Wild Things

When it's too cold out for your strappy sandals, bring out the boots! Er, well, booties. Booties are so fun and versatile that I just can't get enough of them! They come in about any style or pattern; wedge or stilletto, print or plain. Though, the very popular style this season are wedges. They create a whole canvas, uninterrupted by thin heels or cut-outs. Almost everyone is making them- from Marc Jacobs to Lanvin. The fun part is that, since winter is all about layering, you can pair these with colorful socks or tights for a very stylish outcome. Wearing black wedge booties, bright tights, and a pleated skirt is perfection. Fashion is all about mixing the new with the old, the bright and the neutral, and the funky and girly, right? Keep that in mind when wearing these fashion-forward shoes; it's sure to make a statement.*

*Leopard Camouflage Wedge Bootie, $45, ThreadSence.com.

Cozy Threads

As un-stylish you may think that a cardigan is, it's a staple. You absolutely need one in your closet. Sure, they're super-convinient when it's cold outside, but not full-on coat weather, but they can also be surprisingly fashionable. Plus, you can wear them with almost anything. Wear it with slouchy boyfriend jeans and a faded Tee to give off a cool, casual feel. Wear it with sequin shorts and chunky heels to dress it up and still be cozy. It works because it's not as intense as a rough leather jacket or as posh as a peacoat. Also, mix it with another on-trend object. Try a forest-green cardi with rich brown riding boots for a subtly stylish feel. There are so many styles too: oversized, shrunken, sequined, embroidered. They make one for every taste (even if you usually go for the leather and black, AllSaints makes a hardcore version while still keeping the comfortable look). So, stay warm this winter with a classic cardigan.*

*Jenni Hooded Cardigan, $285 (£185), Toast.Co.Uk

Eye Candy

Recently, small chains and baubles have gone out of style for something a little more striking. These new wonders are reffered to as "Bib Necklaces". I don't really like the term, but we'll go with it. Usually these necklaces have large beads, metal chains, sequins, or some kind of cloth in the front and then they're tied back with a smaller ribbon or chain. A lot of designers have been producing necklaces (some cute ones are made by Kate Spade,  Juicy Couture, and Roberto Cavalli). The fascinating thing about these necklaces is that they don't only stick to plain beads and chains. Some are really edgy and use studs and leather, and some are girly and use chiffon, lace, and rows of dangling crystals. Whether wild or classic, femminine or punk, everyone can use one of these in their jewelry box.*

*Fenton Flo Bib, $850, CharmAndChain.com.

Enviable Look Of The Season...

This month's enviable look can be used throughout the whole season! Teen Wolf's Crystal Reed shines with burgundy lips and fluttery lashes. Below I've listed all of the beauty essentials you need to reproduce this chic look.        

1. Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Crème Lip Colour in Gabrielle

2. Covergirl LashBlast Volume

3. Sula Natural Blush in Forget Me Not (gives off a very natural glow without too much glitter)      

 4. Formula 10.0.6 Seriously Shine Free Mattifying Moisturizer (Use under your favorite foundation for a dewy glow)

5. Eyestudio Master Drama Cream Pencil in Brown by Maybelline (for an extra smoky look)

6. Do a small braid at your hairline and scrunch loose strands with KMS Hairplay Sea Salt Spray for beachy waves.

*Extra Note: To completely pull this off, make sure that your eyebrows are shaped correctly and not over plucked. Smaller eyebrows would be swallowed up by this dark look.

Have fun and try this out for your next holiday party or event!*

Bring Out the Glitter...

Why settle for a boring black tulle or classic satin dress this season? Stand out among the crowd with something glittering. Be it sequins or sparkles, you can wear them in many ways. If you're a little color shy, go for large, matte, pale sequins and wear them in a classic way (a lά Lauren Conrad). If you're a little bolder with your clothing choices, try small grains of glitter in bright colors, like violet, fuschia, or crimson. Or meet in the middle and try glitter in natural shades (taupe, peach, and copper.) Any way you wear them, they'll give you inst-confidence and make you shine from the inside out- literally on the outside. Just keep two things in mind when wearing sparkle: 1. Use it in moderation; no one wants to look like a human snow globe. 2. When wearing glitters, keep your shapes classic. Don't chose a dress that's too poofy or tight and glittery. They work best with A-Line skirts/ dresses, crisp-cut blazers, and scallop-edged shorts. Have fun adding a little glitz to your wardrobe!*

*Asos Astrid Glitter Ankle Boot, $117, Asos.com.

Hairspray and Oil and Gels, Oh My!

Don't let the cold air dry out your hair this season! Hair tucked into wool hats can get static-y and create split ends *Yuck!*. So to avoid any of this, I've created a list of all the tools we need to keep our locks in tip-top shape:

1. Some kind of oil serum to slick down the ends of our hair (relaxes frizziness and static). I use L'anza Neem Plant Silk Serum.
2. A dry shampoo. Can be a total lifesaver. Since you're only supposed to wash your hair every other day, it also helps with preventing damage and keeping color-treated hair. I use Treseme Dry Shampoo for Straight/Oily Hair.
3. A good blow dryer/straightener. This is crucial for keeping your hair sleek and managable. If you like your hair wavy instead, here's a little trick. After I get out of the shower, I part my hair in half and do two braids. When you wake up in the morning your hair will be dry and perfectly crimped. Spray with medium hold hairspray and, viola! Plus you don't damage your hair with steam-innducing curling irons.

