1) Tribal print shorts, nicole by Nicole Miller via J.C. Penney, $20
2) Cut-out shoulder sheer blouse, Forever 21, $24.80
3) Slingback wedges, Steve Madden, $29.99
4) Beaded bottom tank, Love 21, $24.80
5) Snakeskin-back thong sandals, Target, $24.99
6) Coral high-waisted shorts, ASOS, $46.40
7) Polka-dot tie waist blouse, Forever 21, $22.80
8) Black and gold platform sandals, Dorothy Perkins, $44
9) Double striped top (different strip print in back!), Love 21, $15.80
10) Tan scrunch ballet flats, Gap, $44.95
11) High-waisted embellished shorts, Nasty Gal, $68
12) Blush elasticized-waist blouse, ASOS, $18.23
13) Taupe patent t-straps, Forever 21, $36.80
14) Yellow split-shoulder top, Love 21, $17.80
15) Tri-color ballet flats, Gap, $39.95
16) Zig-zag knit shorts, Forever 21, $19.80
17) Orange peplum top, Love 21, $22.80
18) Ankle-strap cork platform sandals, Dorothy Perkins, $27
19) Chambray shirt, Love 21, $27.80
20) Cognac ankle-strap sandals, Aldo, $27.99

Nothing shows off a tan better than a white bikini, and I found three that I love browsing through the VS sales. Now that summer's halfway through and you've had the chance to brown up, it's time pull these babies out!

1) Eyelet bandeau bikini, Victoria's Secret, $59
2) Lace ruffle bandeau bikini, Victoria's Secret, $58
3) Crochet bandeau bikini, Victoria's Secret, $36

I recently moved out to the beach, and while I love the gorgeous views and laid-back attitude, I haven't quite warmed up to the uber-casual dress code yet--mainly because it means that I'm always overdressed and have to retire my sparkly dresses to the back of my closet :-( However, the beach crowd does have one sartorial ace up it's sleeve: Surf clothing. I'm constantly asking my sister where she got her really unique, fun dress from and the answer is always the name of a surf shop. Girls aren't the only ones to benefit here; while boys may wear t-shirts out, they pair them with jeans that fit so perfectly I might have freaked out a little too much over them. I'm constantly trying to get guys to wear jeans with a slimmer cut and leave behind the baggy styles they wore in high school, but I usually get some version of "I'm not a hipster" in response. If you have similar problems with the guy(s) in your life, I've discovered the solution. Or rather, this guy I met out on Fourth of July discovered it and I pried the brand name from him and then found the jeans online. For the perfect balance of loose and tailored--and a great indigo wash to boot--click on over and check these out.

1) Indigo rinse "Vorta" jean, Volcom via Swell.com, $65

Though they may not have puffy sleeves and a full skirt, these are dresses for a modern day princess: the kind of dress that makes you feel feminine and lovely. The kind of dress you wear with (unique iterations of) pearls and patent nude heels...and just what you need to get you through summer weddings. 

1) Lace overlay swing dress, Forever21, $29.80

2) Lily print pleated dress, Forever21, $27.80                                                                

3) Lace halter dress, Forever21, $22.80

I've been stalking this dress since I first saw it on the VS website last year, but it's never been on sale for more than $10 off. Finally, I decided if, after two years, the dress was still around, that meant a lot of girls had ordered it, loved it, and NOT sent it back...which meant it fit/looked just as good in person as it does in the catalogue. So, come on guys, let's go ahead and take the plunge and invest in a dress that will never be out of style...as long as the season of summer exists :-)

1) Crochet sundress, Victoria's Secret, $69.50
2) Coral espadrilles, Yellow Box via Amazon, $31.80
3) Embellished clutch, Forever21, $24.80
4) Dimpled teardrop hoops, Forever21, $3.80
5) Dimpled cutout bracelet, Forever21, $7.80

Broken-in khakis are so versatile, soft, and comfy...just right for a casual, yet pulled together, weekend look.

