Going to the beach? I have to admit that it is not an easy task with your kids. But I feel at ease if my beachwear is comfortable and I am protected from the sun. I am a big proponent of sun protection intertwined with fashion!

Wearing a bathing suit is a common fear that most moms share. Fortunately there are many options for post- baby figures.  I have seen so many moms wearing the Athleta swimsuits and they look stylish yet not revealing.

I am recommending swimwear with UPF 50+.

• Mums the Word Splice Tankini is fashionable and the pattern hides the trouble tummy areas.
• Mum’s the Word Sunny Boy Short also provides coverage or you can select a solid color bikini bottom.
• Sun Stopper Top is another top option if you want complete coverage from the sun.
• Shadeseeker hat is a must to avoid those harmful rays.
• FitFlops are my favorite beach/pool sandal.  It is the only flip flop that I can walk in. We have previously recommended these sandals.
• Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Brush Perfectly Clear is an amazing sunscreen for your face. It is easy to use and does not cause breakouts.
• This Gravis Hampton Beach Tote is spacious for your personal belongings. It even has eyelets at the bottom of the bag to drain excess water.

Have a great time at the beach and don’t forget the snacks and beach toys!

If you’re a mom, you’ve probably already taken your kids to the swimming pool this summer. By now they could be craving some more action on the grass ’slopes’ of your lawn. IF where you live is not having a huge drought (uh-em!), then a summer slip ‘n slide may be in order. If you’re young-at-heart, you obviously want to test this out yourself to “make sure it’s safe.” (We know the real reason and your secret is safe with us.)

Right now, most swim suits are on sale so sizes are limited.  When you select a suit, you want to pick one that is two sizes bigger than what you normally wear.  So if you are a size 10, you want to get a size 14.  Here’s some cute suits that are slip ‘n slide-proof:

• Miraclesuit Rita one-piece: if you’re a little self-conscious of your tummy, the Miraclesuit will provide you that extra support to pull it in.  The style is super flattering on ALL body types. If you are long-waisted, try the tankini.
• Carmen Marc Valvo tankini:  Tankinis are great if you have a long torso yet want a little extra coverage for your tummy.  This version is ultra flattering on the elongated hourglasses and triangles — gals with small busts.  The extra ruching at the bust adds a little more oomph.  If you prefer a smoother fit, Lisa Curran swimsuits are to die for and you can find them on sale at Bluefly.
• For when you’re preparing lunch or doing other mom duties, wear a cute coverup. Create a boho vibe with an ultra soft bandeau maxi dress or try a lace trim cover-up.

And although normal flip-flops will do in this situation, you may want to indulge and try Mystique sandals. They are really comfortable and certainly dress up a casual look.

With summer in full swing, vacation time is now upon us.  With 2/3 of Americans taking a vacation this summer, half of them will be staying closer to home.  That means “road trip!”

Whether you’re in the car for a few hours to a close-by destination or decide to take some roads less traveled and experience a week in a rental car, here’s something to keep you comfortable and wrinkle-free.

• James Perse drape tank – this is the perfect compromise between the slouchy tee look and something more fitted. Layer it over a colorful fitted tank.
• A performance pant that is perfect for being in the car or getting out to hit a trail.
• A sporty Swiss Military watch with a timer and luminous date display so you don’t forget what day it is and some hip Ray-Bans (3341) to keep you looking cool.
• For $30, try Kavu’s Seattle Sling bag. The fabric prints are summery and the bag is just about the right size so that you don’t feel like you’re lugging the kitchen sink.
• FitFlops – which are supposed to tone your legs and butt when you walk in them but I’ve never noticed anything. They are comfortable though and perfect for slipping off in the car.

Where are you heading this summer?

For the last article of our $1500 Challenge series, I thought it best to cover something we all tend to shop for as an afterthought: accessories.  Accessories keep an outfit interesting and can convey your personal style much more easily than a Splendid tee.

