Seeing Stripes: Zimmerman Stripe Tank Dress

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Easy, breezy summertime fashion. Zimmerman’s Stripe Tank Dress is a great addition to end-of-summer ease.

Add some ankle boots for night and sandals for day. Transfer into fall with boots and a leather jacket or layer over your favorite leggings or skinnies.

Stripes are the perfect neutral for mixing prints. Add some leopard pumps, a floral scarf or colorful cardigan.

With summer coming to an end… sigh… purchase some great staples that will transition smoothly into fall.

5 Favorites: Maxi Dress

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The best item to have in your closet for a “what to wear” moment – the maxi dress. This versatile item is an all-in-one ensemble that works for almost any occasion. From bright colors and bold prints to strong slits and cinched waists – there is a maxi out there for everyone. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

Monrow ~ T Back Racer V Tank Dress: $76.00

Rebecca Taylor ~ Paisley Gown: $395.00

BCBGeneration ~ Slit Maxi Dress: $101.99

Raquel Allegra ~ Tie-Dye Silk Maxi: $680.00

Splendid ~ Always Hi Lo Maxi Dress: $118.00

Festival Accessories: Free People

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Nobody can get you festival-ready like Free People. The uber-boho brand exemplifies true festival style.

Try stomping around the fairground in rugged ombre leather boots, decking out your arms in bangles, or trying-out some bohemian headgear.

No need to scour the web with this one-stop-shop. Here are a few of my favorite festival accessories from Free People:

Keaton Sunglasses: $18.00

Zig Zag Banded Panama: $38.00

Printed Widebands: $18.00

Dipped Phoenix Boot: $398.00

Avery Sandal: $85.00

Alex Convertable Backpack: $258.00

Hard Bangle Set: $28.00

La Luna Ring: $113.00

Marisa Haskell Leather Fringe Breastplate: $188.00

Functional Fashion: Pencil Skirt

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The most versatile of the skirt family, the pencil can be serious at work or flirty in the evening. Available in a myriad of textures, patterns and colors, the pencil skirt is a functional wardrobe essential.

Work: Pair your pencil skirt with a dress shirt, button-up, silk blouse or plain/printed cardigan and cami.

Evening: Dress-up your pencil skirt with a simple tank or cami, killer shoes and accessories.

Weekend: Depending on the material and texture of your pencil skirt, try adding some Chuck Taylors or sandals, a plain tee and jean jacket.

A pencil skirt can be very figure-flattering. For additional slimming properties – look for skirts with color-blocking panels on the sides. These panels – especially when black – whittle the curves significantly.

Burberry London ~ Stretch-Twill Peplum Skirt: $495.00

Alice + Olivia ~ Sarah Suede Pencil Skirt: $298.50 (sale)

J.Crew ~ No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Geometric Print: $148.00

Vince ~ Leather Pencil Skirt: $1050.00

White House | Black Market ~ Colorblock Ponte Pencil Skirt: $49.99 (sale)

Style Your Stems: Floral Pants

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Style your stems in floral prints and patterns. A fun and fresh way to wear pants, these bold and colorful botanicals are truly statement-making.

With a little structure, these pieces look ultra fresh and modern. Don’t complicate things with a game of layers. Keep it simple. Try a cropped sweater or delicate tee for an effortless daytime look and silk cami and blazer for night. Add a great pair of sandals or heels and you have created the 1/2 & 1/2 (part elegance/part edge).

Here are a few beguiling blooms for inspiration:

Zara ~ Cropped Printed Trousers w/ Zip: $19.00 (sale) 

Tibi ~ Floral-Print Silk Crepe De Chine Pants: $330.00

Ella Moss ~ Rosa Flora Pants: $148.00

DKNY ~ Printed Stretch Silk Crepe De Chine Pants: $245.00

Cynthia Rowley ~ Zigzag Floral Bonded Leggings: $225.00

Season-less Staple: Rachel Roy 24 Hour Dress

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Transition from day to night / summer to fall with effortless style in Rachel Roy’s 24 Hour Dress. 

