There is no better time than the summertime to have fun and play around with your wardrobe. There are so many fun, flirty fashions to choose from, and is definitely my favorite time of year.

There are always those occasions during summer that you want a special outfit, and here are some great - and inexpensive - ensemble ideas.

Concert

We all love heading to those summer concerts, but what to wear? You want something that is going to be trendy and chic but comfortable at the same time, especially if you are going to a concert that is outdoors where you will be doing a lot of standing or walking.

This outfit is perfect because it will work whether it is hot or cool outside, and the boots are sexy but will not be doing a number on your feet. The bag adds a splash of color and you are definitely going to be the highlight of the party.

Day at the Beach

Ah, a lazy, relaxing day at the beach. Comfort is key, but you still want to look sexy and stylish. I love this bikini by Victoria’s Secret because it is cute and fun, and I simply can’t get enough of the denim cut-off shorts that everyone is wearing this season.

Pair that with a cute beach tote that will hold all your goodies from tanning oil to a picnic lunch, and cute espadrille-like wedges and you’re all set.

Date Night

What better way to spend a date than under the stars on a warm summer night? Now the only thing is finding something to wear, well here is something I think is perfect for date night.

The dress is definitely sexy but still casual, and the strappy silver sandals add a touch of pizazz. I adore this white clutch purse from Bella Nova, and the pearls make this look classic and more mature.

Working Girl

This sexy fitted polka dot pencil skirt with high waist and buttons lined down the back matches to perfection with this modern blouse and coordinating handbag.

I love this sassy but classy workwear ensemble, in particular the snazzy Jessica Simpson cut-out wedge anklestrap pumps which are sexy but reformed enough for the office.

One of the hottest summer fashions this year is the chunky necklace. Done in a variety of forms, these big, bold necklaces always make a statement, and you can use them to bring a splash of color to any ensemble.

From feathers and chains to beads and baubles, there is such a vast and varied selection to choose from that you are sure to find pieces you love.

Just be careful to keep other jewelry to a minimum when you are wearing one of these oversized chains, because you do not want to overdo it.

One of my favorite looks featuring this hot new accessory is a plain white t-shirt or tank top and simple skirt, especially when you do the necklace in a bright color like orange or hot pink, because it adds flair to the simplicity of the outfit and the color by your face will brighten you up.

Perfect for summer, these necklaces range in design and price, so take a bit of time to browse through the selection and find a few that you adore.

Here are a few of my favorites that you may want to add to your jewelry collection just in time for the upcoming summer season.

Turquoise Pendant Necklace, by Spiegel, Spiegel, $34.99; Silver Necklace with Silver Polygon Charms by Pistachio Jewellery, Makoosh, £209.99; Chunky Tiger’s Eye Stone Necklace by Roberta Chiarella, Blueluxe, $70.50; Three-Color Necklace by Ben Amun, Saks Fifth Avenue, $200; Sea Monster Necklace by Vivienne Westwood Red Label, Netaporter, $645.

Although Garage, a Canadian-based clothing and accessory retailer, may feature a lot of teen wear, they have some great - and cheap - styles for summer.

I’m 24 myself and still love the place. They have some adorable sundresses, jeans that fit and offer length to us tall ladies, and super cute accessories.

Of course I love to splurge when I find that great bag, pair of heels, and don’t even get me started on the Betsey Johnson line, but if I have just a bit of money here and there and want to get a bag full of bargain - but still quality - stuff, I can always find what I’m looking for at Garage.

For even a hundred bucks you can get a super cute outfit or two, some accessories to match, and they even have a fun little candy rack set up at the front of the store…why I’m not quite sure but heck, I’ll take it.

They don’t have the most vast or varied selection but there are definitely some sweet pieces I have picked up this year already that are definitely going to be staples in my wardrobe for the summer season to come, and beyond.

You can check them out for yourself online via their website, or visit one of their many retail stores, which you can find in every province as well as across the U.S.

We have all been there - we head to the salon thinking we know exactly what we want and looking forward to leaving looking like a star, until…

It has probably happened at least once to you. On your way out of the salon you are wishing to yourself that you could just invent that time machine and go back a couple hours, maybe rethink your decision.