1) Broken-in straight leg khakis, Gap, $49.50
2) Striped trapeze tank, Forever21, $12.80
3) Jean jacket, Old Navy, $34.94
4) Slip-on sneakers, Forever21, $10.50
5) Studded slingback sandals, Gap, $69.95

I have a problem with buying lots of fun printed or embellished pieces and then coming home and realizing I have nothing to wear them with. Thinking that I can't be the only one with this problem, I've chosen to highlight some great basics that will help you answer the "I love this, but what on earth am I going to wear it with?" question. This week, I'm focusing on pants. Though at first glance these pants may seem like a pretty plain and boring thing to get excited about, there are so many reasons they will become your new go-to: this dark camel color looks great with everything (even more so than the typical khaki) and can be worn year-round; the pants are made in that great stretch fabric that holds its shape better than cotton and looks much more polished; the straight leg fit that isn't skin-tight through the thighs allows you to tuck a shirt in without throwing off proportions; the ankle crop not only makes your ankles look tiny but also perfectly showcases shoes. Here, I've paired the pants with neutral accessories to make the gorgeous print of the blouse really pop, but these pants would look just as great with a neutral top and a brightly colored or patterned pair of shoes.

1) Cropped straight-leg pant, Forever21, $24.80
2) Sheer floral top, Forever21, $24.80
       *Note: this needs an off-white/nude tank underneath, if you don't already have one, try this...but,
         speaking from experience: order a size (or two) up...F21 basics tend to be a little too skin-tight.
3) Multi-chain gold necklace, Forever21, $7.80
4) Nude Patent bag, Zara, $79.90
5) Cognac bow sling-backs, Zara, $99.90

1) Straw basket bag, Zara, $29.90
2) Navy tie-dye stripe tote, Target, $19.99
3) Photographic print tote, ASOS, $41.43
4) Pink stripe straw tote, Target, $34.99
5) Tie-dye shopper, Zara, $49.90
6) Straw bag with peach trim, Topshop, $60

*On header: Aztec print tote, Topshop, $50

For a girl who likes to highlight her butt, arms, and shoulders and is instantly smitten with any clothing item that is bright yellow...this dress is absolute perfection. Here's hoping you guys adore it as much as I do :-)

1) Yellow lace dress, Lulu's, $63
2) Gold hoops, Express, $14.90
3) Nude slingback sandals, Jessica Simpson via Macy's, $53
4) Pink clutch, ASOS, $17.49
5) Gold medallion ring, Nissa via Endless, $37.20

If you're like me, you make up for the curves you lack on top with those you have on bottom. In this swimsuit, Victoria's Secret has fashioned a bikini bottom in the the most flattering underwear cut for those who are well-endowed in the rear. That would be boy shorts, but make sure they're cut straight in the back, and not curved, which tends to make them look more like large bikini granny panties than hot underwear. Most of the  "cheeky" or "hot pant" bikini bottoms on VS fall into the granny category, but because of the ruffle that runs straight across the back, this one perfectly compliments the derriere. Extra bonus: the ruffles also make the suit sweet and sexy at the same time, a combination that experience has shown me is kryptonite for guys. I'm still trying to decide between the white and the coral...

1) Ruffle bikini, Victoria's Secret, $29

1) Striped bandeau bikini, Victoria's Secret, $29
2) Open back cover-up dress, Victoria's Secret, $39.50
3)White and coral string bikinis, Victoria's Secret, $24
4) Lace romper, Victoria's Secret, $51
5) Floral print tasseled string bikini, Victoria's Secret, $44
6) Embroidered cover-up dress, Victoria's Secret, $36

Simple and carefree...

1) Mint hi-lo dress, Love21, $34.80
2) Tiered bib necklace, Forever21, $7.80
3) Sequin straw tote, Target, $39.99
4) Cutout thong sandals, Forever21, $10.80

There's no shoe that says "Summer" quite like an espadrille, especially in a bright color or bold pattern.