Try and find the best quality you can afford when it comes to your accessories since they last a lifetime (or should!) in your wardrobe.  Here’s some recommendations to get you started:

• Diane von Furstenberg Deidre python chain belt, $175. This thin double belt is super elegant and can dress up a long knit top or your little black dress.
• Gold Concave Ring, $84 — this is the perfect subdued statement ring.
• Marc by Marc Jacobs croc handbag, $278. This ultra soft croc-embossed patent leather bag perfect for Spring and Summer.
• Tissue-weight cashmere wrap, $90. You can tie it around your neck as a scarf or use it as a wrap for a night out.
• Rachel Leigh Jewelry Gumball Ring, $72. Okay, so it’s resin but the real one would throw us out of our entire budget.
• Echo oblong print scarf, $58. An oblong scarf is much easier to tie and looks great around the neck or used as a headband.
• Michael Kors Gansevoort tote, $330. If you have a black or brown handbag, add some fun to your wardrobe with something colorful. Green or blue are great colors for handbags since they tend to go with most everything.
• Tuleste Market chain link necklace/belt, $148. I love multi-functional items and this necklace/belt combo is perfect for any gal’s demanding clothing moods. It looks great as a necklace and even more sublime as a belt.
• Lauren lizard embossed clutch, $250. An animal print bag or shoe is perfect for day and night — this one is the ideal addition to a wardrobe.

The total accessories wardrobe comes to $1485 –  there’s certainly enough to buy yourself some fun bangles (from Target, uh-em.)

The $1500 Wardrobe Challenge continues and today’s post is for mom’s and gals who lead a more casual lifestyle.  When carving the wardrobe, I took the approach to spend the money on the items where the cost per wear is worth it (bottoms, special dresses and shoes) and go for inexpensive but fun tops that can stand the abuse of children yet not have you fret if it just got ruined during a finger-painting session.

The two bottoms that I always recommend have a super high satisfaction rate for fit and style.  If you don’t own any of these, you should:

• Joe’s Muse jeans, $165. The perfect rise, the perfect fit
• Jersey fold-over skirt by Three Dots, $90. The band adjusts based on your comfort level and looks dressed up with a black tank for day or night.

Since being a mom is about needing clothes that you don’t care ruining, a trip to Old Navy or Target is a great way to load up on simple and cute tees. Most women seem to be top-deprived in their closet so here’s a slew to consider — all for under $165:

• Hooded henley in one of your favorite colors, $13.
• Twist neck tee in a couple of colors, $14.50 ea for $29.
• Ruched henley top in a midnight blue, $10.
• Pleated v-neck tee for wearing with jeans or the skirt, $14.50.
• Casual camp shirt, $24.50. This looks great layered over colorful tanks with jeans and sandals.
• Racerback tank ($8.50) paired with a sheer Splendid slouchy tee, $65. An up-to-date look that is super comfy.

Add some great layering items such as these:

• Casual hoodie jacket, $138.  This jacket certainly veers from “boring” with it’s interesting details and muted color.
• Supima draped cardigan – super soft and looks great over jeans or a casual dress, $19.50

A couple of comfy shoes – one for the park and various playdates, Privo Popcorn ($80) and one for more chic casual outings, try Gentle Souls flats. The Iso Bop style is on sale for $155 but if you’re willing to go over your budget by $24, the Gentle Souls flats in pewter ($190) are super comfy.

And because you aren’t a slave to your kids, every mom needs to show off her sexy side.  You want something in your closet that you can wear for an important evening that is simple and effortless to throw on and makes you feel like a million bucks.

• This Diane von Furstenberg Whitley dress ($365) shows off your curves yet covers any lumps and bumps you may have.  This drop-dead color looks great on dark brunettes, auburn brunettes and blonds.
• Botkier crisscross platforms in a neutral champagne, $311.50. These feel like a 3″, have a stable enough heel so that you don’t feel silly walking in them since you don’t wear high heels during the day, and they look great with jeans for more casual evening get-togethers.