A conceptual design for 24 hour functionality, this comfortable dress works in the daytime, nighttime, work-time and party-time. The ruching at the waist and deep pockets provide a relaxed, unencumbered, figure-flattering style. Chic and impeccably tailored, the 24 Hour Dress is extremely affordable at around $89.00.

Strap on some sandals or flat boots, add a panama and gold bracelets for an easy daytime look. Take this dress into night with pumps or booties, pattern tights and jewels or a simple belt – any width, color, design.

Each season this dress is slighted altered in color and material, but never the style. In past collections, this dress has been made of velvet, splattered with paint and shined in metallics. Also sold at Macys, the 24 Hour Dress is available in black all-year-round.

Four Favorites: Flip-Flops

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Flip-flops are not only a staple in my summer uniform, but year-round. I own way too many to admit to. I have also tried too many to admit to.

My two basic needs when choosing a flip-flop: comfort and style. I do not like a lot of bells and whistles or intricate design. I stay simple and natural in color and design. These shoes should last forever and never compete with seasonal trends. Here are my four forever favorites:

J.Crew ~Vineyard Leather Flip-Flops: $49.50

Rainbow ~ Black Leather Narrow Strap: $49.00

TKEES ~ Flip-Flop: $47.95

Havaianas ~ SLIM: $26.00

Summer Favorite: White Maxi Dress

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The versatile white maxi dress is a summer essential. Worn day or night, these dresses are light, breezy and comfy.

For daytime, play with some detailed sandals and fun accessories. Gold looks great with white – try-on a ton of gold bangles or bracelets. For nighttime, switch it up with some wedges and a statement accessory. A bold necklace or vibrant earrings will shine against the all-white canvas.

To avoid looking matrimonial, accessorize wisely. Add some color or texture with a belt or scarf. Try to steer clear from head-to-toe white.

Ella Moss ~ Havana Voile Convertible Maxi Skirt/Dress: $168.00

Splendid ~ Maxi Dress: $128.00

Haute Hippie ~ T-Shirt Dress: $195.00

Young Fabulous & Broke ~ Sydney Strapless Dress: $145.00

Mara Hoffman ~ Embroidered Maxi Dress: $192.00 (sale)

New Rules: Bright Whites

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Societal standards for seasonal clothing have been relaxed since the 1960s. Only those interested in following old-fashion/prehistoric rules believe that women are not supposed to wear white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Throw those silly rules out the window, pick-up some bright whites and wear them whenever you like.

“Summer Whites” are crisp, clean and classic. Not only does the lighter color keep you cool by reflecting the sun’s rays on sweltering days, but nothing goes better with tanned skin.

Basic whites to have on-hand this summer, include:

› A classic white button-down is essential to any wardrobe. Worn over dresses, bikinis or on it’s own, a button-down will give just the right amount of coverage on summer days.

› Go beyond the basic white tank with a more detailed and flowy option. There are a ton of lace, crochet and embellished white tanks to choose from.

› White looks especially good with summer’s brightest tones. Colors like coral, yellow, turquoise even neons are universally flattering and make everyone look fresh and pretty. Try a white skirt and a bold top, or a crisp white blouse with a pair of hot-hued pants.

› Use white as an accent. Enameled white jewelry, bag or scarf will help you get your white fix without going overboard.

› A great-fitting pair of white jeans is a summer staple. Period. They look great with just about everything and every heel height, from towering stilettos to basic flats or sandals.

› To pull off an all-white look, go for a pair of nude or metallic shoes, you want a neutral that doesn’t detract from the white. To keep it from looking too ‘clinical’, show some skin in a low-cut blouse or shorts.

Look fresh in “summer whites” with these clean and crisp pieces.

