fashion advice for real people
So summer is finally upon us, and now that we are dealing with the sweltering heat it is important to learn how to dress cool but stay looking sexy.

The maxi dress is still as popular as ever, but if you want to look fashionable and still stay cool and comfortable in the warm weather, a sweet, sexy sundress is one style that really appeals to all.
There is so much versatility and variety with the sundress, as you can find them in all lengths, cuts, colors and styles.
Another advantage of the sundress is that women of all ages can wear them, from girls in their teens to working mothers, the right sundress always looks great.
Women are not the only one that love the sundress, as men get pretty excited over it as well. It is basically the perfect combination of sweet and sexy, the fit making it sexy but the fabric keeping it sweet.
Sundresses are flying off the shelves this year, as they have so many years in the past, and they will really never go out of style.
Comfort is key when it comes to sundresses, and because of this they are often made out of lightweight materials such as cotton or lycra, usually done in floral patterns and gingham checks, but there are literally hundreds of different patterns and designs to choose from.
Another great thing about the sundress is that you can easily take it from day to night, making it the perfect everyday wear for the summer.
Throw it on with a pair of flip flops to make it casual for a trip to the beach or brunch with your girlfriends, and then spice it up with a cute pair of heels or espadrilles and sexy clutch for the nighttime.
Completely multi-purpose, cool and comfortable, every woman should have at least a few sundresses as staples in their wardrobe.

Accessories are always fun, and great for finishing off an ensemble.
The best thing about accessories is that they keep you looking sexy and hot but without raising your temperature.
A pair of aviator sunglasses or an oversized jeweled bracelet will be perfect for summer and complete your outfits but without leaving you feeling smothered.
It is important that you choose the right accessories for the outfit, otherwise you will throw the whole thing off.
With a sundress for instance, you will not want to overdo the jewelry. A pair of simple sunglasses, maybe a flower in the hair - sticking with just one or two bold pieces is the best idea.
If you are going out for the night on the other hand you can really play around a bit more. Pair a sexy dress with a pearl necklace or a denim skirt and blouse with an elegant updo.
One great idea is to collect some seashells, then choose the ones you like best and glue a bobby pin sideways onto each of them and use as decorative hair clips.
The key here is balance, and you never want to be too casual or overly jazzed up. Summertime is the time for doing style in comfort, and there is no better way to add to your own personal style than with the right accessories.

Of course you can’t forget about your feet when it comes to summer.
Sure, walking around in barefoot may be fine on the beach, but for the day to day you are going to need to keep your feet cool but sexy and stylish.
You don’t need to wear high heels every day and night, but having a couple pairs in your collection is important.
If you feel like a splurge, check out the line of Jimmy Choo strappy sandals for this season.
From grecian to bejeweled, these sandals are really out of this world and although they may be a bit pricey, they are well worth it for the versatility they offer.
It is always good to have a pair or two of flip flops, whether you just want to wear them around the house and pool or out to a comfortable breakfast some summer morning.
The thong sandal is one of the hottest shoe styles this summer, Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs have a fantastic collection of these for you to drool over.
The most important thing here is that you realize you do not have to dress frumpy or overly skimpy just to deal with the warm summer weather.
Go to the right designers, choose the right fashions, and you will be stunning in the sunlight all summer long.
Yves Saint Laurent, one of the greatest fashion designers of all time, the man who gave the women’s movement an important leg up by designing the pantsuit that helped them bring a more professional look to the workplace, has died at the age of 71.
One of the most influential and enduring designers of the 20th century, Saint Laurent died Sunday night at his home in Paris, when he lost his yearlong battle with brain cancer.
This is a true tragedy, especially to his family and close friends, and of course the millions of Saint Laurent fans around the world.
Saint Laurent gave women power with his creative designs, and there is and never has been a fashion designer in the world that is like him.
Born August 1, 1936 in Oran, Algeria, Saint Laurent quickly fell in love with theater and the arts when he was just a boy. He left for Paris at the young age of 17 and never looked back, destined for a career in fashion.
Most famously known for his sleek haute couture and ready to wear styles, the Saint Laruent name first became prominent in the fashion world when he succeeded Christian Dior after his sudden death in 1957.
He continued to produce timeless designs year after year and in 1983 he actually became the first living fashion designer to be honored by New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
As Saint Laurent himself once quoted, “Fashions fade but style is eternal”, and his life is one that will definitely not soon be forgotten.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

I love the summer. There is nothing better than waking up and getting to dig into your summer wardrobe. The clothes are simple and adorable, and there are so many fun options.
A girl can never have too many cute shirts, at least that is my philosophy, and here are a few that you should look for on your next run to the mall.


