Happy Tuesday, fashion mavens! First off, I have two things to say: 1) We need to start a movement to extend the weekend to three (or maybe four) days; and 2) I have some fabulous obsessions to start off your week. Yippee, right?! We’ll save that petition for weekend extension for later. Let’s get to my week’s style cravings.

Cozy Scarves. I’ve been doing some MAJOR scouting for pre-spring inspiration over the past week, and I figured out what I am dying to wear in about a month and a half’s time: Cozy scarves. Like, big, oversize, super-comfy cozy scarves. And there’s a certain way to wear them that I am dying over. Rocking this type of scarf with a winter coat would certainly be cute, functional and obviously warm, but also sort of obvious. I want to wear my huge scarf with a fur-lined jean jacket when the weather is nearly spring-like with peeks of sunshine. Add wayfarers, leggings and tall boots… too cool for school. Can someone order me up some Midwest sunshine and a warm front?

Celebs rocking nerd specs! If you read this blog regularly, I don’t think it’s a secret that I love nerd glasses. I don’t think there is an outfit you could possibly wear that couldn’t be enhanced with some geeky eyewear. And guess what? Celebs must think so, too! I adored this Stylist gallery of nerd glasses, and the photo collage of stars who wear them. Now, I love all the frames on these lovely ladies, but if I had to choose, I’d steal Anne’s in a heartbeat. I’m due for an eye appointment pronto, and if I need new specs, I will be requesting Ms. Hathaway’s.

Hair color and dating. Does your shade matter? Have you ever made a hair color decision based on what guys might like? Or have you ever seen those studies where they ask guys their preference? I have. And as a natural brunette, I’ve always wondered if they really cared, which girls get the most attention, or if anyone had taken the opportunity to test the phenomenon. Well… check out this Marie Claire article. One lovely lady went red, blonde and brunette to see how how her hair color changed the type of guy she attracted. Verdict? Well, let’s just say I think you need to read this one for yourself. I love the conclusion she comes to. I think it’s the absolute definition of finding that place of inner-beauty.

What are you obsessing about this week?

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Happy Blogger Tuesday, dear friends! So…I decided to mix it up this week. I took to my Twitter account to ask bloggers this very important question: What’s your end-of-summer must-have?

Sounds pretty easy, right? Well, m’dears. Chaos ensued.

I didn’t anticipate that The Bachelorette being on at the exact same time of my question-asking would cause things to get so crazy and disjointed. (Trying to think about must-haves when we’re dealing with hatin’ sisters and two proposals in one evening is a little bit much to handle.) But I got things together and gathered focus, and here’s what some of your favorite fashion bloggers said.

Jenni from Story of my Life said “ice cream” was her must-have before she knew this was a fashion/beauty question. But I loved the answer so much, I decided to tell you anyway. (Girls, eat your ice cream. It’s good for the soul!)

The awesome V from Grit & Glamour told me she was ready for fall! So, we amended the question to “What is your late summer or early fall must-have?” She answered: “Boots! Especially after checking out the Gucci iPad app, I am so excited about 70s-inspired styles for fall.”  I couldn’t agree more!

The lovely Marissa of Style Cusp (and now, she’s a member of Lucky mag’s Style Collective, too!) said she’s lusting after a pair of “leopard wedges” and needs some “nude nail color.” Leave it to M to be sooooo on-trend.

Then, finally, we have entertainment reporter and fashion blogger over at Red Carpet Closet, Kristyn Burtt, who had some great answers: “My Stila bronzer to enhance my spray tan. My Benetint for flushed cheeks and pink lips. My JessicaSimpson wedges because she makes kick ass shoes. My L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes for a long-lashed look. And my Kiehl’s Love Potion fragrance for a little summer romance. ” Love!

Now, that was fun (and exhausting). So, I’m going to pose the question to you: What are your late summer and early fall must-haves? I’m dying to hear!

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The first and foremost thing I simply cannot live without is lip balm. I’m an obsessive lip balm user and often find myself in a “But my lips hurt real bad!” Napoleon Dynamite scenario. True story. So after many years of trying chap stick after lip gloss after lip balm, I finally found “The One”. Alba Botanica Passion Fruit Nectar Lip Balm. Ahh…it was like love at first try. This organic balm is heaven on my lips – it keeps them so smooth and hydrated, not to mention it tastes delicious!