AG Jeans ~ The Robyn Jacket: $198.00

Club Monaco ~ Kimberly Floral Tunic: 149.50

Rag and Bone ~ Dart Jacket: $535.00

BB Dakota ~ Rasalyn Tank: $ 65.00

Victoria’s Secret ~ The Boyfriend Shirt: $49.50

Kate Spade ~Park Guell Long Necklace in White: $128.00

Trina Turk ~ Enamel Brick Gold & White Bangle Bracelet: $98.00

Love Quotes ~ Linen Scarf in Peace: $98.00

Dolce Vita ~ Archer Flat Sandal: $69.00

J.Crew ~ String Bikini: $78.00

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Runway Keylene Dress: $398.00

Zara ~ Skirt with Paillettes: $79.90

J.Crew ~ Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in White Denim: $125.00

Nightcap Clothing ~ Fringe Shorts: 143.00

Splendid ~ Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress: $83.00

5 under $50: High-Low Skirts

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A new style trend for skirts this spring/summer features a unique high-low hemline. The high-low hemline, short in the front/long in the back, is like wearing a mini-skirt and a maxi-skirt all-in-one. This playful look shows the perfect amount of skin without being too daring.

This style is uber flattering on any body shape. The asymmetric hemline creates a lengthening effect that instantly makes legs appear longer. Showing-off a little leg can be an effective way to elongate the entire frame.

Styling these skirts is simple. Depending on the color or print of the skirt, it is always safe to coordinate with pared-down basics. Try a simple tee, tank or my favorite – a slouchy grey sweatshirt top. The high-low hemline provides the perfect showcase for this season’s quintessential shoe. Show off your favorite flats, sandals, wedges or booties.

The high-low skirt is available everywhere in a multitude of colors, prints and textures. Here are 5 under $50:

Zara ~ Skirt with Asymmetric Hem: $39.90

Asos ~ River Island Heart Hi-Lo Midi Skirt: $38.27

Express ~ Hi-Lo Hem Maxi Skirt: $49.90

Forever 21 ~ Sheer Floral High-Low Skirt: $19.80

Nordstrom ~ Rubbish – Asymmetrical Circle Hem Maxi Skirt: $42.00

The Boyfriend Jean

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The term “boyfriend jean” refers to the over-sized, slouchy nature of men’s jeans. The relaxed style offers the benefits of comfort and simplicity. Boyfriend jeans are no longer just for casual wear, they are becoming a fashionable choice for everything from a night out to a red carpet look.

To make this look work for you, choose your style. There are several different options available: distressed, slouchy, straight-leg, light-wash, dark wash, low-rise, high rise. Choosing your ideal pair should be based purely on your own personal style and what you feel comfortable wearing.

Stay casual. For an easy, hassle-free outfit, style your boyfriend jeans with a pair of brightly-colored sandals, flip-flops or even high-top converse or sneaker. Keep the top simple with a T-shirt or tank top and accessorize to your heart’s content. Then transition seamlessly from day to night with a simple change of shoe. Wedge styles are a popular choice and allow for the leg to appear elongated.

For a night out. Adjust the cuff of your boyfriend jeans according to the height of the shoe. Pair with a great bootie or sleek stiletto and make sure a little ankle is peeking out – this will break-up the look. Choose a flowing top or blouse and finish-off with a fitted blazer.

The boyfriend jean will always be a staple in my closet, even if the trend dies. They are comfortable, versatile and just plain easy. Here are 5 of my current favorites:

J.Crew ~ Vintage Straight Jean in Old Faithful Wash: $168.00

Goldsign ~ Hisjean Cropped Boyfriend Jeans: $238.00

Current/Elliott ~ The Boyfriend Jeans: $206.00

JBrand ~ Aiden Slouchy Boyfriend Jeans: $218.00

AG ~ Ex Boyfriend Jeans: $215.00

Festival Fashion Series: Day 2

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Glow-T’s Festival Fashion Series continues with dresses. Simple and comfortable, dresses make packing a cinch. Grab solid colors, florals or patterns and accessorize accordingly. Long or short, dresses can be paired with boots, sandals or wedges. Form-fitting or flowing, a dress is an effortless option for festival fashion.