So there are the essentials. Also it helps to hit up the fashion mags and get some ideas so your hair doesn't fall into drab-territory. Mix a new hairstyle into your weekly rountine and wow everyone!*

*For the instructions to achieve the fabulousness shown in the picture above, visit: http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair-ideas/artsy-knotted-pigtails

A Perfect Recipe for Less-Than-Great Days

Layer up! Nothing adds insta-attitude like a jacket that transforms your whole look! So many different jacket styles are in this year (go figure, we aren't excactly wearing bikinis this time of year.) Moto, Shearling, and Varsity jackets are all totally in and can make your outfit tres chic. If you're looking for a more effortlessly-cool jacket, try a sleek black one. Classic. Besides, it gives you this whole tough-girl image that gives you a huge confidence boost (believe me, I wore a tough looking silver and black leather jacket today, and everytime someone complimented it it was such an ego boost!) So there you go, every time you're having a bad day slip into one of these and fall into a shower of Oohs and Ahhs. Pair a more rugged jacket with a flirty pink dress and pearls and Viola!The perfect mix of edgy and sweet. Pair a Varsity with an airy white sun-dress and a vintage belt. Totally boho with a sprinkle of on-trend fashion. The possibilities are endless.*

*Faith Connection Leather Biker Jacket, $1,330, Net-A-Porter.com.

A Bold Choice

You being the style icon that you are, know that just because our outfits might require a scarf or leather gloves now, doesn't mean that all of your dresses have to be stored in the back of your closet. I personally, don't enjoy the company of jeans as much as I do of a flowy dress or tulle skirts. And sometimes, I dread when the degrees start dropping, but there's a solution. Tights. No, not the old, really thick stockings that everyone use to wear. In all the fashion mags I picked up this month, there was a section on tights. Bold, printed, candy-colored tights. Mostly, I've seen them in surprising colors (like pumpkin and deep greens), color-block patterns, and dainty prints. All of these are different and can add dramatic effect to your entire look. Play up a boring dress with bright pink tights- or stay demure and wear lace or black polka-dot ones. Stay wary or colors too light or floral prints though, they scream Spring-Fling. Also, tights have numbers: They're measured by Denier. The Denier of a pair of tights is how dark they are and keep their color when you put them on and they stretch. Opt for a 120 Denier, as a rule of thumb, don't stray below 80. Anything else with fade color when you put them on and create that washed-out effect. Now that you know the rules, keep your riding boots looking fab with leg cover ups!*

*Bow Net Tights, $20, BetseyJohnson.com

Queen Bee

Yesterday was the first day of Fall- guess what that means? Homecoming! That's right, dances and football games galore! Okay, we can skip out on the sports parts and just jump to the wearing party dresses part. Even if you don't have a homecoming, there are plenty of parties and events during the Fall and Winter, so stock up on statement dresses! Peachy pastels are so last season; instead, opt for color-rich frocks or bold prints in darker shades. If you usually go for light colors, try a jewel-tone purple or blue, and pair it with girly rhinestones and pearls. If you're already naturally nocturnal, play up an LBD or red dress (keep the color range from cherry to dark burgundy) with a leather jacket or studded booties. The key to stand out is wear something unexpected, and keep from looking too "done", nothing is worse than looking like Barbie-meets-the-girl-from-prom-in-Napolean-Dynamite. So keep the hair original, try vampy makeup, or maybe just slip on some statement shoes. Believe me, you'll be the life of the party.*

*Fanfare for the Uncommon Girl Dress, $157.99, ModCloth.com

P.S. This dress isn't even available yet! It will be soon though, so be ahead of the curve.

Tough Love

As I've said before, my style is really girly. But recently, I've been falling in love with a lot of edgy peices- we're talking leather, studs, and spikes. And I'm not moving towards punk territory or anything, but there's no reason we can't mix it up once in a while, right? I mean, everyone's style evolves over time. Mine already has; I've gone from plaid mini skirts and Converse to bold patterns and eclectic jewelry. I've recently found myself reaching towards the black nailpolish more often than the light pink. And I have even grown a fondness for the friendship bracelets with studs instead of gold charms. So as you see, I'm going through a phase. It might pass, or it might define my style for a while. Anyways, enough about me. Tough chic necklaces have been around for a while, but I haven't been able to appreaciate them until now. You can find this type of jewelry everywhere, from Forever 21 to Alexander McQueen to Betsey Johnson. For a sum up of this style, I would describe it as: Any peice of jewelry that consists of studs, heavy chains, skulls, or anything that looks painful if contacted with skin, or anything that makes you feel totally bad-ass. So, now that we know what to look for, if you look closely, these peices are everywhere. Sometimes they're even hidden. An example? A skull necklace, embellished with pink crystals. So that would be for the people who are still a little wary about this trend. You can hide the peices with jewels or ribbons (a la Juicy Couture.) Next time you're jewelry shopping, work your way through all the demure pink bead fluff and go for something a little more memorable.*