1) Strappy turquoise, Target, $28
2) Cap-toe coral pump, The Webster at Target, $39.99
3) Red and blue nautical, MIA via DSW, $39.94
4) Rope-strap coral , Lulu's, $29
5) Floral print, Old Navy, $29.94
6) Yellow with bow trim , Lulu's, $33
7) Pink and orange color block , Charlotte Russe, $35.80
8) Orange ankle-strap, Aldo, $80

I remember when I was in middle school and if you were wearing neutral shoes, you had two choices: black or brown. And you BETTER not wear black and brown together :-) These days, not only do I wear black and brown together, but when I want a neutral shoe that will let my outfit be the spotlight, my choices expand far beyond black and brown, especially in the summer. Nudes, grays, taupes, metallics...they all add a bit of interest while not stealing the show.

1) Taupe suede, Aldo, $50
2) Ankle-strap straw, Forever21, $32.80
3) Gray with a pop of yellow, Target, $28
4) Cream crochet, Steve Madden via DSW, $59.95
5) Gold t-strap, Steve Madden, $89.95
6) Reptile-textured ankle strap, Gianni Binni via Dillard's, $69.99

The great thing about wedges is that they are one essential that you will have no trouble finding; the problem is that you might find yourself so inundated with so many different pairs that it's hard to sift through the masses and find that one wedge that is perfect for you. Hopefully, this guide will make the search a little less intimidating.

Cognac wedge sandals are the casual version of the nude pump: They go with everything and you will wear them to death (making up for the rather steep prices of some of these).

1) Braided leather, Aldo, $80
2) Espadrille gladiator, ASOS, $73.06
3) Strappy seventies-style, Steve Madden, $79.98
4) Woven leather with sculptural heel, Gianni Binni via Dillard's, $89.95
5) Cork heel ankle strap, Forever21, $26.80
6) Criss-cross strap, Aldo, $100

*On header: Rhinestone studded t-strap, Victoria's Secret, $68

Love the unexpected edge cut-outs add to an otherwise demure floral sheath...makes me want to throw a garden party!

*Dress: Floral with cut-outs, ASOS, $81.81
*Bag: Nude oversized clutch, Zara, $49.90
*Sandals: Cork/espadrille wedge, Steve Madden, $62.98
       -- currently only available in sizes 9-10, check out these as an alternative
*Rings: Thin gold bands, etsy.com, $8 each
*Earrings: Dimpled gold hoops, Forever21, $3.80

The "Perfect for a First Date" kind of sundress....or the "Perfect for Frolicking Through a Field Full of Flowers" kind of sundress...
1) "Serenity" dress, Billabong via swell.com, $44.50
2) Floral print dress with lace back, Forever21, $17.80
3) White eyelet corset dress, Victoria's Secret, $69.50
4) "Sin sin" dress, Billabong via swell.com, $ 39.99

Last winter's tribal motifs find their way into summer via bold color and strappy dresses. 

1) "Sahara" dress, Element via swell.com, $39.99

2) Banded bottom tank dress, Victoria's Secret, $49.50

3) Geo fade "Starlight" dress, Volcom via swell.com, $44.99

4) Vibrant tribal dress, Forever21, $19.80

This season's take on spring/summer floral? Tropical prints! My favorite iterations of the bright and bold print, sundress style: 

1) Mixed print dress, Victoria's Secret, $69.50 

2) Watercolor flowers dress, Forever 21, $13.86 (on sale, I was bit taken aback when the price didn't end in 80 cents :-)

3) Tropical print halter dress, ASOS, $45.45

4) Tube dress with hi-low hem, Billabong via swell.com, $34.00

First up: The sundress. What you reach for when you want to look cute, but don't have the time/ inclination to put together an actual ensemble. It never ceases to amaze me how impressed people are when all you've done is throw a dress over your head...easier even than pulling on jeans and a tee shirt! Each post contains a different style, so you can easily find the dress that best fits your personality. Today's theme? Stripes! 

