Summer Trend: Safari-Inspired

I haven’t seen the safari trend covered much by the fashion media yet this season but it’s definitely one of my favorites. To me, this trend is the cousin of the military theme that was so hot this spring.

Right now Charlotte Russe has some really great safari pieces; khaki and olive drab garments, bold beaded jewelry and animal prints are the order of the day. I particularly love the khaki Belted Safari Dress because it’s chic and leaves endless possibilities for accessorizing. I actually think I’d wear it with the Colorblock Seed Bead necklace (below), a large black tote and some black strappy sandals.

Colorblock Seed Bead Necklace ($10.50, Charlotte Russe)

Rolled Sleeve Cargo Pocket Jacket ($30, Charlotte Russe)

Belted Safari Dress ($26, Charlotte Russe)

Drawstring Camo Print Cargo Shorts ($19.50, Charlotte Russe)

Technorati Tags: bead necklace, charlotte russe, Dress, Jacket, jewelry, Military, military theme, Necklace, safari, safari-inspired clothing, summer, Trend

Summery White Denim

Technorati Tags: Ankle, Bullhead, Capri Jeans, Concepts, denim, Gap, International, Jeans, shopbop, summer, Sunwear, White

Stealing the Look: Bagdley Mischka Spring 2009

There is something undeniably sexy about Victorian-inspired items, which often tend to mix together all sorts of opulent textures. Such is the rich look created by Bagdley Mischka as part of their Spring 2009 ready-to-wear collection, where opposing elements such as delicate lace and metallic jewelry play a prominent role.

There is no question that a white dress is perfect for summer–especially this year, when neutrals are all the rage. Bagdley Mischka uses a sleeveless dress and a short sleeved cardigan on top, cinching the two at the waist with a belt. However, you can easily recreate the look with a lacy short-sleeved frock.

When it comes to accessorizing the dress, don’t be shy! Over-the-top opulence is an important part of this look. A shiny gold multi-strand necklace, as used by Bagdley Mischka, creates a beautiful contrast against the white fabric. The gold element is also reflected by the hardware on the white hand bag.

Don’t forget to thrown on a pair of brown wedges or platform sandals that have either dark jewel accents or even more gold hardware. You may think combining so many textures together is a faux-pas, but if Bagdley Mischka did it, then you know its ok!

Qian Pearl Strands Classic White Lace Mini Dress ($36, www.angiehearts.net)	Multi Strand Metallic Bead Necklace ($9.80, Forever 21)
Enzo Angiolini 'Waters' Shoe ($89, Zappos)	Lola Marie Bag ($47.96, www.bagbaus.com)

Technorati Tags: 2009, bagdley mischka, enzo angiolini, forever21, hardware, lace mini dress, platform sandals, runway, shoe, spring, strand necklace, summer, zappo, zappos

Dolce & Gabbana Look: Looking Glam, Going Green, Paying Less

I laugh every time I remember that The Devil Wears Prada scene in which Andi (Anne Hathaway) meekly asks how to spell Dolce & Gabbana during her first day of working for a fashion magazine. It seems almost absurd to think that someone today could not know this iconic fashion house. Read more

Technorati Tags: belina, devil wears prada, dolce and gabbana, dolce gabbana, flat, jessica simpson, maxi dresses, natural dyes, nordstrom, organic fabrics, shoe collection, summer, sundress

Summer Flip Flop Report 2009

What is summer without a gazillion pairs of colorful rubber flip flops? Read on for a comparison of  three popular brands offering this must-have summer staple.  Read more

Technorati Tags: flip, flop, Havaianas, J.Crew, old navy, shoe, summer

Blake Lively’s Style: “Gossip Girl” Gorgeous, Financially Friendly

I literally begin salivating every time I see the characters’ wardrobes on Gossip Girl. With designer labels abound, Serena, Blair and the rest of Manhattan’s young elite are dressed to the nines in every single scene. In fact, it is almost strange for me to see Blake Lively dressed casually in real life, as she is in this photo, but hey, the girl still looks amazing.  Read more

Technorati Tags: charlotte russe, flat, gossip girl, mini skirt, mini skirts, oxford shirt, ralph lauren, summer, tote

One American Apparel Dress, Three Ways to Wear It

There is really nothing better than a comfortable, simple summer dress. My top pick for this summer is the Rib Racerback Dress from American Apparel. Read more

Technorati Tags: american apparel, clutch, forever21, fossil, sandal, shopbop, steve madden, summer, tote, zappo

Marvelous Miu Miu for Summer

Prada’s line Miu Miu never ceases to amaze me. Every single design is so fresh and feminine. In this case, I can’t get over how  classy yet comfortable this cute summer ensemble from the resort collection looks! Read more

Technorati Tags: american apparel, forever21, giuseppe zanotti, marinelli, miu miu, prada, sandal, sandals, steve madden, summer, zappo, zappos

Nicole Richie’s Sizzling Summer Look for a Fraction of the Cost

Nicole Richie is by far one of the best dressed celebs on my list. Whether she’s wearing ripped jeans and an oversized t-shirt or a designer gown, she always manages to dazzle. Read more

Technorati Tags: charlotte russe, forever21, fossil, jumpsuits, nicole richie, old navy, sandals, studded belt, summer, sunglasses

Favorite Floral Accessories for Summer

Where I’m living, summer is already in full swing. Everywhere I go, I see flower beds and blooming trees bursting with color. They remind me of all of the floral-themed accessories that are so popular right now. Read more

Technorati Tags: charlotte russe, floral accessories, Florals, flower, forever21, hair accessories, jewelry, summer