Fashion Blog » Women's Fashion

One of my favorite things to do is treat myself to a whole bunch of new underwear every so often.  It’s nice splurging on these things of course, but its also exciting to find a real good deal on all of it, like the very familiar “5 for $25″, “3 for $10″, “4 for $28″, you catch my drift.  I have a Victoria’s Secret gift card that’s been burning a hole in my pocket for quite some time now and I’m dying to use it!  Here’s a pair of panties I want to pick up while I’m there:

These are the new Victoria’s Secret Modern Brief $7.50,  and they come in all sorts of fancy colors like pink floral scroll and leaf spray.  Reasons for why I love these types of undies are not too hard to understand, they are super comfy, and awesome!

Xhilaration Ruffle Mesh Panty $6.99

Who doesn’t need more color in their life?  These yellow ones are fun!  I have a ruffle pair just like this in a minty green color.  The mesh used for these panties is really, really soft too.

Hipster’s are my favorite design for underwear.  I want comfort when I wear underwear.  I know I know, panty lines are an ongoing issue.  I just try to find hipsters that really don’t show under my clothes that is tighter fitting, and it is possible to go this route.  I wore a pair of hipsters like these Honeydew ones underneath a bright orange, tight fitting,  H&M skirt that had lycra in it and you couldn’t see a thing.  It works, I swear!

Honeydew Intimates Low Rise Hipster $14

Honeydew Intimates are one of my favorite lingerie labels to shop.  They always make the cutest cotton bras that are racerback, or triangle and usually no there is underwire which makes for extra comfort.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s underwear.

With summer in full swing, its time to start wearing some sandals!  (If you haven’t been already.)  Whether they’re platform, flat, heeled or wedged, there are so many types of sandals to sport.  Flat sandals are probably my favorite, unfortunately these will kill your lower back after walking a few miles in them (I experienced this on one New York trip!).  I would say flat sandals are great with skinny jeans or pants, shorts, and dresses…really anything.  Here is a pair that I really like:

N.Y.L.A. Soriya Sandal $39.95

I of course love everything ethnic print…beading especially!  I liked these immediately.  They are one of the newest styles on Nordstrom’s website and are a total steal for just under forty bucks!  These would look great with jeans and a red patterned tank, or a white v-neck pocket tee.

Everyone needs a pair of flip flops as well…summer just wouldn’t be the same without them.  I like going cheap on flip flops, but often this results in blistered feet…ouch!  Havianas have been a trusted brand forever and when you wear them, the soles are super cushy and almost give you a bounce in each step.

Havianas High Light $38

This color and pattern is interesting, you really can’t go wrong with gold.  Gold is so neutral that you can probably wear these with just about anything!  These are truly proper beach footwear, nobody likes getting sand in their shoes anyway.  These would look fantastic with a white summer dress or earth toned knits including tanks and cotton shorts.

So far we have cute, beaded sandals, a pair of totally necessary flip flops…what’s next?  Perhaps a pair of hip, funky sandals.  The kind you can wear on a night out with the girls…or boys

These Jeffrey Campbell’s are fabulous! The metallic leather is perfect for a summer night out. You can be racy and sport these with a mini skirt and voluminous top, or wear them with your super tight skinny jeans and tank.

Marly Platforms: $128

Although these have an almost 3 inch heel, yes…they are still considered sandals! And by the looks of the stacked heel, they just might be pretty comfy.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop though all women’s sandals.

Feather hair accessories have been huge the last few summers, and I hope the trend won’t ever die because its so darn cute.  First they appeared on clothing, you’d see a feather embellishment on a cute v-neck t-shirt or dress, then the whole peacock feather trend blew up.  Peacock feather earrings, headbands, rings, necklaces…you name it.  I still see tons of accessories like these and really, they can be worn year round, but summer is such a great time to take advantage of this trend.  I guess when I think of summer, I think hot sun, long hair and “free bird” mentalities if you will (perhaps that’s due to the artsy part of town I live in) either way, even if this trend has been overdone, there are still cute variations of feather and flower adorned accessories.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Jersey Bow Headband $18

Big Bows are a newer trend I’ve spotted this year, they’re a little Minnie Mouse-ish but I think if worn properly they look cute..

