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