Equally paramount as my lip balm fix is my need for hand cream. Sometimes the hand soaps we use in public facilities tend to dry out hands more than necessary, so it’s important to carry some hydration restoration back-up. Mine is Johnson’s Body Care Melt Away Stress Lotion. Infused with lavender and chamomile, this rich and creamy lotion is for all-over-body use, but is a wonderful quick-fix for dry hands. It’s not greasy and smells absolutely delightful. Mmmm…

What girl doesn’t like want a clean complexion? I’ve tried numerous budget-friendly drugstore brand facial cleansers throughout the years, but none has satisfied me quite as much as Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash. This soap-free formula is the perfect all-in-one cleanser. It’s great for removing makeup (even on the eyes!), dirt and oil. The best part is that its mild formula leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed without drying or irritating it. Love it.

Lastly, I love having radiantly hydrated skin. After a refreshing wash with my Purpose cleanser, I like to keep my face soft and touchable with Pond’s Dry Skin Cream. This extra rich cream is terrific for locking in your face’s natural moisture without clogging your pores. I’ve used this one for years – in fact, my mother and grandmother have also been using it for years. It’s a family fave!

Although I’m pretty hooked on these products for now, I’m always looking for newer, better beauty products that also keep my wallet looking voluptuously pretty.  When I do find them, I’ll be sure to share the word with you so you can give them a try! What are your favorite budget-friendly products? Is there anything you simply cannot live without? Sharing is caring, so don’t be too shy to leave a comment below!

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Shouldn’t we get to treat ourselves to a few gifts this holiday season, too? I mean, it’s only fair, right? All our good-doing and super-giving should extend to ourselves a little, too, am I correct?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been good this year. And I have also found a few mega-stylish gifts that I really, really would like. I think I might treat myself to a little fashion and beauty therapy for Christmas. If you’d like to see what’s on my personal gift list, then read on. Maybe you’ll find yourself loving some of these items, too.

P.S. I Made This… by Erica Domesek: The style blogger and DIY Queen made a book based off some of her best projects, and I desperately want to own it! I made a bohemian, flowered headband that she showed on her blog once, and it turned out very fashionable and really pretty. Now, I am not crafty at all, but Erica’s ideas were stylish and easy. Maybe that will be my Christmastime fun this year. DIY-ing some dynamite pieces to add to my wardrobe. I’m just going to have to pick up that book first!

A fedora: Just recently, I realized that I love fedoras. I have never had a fedora before, and I am not sure what sparked this interest in these hats, but suddenly, I am obsessed. All the coolest stars are wearing them, and I feel like it’s a trend I need to get onboard with. I found a great black one at Target for around $15. It had a sequined sash tied around its base. I think I will be heading back over to the store to pick that up soon. I mean, how can you resist a fedora with sequins? I don’t know how I walked away from it in the first place.

OPI Nail Lacquer: My beauty obsession? OPI polish! The shades are simply gorgeous, and the color will stay on your nails for a long, long time. (I am totally clumsy and hit my nails on everything, and it still lasts a week!) Some of the shades I will be picking up? A pretty pale pink called Bubble Bath, a deep bright pink called It’s All Greek to Me and a dark plum aptly named Siberian Nights. The names just make me love the polish more.

What are your style obsessions right now? Will you be treating yourself to a fashionable gift this season?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/veryveryquiet/4324708949

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I am of the firm belief that one should never forget fashion on the weekends, no matter how tempting it is to slide into sweatpants and slippers, curl up on the couch with a cup of coffee and forget hectic weeks exist.

Okay. Well, maybe you can curl up on the couch with that mocha. But do it in a great pair of boyfriend jeans, slouchy cardigan and cozy scarf while keeping style alive in one (or all!) of the following ways.

Listen:

Vogue by Madonna. Every time I hear this song, I can just picture the brightly-lit catwalk and models sauntering down it. It is the perfect tune for a runway show (Or, for modeling in front of your mirror! Not that IÂ’ve done that. ObviouslyÂ…).

Starstruck by Lady Gaga. The first time I heard this Gaga song was as the back-track to Diane von FurstenbergÂ’s runway presentation on the first season of The City. I downloaded it immediately afterward. It is one of my favorite fashion-worthy anthems.

Watch:

The Devil Wears Prada. The clothes in this film are fabulous. I love the hilarious dynamic of the magazine staff, the trip to Paris, AndyÂ’s amazing makeover and Meryl Streep. What is there to say about Meryl? Only that she embodies editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly like no other actress could. IÂ’ve seen this movie about a million times, and IÂ’d watch it a million more.

