Posts Tagged ‘ Summer Trends ’

How to Add Edge to a Summer Dress

Summer dresses are a must-have seasonal staple. They are light, breezy and oh so comfy on a hot summer day but they are also innately “sweet”.

Something about a summer dress brings forth images of beachy rom-coms, picnics and gives off “I’m headed to the Hampton’s” vibes. Sometimes that fit’s my mood perfectly but other times I want a little more edge in my look.

I’ll admit that I’ve never exactly felt that my style could be pinned down to just ONE style personality. All it takes is one look at my Instagram feed to see how frequently I flip-flop between aesthetics. Trust me, some days I wish I could be one of those people whose outfits consistently subscribe to one style archetype but I am a woman of many moods.

Despite all my style moods, there’s ONE common thread with how I get dressed: Everything has to be balanced. Nothing too sweet, nothing too edgy. There has to be a Yin and Yang to my look.

Balance is what gives a look interest, what set’s it apart, what makes it stylish!

In the spirit of this theory of “balance” I’m sharing three easy ways I edge up a sugary-sweet summer dress to give it a bit more style.

How to Add Edge to a Summer Dress

ONE: Add a rocker belt. Summer dresses usually come with a ribbon-like self-tie belt. Switch it out for something tougher with more style. Think leather and metal accents. A big buckle or western details, maybe something with vintage flair.
TWO: Add a patterned heel. Typically a go-to with a summer dress is sandals, wedges or sneakers. Switch things up by rocking an edgy heel. Remember, my theory for style is to ALWAYS wear the wrong shoes- the unexpected ones.
THREE: Pair with a distressed denim jacket. Push a little grunge on that prep by adding a distressed or bleach dyed denim jacket- give it a little street-style cred.

Trust me, these tiny little tweets will instantly take your outfit to the next level.

Click to SHOP some of my TOP Picks in Summer Dresses:

Tags:Coach Handbag donald pliner heels edgy summer styles How to add edge to a summer dress summer dresses Summer Trends what to wear for summer what to wear with summer dresses.

I’m Freaking Out on How Cool the Kimono is for Summer

When somebody asks me what is this summer’s must-have essential, without a doubt I say the totally cool kimono.

I’m totally freaking out on how cool the Kimono is for summer. Not only are they the perfect thing to wear on a summer day that’s not too hot they are also great to wear on a summer evening when things cool down a bit. They flutter through the breeze oh-so perfectly, and let’s be honest, they’re so damn pretty.

Inspired by traditional Japanese robes, contemporary kimonos have been given a modern update with prints, fringe, varying lengths and even varying sleeve types. What they all have in common though is that they add a delicate layer to your look plus they make you feel totally glamorous.

The kimono is also a total freaking wardrobe life-saver during the hot months. If your look feels a bit unfinished, toss on a kimono.

Wear them with just about anything in your closet. Toss over shorts and a top, with jeans and a tee or experiment with layering them over printed dresses like I did when I paired a floral kimono with a floral dress (click here). You can even drape a kimono over your swimsuit while at the beach—or rock it over a slinky slip dress for total boudoir vibes.

Shy about showing off your arms? A slightly sheer kimono is the perfect item to wear over a tank top but lightweight enough for a hot afternoon.

So wearable and totally versatile, this one great piece delivers a light layering effect, makes your shoulders look a bit more relaxed and your figure a whole lot slimmer. Which is why it’s my top rated totally cool summer must-have.

What I’m Wearing: Elizabeth and James VINTAGE Kimono (Similar found here) | Nasty Gal Fortune Cookie Tiger Tee (It’s on SALE!) | Nasty Gal Gather Your Thoughts Maxi Skirt (It’s on SALE!) | Free People Boots | TOPSHOP Fringe Bag |

Below I’ve Rounded up some of my favorite iterations of the worlds best summer layering accessory- the Kimono- click to SHOP:

Tags:elizabeth and James Vintage how to cover your arms during summer how to hide your arms during summer how to layer with a kimono How to wear a kimono this summer Kimono Kimono Trend nasty gal summer 2019 summer kimono Summer Trends why I love kimonos why you need a kimono.

Why I’ll Be Rockin’ a Vintage Mumu All Summer Long

Have I mentioned that it gets really hot here in Vegas during the summer? Like Satan’s Blowdryer set to the “Hot as Hell” setting hot?

One of the most difficult things to do is to motivate yourself to “look cute” when you are more concerned about the bottoms of your shoes melting on the asphalt as you walk to your car (yep that actually happened to me once).

But I have found an on-trend, uber chic, pocket-friendly and oh-so-comfortable solution for the sweltering months… the MuMu.

Yep, you heard me right the MuMu aka MuuMuu.

This current yet retro piece of clothing was once thought of as an unflattering grandma dress but I am here to argue that the Mumu is the ultimate summer staple.

During the 1960’s and 70’s Mumu’s were the most glamorous thing you could wear. Designers like Halston, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior sent mumus (and their sibling the caftan) down their runways, making them the go-to of Hollywood and the fashion elite.

Then we entered the era of the body-con and uber tight fitting dresses and the once celebrated “MuMu” suddenly became a bad word associated with ill-fitting clothing only worn by Grandmas whilst watching their “stories”.

Times and fashion have shifted once again and fashion is now celebrating looser silhouettes, functionality and individuality!

So here we are, the MuMu is back baby and here are FOUR reason’s why I’ll be rockin’ a vintage Mumu all summer long:

The fabrics and prints are so unique and eyecatching. Seriously from tropical florals to garden prints, ikat, batik and everything in between there is nothing like gorgeous vintage MuMu fabric.
They are comfortable AF. Airy and loose this easy silhouette is as comfy as a nightgown.
The Mumu’s style fits in perfectly with both the current California Cool AND Boho Trends.
No one else will ever be wearing the same thing as you. Mic drop.