*Assad Mounser Spike and Stud Layered Necklace, $374, LuisaViaRoma.com

Like An Old Friend

Sometimes we need items that we can always rely on. Those stylish pumps that never disappoint, the black dress that can be worn with anything, or even something as simple as an old pair of jeans that you've worn holes in the knee, but still look great with anything. But now, you don't have to wear a shirt sixteen times to know that it will look great with almost everything in your closet. I"ve recently been spotting a lot of what I like to call "Comfort Clothes". Cothes that almost look a little old, or that you know you'll fit great in because it reminds you of something you used to have in your closet. I know this phenomenom might sound a little silly, but people tend to lean towards comfort over fashion, right? Hopefully none of us think that way, but nether the less it's true. Anyways, if an outfit looks comfortable, or like something that would look as good as that old crew-neck cashmere sweater that you wear every week of the winter, then you're most likely going to buy it. Maybe what I'm getting at is that these types of clothes would be like if you went into your mother's closet and tried on her beaded ensombles from the seventies. They should look and fit almost like magic. I know that this post has seemed more like a wistful thinking instead of a fashion article, but keep your eyes open, I'm sure that you'll find what I'm talking about the next time you go shopping.*

*Have We Met Dress, $84.99, ModCloth.com.
P.S: Isn't the name of this dress fitting for the idea of this blog post?

L'amour du Rouge à Lèvres...

Not only should you change your clothes when you seasons start changing, you should change your makeup routine! Well maybe not all of it. But while Spring and Summer calls for light, non-sticky balms and chapsticks (jam-packed with SPF!), the UV Rays have faded a little. And that means we can ditch the boring, colorless lip-shields, and mix it up with something a little richer. Lipsticks are forever stylish, and can change an entire look. A plain white t-shirt (not that any of us would wear this other than to a gym, but bear with me) and a pair of boyfriend jeans can be transformed into something great with the right red lipstick. And fall is all about drama, so scarlets, wines and even violets are all welcome. Try a bold fuschia with gold and taupe shimmering eye makeup, or maybe a firey hue with a sleek, black cat-eye. If you are a little lipstick-shy, try a tinted lip gloss with a dark color. Since it's a gloss, when it's on your lips, the color will be muted a good couple of shades!*

*Lipstick in Rio Rio, $8.00, TopShop.com

Something To Keep You Warm...

The air is getting breezy, and the days are starting to get slightly shorter. But the lack of sunlight for an extra hour or two doesn't mean you can slack off on your outfit! The truth is, fall fashions are where you really get to dress well. You can layer up (wear the ever-cozy cardigans, scarves, and even nerd chic sweater vests) and you get to wear all the high-heeled leather boots that you want! But aren't we forgetting something here? Ooh, that's right. Gloves! Not only are they a cold-weather staple, they are totally fashionable. And if you think I'm crazy, please erase that image of fuzzy mittens out of your brain. I'm not talking about those kinds of gloves! I'm talking about glovettes, leather driving gloves, and even retro elbow length gloves! Designers like Valentino, Agent Provocateur, Mullberry, and Gucci are going insane over this hot new(ish) trend! There are so many variations, including: patent leather, bows, animal prints, and velvet! Also, if your style is a little edgier, try a fingerless style in a bold red shade! There are way too many to chose just one style!*

*Leisurely Drive Glovelettes, $50, ModCloth.com.

Polish Makes Perfect...

I just painted my nails lilac, and I feel like I have commited some terrible fashion sin. This terrible fear of nail polishes that clash with everyday outfits occured because of one of my style icons, Nina Garcia. In her style book, The One Hundred, she states: "Nail polish should go to extremes. Always. Go for either the vamp red or the light, light pink. Maybe black satin if you feel like being goth or punk rock. But do not dip into the middle-ground palette. Corals  and fuschias are just asking for trouble." So technically I'm breaking the fashion rule of always opting for a red, black pink or clear nail. So, I'm deciding to write my own set of rules. How about... If one is caught in a sticky situation and falls in love with a colorful nail varnish, always make sure your outfit is either, white, black, or gray (anything else might clash.) I think that sounds better. So now you are free to paint your nails any color you like- except yellow.. That's just bad. No matter how good you may think it looks with your skin tone. So have fun, and paint away!*