The September Issue. After youÂ’ve seen Prada, makes sure to check out The September Issue. Prada was (supposedly) based on Vogue and Anna Wintour, and R.J. CutlerÂ’s documentary about the magazine is pure fashion pleasure. So watch the real deal once youÂ’ve checked out the fictional version. And see why the editor has earned her infamous nickname: Nuclear Wintour.

Read:

Glamour. Glamour has it all. A little bit of love for your romantic heart, beauty tips to liven up your daily regimen, real-life stories about everyday women, an awesome interview with the cover celeb, and the fashion. Oh, the fashion! DoÂ’s and DonÂ’ts, pieces every girl needs for the season, the hottest trends and tips on how to wear them. Glamour rocks.

Harper’s Bazaar. All fashion, all the time. Bazaar is the chicest book around. There is always a breakdown of must-have items, fashion reports, and the most fantastic editorial spreads. Plus, they have their Fabulous at Every Age section, so whether you are 22, 102 or anywhere in between, the mag has got style that is just right for you. Fabulous, indeed.

So, infuse a little fashion into your Friday with these simple ideas. Relax and refuelÂ…stylishly, of course.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/4442451861

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And surprisingly, I actually noticed a frequent clothing staple worn by women on Sunday afternoon: cropped pants. I was truly surprised to see cropped pants everywhere. See, I had thought that, with the exception of celebrities and models, that this look was nearly impossible to wear while looking either 1) in fashion 2) attractive or 3) modern.

But really, cropped pants seem so perfect right now. With the weather for once randomly warming in San Francisco, these pants seemed perfect to wear instead of shorts (too cold) or full pants (too warm). I was personally very envious of all the cropped pants wearing women because I had neglected to bring any options other than jeans.

Right now, it seems there are two popular styles of cropped pants. The first is looser, with a tapered hemline but a looser area around the hips and thighs. The second is a slimmer cut pant. I thought the slimmer cut was in general more flattering on the variety of body sizes I observed. The pants I thought looked best also hit just slightly above the ankle, though I did see some that stopped a bit below the knee that I thought also looked stylish.

If youÂ’re worried about trying this trend because you have larger calves, you should definitely go for it. Just try to find a pair that stops around your ankle and not in the middle of your calves, otherwise they will look larger.

If youÂ’re on the short side, a slim cut cropped pant is probably most flattering because it adds length to your body. But if youÂ’re on the taller side, go for a cropped pant that hits higher than ankle length. For taller, more athletic women, I think a cropped pant that stops maybe three or four inches after your knee.

In terms of how to style cropped pants, you should always make sure to consider the whole look not just the pants. I think if youÂ’re wearing more billowy cropped pants, then go for a relaxed look on top. If you chose straight leg, then choose something more relaxed and open on top.

How do you wear cropped pants?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/lululemonathletica/4621812057

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Although white jeans have changed over the years with different cuts and different fits, in the end they will always look classic. I already own a pair of straight-leg white jeans that I love to death, but if I was in the market for a new pair there are tons of great summer styles right now.

In particular, I think the slim-cut white jeans that hit just above the ankle are so cute. They add an element of fun to a regular pair of jeans, while still not becoming capris.

The best part about white jeans is that they can be worn at any age. Here are some tips on how to style white jeans for every age:

In Your Twenties:
Try pairing straight or skinny leg white jeans with a slightly longer printed tee shirt or tank top that falls below your waistline. Then accentuate your waist with a small belt or rope cord. Then try layering a jacket on top of the look. You can stay with today’s trends by throwing on a menswear style blazer, but make sure to roll the cuffs up to your elbows to show off your body. You might also want to try wearing another summer staple: the jean jacket. A denim on denim outfit will look summertime casual. Finish all this off with some brown leather flats for a relaxed look.

In Your Thirties:
Glam up your white jeans by choosing other pieces with subtle embellishments. For example, pick a trendy tunic in summer’s chicest neutrals (think dark green, dark khaki, or navy), but choose one with an embellished neckline, shoulders, or waist detailing. If you have an awesome tunic, but it doesn’t have any glitz, don’t worry – just add on an eye-catching necklace that shows off your collarbone. Also try accessorizing your look with metallic details, such as a metallic clutch or sandals.