Stripes are everywhere right now, so these are some of the easiest options to find--especially at the best prices. Another sad aspect of tried and true pieces is that they're harder to find at cheaper (typically more trend-focused) price points, and they rarely go on sale; the trade-off is that you'll wear them for years. So when something that will never truly be dated, like stripes, suddenly becomes en vogue, it's time to stock up! 

1) Chevron stripe dress , Forever 21, $22.80

2) Sunset stripe tube dress, Target, $20.00

3) Abstract stripe dress, Love 21, $27.80

4) Orange and blue stripe dress (Go Gators!), Forever 21, $19.90

*Lavender medallion tube dress on header, Victoria's Secret, $59.50

Trends come and trends go, but certain things will always be Summer Essentials, the items you turn to whenever the temperature rises. However, I've found that pieces that are perennially in style can often be the most difficult to find, leading to those frustrating shopping experiences where you can find everything under the sun...except the rather basic item you're looking for. With that in mind, I've started a Summer Essentials series in an effort to help you avoid the "Where are all the ______?!" shopping blues. Each post is full of pieces that will get you through this summer...and the next...and the next... 

Valentine's Day: Hot Date

For when you need a "takes his breath away" kind of outfit...sexy AND classy.

1) Red pencil dress, ASOS, $71.62
2) Bling ring, Topshop, $30

3) Strappy peep-toe pump, Victoria's Secret, $68

4) Black patent clutch, Aldo, $38

5) Crystal drop earrings, Send the Trend, $29.95

Valentine's Day: Drinks with the Girls

Take advantage of being single on Valentine's Day by using the night as a perfect opportunity to don your best Man Repeller pieces: color blocked brights, oversized blazers, crazy tights, and behemoth wedges! What better way to celebrate being able to dress to impress no one but yourself? :-)

1) Tiered red tank dress, Forever 21, $19.80

2) Pink oversized blazer, Forever 21, $24.80

3) Chevron stockings, Anna Sui via Zappos, $16.99

4) Chain fringe necklace, Forever 21, $8.80

5) Pave studs, Forever 21, $

6) Stacked hexagon rings, Forever 21, $

7) Pyramid lock envelope clutch, ASOS, $26.86

8) Wedge shooties, Aldo, $59.98

Two for Blue

Simple Striped Chic

For those days when you hit the snooze button a few times too many and need to look polished in a hurry, the blouse/ cropped trousers combo is a quick and easy go-to outfit.

1) Striped blouse, Forever 21, $13.50

2) Berry trousers, ASOS, $35.81

3) Chunky gold chain necklace, Bloom, $42

4) Cone studs, Bing Bang, $48

5) Gold watch, Marc Jacobs, $225

6) Gold beaded chain bracelet, Michael Kors, $55

7) Seven-stack ring set, Fork Whisperer via Etsy, $69

8) Black sling-backs, Gianni Binni, $79.99

9) Tan/ black satchel, ASOS, $62.67

10) Yellow suede clutch, Lulu's, $65

Pretty Little Thing

Weekend Wear

A few tweaks, like bright shoes and fun jewelry, can take your basics from stale to stand-out...without taking down the comfort factor in the process!*

1) Striped tee, Forever 21, $13.80

2) Cropped Jeans, ASOS, $35.81

3) Star necklace, Gorjana, $58 ($1.50 F21 option)

4) Chain-link necklace, Forever 21, $5.80

5) Rope circle studs, Gorjana, $50 ($1.50 F21 option)

6) Stacked rings, Gorjana, $65 ($3 F21 option--ring 1 + ring 2)

7) Orange ballet flats, Gap, $39.95

8) Mustard loafers, Old Navy, $29.94

9) Color-block tote, Dorothy Perkins, $35.00

10) Camel blazer, Forever 21, $32.80

*In order to make this happen, you might have to bring along band-aids for your flats...without them I almost always get blisters!

