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.

 

Most of us ordinary mortals would morph into a ball of nerves at the thought of  going out dripping in sequins and gold.  Fortunately for the ladies at BET awards, they have the attitude and star power to pull it off!  The highlights of the June 28 BET awards , besides the tribute to the King of Pop was of course Beyonce’s alarmingly gravity defying mini dress by the French Designer house, Balmain . LeToya Luckett and Alicia Keys were some of the many who decided to sport the same look.  To break the monotony of brash, bold and gold,  there were some rebels like Tyra Banks in mens’ wear inspired pant suit and Toccara Jones in a rather safe, tasteful, black jumpsuit.  At the very least, the gals know how to keep things interesting and spicy…

The trendy bargain chain has definitely stepped it up a bit now as far as swimwear goes.  The website has an entire page of wild suits in bright, flashy prints.  The suits are actually quite sexy and modern looking.  Now, I have no idea what these bikinis and one-pieces look or feel like, whether they’re made with cheap nylon spandex lycra or what, BUT the just by the looks of it, the suits look better quality.  Some of the models they used are pretty curvy too so if you are a voluptuous type, you may be able to get some sort of an idea of whether certain tops would work or not.  There were about five or six different styles, but several different prints, some wild, some that were a little more on the plain side.  My eye of course was drawn to the bright, colorful, ethnic looking prints.  And at prices like $12.80 per piece, I picked a couple because it only made sense!  Independence Day is three days away and whether you’re going out of town for a weekend getaway, heading to the beach to lay around in the sand, or bouncing around to barbecues and pool parties…it’s always good to have a couple of swimsuit options.  A true fashion freak would agree. Here are my top picks and suggestions for where to wear what:

Waikiki Beaded Bandeau Top and Tie Belt Bottom $12.80 per piece.

This is a pretty sexy suit.  The top has removable pads and beaded detail on the necktie as well as on the belt that adorns the hips.  It’s fully lined.  This would be my choice to wear to a pool party…a grownup pool party though where you’d be drinking an adult beverage and mingling with cute boys in boardshorts!

The next one is a great choice for the beach.  It reminds me of a Roxy or Billabong bikin–a little more sporty.  The top seems to have more full coverage in case a big wave comes and knocks you down.

Contrast Leaf Halter Top and Side Tie Bottom: $12.80 per piece

Ready to set sail?!  I envy those of you out there who actually will be this weekend.  If I could, I would be wearing this suit…this is perfect for throwing in your weekender and taking off.

Nautical Stripe Triangle Top and Side Tie Bottom: $12.80 per piece

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable bikinis.

I was dressing for a little backyard b-day party yesterday, in 90 degree heat I might add, and when I put on my new maxi dress with some flat gold sandals I was still thinking, where’s the fun?  Then I grabbed my antique gold lockets hanging from a long chain to layer over my usual necklaces and there it was.  So, let’s talk lucky charms.

To begin with, have you noticed that Tiffany and Co. has completely extended and revamped its charm offerings in materials from the relatively affordable sterling to big-time treats of gold, enamel and diamond?  The Tiffany’s collection includes everything from the little princess friendly crown or cupcake, to the initials, martini glasses, or “Olympian” charms based on antique Tiffany silver, that will delight the grown up girl.  I also love the ideas Tiffany has for adornment options: don’t just charm a bracelet or chain, but hang one on a key chain, on your belt, or my personal favorite, on your purse.

And recently, just about everyone is getting on board the charm train.  I even found some cute little danglers at Gap Kids last week.  Perfect for the little charmers, you can get a tiny shoe, frog, rainbow, etc., as well as a bracelet to hang them on; all at a price that won’t make you freak out if your little one looses her jewelry while hanging upside down from the monkey bars.

The big idea I want to dangle in front of you though, is the charm necklace.  Now, I know full well that the “statement necklace” is all the rage and delicate pieces have been deemed out by the fashion police and their deputies.  However, when something is a great element of your personal style, I say as always, buck the trend or make it your own.

My current faves are a layer of multiple necklaces with personal charms.  I know this look has been around for a while, but I love it to much to break up with it.  My personal charms now in rotation are a gold and diamond butterfly from the 70’s that I inherited (o.k., stole) from my mom, mixed with a white gold Elsa Peretti bean that was a gift from my BFF.  At this point, I am feeling the need for all the good luck charms I can get.

If you want to take some of your personal baubles like a star, a child’s initial, a locket (like Faith Hill has) and make it more of statement, why not mix two or three charms with a heavy chain and a strand or two of pearls?  I think you will find the result…charming.

Photo Info: These cute and affordable charms found on fun little site CharmedandDangerous.net. Also take a look at the fun charms Smarter.com features.

