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 are always worried about what we are wearing, what is in fashion for us, but what about our furry little friends? If a dog really is man’s best friend, shouldn’t they get to dress in style too?

Okay, some people think dressing up dogs is a little strange, some find it pointless, but I think it’s pretty cute. There are some terrific retailers out there offering some adorable and super stylish doggie fashions, so if you are like me and would like to get your hands on some of these, here are a few places you will want to check out.

Glamour Dog

A Canadian-based company, Glamour Dog is a company well worth checking out if you are looking for sweaters, coats, shirts, even dresses and Halloween costumes for your dog.

They ensure that each and every one of their dog outfits is not only fashionable but functional as well, and the specially tailored clothing lines featured on their sites are designed specifically with your dog in mind.

Your dog will not only look super cute but be comfortable, which is very important and also keep them from getting disturbed with you for dressing them up like Batman.

The Little Windup Pup

Another retailer you will want to check out is The Little Windup Pup. They not only feature a vast selection of clothing for your dog but as well dog beds, dog bowls, dog carriers, dog collars, dog pajamas, dog tees, and even jewelry for your dog.

Their mission is to bring customers the most unique and ever-evolving collection of designer dog apparel and accessories, and their staff is committed to providing customers with the best service possible so if you have any questions or need help shopping online they will be more than willing and able to help you out.

They even have a collection of unique items for your dog which are a lot of fun, such as the poochie polish and pink dog visor.

At The Dog Shoppe

If you are looking for a more high-end store for dressing your dog, there is At The Dog Shoppe.

Their online boutique is vast and easy to navigate through. It offers the best in dog tees, dog polos, dog fleeces, dog coats and much more.

They have a ton of adorable and modern t-shirts and mom and dog matching outfits which are really sweet. Their prices a bit more expensive than some of the smaller retailers but well worth it for the quality you receive.

Whether you are a fan of doggie fashions or not you have to admit that some of these products are pretty darn cute, and if you have pets they are worth at least checking out.

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 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.

Jessica Alba

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.

Halle Berry

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.

Jamie-Lynn Spears

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.

Minnie Driver

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.

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.

The Monokini

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.

Styles

In Style Swimwear

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

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.

Yandy

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.

Sizing

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.

Gwyneth Paltrow has done it again. We didn’t see her out for a while, no doubt she has been busy, but over the past few months she has started taking her claim to fame once back and it is nice to see her pretty face again.

Recently she was spotted at an Iron Man promotion dressed in a black Preen mini-dress and sky-high McQueen heels.

She definitely looked picture perfect, her luminous blonde hair and sparkling eyes, and those mile high legs … bonjour!

Gwyneth has been appearing at one event after another, looking fit and absolutely stellar each and every time. I’m so glad to see the Gwyn out there again. She’s not only beautiful but she’s real, and that’s something we can all look up to.

Via: FabSugar

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.

Designer

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.

Deal

This Wendy Katlen grey woven swing crop jacket is slimming and modern, and retails for only $225. Made of lightweight woven fabrics to keep you cool even in warmer weather, this trendy blazer features a circular front yoke with three button front, inverted pleats at front princess seams and centerback seams, and three quarter flare sleeves.

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.