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.
There must be something in the LA water, because it seems as though one female celeb after another is coming forth and announcing the big news of their preganncy.
Oh well, pregnancy is a wonderful thing and one thing that is lots of fun with any pregancy is maternity clothes shopping. These days there are so many fun and funky maternity styles available, a far cry from the limited wardrobe selection that our mothers had.
Let’s take a look at how some of the most famous women in Hollywood are staying in style during their nine months of pre-motherhood.
You knew that she was going to be on the list, and I decided to put her right at the top. Not only is Jessica Alba one of the most stunning women you will ever set your eyes on, but she seems to have a pretty decent head on her shoulders as well.
She is sexy yet sophisticated, and has definitely carried that style over into her pregnancy.
Of course she dressed up for this pic to hit the red carpet, but even on the day to day through her pregnancy Jess has managed to stay in style, choosing high-end maternity fashions that suit her sexy-chic persona.
If anyone knows how to show off an oversized chest from pregnancy and do it classy, it is Halle Berry. She was already drop dead gorgeous to begin with, but pregnancy has definitely treated her well.
Halle is literally glowing, and her months of maternity have only added to her voluptuous curves, in all the right ways.
Halle has dressed often in bright colors throughout her pregnancy, but always in hues that flatter her skin tone and hair. This jewel-toned royal blue color for instance does wonders for her.
You really can’t be mean to a woman when she’s pregnant can you, kinda like don’t hit a man with glasses?
Well, Jamie-Lynn is adorable, but I have to say her maternity style is pretty boring…Then again, she is just a teenager so I’m sure fashion is the last thing on her mind right now.
Jamie-Lynn has a very casual, almost preppy fashion sense, and so although she is somewhat trendy and definitely covers up more than her sis Brit did during her two pregnancies, she could definitely use a little spicing up.
Here is a real sweetheart mama to be. Although Minnie Driver continues to keep quiet on the father of her baby, it is obvious that she is in fact pregnant.
She has always had a casual, sort of bohemian-chic style, and I think she almost always looks great. Here she is dressed sweetly in a simple black dress and violet cardigan, with stunning slingback peep-toe pumps.
We may not know who the baby daddy is, but one thing we do know for sure - Minnie Driver is a beautiful, stylish Hollywood mama to be.
There are sure to be more mamas to be added on to this list in the near future, because if it’s not something in the water, then it is sure some sort of Hollywood fad.
Who do you think is the most stylish pregnant celeb in Hollywood today?
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.

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.

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.

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.
Summer is coming fast, and the time is now to get out there and grab yourself a hot swimsuit. The hottest style in swimwear this season is the monokini. The monokini is basically an evolved version of the classic sexy bikini combined with a one-piece, and it is definitely the sexiest type of bathing suit, even though it covers up more.
There are some great reasons to get a monokini this summer. Not only are they the hot new fashion trend, but they also help to cover up some areas that you may not have worked off yet from winter.
I have shopped around almost every swimwear store over the past few weeks to find the hottest monokinis out there, and here are a few of my favorites.

This is a hot little number from In Style Swimwear, a monokini that ties up at the neck and back, and which offers moderate back coverage.
The bottom features a high cut leg and the bathing suit is fully lined so there is no see through. It is a gorgeous monokini that has a corset style look to it, and which is flatting on most figures.
This monokini looks great alone for a day on the beach, but you could also throw on a cute pair of shorts or denim skirt and have a sexy little ensemble for the warm summer night.
Victoria’s Secret offers a collection of over one hundred different swimsuits, and this monokini is one of my favorites of all.
It features a removable halter strap that ties at the neck or in front for a bandeau shape, and also ties at back. There are side-tie strings which add to the sexiness of this one-piece and is made of imported nylon/spandex.
One of the things I love most about this monokini is that it is available in eight different sizzling colors: white, yellow, fuchsia, jade, black, bright pink dot, jade dot, and black dot.

This was easily one of the sexiest monokinis that I found. Available from Yandy, you will really make a statement when you’re donning this sexy black one-piece.
It adds curves in all the right places and covers up the bottom of your stomach which is nice, especially for women who have had children and who may not be overly fond of their pooch.
The black is of course figure flattering, and the o-ring detail is super sexy and very modern.

It is really important that you get the right size bathing suit if you want to look your best, and with a monokini this is especially true.
Your bathing suit should fit snug all over, so you don’t want to have the top too loose and the bottom too tight or vice versa.
Being tanned is also important and so you may want to head out to a tanning salon to get a nice base tan before you make your first appearance in your new swimsuit.
The monokini is a fun, funky new trend in swimwear that is all the rage, and as long as you make sure that yours is properly fitted and a flattering color and design, you are going to look amazing and are sure to catch some eyes on the beach.
I work as a full-time freelance writer who has two small little ones to watch after so unfortunately I don’t have the opportunity as much as I would like to when it comes to wearing sexy workwear. I still do when I get the chance however, and think that some of the sexy women’s workwear pieces are some of the most modern and appealing I have ever seen.
I love that women can look professional and respectable and yet sexy and elegant at the same time, and if you are looking for some of the hottest women’s workwear pieces, here are a few to start you off.
Not only did I select for you some of the most high quality, versatile and fashionable pieces but as well used them to create three separate outfits for you. Remember that you can always mix and match the different outfits, switch the shoes or handbags from one to another and come up with some really terrific outfits.
I am going to continue with the Designer or Deal posts in the future, so you can either splurge on the designer duds or if you are strapped for cash or just want to be a bit more conservative with your spending, can stick to a similar look for less.
It is important to look good and take pride in your appearance, but also to make sure you know your limits and are only spending what you can afford to.