The grand total: $1488.50.  You have a little left over to grab the kids an ice cream cone.

This week, we’ve decided to challenge our stylists with the ultimate question:

If you were given a $1500 clothing budget, what items would you get?

What a fun thought:  How would I spend $1,500?

I would invest in what Nina Garcia [Elle, Project Runway] calls “the bones” of a wardrobe – classic building blocks that are always chic.  I love affordable “fun” clothes and jewelry, but with a chunk of change, I’d buy a few more expensive items that are well made and last forever.

• The trench coat will always be in style, whether over jeans and a t-shirt or a dress.  The Moschino Trench Coat is a modern version of this classic look, with ties at the cuffs and an unexpected pleated back.

• I loooove denim.  I spend most of my days wearing it.  I love that the concept of cost per wear exists, because without it I may not be able to justify spending $200 on a pair of jeans.  To take me into fall on the East Coast, these Hudson jeans are perfect.  The dark wash is so slimming, and the back flap pockets add a little oomph to my backside.

• These peep-toe Theory pumps are both beautiful and leg-lengthening.  Wearing a shoe that closely matches your skin tone makes your legs appear longer.  A hot look with a little black dress….

• Speaking of LBD’s, this one with it’s asymmetrical neckline is gorgeous and  another basic that will get lots of use.

• Finally, this Linea Pelle Dylan croco handbag in a luscious caramel color can be worn with almost anything.

What would you buy with $1,500?

This week, we’ve decided to challenge our stylists with the ultimate question:

If you were given a $1500 clothing budget, what items would you recommend someone get to develop their ultimate wardrobe?

This can be answered so many ways depending on your lifestyle.  Lucky for me, I get to answer this question three different ways this week!

Today, I’m covering the work wardrobe. I love the challenge of helping a gal out that wants a high-quality wardrobe yet she’s on a major budget.  Typically, she’s going back to work or starting her first job out of college where creating a great first impression is critical. And buying quality is going to help you in the long run so “bite the bullet” and do it right the first time.

The wardrobe shown on the left features four outfits that can easily mix and match to create other unique outfit options. The grand total? $1499.  Shown clockwise from left to right:

• Sleeveless print sheath dress, $118.  This is great alone or with a black jacket. The style looks good on all body types.
• Black gabardine jacket by Diane von Furstenberg, $365. This is travel-proof.  It follows your curves and never wrinkles — perfect for business travel.
• Trina Turk twist front top in white, $50.  The comfy fabric makes this a stylish alternative to the shell.
• Classiques Entier bootcut stretch wool pants, $100.  In a deep chocolate, they look great with the black jacket as shown or mixed with the grape top.
• Madison Marcus grape pintucked silk ruffle blouse, $143. This can be worn alone or layered underneath a jacket or cardigan and is perfect for going out after work.
• All-season black pants by Theory, $245. You want a great pair of black pants and Theory’s Emery style is modern cut with a slight bootcut and is made out of a stretch wool.  Perfect for every season.
• White button-down shirt by Theory, $90 on sale. A simple lightweight cotton shirt that looks great layered over a white tank.
• Long merino wool cardigan in camel, $90.  Worn belted or open, this sweater is a nice option to a jacket for a more business casual look.
  Lightweight wool pencil skirt in black, $80. This comes in petite, regular and tall sizes and is perfectly detailed so that it works from day to night.
• Stuart Weitzman Midlogic heels in black suede, $147. The 2-1/4″ heel looks great and is low enough that you can walk comfortably.
• Gold tassel necklace, $55. This reminds me of one of my favorite necklaces from my mom’s collection.  A timeless, yet fun piece to punch up your work wardrobe.
• Black stretch snake belt, $16.  Big on style and with $17 left in our budget, New York & Co. comes to the rescue.