To avoid this from happening again, there are a few tips that I would like to offer to help you choose the right hairstylist, one that you can trust and feel safe with, so you no longer have to clench your nails into the side of the chair when you see them reaching for the scissors.

Look Around

One of the first and most important steps is going to involve you taking a bit of time to look around and see what is out there. Finding a good hairstylist is going to take some searching, but it will be more than worth it in the end.

You may even want to make a list of all the available hairstylists in your immediate area, and make sure that you stick pretty close to home because after all, you are not going to want to have to travel for hours every time you need to get your hair done.

Once you have made your list, you should start narrowing the selection down by crossing any off that are too cheap or too expensive. Sure there may be some fantastic hairstylists in both categories but trust me, you can find affordable hairstylists that are very reputable and very good at what they do.

Go For the One With the Good Reputation

You are going to want to do some background research on the stylists left on your list. Check to see how long they have been in the business, how much total experience they have, how many salons they have worked in, and find out what their clients have to say to them.

Any reputable, qualified hairstylist will be more than willing to offer you a few names on their list of clientele, and you may even know someone who already goes to them which would be fantastic because then you could get a firsthand opinion on the stylist and on what they have to offer that keeps their clients coming back.

Check the Salon

One of the most crucial things to do is check the salon the stylist works in. It may be anything from a fancy upscale salon or a basement in their home, but either way it is important for you to have a look at their work area and how well they take care of it.

While you are there, check out the products and tools they use and sell, and if you can, pick a stylist who specializes in your type of hair because they will offer specific products and tools that are going to work best with your hair type and leave you with the best results each and every time.

The best salons are those that are kept very neat and tidy, because they will want to make sure they are giving a good impression and want to make their clients feel welcome.

Okay, so a few hairs here and there doesn’t mean you should kick them to the curb, but there is a standard that you should have in terms of cleanliness and ensuring this is a salon you are going to look forward to coming back to time and time again.

Make a Consultation Appointment

Once you have dropped your list down to a few respectable names, it is going to be time for you to get up close and personal.

Consultation appointments are going to be incredibly helpful, and will allow you to speak one-on-one with the different stylists, see what they have to offer, what their opinion on your hair is and what they would advise to do with it, and what they expect you to pay for them styling your hair.

If you are a risk taker you may even want to ask them to give you a haircut right then and there, so you can see what their style is, what they have to offer and whether you would be interested in returning to them in the future.

The best hairstylist is going to be one that understands and meets your needs, someone who transforms your hair as you want it but only if they know it is going to look good, and who is going to listen to what you like and dislike about your hair and always make sure you are happy before you leave the salon.

Choosing a hairstylist is a very important and often lengthy process, but this is someone you will be able to rely on for all hair dilemmas and dos for the rest of your life, so you will be more than glad that you did it.

There are some terrific fashions out for this spring and summer, and if you are anything like me, you are simply dying to take a look at the hot new shoe trends of the season. For all you footwear fashionistas, here are a few of the top picks and information on where you can get a pair for yourself.

Nina Shoes

Simple and affordable, these strappy sandals make a great addition to any wardrobe.

They are embellished and very modern, and one of the things I love best about these sandals is that they are so versatile - dressy enough to wear for a night out on the town, and yet casual enough to wear on a day to day basis.

They would look supremely elegant with a cute wrap skirt and skirt or that little black dress, but pair it with a pair of khaki capris or an olive green sundress and you have an adorable summer day ensemble, available from Nina Shoes for $89.95.

Celine

I absolutely love these shoes from Celine. They have a sort of retro feel, and I adore the bright colors of the straps.

They scream hot weather, and I can already imagine wearing them with a million different outfits. They are funky and fun, and definitely intense.

Bold colors are all the rage this season, and there are no shoes bolder than these platforms intensified by pops of multi-colored patent.

This is one pair of shoes that you do not want to miss out on, well worth adding to your collection.

John Galliano

If you want fun and femininity, look no further than these gorgeous platforms by John Galliano.