Of course I love this Beaded Feather Hairclip: $12.99

I think these look beautiful in all lengths of hair and if you didn’t want to spend on this, even though its a great price, these are super easy to make on your own.

Side Flower Feather Headband $16.99

This headband is combining both flowers and feathers and has a very 1920’s flapper girl feel to it.  It would look really nice if worn on a night out and almost look as though you were wearing a little hat.

Ribbon Wrapped Feather Headband $24

This is probably my most favorite.  I just really love the color of the feathers that were used, and the shape to me is perfect.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop through all women’s hair accessories.

One of the fun little perks of being a woman (mysteriously left out of the great Rogers and Hammerstein classic, “I Enjoy being a Girl”) is the handbag.  The bag can be practical, cute, chic, elegant and endlessly useful.  They don’t call it arm candy for nothing.   So, what’s up with this no-calorie sweet treat for summer?  Let’s talk about totes you can take to the beach and the fresh city bag, the day clutch.

Take me with you:

Why is it that a little trip to the sand and sea requires so much stuff?  Towel, book, iPod, hair clip, water and if you forget the sunscreen, boy will you be sorry.  So, how to pack it without looking like you need one of those little rolling bags people use to run over your foot in the airport?  The tote.

I really love a metallic for the beach — there is something so flashy/trashy about sliver, gold or bronze against the sand.  Look for a canvas or plastic bag with metallic highlights or even an embossed leather to help withstand the wear and tear of a beach trip.  Leave the delicate calfskin or scarf silk at home unless you don’t mind the weathered look.  I love the St. Tropez glitz of the Carlos Falchi Snake Enbossed ‘Jill’ tote ($140) found on the ever popular Bluefly.com.

May I also suggest a practical canvas tote, here in a strong pop of summer color, by Tory Burch.

Tory Burch ‘Tory’ Canvas Tote: $235

In the Clutch:

Starting up last fall, the day clutch is still a clear trend this spring/summer season.  As always with warm weather, straw makes an appearance and a summery straw clutch with a ocean theme or bright color detail makes even your work suit feel summery and fresh.

For a more seasonless look, I am still distracted by the “tough” leather clutch for day.  The contrast of a slightly rough bag with a floaty summer dress or on trend flowing pant is about as good as it gets.  And, done in forever chic black or a strong burst of color, the clutch can stay with you well into fall.  Take a look at this chain detail cheap and chic bag from Urbanoutfitters.com….

Deux Lux Chain Flap Clutch: $42

….or the luxe to a fault poppy colored Lanvin on sale at Barneys.com.

Lavin Pop Chevre Clutch: $649 (was: $1,075)

These day clutches can really give you something to hold on to.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more clutch handbags and tote bags.
Discounts on Tory Burch totes and Carlos Falchi totes.

Yes, it’s that time of the year again!- time to gather up your BFFs and raid the Victoria Secret Semi Annual sale.  Everyone needs a treat once in a while to cheer themselves up and VS almost always does the trick.  Here are some sweet pick-me-ups:

Push-up triangle top with double string bottom: top $22; bottom: $14.50

Halter cover up dress: $130

Plunge Demi Bra: $33.50

Organic Button-front romper: $22

Lace-trim silk teddy: $44

Ruffle neck top: $14.99 on clearance

Pyramid studded thong: $29

Body 3-In-1 Wash for Shower, Bubble Bath & Hair:  3/$25

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more bikinis, women’s cover-ups and women’s sandals.

Right now, I have summer on the brain as well as my latest favorite accessory, my new dog.  She is a pretty pup, whose current hobby is to go for walks and show off.  Also, to bark loudly at other dogs while on leash, but we are working on that.  Pretty is as pretty does.

To that end, being the complete accessories hound, I am working on providing her a small wardrobe of collar and leashes to sport while taking the air around the ‘hood, dog park, or at our local outdoor and dog friendly mall.  Imagine, walking the pup and shopping for purses at the same time.  Almost as relaxing as the beach, but with a lower SPF requirement.