Whether you’re a small business owner or a company executive, heading to after-work networking events and parties becomes par for the course in the summertime. Although jackets aren’t required for these events, your look still needs to be professional.  Here’s a great day to evening outfit for inspiration:

• Black silk ruffle top – taking cues from the slouchy tee trend, this long silk top adds sophistication and style to your work outfit.  You can wear it belted or tucked in.  Here, we show it long since it covers the tummy nicely but still outlines your silhouette so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing tons of fabric on top.
• Pair the top over some sleek cropped pants by Theory.  In a stretch cotton, these are the perfect black summer pants to add to your wardrobe.
• During the daytime, wear a fitted jacket in a light neutral. Black and tan (or khaki) is an effortlessly chic color combo for work. The top will peek out — don’t worry, it’s supposed to!  If your company is more conservative, simply belt or tuck in the top.
• Carry your laptop and other essentials in a great bag like this black Kooba tote. For shoes, we love these Portia Air wedges by Cole Haan or try some fab black and tan spectator pumps.

And remember, although the work mood is more carefree at these events, don’t get too carefree with the drinking.

All of sudden you realize it is your turn to entertain during the evening and your friends are also bringing their kids! Hopefully your hubby or significant other can BBQ and you can focus on being the hostess and managing the kids. In your mind you want to look stylish even though you had a hectic day.  Here are some recommendations so you can pull together your outfit as you’re scrambling to get ready at the last minute.

A summer dress is an easy item to reach for and immediately look dressed up. You’re in your jeans or shorts all day so why not show your feminine side and wear a dress? This  Gap tier dress comes in black and purple and can be worn as casual or you can dress it up with accessories. It works well on the  Rectangle, Hourglass and Inverted Triangle body types.  If you don’t know your body type then take our Body Type Quiz and order your Body Type Recipe Box! Our body types can change after having children so it is important to have an outfit resource to guide you in your apparel decisions.

You are probably thinking – what bra do I wear? While you are at gap.com, check out this backless bra that is perfect for this dress and other dresses or tops. If you’re too endowed on top, we love the idea of wearing a neutral colored tank underneath such as white or gray.  Since summer evenings can be chilly, try a cotton short-sleeve cardigan in camel.

Add a fun necklace like this gold Hippopotamus necklace (the mouth opens up to store your kids secret treasures) along with these gold bangles.

The finishing touch will be your sandals and these by Athena Alexander are super comfy and have just the right height.

When the weather is hot, wearing lightweight neutrals is the only thing that will keep us cool –  short of running in the sprinklers, uh-em.  And dressing mono-chromatically makes us look polished and lean…gotta love that.  Here’s a simple outfit to wear when you want to look and stay cool.  Happy Summer Solstice weekend!!

• Theory Noriko Pants – wear them rolled up a couple of times or down, these slim pants look best with a little volume on top.
• IRO Benli Top – this sheer, racer back top looks great over a simple light neutral scoop tank.
• Dolce Vita Triton Woven Wedge Sandal – the perfect neutral wedge for every summer outfit.  If you’re petite, you’ll be loving these for their height  at a tall 4″.  Three inches is the actual height your feet will experience.
• A chunky long necklace adds interest with a stylish summery fedora to top it all off.

One kind reader asked about what characterizes a “professional grade blouse,” and that’s a great starting point to today’s post – what to wear when the mercury rises, the humidity is like humus, and you’ve got to take Metro to the job interview or important client meeting.

Under your suit, you’ll want something that will make you look crisp and pulled together, while at the same time, keep you cool. This is where a sleeveless blouse with a no-iron finish comes to the rescue. A cotton or cotton-blend button front blouse shouldn’t pull at the bust line, and those with ample curves will want a blouse with darts or seaming to allow for shaping.

Another option is to select a shell made out of silk or a silk blend. To stretch your budget, buy a twin set and wear the shell under your suit, and wear the set with a pair of trousers or a skirt later in the week. I don’t like 100% cotton knits as a rule, because they can look too casual, and after a few washings tend to look worn and lose their edge.