Travel In Style

I don't know about you guys, but I love traveling. Okay, maybe not the actual action of traveling, but I like visiting different places. And we all know that when we do travel, we need a purse to store all of our on-flight necessities. The thing is, way too many times I've seen women carrying old canvas bags that look a little too much like picnick baskets *Cue gagging*. Why  they would choose this when there are so many adorable bigger bags to pick from leaves me baffled. Designers make so many purses just for the sole purpose of traveling! But don't be fooled by the very convincing bag that looks huge and actually has no space on the inside. Make sure that whatever travel bag you choose can contain a change of clothes, maybe a pair of flats if you have to walk a lot in the air ports but also wants to take along some heels, must-have lipglosses, a perfume, a hair brush and the new editions of your favorite fashion mags. If the purse you pick holds all of these things, and whatever else you need to survive the long flight, spare no time in going straight to the cash register!*

*Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Leather Pearl, $412.20, Couture.Zappos.com

Freedom of Expression

So, as you may probably be able to tell by most of my posts, I am a full-on girly-girl. We're talking skirts and dresses every day of the week (except during the winter when I'm forced to wear jeans and sweaters...*shudder*.) But it's also hard not to admire those girls who have that aura of coolness. You know who they are, they're usually wearing Vans, skinny jeans, and some over-washed looking Tee. And even though I don't usually wear any of these items, it's the way that they wear the clothes and represent themselves that make the items cool. And that's why I like shirts that have meaning. With these shirts, you can say so much with actually saying nothing at all. Think about it, if you see someone with a shirt that says "Party Animal" it gives off a completely different vibe than someone who's shirt says "Free Hugs". I used those examples because I have two friends with those two shirts and they have quite different personalities. So  few are the oppotunities when you can really speak with the clothes you wear.  So next time you go shopping, try to find a shirt that fits your personality, you'll be surprised at how coincidential these shirts can be. Delias, AllSaints, and ModCloth have some very cute and even witty shirts.*

*Drama Queen - Unisex Tee, $77, WildFoxCouture.com.

Pants To Pair With... Anything?

Okay. This is one article of clothing that I don't have. *Gasp*. And I need them- imediatly. Trousers: I used to this that they were the icky pants that middle-aged women wore while they were working in a cubicle. I was obviously mistaken. So I did a little research on this, and it's surprising how many different colors, prints, and fabrics that they come in! Though some way we have to block out some of the crazy colors and psychedelic prints and pick a pair that can go with everything (that's the first step anyway..) I've noticed that trousers give off a slight vintage feel, and I love that about them! Also, they aren't usually super heavy, or too sheer, so they're great for the colder days that are quickly approaching. Another great thing about these pants is that they go with almost anything- dress them up with suede heels and a sequin tops, or keep them cool and wear them with converse and a vintage concert tee. The point is, you can adjust them to fit whatever style you want to try out for the day! I'm predicting this cute trend won't go out of style anytime soon.*

*3.1 Phillip Lim Knot-front stretch-silk pants, $350, Net-a-porter.com

Seasons Change, Scents Change.

Summer is definately leaving us soon. So, as we dutifully change out of our bikinis and start to go into the the dark corner of our closets where school clothes and scarves are stored, we have to think about something else. Perfume. Now I don't know about you, but I have a favorite scent; Nanette Lepore. The only downside to this flirty perfume is that has a definate time frame. I can basically only wear it from Spring to Summer (for those of you who have never encountered Nanette Lepore- her first perfume, [self titled]- it is mainly composed of rose.) So, needless to say, it does not fill the requirements for a fall perfume. During this time of year, I try to use a richer, almost woodsy scent. So no rose (or pretty much any florals) or anything that smells too tropical and light (I have a Harajuku Lovers perfume by Gwen Stefani that smells just like a pina colada, so nothing along those lines...) The good thing is that there are so many options when it comes to picking a perfume; so it's easy to have a lot of scents that you switch from. Take a little inspiration from the scenery around you, that is anyway, where a lot of designers get their ideas not only for perfumes but for clothes and accesories too!*

*Burberry Brit for Women, Perfumania.com, $82.

A Fresh Idea

Denim has always been an staple American fashion. Though, after many years of an incredible amount of jeans and shorts, the fabric can become a little monotonous. That's why designers have come up with very new, fashion-forward ways to wear this timeless material. One of the things that came back onto the scene are jean jackets. But not the boring '90s version. Think boxier, some even blazer-like. This gives off a cool vibe (and hey, maybe you can even pass it off as proffesional...) Another thing that is really popular right now is resin-coated denim, but you can see my very first post for more details about this! One of my favorites that I've seen a lot of recently are shoes (mostly wedges) using denim as the top fabric! Very cute. Some denim no-no's? Acid washed jeans- wayyy too 1960's for my taste. And even though candy-colored jeans, bright red, pink, even yellow *shudder*- seem to be back in style, I'm still not a huge fan. But if you're the adventurous type, go for it.*

*Myriam Jacket, $100, Toast.co.us

A Pop of Print!