They remind me of a Mary Jane, retro-styled and yet modernized at the same time.

Galliano always puts so much detail into his shoes, and here has used yellow which is the hot hue of the season.

The best part about these shoes is the fascinating girly details which are accented, and which really help put this shoe over the edge.

Winter is behind us, and let’s start off summer with a bang with these hot, fashionable, gorgeous spring and summer shoes.

Does anyone else notice that Paris Hilton’s style seems to change as often as she changes boyfriends?

Now that she has been with boyfriend Benji Madden for a few months, she seems to have taken on his wardrobe as well.

The inseparable couple are almost hard to tell apart, both in dark ensembles of hoodies and tees, with sneaks to match.

Although it is cute and sort of sweet in a way…it seems that Paris changes her wardrobe every time there is a new love in her life.

At least these days she is covering herself up a bit - sorry A LOT - more, and they sort of remind me of a young teenage couple in puppy love, what with the holding hands, shades and all.

Michael Kors is a fabulous fashion designer as we all know, and he has a gorgeous handbag selection to choose from.

The problem is deciding which one of these hot accessories you want for yourself. Here are a few of my personal favorites.

Brookville Medium Bowling Bag

The Brookville Medium Bowling Bag is a gorgeous Michael Kors creation that features double straps with a 10-inch drop, and a magnetic snap closure to ensure your valuables stay protected.

There is an inside zip pocket as well as a cell phone pocket and three open pockets.

This would be the perfect bag for going out at night with the girls. It will carry your makeup, wallet, phone, PDA, keys, and everything else you need to fit in there, with room to spare.

Hudson Pebble Large Tote

This is a great daywear bag. It is a bit smaller and features double handles with a 7-inch drop, so it is tighter over the shoulder but super cute when paired with jeans and a t-shirt or a cute summer dress.

I love the buckle detail on the front and sides, and the canvas lining with zip pocket, 3 open pocks and cell phone and key keepers are great because you don’t have to scrounge through your bag to find what you are looking for.

Joplin Giraffe Medium Shoulder Satchel

This is a really fun, funky bag. It is actually ideal for either day or night which is nice, and comes with a printed canvas in giraffe print.

The shoulder strap has a 8 1/2-inch drop, and features a magnetic snap closure, hinged hardware detail at the straps and an interior zip pocket, 2 open pockets, a cell phone pocket and key keeper.

I envision this hot little number with a little black dress or even a modern workwear ensemble, maybe in chocolate brown to not make the outfit too dark.

I’ll tell you right now that if you are looking for more than just a fashionable and modern handbag, one that is also durable and timeless, a Michael Kors handbag will be perfect for you.

I have several myself and if I could afford to buy his entire line I would, in a second. You will certainly not regret a purchase like this, and I would also advise that you check out what else he has to offer, everything from sunglasses and sandals to watches and fragrances.

If you are interested in any of these handbags or any other pieces from the Michael Kors’ collection, you can purchase them through the Michael Kors website as well as through retailers that offer his line.

I love checking out celebrity styles, watching to see what they are going to wear to one event or another.

There are definitely some hot and not so hot ensembles displayed over the past couple of months, and here are a few of my favorite hot or not styles.

Carrie Underwood

I cannot say enough about this look. Singer Carrie Underwood showed up at the 2008 CMT Music Awards looking like a true star.

In an eye-catching cobalt-blue Badgley Mischka mini-dress and gorgeous silver strappy Rene Caovilla sandals, she is absolutely stunning.

It was very smart of her to keep her accessories minimal, as this draws all the attention to this super sexy and elegant dress.

The vibrant color is dynamite with her blonde hair and plays up her best features.

I am not always impressed with Miss Underwood’s fashion sense but this outfit I definitely give the thumbs up to.

Mary-Kate Olsen

This was definitely one of the biggest style nots in the past week that I have seen.

I constantly hear of people talking about how the Olsen twins have fabulous style and creativity, but while Ashley at least looks half decent most of the time, Mary-Kate always seems to manage to look like a hobo.