I was drawn to this Free People ‘Faint Ash’ Ruffle Dress this week.  The color caught my attention immediately because it is a shade of purple that I would wear.  There are about four different color variations in this dress…all in the purple spectrum, and that is something I think is very chic about it.  No lavender unfortunately (and I do love lavender…) but the dress is just as cute without it.  This is a fantastic dress for summer and can even be worn into late September.  To embrace the summery look, pair this dress with some chunky sandals, flat sandals will look just as good, but since the dress is so short, some chunky heels will balance it out.

To carry into the early fall months, combine this dress with some dark grey or chocolate brown tights.  Even dark olive colored tights would work seeing how green and purple are complimentary colors to one another.  Layer tights under the dress and pair with some really cute ankle boots!! Another perfect pairing since the dress is a mini length.  Ankle boots or knee high boots would work too.  Throw a cute boyfriend blazer on top and you have one awesome outfit!  One dress…two seasons!

Free People ‘Faint Ash’ Ruffle Dress: $128

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more women’s dresses.
Discounts on women’s ruffle dresses.

Havaianas for summer are girlawhirl’s latest obsession.

SheFinds uses Sunsense Wristbands to prevent the lobster look.

Late night? No problem. Look well-rested for work and play with this 5-minute makeup routine from SheZoom.

Going away for the weekend? Find out what to pack at StyleBakery.com

The Beauty Brains explain why chlorine is bad for your hair.

When I try to think back about the influences Michael Jackson had on fashion and culture from the inception of the Jackson Five to Thriller to the present tragedy of his death, I find it is easier to start with what the King of Pop did not influence, as opposed to what he did.  Gangster hoodies, emo rap, and grunge were certainly not any of his styles.  Nor were baggy pants, grinding in the club, or heavy death metal.  Michael Jackson was an icon for the ages with multiple looks that were fanciful, sharp and totally rockstar quality.  We can start with the Jackson Five look, the tight paisley button downs and bell-bottoms (who didn’t wear bell bottoms?  Now we know who started it!).  Rock the look with a cute suede vest and platform shoes, and you really are living the pint-size MJ dream.

But Michael Jackson really became a cultural icon with the breakthrough music video Thriller in 1983.  His dance moves were to die for and became iconic in the swivel and swish of that red leather jacket with zipper details, tight-fitting parachute pants, and the single, white leather glove that started to illuminate the quirky taste of Mr. Jackson.  Parachute pants are making it back to the runway, but I don’t know if it’s the best way to appreciate MJ’s glory.  The white glove is all his, but try bringing back colored leather jackets and zipper details.  The 80’s are back, where have you been?

And finally, my favorite, there is the style I like to call Michael Jackson Classic.  MJC would be the tailored white button down, sequined black jacket, tight black pants and the fedora.  This is the Billie Jean Moonwalk look, the beloved dance moves that have been honed from manic zombiehood down to classic perfection.  The original Sexy Back.

How to emulate this?

Start a dance studio focusing specific in Michael Jackson impersonations, make a buckload of money, invest in the best fedora you can find and rock out for the rest of your life.  But for us proletariats, some snazzy sequins get-ups, socks, and tile floors will do just fine for the weekend’s Michael Jackon Memorial Dance Party.  My house.  8 pm.  Be there.

Image Source: GroupieBlog, Huntermuttall.com, MJDavid007.com

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.

Gap White Ankle Jeans: $59.50

They are nice and skinny, with just a touch of stretch and the cropped hemline allows you to show off your shoes appropriately.

Brewed Bean Shell: $58

Next, add a floaty top like the one above from Anthropologie.  This appropriately colored red flounced top adds a little party flare while keeping you cool and giving some coverage.  So far we have red and white checked off the list.

Next: accessories.  Luckily, with the gladiator sandals popular for a second summer in a row, maybe you have a little strappy sandal already lurking in your closet.  Now how about a star necklace in honor of the occasion?

This beautiful necklace, found on MadisonLosAngeles.com, incorporates a vintage charm and is on a long chain that will float beautifully against your flounced top.  As an alternative, might you consider some gold or silver chandelier earrings to reflect nicely off the fireworks?

Now you are dressed to stay cool, not dig holes in your neighbor’s lawn and look reasonably festive. Party on Wayne.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more white jeans and red women’s tops.

Xhilaration Floral Maxi Dress in Turquoise Floral Print: $19.99

In all honesty, I think the model is wearing this dress terribly.  Some of you may agree…she kind of makes it look like a mumu.  BUT, I saw past the way she is wearing it and focused on the pattern and the cut.  A lot can be done with this dress if worn correctly and accessorized accordingly.  The back is smocked for an extra snug fit around the bust which is important.  I forecasted a while back that watercolor prints are trendy for spring and summer, and this would definitely be considered part of that trend.  Time to capitalize on it!  This is a great dress for 20 bucks, and you know it will be comfy.  Wear this with your hair down and some pretty dangly earrings to a summer bbq…or wear it out on a sunny afternoon while shopping and lunching with your girlfriends.  Wherever you wear it, it’ll look great and you’ll feel great knowing it was a cheap dress deal!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more maxi dresses.
Discounts on women’s dresses.