So for all you out there who love to accessorize till it hurts, here are two little treats I found, just for fun.  I have done some research and there are many, many great leashes and collars out there right now.  My own pooch sports a Kelly green leather leash inspired by a Hermes, one I spied on a fellow Neiman Marcus shopper’s dog years ago and never quite forgot.

For summer, may I suggest one of these charming metallic collars I found on GlamourDog.com?

Heavy Metal Collar: $23.95

Additionally, just because I can not resist the idea, how about matching your pooch’s necklace with this candy wrapper Prada bag (happily on sale!) spotted at Saks.com. Pop your (and Rover’s) metallic accessories against white jeans and walk on!

Prada Vitello Diano Tote: $1,760

Starting a new job always has its perks…one of many being the downtime in between the last day of one and the start date of another.  What the heck does this have to do with fashion?  Absolutely nothing.  Except that during one of those sweet days off while transitioning, a girl can finally take some time for herself and jet to the beach!  It may be apparent that I have not had the pleasure of any beach outings recently, but with some down time arriving I can finally allow myself to get excited for sun, sand and sea.  I have decided to this by picking out my top seven beach essentials, this was an extra fun assignment since beach-going is one of my favorite things to do…

Apparently straw fedoras will be big (again) this summer.  To ensure “non-dime-a-dozen-ness” I say pass on that trend and opt for a pretty, wide-brimmed sunhat.   Admit it, it sucks having the same hat as that girl across the street, and the one in liquor store, oh yeah…and the one sitting next to you on the sand. You catch my drift.

This J.Crew stripe beach hat ($38) in bright daffodil is pretty cute, the yellow stripe is something fresh and different for summer.

I think this summer, I am opting for a bandeau style swimsuit, although I do love the vintage glamour of this Victoria’s Secret suit…

It also comes in coral.

Retro Push-Up Triangle Top:  $58 on sale!

I will also be on the hunt for a reasonably priced straw tote to throw everything into, but until then, a brightly colored canvas one will do.

Mossimo CORE Tote Canvas in Blue: $12.99

Sunscreen is definitely necessary and this Alba Hawaiian Sun Aloe Vera Sunscreen ($5.11) smells great and isn’t greasy.  And I would be completely lost if I didn’t bring my favorite lip balm in the whole world with me.  This smell of this stuff reminds me of the beach and works like a miracle.

Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment for Lips ($2.19) is made with cocoa butter, aloe, vitamin E and has an SPF 20 in it.

A book is essential on my beach trips. Lately I’ve had a growing fascination with the troubled and talented Zelda Fitzgerald, Save Me the Waltz is on my must-read list this summer.

There was a time in my life where I thought putting coconut oil in my ocean-wet hair was a great idea.  I foolishly thought I was luxuriously moisturizing it in the summer sun while letting it air dry, when really I was cooking it.  It took years for my hair to finally recover, and now I make sure to take a leave in conditioning spray with me instead.  This Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner ($9.95) smells so good!  Spraying this into ocean damp hair and tucking it up under your fancy sun hat is a better idea.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more wide-brimmed sunhats and bandeau style swimsuits.

Discounts on tote bags.

May is the season for the Cannes Film Festival.  One of the most high-profile, star-studded events of the season, Cannes is unique in the sense that many more of the cutting edge celebrities, designers, artists and industry people make the voyage out to the French Riviera to attend the film premieres, parties, and of course stepping foot on the red carpet looking more glamorous than ever.  I like Cannes fashion because it just seems so much more classic and timeless.  The celebrities are styled a little more boldly and just look more dazzling than ever, and I am not one to be celeb-obsessed…but for this occasion, I do love indulging in the film festival photos.

Lilac gowns were a bit of a trend, seen here on Penelope Cruz in Marchesa…

….as well as on Ryan Phillipe’s girlfriend, Abbie Cornish, seen here in a stunning Toni Maticevski gown.