Summer does not only bring sunshine and time off from school- it brings trends, that as the fashion-forward ladies that we are, must dutifully follow! Well, maybe not all of them, but as many that appeal to our taste. This year in particular, a lot of "tribal" prints have been showing up, well, everywhere! I looked up the definition of "tribal", just to be clear on what this particular print was (because I've seen many variations.) What I got was: 'of, relating to, or characteristic of a tribe.' Oookay. That didn't help much. So I came up with my own definition. Tribal Print: A design, usually withholding many colors; may contain various geometric shapes. I think my definition is a little better. Anyways this new trend is popping up everywhere- Tees, sheer blouses, sun dresses, shoes, even jewelry! The pattern is a little busy, and may not fit everyone's style, but is worth giving a try. I have definately already stocked up on this season's most-used print!*

*T-shirt - Away Modekugden.se, $55

Winter ReWorked.

Okay, so we all know that it isn't heavy-wool scarf season yet; but there's nothing wrong with mixing it up a bit! Scarves come in a lot of different weights and materials. Lighter ones work great with summer outfits (you just have to know what to pair them with!) Scarves also have many different prints- tribal prints especially seem to be popular this season. You can also go a little girlier with florals or mix femminine and punk (like the scarve I chose for this post. Note: the small white skulls!) Scarves like this also tend to provide a lot of fabric, so they can be multi-purpose! Wrap them around your head at the beach, keep it simple and wear them around your neck, even tie it around your purse if you don't feel like actually wearing it! Also, a personal favorite of mine is when the the fabric is slightly see-through and not stretchy (it gives off a put-together vibe.) Though, every one has personal favorites- choose one that fits your sense of style and you'll be set for the rest of the summer-and maybe even Fall-.*

*Tsumori Chisato Dot Scarf - Peach, $245, OpeningCeremony.us.

Coco Chanel Was Once Just A Hat Designer...

UV Rays, long beach days... All require a floppy hat. A big hat to hide under white the sun pounds down is not only great protection, but can be very stylish. Besides, who wants to be caught with salt water hair after  a day by the waves?! Hats are all over the runways, magazines and streets this season! So this proves that they aren't just pool-side accescories. Slouch hats, Panamas, and Wide-Brimmed Derby hats are very style-concious choices. Some of the more popular ones this summer are actually menswear-inspired. Though a lot of them are more on the femminine side, a lot have tougher, masculine characteristics. So whether you're playing it soft and sweet, or raw and edgy, grab a hat! (Not only will your skin be thankful for the protection, but you'll look effortlessly chic!)*

*Black Striped Floppy Hat, $16, debenhams.com.

Laces & Leather.

Is anyone else tired of all of the neutral and flower printed Oxfords this season? I know- Oxfords are totally in style. But I thought the whole point of this hot new shoe style was to take a menswear shoe and make it feminine.. All of the black, brown, and cream shades aren't really helping the whole feminine factor. So I say, ditch the boring hues that everyone's wearing and try somehing new! I have recently been seeing a lot of designers bringing out this shoe in metallics, bold shades, and rich colors (navy, burgundy, Hunter Green...) and I think that this is way more stylish. Designers like Moschino, Miu Miu and Elizabeth & James make gorgeous variations. So instead of floating with the crowd of neutrals and the very over-used floral print, take a risk and try something that is sure to make you stand out this season!*

*Miz Mooz Farrell, $120, InfinityShoes.com.

Sure To Be A Knock Out!

I've recently become obsessed with knuckle rings. They've been in style for a while now, but they're still a really hot trend. And that's great, because most of them are super cute. They can carry a lot of different vibes too. They can be bold and tough, edgy and punk, or even girly and full of filigree. So there's one for every taste. A friend and I recently purchased matching knuckle rings, (Aztec Dreaming Knuckle Ring, $14, ThreadSence.com), and they stand out even more than a cocktail ring. They're loud and attention-grabbing like a big cocktail ring, except they cover your entire finger, or in some cases, multiple fingers along the knuckle. Grab one of these hand decor spectacles! And remember, the bigger and more dramatic, the better!*

*Low Luv by Erin Wasson Amour, $82, ShopTheTrendBoutique.com.

A Dash of Color...

We all know that bold colors make you stand out. But that statement seems a little classic now. Why not be sneaky with your color choices? You could be wearing a LBD and them surprise the eye with bright teal snakeskin heels. It's all about keeping everything else simple and keeping the focus on one item that you want to really stand out. The classics are classics because they always work, so by using this method, you'll be sticking to what you know works, but taking a teenytiny risk. There's no harm in just one unusual or surprising thing in an outfit. Actually, that's when the outfits are the best. This is also great for summer because bright colors are always wearable during this time. So snag a hot pink leather bag or even just put on some lemon-yellow nailpolish. Anything that's unexpected will work like a charm.*

*Kate Spade New York Lacey, $146, Couture.zappos.com.

Retro Chic

Leave your aviators and nerd-chic glasses at home this summer! Cat-Eye glasses are all over the streets and runways this season. The retro look came onto the fashion scene late this Spring and hasn't left since! The new models aren't as dramatic as the actual Cat-Eye glasses from the forties and fifties (they're way cuter!) These have an understated look, but they're still different from regular, round oversized glasses. They come in a bunch different colors and designs. Tinted or clear frames. The ones I chose for this blog post I especially liked because it has a cheetah print which gives them an extra "catty" feel. I recently bought a oversized mint-green pair with clear lenses (from Urban Outfitters.) Whatever color, size, or lense type you choose, snag a pair while the cute trend is in style!*

*Sunglasses P. Barbado, $38, Mango.com.