When selecting your suit, think fabric, fit and fun, in that order. For a meeting in late June, July or August in the District, try tropical-weight wool suiting. Just the word “wool” may make a few of you out there cringe, but tropical weights are lighter than you think, breathe beautifully, and the wrinkle factor is low. Another alternative is cotton mixed with a bit of Lycra and perhaps a dash of linen.

Once you’ve decided on the fabric, be sure your suit fits you well. I’ve seen one too many ladies wearing jackets this summer with the sleeves rolled back, exposing the sleeve’s lining. Spend the $15 to have the sleeves shortened – it will make a huge difference and you won’t look like you’re wearing someone else’s jacket.

Now comes the fun part.  Because it’s summer, many Washingtonians wear seersucker, the quintessential summertime fabric. I love seersucker and find it quite appropriate for just about any summer meeting. Blue and white is the classic, but it also comes in brown, pink and beige stripes. If seersucker isn’t your glass of iced tea, consider pairing that more conservative wool or cotton-blend suit with a brightly colored top and shoes with either an open back or open toe, but not both. It’s still the capital, after all.

This small cobalt multi color tote adds a perfect touch to your look.

Next time, we’ll discuss why wearing pantyhose in July still makes sense for those of us inside the Beltway.

As a mom of two young boys, I know how hard it is to focus on your wardrobe this summer.  The kids are out of school and you are juggling many activities.  You are seeking comfort yet you want to be hip! Here is an outfit that I love because it shows that you have style and you are secretly comfortable when you are out with your kids.  So start putting together that summer wardrobe so that you feel stylish and confident.

• This  Splendid gauze tank top comes in 4 fun colors to make your outfit pop.
• These Joe’s Jeans trouser shorts have a slight whiskered front for a little flair. The rise is high enough so that you don’t have to worry about bending over and exposing yourself.
• The Cole Haan-Air Ibiza strap slide looks chic and has that added cushion your feet crave. The pewter/ivory combination is the perfect neutral for whatever colors you decide to wear.
• A summer hat like the Juicy Couture ribbon floppy is a daily must and it has plenty of coverage  for your precious skin.
• Add a hip leather bracelet like this one by Gorjana Graham and an earthy
  cross-body bag.

When thunderstorms are forecast, it’s all about smart layering to manage the day.  And since the weather is warm, bundling up doesn’t really work.  Here’s an outfit to inspire you as you venture out.

• Rich & Skinny high jean – this has a higher rise which is non-marmy and the denim is super soft. You’ll want to sleep in these they are so comfy. (Note: these are best found in stores at Bloomies or Nordies)
• Wear the latest in tee styles on top — a slouchy tee such as this slub pocket top layered over a racer back tank.  Wear a long necklace if you so desire.
• Wearing some cute cut-out booties or ballet flats will work but if you hate getting your feet wet, wear some killer platform boots like these from Stuart Weitzman over your jeans.
• Tulip rain coat – super stylish and it works great even when it’s not raining.
• And, of course an umbrella you can tuck into your purse so that you’re ultra prepared.

With school out, the swim lessons and trips to the pool are bound to start.  Along with all the trips planned to the beach or lake, you need a good cover-up.  Here are some of our favorites:

• If you’re looking for a super multi-purpose cover-up, a sarong (aka pareo) is the ultimate in my book and perfect for vacation travel. The Antik Batik Cami Pareo is multi-functional and works as a skirt, scarf, towel or dress.  There are literally about 10 different ways you can tie it.  Have a contest with your friends and see who can come up with the most combinations.
• Surf Side Kurta in an olive print. Swim caftans and kurtas come in all kinds of prints and fabrics, look great on all body types and certainly keep your arms well protected from the elements. We also love the Diane von Furstenberg Edie Cover-Up (not shown) which comes in a gorgeous color.
• Juicy Couture Terry Smocked Waist Surplice Dress – one of our favorites for it’s ability to soak up the water from your suit and it’s ‘cute’ appeal.
• A multipurpose skirt/dress combo is a nice way to go from the beach to drinks.  BCBG Swim always carries something like this each summer but the brown 2 in 1 skirt shown is by Athleta. Wear it as a skirt on the beach or lake, and as a dress for grabbing a bite or drink later.
• Melissa Odabash Robin Cover-Up Dress is one I could live in. It’s made of a wrinkled cotton gauze that is super comfy as well as gorgeous.

And don’t forget some great sunglasses.  I’m all over Mykita frames as of late (Diana is shown) because of their high quality.  Definitely pricey but they are certainly worth it — handcrafted in Germany with expertly designed soldered joints, meaning none of those pesky eye screws.

If you’re planning a fun daytime boating trip on the river, lake, or bay, then today’s outfit should hopefully inspire you.  When you’re on a boat, the temperature can change dramatically; when the boat’s not moving, you’re boiling hot and when it starts hitting fast speeds, you end up  shivering from the wind and spray.

This thin windproof, lightweight jacket packs up to almost nothing in your nylon tote and is the perfect antidote.  Since you’re probably wearing a swimsuit, you want to wear some easy pull-on pants.  These cotton gauze pants by Splendid have elastic and a drawstring waist…and come in four colors.

For a top, any tee will do but I do love a nice summery button-down shirt with sleeves to protect my skin as much as possible.

Jewelry really isn’t necessary but if you’re so inclined, grab your trusty long coral necklace since it looks so cute with your Ralph Lauren croc sandals and jacket.

You’re the hip aunt or friend whose been invited to the college graduate’s celebratory dinner or after party.  You are sophisticated, well-traveled and make your croissants from scratch. But you’re also good at telling very funny stories about your boss and tend to quietly gather an admiring crowd at any event you attend.  You are the independent 21st century gal and so are your fashion choices.

Enter Helmut Lang.  As you walk in wearing this cool stretch wool dress (wool breathes!), you look modern and unassuming.  Yet, once you turn to grab a glass of champagne, you get double-takes.   For what was once considered another take on the classic black dress has now turned into a full-fledged love affair.  The dress now matches your charmed personality.  It’s love at first site.

The dress is so hot, you could probably walk in barefoot and still look utterly chic.  But because we love shoes as much as this dress, you’ll want to try something architectural to match the style.  These Robert Clergerie Dielo’s should be enough inspiration.

A big patent leather clutch pulls it all together.  Or try a clutch in a unique shape – here’s one by Alexander McQueen for inspiration.

I don’t know if it’s just me but this Spring I’m not loving as much.  A lot of the styles I’m seeing out there are not flattering to anyone — even stick-thin models. As a former retailer, I know what it’s like when something you ordered turns out totally different than what you expect. (Buyers see samples on models and then orders are placed 6 months ahead of delivery to give the designer time to manufacture the items…and problems can arise in the manufacture stage.) It’s the worst feeling when you finally get the delivery and realize that it’s just not fitting or looking right — as a (small) retailer you’re pretty much SOL because on the RTV (return to vendor) request, there is no checkbox that states “Ugly.”

So today, instead of doing a what to wear post, I decided to show you just a sampling of items I’ve seen online that I consider horrific.  Even the models look uncomfortable.  Counter-clockwise from left to right:

• Jill Stuart Arlenis Dress – Please help the model find her cute figure. When wearing volume, wear it on the top with skinny pants or on the bottom with a fitted top.
• Juicy Couture Malibu Terry hat – oh gawd, just the name gives me the heebie jeebies
• Diane von Furstenberg ‘Uday’ blouse - perhaps they should rename it to ‘Uglay.’ Seriously, there is no definition and it looks blah on the model.  And because it pulls over the head, there really isn’t a way to go a size smaller so it looks right.
• Mara Hoffman Swing Dress – this looks like a tablecloth thrown casually over her shoulder. At $396, all sizes are available.
• Catherine Malandrino Flower Applique top – I LOVE Catherine Malandrino but this is so wrong because only 2% of the population can (or better yet, will) wear it. First, the color.  No one likes to look naked — really.  Second, the ribbed waist shows every lump and bump — only the fit size 0’s and 2’s need apply.  Third, the only gal who can wear it is the triangle because of the bateau neckline and all the detail on top. Fourth, the price will scare you.