Items that reminded me of these gowns?  This lovely Lotusgrace Ombre Silk Chiffon Dress ($480).  I love the color transition on the fabric.

Since I am in the mindset of “Luxury! Glitz! Glamour! French Riviera!” most of the items I am being drawn to are very luxe indeed…

Matthew Campbell Laurenza Enamel Sapphire Ring: $590

And of course, no red carpet would be complete without a pair of Louboutins treading over it.  If I had my choice, I’d go for these Pink Satin Petal Sandals $995 by the one and only Christian Louboutin.

Other standout starlets included the beautiful Diane Kruger in a white Marchesa gown.

….and of course the always luminous Angelina Jolie in a dusty rose colored Versace gown.

Image Source: Style.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more lilac dresses and Christian Louboutin shoes.

I haven’t bought shorts in a while.  Last summer I indulged and picked up a few pairs of high-waisted shorts, and I loved them.  They got their use all season long, but this time around, I haven’t bothered.  Instead, I lazily cut a few pairs of old skinny jeans I didn’t mind butchering and have instead been wearing the heck out of those.  I’m noticing baggier, cut offs are coming around back in style again for summer.  High-waisters will still be big, but it’ll be refreshing to get back to the basics.  Of course cutting old jeans never fails, and you can control the length of them as you wear them, either cutting shorter after a few wears or simply cuffing the bottoms.  This is my favorite look right now…combined with a super soft tee shirt or pretty flowy blouse, this is a no-fail, maximum comfort outfit for the warmer months.  It of course looks great with sandals, but I love wearing shorts with cowboy boots!  Not a big surprise. I searched around to find some great short styles for this summer, and this is what I found:

These Billie Distressed Cuffed Shorts by Genetic are probably my favorites.  They look so comfy!  The all over distressing and whiskering is another nice effect.  Wear these with super girly blouse or tee to balance rugged and delicate.

Billie Distressed Cuffed Shorts by Genetic: $178

Right now, shorts are 25% off at Gap.com…including these cute striped ones.

The Striped Button Tab Shorts are a linen/cotton blend so will probably wrinkle easy but look comfy and are stylish with stripes.  Originally $39.50, these are now on sale for $29.62.

I also like these Hudson Jeans ‘Amy’ Raw Hem Stretch Denim Shorts in the Dakota Wash.  The back pockets are the Hudson signature triangle shape, and the cotton denim has elastane in it, so these will wear really well and break in perfectly.

Hudson ‘Amy’ Raw Hem Stretch Denim Shorts: $165

Summer wouldn’t be complete without a pair of safari-inspired shorts like these Joie Denise Cargo Shorts ($158).

I would go full safari and wear these with a white button down shirt with rolled up sleeves, aviators and sandals.
And I couldn’t resist a pair of “boyfriend” shorts since this seems to be the look this season.  The wash on these are great and the heavy distressing gives a vintage look.

Hudson Distressed Boyfriend Shorts: $165

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s shorts.

Finding any Marc Jacobs or Marc by Marc Jacobs women’s dresses for under $200 dollars is pretty exciting.  Normally most of MJ’s dresses start at around $300…and go up higher.  Much higher.  I tried on this Zig Zag Jersey Dress a few months ago and loved it.  It came out as part of a pre-spring ready to wear line, and it was so comfortable!  Originally priced at $298, the dress is now marked down to $178.80…not a bad price.  The sleeveless top has a scoop neck, and the skirt is gathered with an all over, funky zig zag pattern.  The silk/rayon blend is super soft and swingy.

When I had this dress on I wanted to buy it so badly!  The fabric was awesome and flowy, and the back had this exposed zipper detail which looked pretty cool.  The cut was not confining at all, an absolutely perfect dress to wear all summer long.  I don’t think I was the only one who realized what a great deal this dress was, I saw a pretty gal wearing it on the dance floor at my local watering hole last week!  This could definitely be worn into fall also, just throw on a little cropped jacket and some boots with it.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Zig Zag Jersey Dress: $298 Now: $178.80

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Marc by Marc Jacobs dresses.
Discounts on jersey dresses.