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.

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.

There’s a new trend in tops “cropping” up and I am not entirely certain that it’s a priority on my must-have list for Spring/Summer… However, if you have the itch to delve deep into the trendiest of trendy try out a cropped top!  I urge any of you interested in hopping on this bandwagon to first visit the gym and invest some serious time doing abcrunches, sit-ups, or pilates to get that core super toned, because honestly, I think I speak for the majority here, no one wants to see your flab and belly fat.

How to wear this trend?  This is an 80’s revival look and the shape of the tops are typically not skin tight, rather they are square and boxy with a slouchy shoulder line.  There are tighter abbreviated corset versions too for those of you who don’t favor the more tee-shirt’ish style or the floral child-like versions complete with ruffles, and tie straps.  To replicate the look of the past but also look current pair one of these doozies with a high waist pencil skirt, jeans, or pants.  Skip the hip-hugger jeans, since the best way to do the look right is to just have a peek of tummy not to show off everything you’ve got. 

Street fashion is my thing – and as my regular readers know, it’s one of my favorite things to feature on SJS postings.  Spring 2009 is a season of many neutrals from pants, tulip skirts, tanks, shoes – even make-up.  While some may shy away from the bland palette there are great ways to wear colors like this that look refreshing, current, chic, and enviable.  Who better than to show us all how to do it right?  Why this New York City hipster who obviously has the same fashion obsessions as many of us do (note the over-sized Louis tote – Love it)… What makes this lady’s ensemble so super cool?  It’s the accessories my friends – your basic bisques, khakis, and lattes will get an uber kick up with some shiny metallics or a dramatically darker shade to offset the similar colors that get lost together.  And finally, what else makes this get-up a little more interesting?  If you take a closer look you’ll see that this lassie layered her borderline filmy top over a triangle bikini top done in another seasonal must-have flower print.  The subtlety of the print adds just enough appeal while not being garish or inappropriate.  Who says swimsuits are only suited for the shore?! (Psst… I found a copy of this lassie’s Louis – Please note that a real LV will set you back far more than $78.00 – bust trust me no one will know the difference.)

While I covet my shoe and handbag collection, I am also quite enamored by my small grouping of sunglasses as well.  What better covers your peepers after a long and fun night than some over-sized shades  OR what’s a great disguise when you want to be a little more incognito than usual… You got it, sunglasses!  There are lot of great styles out these days – many of which are quite retro – the popular ones this season looking very Breakfast Club-ish circa 1980 – yes, we’re talking neon colored with flat square-ish tops and rounded bottoms – think the classic black Ray-Ban with a dose of color or pattern.  Round styles are also chic as are classic aviators. 

What to skip?  Mirrored lenses are really not stylish and actually border on creepy and wrap around sporty shades are better suited for an invigorating bike ride or run than worn with an evening cocktail dress or the like – in other words don’t go there.

1. $5.80              4.  $5.80            7.  $5.80           10. $187.00    13. $5.80    

2. $5.80              5. $5.80             8.  $5.80           11. $27.00       14. $5.80

3. $5.80              6. $153.00        9.  $15.00         12. $5.80         15. $5.80 

16. $ 5.80

I could sit and sift through my closet and drawers for hours coming up with various combinations … I love finding old items that I forgot I had and mixing and matching them with newer items recently acquired!  Conversely, I also like surfing the web and finding cool accessories and other such things and fantasizing about how I would wear them together.  So, in the spirit of my “hobby” I am dedicating this particular posting to cute ensembles that are worthy of a fun-filled weekend.  I hope you all find some inspiration!

Lunch With The Girls

Dinner With Your Man

Mother’s Day Brunch

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.

Why are we discussing boots NOW?  Because flat ankle boots, and perforated styles are all the rage for Spring AND Summer, of course!  So what will everyone be wearing with their new favorite summer shoe??  Just about anything really… I am partial to shorts paired with blouse-y tunics, short and sweet flowery frocks, skinny second skin denim, and of course comfy and stylish leggings.  I would skip these babies with maxi dresses, wide leg pants, and this season’s hot harem pants preferring items like those with flat or platform sandals.