Pair them with a Kimono to punch up the style factor even more: Kimonos are light as a feather and can make even the most basic outfit look stunning in seconds.

Whether you wear it loose and flowing like Diana Ross or belted and boho like Alexa Chung, Mumu’s give off a chic-hippie summer vibe that feels so dang good on warm days.

Here are some of my favorites that will have your Mumu game going strong:

Tags:Boho Style Boho Summer Style California Cool Trend How to style a mumu How to wear a mumu How to wear a Muumuu Mumu Trend Mumu Trend Summer 2019 Summer Trends Vintage Mumu Vintage MuuMuu Why you shoudl wear a Mumu this summer.

How to Feel Tropical Even When It’s Not

The warmer the weather gets the more my mind keeps drifting away to thoughts of sunsets over the water, pina coladas, sandy beaches and all things tropical but an islandy getaway isn’t in the cards for me anytime soon.

I live in the desert. It’s hot, there are catci and not a beach to be found BUT that’s no reason I can’t be in a tropical state of mind, or style right?!

If there is ONE must-try print for summer 2018 it’s got to be tropical.

Super versatile and oh so summery the tropical print trend come in a variety of forms from sunset landscapes to quirky parrots, luxe palm leaves, exotic fruits and tropical flowers. There is a little something for everyone.

Get creative and go head to toe with it channeling the sun-drenched style of a 1960s Palm Springs socialite. Go full on “Magnum P.I.” with a vibrant Hawaiian print shirt or a bit more subtle with a red carpet worthy chic palm leaf print gown. Dress it up or dress it down wear it for day or night but whichever way you choose to rock it set your dial to tropical and then take it up a notch or two or three.

Not sure how to ride the wave? I put together my list of 5 things you need to keep you on-trend and get you in a tropical state of mind this summer no matter where you are.

A bold tropical print- tropical prints are not only a HUGE trend this season but a necessity to achieve a tropical vibe. Choose bold vibrant flora and fauna prints with a tropical nod and make sure there are pops of color that include at least one of this seasons hot colors: lavender, orange or yellow.
A bamboo handle bag. Last summer it was all about those Cult Gaia wooden bags– you know them they were EVERYWHERE on INSTAGRAM. This season the trend has evolved into something a little more luxe, the bamboo handle bag. Whether it’s a leather bag, straw, canvas or even acrylic make sure it has a bamboo handle.
Slides- one of the most controversial yet wearable and comfy trends around these shoes are hotter than hot this season. They are no longer limited to rubbery, sporty soles or Burkenstock-esc orthopedic styles now slides are seriously high-fashion and adorned with everything from feathers to florals and metal details.
NARS Body Glow- to me it just isn’t summer without slathering myself in this decadent skin transforming body oil from NARS. This is the product that just about EVERY beauty brand has tried (and failed) to copy. It is a lightweight blend of hydrating essences with Tiate flower steeped in native coconut oil which gives skin a bronzed, radiant glow and smells incredible. Apply Body Glow immediately after showering for maximum hydrating benefits. Allow a few minutes for the product to absorb into the skin before getting dressed.
CREED Virgin Island Water– an instant tropical boost this uplifting scent radiates Jamaican lime and coconut perfect for a dose of tropical paradise.

Tropical Tunes: If reggae music is your summertime jam be sure to check out the new album Punk Rocksteady from the Mad Caddies which drops on June 15th. The album features 12 classic punk songs (standards from the likes of Green Day, Bad Religion, The Misfits, and Descendents), hand-picked by Fat Mike from NOFX, completely reimagined with a reggae strut!

Click to SHOP some of my TOP picks for getting in the Tropical Mood:

Tags:CREED Virgin Island Water How to feel tropical even when it's not NARS Body Glow Slides Summer Fashion Trends Summer Trends Tropical Print Trend tropical trend Vintage Dress Vintage Gucci Bag.

Knock on Wood: Clogs are Hot for Summer 2017

Clogs are totally hot for summer 2017, once known as a folksy shoe worn by gardeners and smurfs, the clog has come a long way from its humble orthopedic foot care beginnings.

This iconic style was originally made famous in the late 1960s by Dr. Scholls, the sandal’s raised toe crest and contoured sole encourage natural gripping and flexing when walking. Perfectly simple, playfully chic, and crafted in wood to last through the years, the Original Exercise Sandals were an unexpected fashion hit and has remained a feminine favorite for decades.

According to well known fashion lore: Clogs come back in style every seven years. The last time they made a huge showing was in the 2011 shows (which happened in 2010 so get out your calculators folks… was 7 years ago) they remained front and center the whole year once fashion darling Alexa Chung adopted them as her go to style. Then last year we got a sneak peek of the trend rearing its head again in fur lined versions at Gucci and Fendi.

Thanks to the revival of 1970s style and all things boho, clogs have made their way into the summer 2017 collections of just about EVERYONE. From Saint Laurent’s studded prints to Chloe’s organic modernist take, clogs have been given a cool fashion update for spring that is anything but folksy.

Effortlessly chic, easy to wear and oh so comfy they will give your feet a much needed summer vacation.

Whether you choose to rock them in the form of slides, sky high platforms, strappy sandals or slip-on mules there is no disputing that wood soles are hot hot hot this season and don’t forget to keep ahold of them when the season ends because the trend will be back again in 7 years, hello Spring/Summer 2024.

Clogs Summer 2017

Tags:Clogs Shoe Trends Summer Trends.