Here is a blazer that will hug your curves in all the right places. This Nanette Lepore brown cotton blend ‘Hepcat’ cropped blazer is fresh and sexy, and perfect for all body types. It is trendy and oh-so-modern, featuring a notched and rounded collar, single button closure, pleats along the back to add a bit of detail, and is made of lightweight cotton blend two-tone oxford. Designed to fit a woman’s body to perfection, it will really nip you in at the waist to boot, for $275.
I really prefer a simple top with this blazer, so I chose the white mesh and rib knit tank top from Robert Rodriguez. You want to keep it simple and keep the outfit tied together, and I really like the white contrast against the gray of the blazer. The mesh and rib knit feature also helps by adding a more interesting aspect to it. This tank retails for $120 via the Robert Rodriguez Collection website.
This Nanette Lepore skirt is actually part of a set and goes with the blazer shown above. As with all Nanette’s fashion creations, this high-waisted skirt is sexy with a girlish charm, for $295. It features a zip fly with tab at waist and five overlay buttons, and a decorative lace-up back waist which is very reminecent of lingerie. The high waist of this skirt goes perfect with the cropped jacket and helps even more to slim your waist.
This Marc Jacobs handbag is great for this outfit because it adds a splash of color to an otherwise pretty conservative and toned down look. Made of smooth calf leather this bag features contrast topstitching, polished silver metal hardware, flat grained leather shoulder straps with double-layered link chain attachments, and a flap top with magnetic closure. It is available from Marc Jacobs and retails for $995.
They may be a bit pricey but definitely worth the splurge for these gorgeous Jimmy Choo black velvet ‘Clue’ platform slingbacks. Every woman needs a pair of Jimmy Choo’s in her closet, and what better pair than these timeless square peep toe slingbacks that feature a buckle adjustable slingback strap, lightly padded insole and 4 1/4″ covered heel. Sweet and sexy, these shoes are so versatile they can be incorporated into almost any outfit, for $640.

Almost identical to the Robert Rodriguez version featured here, this Petit Bateau tank top is available for just $30. It is available in a few colors but I prefer the white and light pink stripe version with this particular ensemble. This fitted tank of soft cotton knit with stripe pattern is comfortable and dressed up underneath the blazer.
This Alvin Valley gray linen pleated pencil skirt is almost identical to the Nanette Lepore version but for less, at just $286. Designed from lightweight stretch linen blend chambray, this fashionable skirt is straight cut and features an invisible back zip closure to keep you streamlined and pulled together. The pleated front helps to cover up any tummy that you might want to hide, and really helps to give the ensemble a sort of retro feel.
For this look I decided to go with this Kenneth Cole New York black leather ‘Key Hole’ hobo bag. It comes with a top zip closure with oversized pull, satin lining with interior cell phone, pen, patch, and zip pockets, and two leather feet at the base. It also retails for nearly 1/4 of the price of the Marc Jacobs version, at just $268 from Kenneth Cole New York.
These black satin ‘Incarte’ peep-toe slingbacks are simple and pretty, featuring a lustrous satin upper and rounded peep-toe with cut-out details. The leather lining makes these shoes incredibly comfortable so you can wear them all day at work, and the 4″ heel on this shoe keeps it very sexy. You can grab these shoes from any Max Azria retailer or over their website for $198.
Yay! One of my favorite designers, Betsey Johnson, has released her Fall/Winter 2008/2009 collections, and to no surprise, I love every single thing.
The collections were actually unveiled in New York a few months back, but I only now have really had a chance to check it out.
Betsey always makes a big splash when she has fashion shows, and there was no difference here, with loud colors and lots of balloons on display.

She had a lot of rocker-chic pieces in these collections, and I love how she always maintains a youthful look in her clothing but never childish. She always keeps it mature and sophisticated yet fresh and fun, which is certainly no easy task.
This particular outfit screams volumes about Betsey’s work, and any woman from teenager to middle-age could pull this look off.
She makes the all black ensemble look modern and chic, and I love the beret and retro sunglasses to top it all off.

I absolutely love these adorable skull-patterned black dresses and white tights, and don’t even get me started on the gorgeous high heeled chap type shoes.
Of course the girls themselves don’t hurt anything by playing it up and having fun, and they definitely make me want to head to Betsey Johnson and get this ensemble for myself.
If you want to check out the rest of the pictures from the show you can view them on PopCrunch.