WHERE TO BUY

1. Miz Mooz “Sally” Boot  – Available at Nordstrom – $179.952. Linen and Leather boot by Deisel – Available at Asos.com – $226.64

3. Allgaier Boot – Available at Aldo – $160.00

4. Keaton Bootie by Sam Edelman – Available at Urban Outfitters – $99.99

5. Kingwood Boot – Chinese Laundry; Available at Endless.com – $119.956.  Hudson Boot – Available at Urban Outfitters – $198.00

7. Jeffrey Campbell Caged Heel – Available at Urban Outfitters – $198.00

8. We Who See Canvas Bootie – Available at Urban Outfitters – $68.00

9. BDG Au Natural Bootie – Available at Urban Outfitters -  $39.99

Dreary wet days like today beg for a jolt of happy color!  Stash away your head to toe gray and black when the weather turns dismal and try the season’s hottest new neon shades that will definitely get you a second glance or two.  I love mixing spring/summer’s popular colors with basics like white, khaki, and charcoal to tone down the overall effect and create an eye appealing look.

Look #1: Pink and black is always a good combo and made even better when it’s bright, bright, bright!  I love the look of a sweetly tiered pencil skirt with a flowy whisper thin cotton tank tucked in and subtly bloused.  Finish off your look with an ultra-fem stilletto pump.  I like these from Bebe (on sale ladies!) since they are sky high and have added prettiness with an oversized bow!

Look #2: Orange is a great in-your-face color too and not worn very much.  Juxtapose the second-skin dress with a bubble jacket (worn open with the collar popped) in a neutral shade to create a pseudo sporty look (also very IN right now!)  Stick to a flesh-toned neutral shoe so as not to introduce any other colors, and show off mile long legs in a platform-slingback style like shown.

Look #3: Neon green is a fresh way to introduce bright into your reportoire!  This more casual look is is subtly neon while remaining current.  I would pair this positively perfectly polka-dotted sweater with black cigarrette pants, and a flat sandal – OR – with your favorite torn up denim rolled up, and a statement black gladiator sturdy sandal.

First off, I apologize deeply for my negligent blogging as that last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of being out of town, and some extra work hours… Still no excuse I know!  However, I am officially back on track and happy to dispense more fashionable wisdom on these dreary April days. 

As mentioned, I was out of town for a few days, in one of my MOST favorite places New York.  Despite the drizzle and wind, the city was as fun and fashionable as usual and of course provided me with some great outfit building inspiration… And a decent load of new digs courtesy of my favorite British retailer Topshop!  What is Topshop you may ask?  Only one of the best shopping destinations in all the UK… If you’re looking for sweetly priced (not cheap though), savvy and uber-stylish clothing and accessories. 

Let me digress for a moment to let all of you know, that I have waited quite patiently for this fabulous shop to jump over the pond – at the start of this year the rumor was that it would open in February, however it’s delayed opening just happened to fall on April 2 — EUREKA, the day I happily arrived in the city…  So, before my trip, I mapped out the store location, figured out the subway I needed to take, and visited the bank for some extra loot – I was ready to duke it out with the other fastidious shoppers who couldn’t wait to get their hands on the flirty skirts, ornately embellished tops, and out of this world wonderful shoes…  So, upon arrival, I was ready to jump through the front door, however I was halted by the looming doorman who directed me to THE END OF THE LINE all the way around the block – WHAT?!  The line went fast though and the quirk-ily dressed Topshop shop gals and guys were sweet enough to distribute water bottles as we waited so that none of us would get dehydrated as we fought through the style-hungry crowds who would literally fight you for the last size in whatever it was they wanted.  Was it worth the wait? The catfight?  Absolutely!  The accessories can’t be beat, and the shoe department features the British brands that I haven’t seen since I was back in Jolly Ole England. 

So next time you visit the Big Apple head downtown to Topshop on the corner of Broome and Broadway – you’ll be glad you took the trip and will come back with lots of goodies.  Take a look here for just a taste of the awesome stuff this store has to offer.