The cross-body bag is another necessity for festival style. Hands-free, these bags can be securely worn without worry. Perfect for dancing or exploring the grounds, a cross-body bag is something you don’t want to leave home without.

Option 1:

Pamela Love – Love Pyramid Pendant, Isabel Marant – Dicker Boots, Isabel Marant – Vick Printed Silk-Georgette Dress, Color  in Optics – Marilyn Retro Sunglasses

Option 2:

Alexander Wang – Diego Bucket Bag, Splendid – Tomboy Ribbed Cotton Dress, Missoni – Zigzag Crochet-Knit Headband, J.Crew – Distressed Belt, TKEES – Thong Sandals

Sneak Peek: Marni for H&M Collection

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Here is a small preview from the Marni for H&M Collection. The latest designer collaboration for H&M has great resort-wear pieces and affordable jewelry that is bold and bright. Official in-store launch is March 8.

Dress – $99.00

Jacket – $99.00

Sunglasses – $19.95

Bracelet – $19.95

Silk Dress – $129.00

Sandals – $59.95

Weekend Ensemble: Diane von Furstenburg Jhumpa

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Diane von Furstenberg Jhumpa

Keeping with the romper theme, this weekend throw on this Jhumpa by Diane von Furstenberg. This silk jumpsuit is a fun and playful option for weekend festivities.

The golden amber color is novel and exotic. The silk fabric is delicate and feels like butter on the skin. The shape is flowing and comfortable, perfect for a warm day.

Wear the Jhumpa on it’s own with flats or wedges or pair with a silk cardigan and chunky heels. This beautiful burnish color creates a great canvas for accessories. Style with a ton of gold necklaces and/or bracelets or plant a pop of color and with turquoise stones or red-beaded earrings.

Rompers are a versatile one-piece outfit that is great for weekend wear.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ashling

Punch of Color: Deborah Lippmann: Girls Just Want to Have Fun

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Deborah Lippmann

 

Deborah Lippmann, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, nail lacquer is a creamy coral/pink-colored varnish required for summer sandals. Named after the popular Cyndi Lauper tune, released in 1983, Lippmann developed this shade from 80’s inspiration.

Deborah Lippmann nail lacquers are innovative and on trend each season. The formula is velvety and creamy and applies like a dream. The colors are pigmented and intense, in which one to two coats is all that is needed. The performance of these nail lacquers are adequate, manicure lasts about five days.

This vibrant nail polish compliments all skintones. The coral/pink-hue accentuates the skin instantly, fabricating a sun-kissed glow. The bold punch of color in Deborah Lippmann Girls Just Want to Have Fun nail laquer is universally flattering and essential for Summer 2011.

 

5 under $50: Flirty Skirts

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One piece that inevitably returns each year is the flirty skirt. When the sun comes out, so does the mini. A fun and banty item, these skirts can be found in a variety of patterns and colors. Pair it with any simple top or be more daring and go for contrasting patterns like florals and stripes. Flaunt your gams or wear with tights, sandals or a cute pair of ankle socks and wedges. Let these flirty skirts, all under $50.00, add a little bounce in your step this season.

Urban Outfitters Cooperative Printed Skirt: $29.00

Forever 21 Animal Spots w/Belt: $14.80

Alloy Hallie Chiffon Skirt: $14.99

Gap Drawstring Skirt: $19.99

Heritage 1981 Floral Print Satin Skirt: $16.90

Noteworthy Nude: Dolce Vita Talia Fisherman Sandals

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Dolce Vita Talia Fisherman Sandals

These stacked platforms are the perfect finish to any ensemble. The Talia Fisherman Sandals feature multiple leather straps with an ornamental buckled-ankle fastener. A platform suede covered heal reaches 5.25 inches, elongating any frame. The practical naked shade of this sandal determines its place with any outfit.

…”La Dolce Vita”