In Your Forties:
Keep your look streamlined and classic by pairing your white jeans with a solid color top, such as a cotton sweater or shell. Keep the look pulled together by picking accessories in all one color. So considering wearing a brown leather belt, brown wedges, and carrying a luxurious brown bag. The coordinated look of the accessories can allow you to play with denim styles, so don’t fear trying out some of the new, slightly shorter lengths of white jeans.

How do you wear your white jeans during the summer?

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1. Boyfriend Shorts. Back again for yet another summer, boyfriend shorts seem to be a trend thatÂ’s not going away. This seasonÂ’s boyfriend shorts keep the same classic shape: loose fitting and hit at the super flattering mid-thigh. But now, these shorts are being shown in more distressed styles. Look for rolled-up, torn, bleached, and paint splattered styles for a fun, relaxed weekend look.

2. Satin Shorts. This past year, dress shorts have been hugely popular. For a fun take on dress shorts, look for satin shorts in cool colors like light blue, dark blue, caramel brown, or off white. Satin shorts are typically made in a “bloomer” style. This means that these shorts have a fuller leg but are tighter and more fitted around the opening. Look for extra special satin sorts that are adorned with nice pockets, buttons, or other slight embellishments.

3. Silk Shorts. Another dress short option for summer. Silk shorts this summer are shown with full, flowy legs. They are often cut high and have an extremely relaxed, floaty fit. Look for these shorts in fun patterns or summer neutrals like tan and caramel.

4. Leather Shorts. Not for the faint of heart, leather shorts are making a big statement this summer. This is a very difficult trend to wear, but leather shorts can look so amazing if worn correctly. First of all, you donÂ’t need to shell out for real leather shorts, faux-leather will still allow you to get the look. If you are picking faux-leather, just make sure to pick a thick, dark colored fabric in order to most fully appear to be real leather. Try pairing your leather shorts with simple pieces, like a basic t-shirt or a blazer. By keeping the rest of the look relaxed, you can downplay the seriousness of leather shorts while upping your chic factor.

What do you think of these new shorts trends? Which would you wear?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/ffx-florbelasfotographix/3233961052

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But right now, designers are making shorts cut in all different styles, which is great because it allows women of all shapes to find the perfect pair. Shorts have also become bolder this spring and summer, and their new stylishness will make them a chic choice for any outfit.

Here are some styling tips for shorts this season:

1. The trendiest shorts this season are definitely hot pants. These super short shorts show a lot of leg, so you need to have a lot of confidence in your legs to wear this style. If you decide you are daring enough to wear this celebrity-favorite style, make sure you balance out the top half of your body with something looser cut.

You might also try wearing hot pants with heels in order to make your legs look longer. Hot shorts are an especially great trend to try out if youÂ’re apple-shaped. Apple shapesÂ’ legs are frequently the slimmest parts of their body, and this trend definitely allows you to show off your legs.

2. If youÂ’re plus size, make sure you do not pick out big, full of fabric, shapeless shorts. If you are on the larger side, wearing extra big clothes will only make you look bigger than you already are. Look for well-tailored shorts that show off your body! DonÂ’t hide under unnecessary bulk.

3. Similarly, if youÂ’re petite, also pick shorts that are closer cut to your body. Longer shorts with too much billowy fabric will make your legs look shorter than they are. If you do want to wear longer shorts as a petite woman, make sure you pick a pair that fits closer to your body and shows off your small frame.

Even though shorts are making a huge comeback this spring and summer, IÂ’m not sure how I truly feel about them. I think shorts are very hard to get right; even women with slim bodies can often miss the mark with shorts. But all the fun styles this season make me want to spend the extra time to find the coolest shorts with the perfect fit.

What do you think? Would you ever wear shorts in public? Feel free to browse through styles of women’s shorts here.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/idhren/3589804026/in/set-72157606338014969

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The first item (left), is a quartzine carved rose ring available from Smarter. Wear as a standalone ring, or accessorize it with basic metallic rings on your other fingers. It’s going for $29.95 at Smarter through Catalog Favorites. The second item is a pair of carved rose post-earrings. This style looks gorgeous when styled with a little black dress, black beads, or dark mettalic accessories. These beautiful earrings are available for $39.99 at Smarter through Amazon. Check out this style and other carved rose earrings at Smarter. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a layered mettalic look with your roses, especially if you’re going for an edgy or vintage look. Be sure to layer with black beads. Check out this gorgeous look and other rose necklaces.

Style these looks with your vintage denim, tank tops, little black dresses, maxi dresses, boho looks, and more. You’ll add a vintage feminine charm to any look!

What’s your favorite jewelry style this spring?

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