Paper Crown!

Okay, so I am a huge Lauren Conrad fan. I've watched almost every single episode of The Hills. So you could say that I'm a little excited for her new line Paper Crown to come out. If you've seen or purchased something from her earlier line, Lauren Conrad, you'll be delightfully surprised. I think Paper Crown offers sleeker, easy-to-mix peices that can add functionality to any wardrode. Her peices vary from classic button-down tops, to faux leather leggings, to floor length floral gowns. I think there's a little for everyone in this line. There are two collections so far, one for Fall 2011, and a "Holiday" collection. The Fall collection contains khaki shorts, flowy skirts, and sheer blouses. While the Holiday collection is made up of velvet gowns and deep hued maxi skirts and tops. Most of the peices remind me of things you would find at Urban Outfitters (it has that modern, cool feel.) Anyways, check out both of the collections and see what you think. I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do!*

*Hudson Short in Camel, Blouse Available Holiday 2011, Paper-crown.com/lookbook.html.

Your Own Jingle...

What better way to spice up an outfit than with an armful of colorful bracelets? I love wearing a bunch of different bracelets (the combination of vintage pieces, thin bangles, and chunky plastic bracelets can go really well together if you pick the right ones!) It all depends on your personal style, if you like hearing clinky chimes whenever you move your arm, go for metal bangles in different metallic colors; if you don't go for soft thread friendship bracelets, glass beads, and fun plastic ones! It's all about a cool mix that all meshes well together. There are so many different styles to choose from that can work for any distinct taste!*

*Kate Spade New York- Live Colorfully Idiom Bangles, $58, Bloomingdales.com.

A Little Lesson in Color...

"Dress the part you want to play." As one of my style icons Nina Garcia said. She was referring to cocktail party attire, which is perfect for this post! The color of what you wear can sum you (and your attitude!) up in just one glance. Think about it: If you're at a party, the girl with the shy wallflower-y personality isn't going to be wearing a dramatic hot pink gown! No, she's most likely going to be wearing a classic black dress- safe and demure. And the life of the party wouldn't be caught dead in something dark or dull! So basically it just comes down to your personality and what message you want to give off. The same rules apply to the style of the dress (anything too tight or short would totally give off the wrong image!) So next time you're going to a party or just dinner at your friend's house, think about what look you want to portray and stay true to what your personal style is!*

*Chiffon Bandaeu Dress by Rare**, $110, Topshop.com.

Swim Suit Season!

Summe's all about major fun in the sun, right? Well you won't be able to soak up all the UV Rays without a cute bathing suit! Swim suits are like the Little Black Dress of the summer (actually, Lauren Conrad even named black bikinis the LBB, an ode to the Little Black Dress!) Anyways, the point is, we all need one. Whether it's for beach days, water parks, or even just a tanning booth! The best part is, there are so many to choose from! Bandeau, bikini, halter, cut-out... The list goes on and on! From PacSun to DVF, you can get a bathing suit from about any designer or clothing store! Each has their own style too! Girly and lacy, dark and paint splattered, chic and simple- there's a perfect one for everyone's taste.*

*Zimmermann Whisper Laced Underwire Bikini, $245, My-Wardrobe.com.

Tanks & Ties

Tight sequin or glitter tops are so last season! Try a loose, flowy shirt this summer! Not only are really tight shirts constricting, but they can be way too hot for the weather! Flowy tanks give off a cool-California vibe. Tops like this are also perfect as swim suit cover ups! Most of them are a little longer cut, so they'll be perfect to wear at the beach or poolside! Plus almost all stores carry them (and they can be super affordable!) And since most of them are made of really light, thin material, you can pack a bunch of them in your suitcase when you go on any amazing vacations! Well, whatever way you'll be spending your school vaca, wear one of the latest trends, and show off a cute tank!*

*Knotee Sargent Tank Top, $54, Buckle.com.

Blast From the Past

Bustiers: The hot new trend that's catching flames everywhere. Bustiers remind me a little of corsets, but without all the extra frills and ribbons tied up in the front. Everywhere I go, I see some interpretation of this new style: Urban Outfitters, Forever21, and of coarse, the more 'runway' designers. I absolutely love the new(ish) style! It's great because it's a crop-top but not loose and flowy like the originals. This is totally perfect to wear with high-waisted shorts, or trousers (for a elegant-and-edgy feel.) They also come in a bunch of different prints- though the ones that I've seen the most of are floral prints. But is that a surprise? Everything's coming in florals this season! But if flowers aren't really your thing, try out the new trend in checkers, polka dots, or stripes!*

*Multi Floral Denim Crop Top, ₤35, TopShop.com.

Back To Basics.