This outfit is no different, and although the floor-length vintage Missoni dress could look great on someone else, it makes Mary-Kate look huge and uncoordinated because it floods over her tiny frame.

Oh, and I didn’t even make it to the Marc Jacobs headband yet. Please Mary-Kate, just take off this disastrous outfit!

Heidi Klum

Now here is one girl who always has style. Heidi Klum always has it going on, and she looked beautiful and glowing in a purple mini-dress designed by Project Runway finalist Rami Kashou.

Recently Heidi was declared as US Magazine’s Style Icon of the Year, and it is really no wonder why.

She is definitely a winner in this figure flattering strapless dress, but then again, could anything not be figure flattering on Heidi?

The beautiful plum color is very summery and fresh, and contrasts against her ash blonde hair.

Heidi Klum is a beautiful woman and always knows how to play up her best features, as she has done here.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The ’80s style is definitely back and is … Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive?

Anyways, Gwyneth Paltrow, although we rarely see her out on the red carpet anymore, certainly knows how to wow us when she does appear.

Glowing in a vintage Christian Dior gown in hot pink, Gwyneth was positively stunning, pairing a cute black clutch with her black sash belt.

The outfit is a little too matchy-matchy for my liking and I think she could have kept the belt and bag black and added a little something special in the shoes, but regardless she was striking.

All she needs now is her other accessory Chris Martin and she’s good to go.

Molly Sims

Simple definitely can be sexy, as the beautiful Molly Sims shows us in her sunny Calvin Klein sheath.

The dress, which is available from the designer’s Fall 2008 Collection, looks fabulous with Molly’s golden complexion and dirty blonde hair.

She kept the accessories very minimal, wearing only a small black clutch, black nylons and mules and small hoop earrings.

Not many stars would be able to pull this look off and it would probably just come off as boring, but with Molly’s gorgeous face and body it is definitely a winner on her.

When most of us think of riding on an escalator we think of hurrying through the airport in sneakers and sweats or shopping at the mall in jeans and a t-shirt.

Dita Von Teese has now shown us how to really ride an escalator and look great doing it.

In a gray swing coat and gorgeous Christian Louboutin mary janes, Dita looked every bit the ’40s pinup beauty.

I have always admired this dark haired beauty for her classic style of authentic retro mixed with punches of modernity.

She is truly the leading woman behind a renaissance of vintage glamour, a look that no one can pull off better than her.

This escalator pic reminds us of just how impossibly gorgeous this lady really is, but then again we all know that Dita Von Teese could be working in a dump and still look picture perfect, so let’s not be too hard on ourselves.

Via: OSoYou

The summer is fast approaching and there is one accessory that you need to have to be ready for the beautiful weather - sunglasses.

Sunglasses have always been one of the favored accessories. There are so many different sizes, styles and shapes available and you can really have a lot of fun with them.

For the upcoming season, there are a few styles in particular that you will want to keep your eyes open for.

Cat Eye

One of the hottest sunglasses styles for this summer is the cat eye look. Also often known as butterfly frames, these sunglasses are pure femininity and sex appeal.

They are very vintage looking, think back to the era of Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren.

This pair is the Anouk Cat’s Eye Sunglasses from Tom Ford Eyewear, which retail at Saks Fifth Avenue for $330 USD.

Metallic

Metallics are all over the place this year, and they are most popular of all in accessories. There are some gorgeous metallic sunglasses, for both men and women.

Unveiled in Michael Kors‘ Spring 2008 line were numerous metallic shades, the men’s primarily featuring metrosexual styling done in bronze and gold tones.

For women, a good choice would be the Marina Chain Temple Aviator Metal Sunglasses, which are sophisticated aviators offering a subtle splash of metallic color, perfect for day or evening.

Color

Color is all the rage this season. We always hear of black making comebacks but this time it is all about bright colors.

Neon has returned to the runways, and there is no funner way to stand out than to brighten up your accessories.

Everyone from Armani Exchange to Kate Spade are turning heads with their electric-hued, vibrant colored shades, so start off your summer with a bang and get a pair of these stand out sunglasses.