The moral of the story:  just because it’s made by the most fantastic designer (e.g. Jil Sander) and it costs over $1100, it does not mean it will somehow “protect” you from looking silly if it is indeed silly and ill-fitting.  What do you think?  Would you try any of these styles?

The weather is warming up and the nice evenings are becoming a great time to gather friends for a barbecue and some nice Nebbiolo Rosa wine in the backyard.  Having simple, non-restricting outfits for days like these is important.  Here’s something effortless to try for such occasions.  Enjoy your weekend!

• James Perse Ruched Racerback Dress — Having a simple, neutral tank dress is the perfect addition to a summer wardrobe.  This one (at shopbop.com) is long enough to cover your knees so that you can wear comfortably sitting on the grass and has added interest with the gathered detail at the neckline and in the back.  It’s extremely versatile and can be worn as is with a simple long necklace or with a belt.  Layering a pretty colored tank underneath is another great way to add to some interest.
• Underneath, wear a racerback bra.  The Spanx Bra-llelujah racerback provides a nice, smooth fit — perfect for under jersey fabrics.
• Pairing brown accessories with gray is classically cool.  Wear a comfy sandal like these from Born in a brown metallic and add a brown leather cord necklace like this one by Chan Luu.

Looking for some great grills and outdoor entertaining items?  I’m loving everything at Williams-Sonoma — they even carry grass fed beef! Yum.

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Today is the LAST day to enjoy 20% off the Body Type Recipe Box.  Make sure to enter WARDROBE in the coupon field.  Happy dressing!

With the warmer weather you want to stay cool and stylish as the kid’s activities grow at a dizzying pace.  Here’s a simple summer outfit incorporating the latest tee trends:

• Caramel cropped pants – also in Petite, these hit at a flattering point and are the best looking style in my opinion.
• Scoop tank in spearmint.

Certainly the tank and pants look great as is but you want to add some interest instead of wearing the “boring tee and pant” combo.

• Layer a slouchy racer-back tank over the fitted, colored tank and then top that with this racer-back yellow vest by Vince. You can also try any of the cute jersey vests that are out in stores right now to play with this trend.
• Top it off with a fun Cowboy Hat and hip Ray-Ban aviator shades.
• And, try these gladiator style sandals – these have a one inch heel so they give you a bit of a lift which is always nice.

If you’ve been invited to a benefit function or charity event, wearing a short dress is certainly appropriate.  But with all the wonderful long dresses out there right now, it’d be a shame not to sport one.  Here we show a beautiful strapless chiffon dress which will certainly make you the belle of the ball.  The color is super flattering on a wide-range of skintones and hair colors.

For jewelry, my rule is to wear only 2 pieces when your dress is the ‘look-at-me’ variety.  For strapless, wear some 3″ long orb earrings by Lee Angel.  Not only are they stunning, they’re made of turquoise which is known for its spiritual properties which draw out the negativity (now there’s no excuse for not having fun.)  Wear this cute swirl cuff from Banana Republic and carry a complementary colored clutch like this glazed leather one by Liz Claiborne.

As for shoes, I am drooling over these Alexander McQueen “dust” peeptoes – uber sexy.  Alas, if you’re looking for something less out of the price stratosphere, then these Kate Spade gold crinkle snake print heels or budget-friendly Calvin Klein Kaden’s (not shown) are great options.