim to crimes of fashion. So check off from this list as you go down. Perhaps you are missing a few items or maybe need to update what you already have. I promise if you adhere to this tabulation you’ll always be a hit!

1. A white blouse.
2. A black pencil skirt.
3. A beautiful pair of black trousers. Polished cotton is nice but will wrinkle. Try light wool blends or a cotton with a smidge of spandex to keep the creases away.
4. Classic denim jeans. Select a medium wash, flattering back pockets, boot-cut leg, and medium-low waist.
5. A quirky belt. ( You may need 2 – one that fits at the waist, the other that fits lower on the hips.
6. A LBD (Little black dress)
7. Opaque black tights
8. Pearls
9. A classic shoe. Think black patent pump.
10. To-the-knee boots. Black is best.
11. Ballet flats
12. A long wool coat. Select a color like camel or black
13. A fun party dress
14. A black turtleneck – make sure it’s fitted
15. A medium sized daytime leather handbag. Choose pleather and you’ve cheapened you’re entire look.
16. A small clutch for evening. Metallic satins are neutral enough for anything.
17. One unique accessory that you wear all the time that always earns a compliment. Perhaps it’s a vintage ring from your grandmother, or a sweet flea-market find – - whatever it is it’ll always make you distinctive.
18. A tailored black suit that could go professional or for evening
19. A feminine top/blouse that always makes you feel pretty.
20. White ribbed tank top
21. Flesh toned camisole
22. Perfectly fitted flesh-toned bra (if you aren’t sure of your exact size get measured) both strapless and regular
23. Leather jacket or fitted blazer
24. Black cardigan sweater
25. Pashmina scarf
26. Something leopard – if you’re shy do a shoe.  More bold?  Give a sheer top a try!

Please dear readers, also keep in mind if you have any style questions or are trying to find a certain something I am happy to offer my advice and services!