Jailbird

This dress is a fun take on the stripes trend--and can be re-mixed soooo many ways, two of which are shown above (it would also make a great top tucked into a pencil skirt).

1) Floral blazer, Forever 21, $24.80

2) Striped dress, Warehouse (unfortunately, sold out), similar option, Oasis, $70

3) Black opaque tights, Hue, $13.50

4) Gold Crystal necklace, Bauble Bar (again, sold out), similar option, Forever 21, $12.80

5) Star studs, Gorjana, $45.00 ($1.50 F21 option)

6) Chunky gold ring, Aldo, $

7) Lace-up suede booties, Endless, $49.99

8) Neutral-block bag, Oasis, $70

9) Pink blazer, Forever 21, $27.80

10) Black suede booties, Endless, $49.99

Spring Fling

Brighter than Sunshine

The Most Sincere Form of Flattery....

Dating Rules From my Future Self is my new tv (or in this case, web series) obsession, and part of that is the wardrobe, which I love (also, the house the girls live in is absolutely adorable). The outfit I've been most smitten with is the one Lucy wears in the beginning of this episode, so I set out to put together my best imitation.

Forever 21 blouse

Forever 21 cropped cardigan

Express shorts

Forever 21 "Dream" necklace

Forever 21 cameo necklace

Forever 21 Pyramid bracelet

Banana republic chain link bracelet (the less expensive Forever version)

Nixon gold oversized watch

MIA platform loafers

ASOS satchel

Forever 21 rings

Forever 21 gold pyramid studs

My Best Friend's Style

I've been missing my best friend, Bee, like crazy lately, so I decided to bring a little bit of her to me by creating a very Bee outfit--i.e. one full of ruffles, bows, pearls, and vintage-inspired pieces :-)

1) Forever 21 blouse

2) ASOS satchel

3) Lulu's skirt

4) Forever 21 belt

5) Lulu's bow sandals

6) Hue dotted stockings

7) Forever 21 rings

8) Forever 21 cuff

9) Forever 21 earrings

Take That, Seasonal Affective Disorder!

Brightening up January, one bold dress at a time :-)

1) ASOS dress

2) Nordstrom pyramid studs (they have these at Forever 21 as well, but for a basic like this I like to shell out a couple extra bucks so I won't have to worry about tarnishing over multiple wears!)

3) Forever 21 cuffs

4) ASOS clutch

5) Steve Madden booties

6) Hue opaque tights

7) Jessica Simpson pumps

8) Zara bag

9) Forever 21 studs (I went for the cheapies here; if you REALLY want to invest, I am madly in love with this Elizabeth and James pair)

10) Bauble Bar necklace (a little more than I usually like to spend, but again--this is a necklace that will become a wardrobe staple and add interest to any basic tee or blouse)

Let the Shirt Shine

With a shirt as gorgeous as this one, I had to fight all my inclinations to [over] style it up, and instead just added interest in front with a long necklace and complimented the top with a great-fitting pair of black trousers. The result? A perfect balance of sexy and elegant.

Top: ASOS Necklace: Forever 21

Pants: ASOS Pumps: Nine West Clutch: Forever 21

Earrings: Forever 21 Bra: Victoria's Secret

P.S. This bra is indispensable if, like me, you are a big fan of backless tops and dresses!

It really does stay put without constant checks that your bra is not falling off :-)

The January Blues

I'm a very thematic dresser. In January, this means I feel like the only colors I should wear are blue, black, white, and gray/silver--ones that make you think of ice, snow, and winter. Thus, this outfit:

sweater: ASOS

trousers: Dorothy Perkins

Boots: Aldo

Earrings: Chico's

Ring: Forever 21

Bag: Zara