I've been talking nonstop about the latest trends, what's new this season, and what's great for this summer. But really, I haven't even focused on the more important thing. Basic- things that will never go out of style; things that when that red sequined mini dress fails you, will always be in the back of your closet, there for you. Okay, I know that I just personified an article of clothing, but it's true. A little black dress will never go out of style. Mostly because black is always in, and simple things don't have all the fuss of sequins or beading to make a dress so-last-year. But fashion is also about taking the classics, things that you know will always work, and making them edgy and new. So take that LBD out from the back of your closet and pair it with red heels with studs on them, or with a bright blue snakeskin clutch. As long as it works, knock yourself out.*

*Shown on left: Totally Awestruck Dress, $100, ModCloth.com.

Styling With Skirts

Ditch the boring blues and blacks this season, and throw on a little color! Not only are skirts always in, but they're good for showing off your new tan! Everyone needs atleast two great skirts in their closet (or in my case...20?) Skirts are not only great because most of them are super cute, but you can mix them with any top that you want- as long as it doesn't clash!- and you can make an outfit totally your own! Dressing is all about self-expression anyway. This summer, let's just hope that your self-expression isn't morbid, so you can try out a bunch of new skirt trends, like florals, tribal prints, or even tie-dye! I know, tie-dye... A little hippie, but when used in moderation, can have a great effect on your ensomble! Just remember: tight skirt=flowy top, tight top=loose skirt!*

*Shown on left: Purple Embroidered Hem Skirt, $76, TopShop.com

Fancy in Florals

The only thing better than actual flowers, are flowers in print! Summer is fun and adventurous, I don't know about you, but I don't want to be burdened by having to carry around a huge so-last-season velvet tote. No, everyone should have a cute clutch like this for days when all you really need is a couple of bucks and your favorite lipgloss! (and lipstain, lipstick, lipbalm... Ect. Haha. Just kidding.) Anyways, a purse like this could always come in handy! Not only is it small and compact, so it doesn't take up much room, but it also has a floral print, which is all over the runways (and streets) this season!*

*Lulu Guinness Leona Bow Pink Floral Leather Clutch Bag, $231, Coggles.com.

Sequins, Denim, Leather, Silk...

Most people live in shorts all summer. I've always been more of a dress and skirts girl, but I can't help but admire a pair of beautiful shorts. They come in all styles too! Denim, leather, silk, sequined, acid-washed, tweed, patterned, scallop-edged and sooo many more. This year, I've especially been seeing a lot of denim shorts with flower prints on them. It's really trendy, and very seasonal. High-waisted shorts are also all over the fashion world (they're also all over photographs from the 1950's, considering this style is totally retro.) Anyways, shorts are perfect for summer, and perfect for your wardrobe!*

*Hali Cut-Out Coral Shorts, $228, RebeccaMinkOff.com.

A Sheer Summer

Summer calls for light clothes and light colors. Dark and heavy just doesn't mix will with sunshine. I love the idea of sheer clothes, they're airy and whimsical (even though it can be a pain to find a tank top that layers perfectly with a see-through shirt!) Sheer shirts can also be frilled and really feminine, or they can be simple and like a menswear shirt. Really loose, simple ones can even be worn on top of a bathinsuit, and be made into a stylish cover-up, (Audrey Hepburn style, with a twist.) Whether you keep it casual, or you choose to pair it with a skirt and heels, a sheep top is definately a must-have this season. Designers are going crazy trying to make the absolute thinnest material possible- why not have a little fun with it?*

*Cream Elasticated Bow Sheer Blouse, $75, TopShop.com.

Party Time!

One thing I can never have enough of is dresses. Well, party dresses. I think all the sequins and tulle makes them better. Anyways, there are so many websites that sell the the cutest dresses! I've recently discovered ModCloth.com, one of many of my favorite sites to dress shop! Summer's all about having fun after all, so wwhy nhy not look super stylish while doing it? So when you aren't lounging in the sun, try on some sparkley dresses and have fun! I'm sure it'll go great with your tan.*                                                                                                         *Pop Prima Donna Dress, $119, ModCloth.com.

Flowers, Flowers, Everywhere- Try Some Flowers in Your Hair!

Ahh... Flowers. They scream Spring and Summer. With everyone wearing feathers or those little streamer things in their hair, why not try a fresher trend? Flowers also go way better with that little sun dress you've been meaning to wear! Though it would be so cooler if we all actually had the time to make Daisy Chains and wreaths, most of us don't. So faux-flowers are the way to go! But that's not bad, there are plenty that look real- go for airy chiffon, not satin! That could end up looking like one of those fake flower bouquets you can purchase at craft stores. Yikes! Whatever look you go for, wear them with a fun summer vibe, that's the most important part!*

*Shown on left: Beige Flower Garland, $20, DorothyPerkins.com.

Cocktail Rings Never Go Out Of Style, Honey.

Cocktail rings never go out of style... It's true. They were given their name because women would wear big, crystal rings to go and drink cocktails at illegal parties during the Prohibition... And guess what. They're still glamorous. And still definately my favorite accesory. Every designer makes them too! Plus, there's so many colors and styles to choose from, that you can have plenty for every season. Has any one else seen those rings with tiny animals on them? Superrr cute. So, next time you go out, wear a ring! I'm sure everyone will be staring at your hand all day!*

*Purple Red Ring, $200, Swarovski Crystals.

Everyone Needs A Little Crazy...

Aside from all the classic peices that designers put out on the runways, there are some very eccentric things in the fashion world. I believe that, if you're going to spend mega-bucks on something designer, it should be something bold and amazing. Something that makes everyone at the party ask you who you're wearing. I have plenty of crazy peices in my closet, probably more than normal peices.. One of my favorite designers to go to when I need a statement peice is Tarina Tarintino. Her jewelry, hair clips, and yes, even tiaras, are stunning (and also super compliment-worthy!) So when you're one compliment short, or just feel like being a risk-taker, reach for these funky, plastic jewels!*

*Shown here: Tarina Tarintino Barbie Cameo Necklace, TarinaTarintino.com.

Summer Hair, Summer Flair

As we all know, trends don't only apply to clothes and shoes! Hair, jewelry, even nail polish have trends too! I'm not going to talk about hair color, because all the blogs and fashion magazines seem to say the same thing. Lighten your hair for summer, darken it during the fall. Whatever. Instead, I'm going to talk about what you can do with the hair you already have! So what I've been seeing a lot of lately is a pretty classic style, gone modern. The latest trend is a kind of Brigette Bardot hairstyle, with a little pouf in the front, but instead of catching the hair in the back in a high ponytail, it's just let loose. Kind of a half-up, half-down look. I'm definately going to try this new(ish) look! Fashion is about sticking to the classics that will always work and making them your own anyways!

Summer Shoes...

There's nothing better than wedges in the summertime... Except of coarse, boots in the fall. Anyways, designers are really focusing on this type of shoe this season. Espadrille, wood, cork, you name it! Just a little history- The wedge started being made in just Espadrille. Espadrille was used in South America, and was just used to make flat shoes. An American designer traveled, saw the material, and asked if they could make it in a heel. Later, the shoes were a hit, and saved the crumbling South American shoe company! Well now the shoe is made in all types of different materials and is definately one of the most on-trend things this summer! Every one needs a pair in their closet! From Louis Vuitton to Forever21, they're everywhere, and in every style!*

*Shown on left: Raso Espadrille wedges, $280, Marc Jacobs.

Summer Calls for...SPF!

Beach days bring sand, surfing, and SUN! I just spent the last weekend at the beach and used SPF 4. Bad, I know. But I thought that I always tanned really easily. Well I was surprised! When I got home, I was shocked to see that I had an awful sunburn, and my lips were horribly chapped. I didn't have any lip balm with sun protectant, so I stuck to Smackers. That was a bad choice too. Then I tried CoverGirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm. This is a total must-have for dry summer days, because it has SPF 15, so it's pretty good for keeping your lips moisturized! Fun in the sun, just needs a little preperation!*             

*Shown: Covergirl Natureluxe Gloss Balm, $6.99, Ulta.com.                                                                

Childhood Memories...

Trend Alert! And this one is quite... juvenile. Friendship bracelets. And very cute ones at that! Designers from all across the fashion world are coming up with their own interpretations: from Juicy Couture's girly ones (made of soft pink and blue threads and embellished with crystals) to tribal, brightly colored ones by intermix.com. Needless to say, the trend is definately catching on, and it's no surprise. These bracelets are very easy to mix with anything else you have in your jewelry box. Pair them with gold bangles, charm bracelets, even watches to have a totally fashion-forward mix.*

*Friendship Bracelet on right: Kris Nations Blue Lapis Friendship Bracelet, $70, MaxAndCleo.

Pretty in...Peach?

Along with the heat and sitting-by-the-ocean days, summer also takes a toll on the fashion world. Good-bye heavy coats and sweaters! *Thank God!* Hello dresses, and skirts, and wedges (Oh my!). Dresses never go out of style, and there are so many to choose from. Ones with cut-out backs and lace are very in right now, so stock up! So whether you spend your summer days pool-side or you spend your days partying, you always need a dress at hand!*

*Dress at left: Peach Spot Mesh Tutu Dress, $150, TopShop.com

Sleek & Shine

Last month's Teen Vouge was the denim issue. A little boring. Blues, blues, blues. Dark washes and light washes. But then something caught my eye. Resin-coated denim. I thought it sounded a little weird at first- but then, I saw the pictures. They were like leather pants, except in any color you wanted. I spotted a pair of teal ones and knew I had to do more research on them! So basically, the denim is coated in resin. Ha, I like fashion, not science. Anyways, after the process is done, viola! Super shiny, almost leather-like jeans. They also don't cost any more than a regular pair of jeans. A lot of different websites are selling them already- the trend is definately catching on. And since this look isn't really summer-appropriate (unless you live somewhere very cold), keep the super-slick look for fall! *