Seeing Seersucker

The cotton, striped, crinkly (ironing not required!) fabric often brings up visions of Southern gentlemen sitting on a veranda. But, seersucker has been picking up steam since last summer.

Trovata Peace Blazer, $169.99 from Blue Fly

Although, men do need to be careful not to wear too much seersucker or risk looking like an overgrown frat boy. Guys should pick out one piece of seersucker clothing to wear at a time, and select neutral combos, like black/white or khaki/white.

Vince Stretch Seersucker Pants, $64.75 from Bloomingdale's

Ladies, we have more options. For example, Diane von Furstenburg offers silken seersucker dresses. This is an unexpected twist to the traditional seersucker; it also dresses up a normally casual fabric.

Thread Social Seersucker Dresss with Bow, $364 from Shop Bop

Miss Issippi Dress in River, $57.99 from Mod Cloth

Pair your seersucker with colorful, chunky sandals, like Boutique 9's Joanna orange raffia sandals or Report Signature's Masonic 2 coral platform sandals.

Ditch the pearls and wear updated seersucker this Labor Day.

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Photos from Blue Fly, Bloomingdale's, Shop Bop, Mod Cloth

Patriotic Ensemble

The Fourth of July is coming up. That means pool parties, BBQ's, fireworks and lots of family and friends. Of course, you want to dress to impress. Here are some of my favorite patriotic finds.

Tarina Tarantino, the colorful jewelry designer, has the Liberty Belle collection, which includes hair accessories, rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The pieces are cute and quirky; there is no better time to wear an Abraham Lincoln adorned bracelet than on the Fourth of July. Ol' Abe not your favorite American icon? Go with Uncle Sam, Liberty Belle, traditional stars and stripes or just red, white and blue. Pair you patriotic baubles with black, white, red or navy dress, top or romper.

Tarina Tarantio Liberty Loves Company Crystal Framed Ring, $55

Tarina Tarantino Liberty Belle Three Row Lucite Necklace, $188

Purchase Tarina Tarantino jewelry and accessories from her website, or use the store locator to find a retailer near you.

You will probably be wearing a swim suit at some point during the Fourth of July weekend, whether you are at the pool, beach, or just hanging out in the heat. Sexy suits are best saved for other times of the year; for the Fourth of July go with cute and a bit flirty.

Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Shadow Dot Top and Bottom, Top $11.99 Bottom $9.99

Victoria's Secret Beach Linen Short Jumpsuit, $39.50

Cool is the word to remember when dressing for the Fourth of July. Tanks, shorts and dresses in light, breathable fabrics are essential for your holiday outfit. If you are in an especially hot climate, a dress is the way to go. Avoid cliché flag t-shirts and shorts, and stick with solid colors, seersucker or other summer prints. Ladies, if you are lucky enough to be able to go braless, this is the time to do it (boob sweat is an awful affliction!). If not, go with a light bra, like Victoria's Secret's Wear Everywhere T-Shirt Bra that can be worn regular or racerback.

Sophomore Stripe Shorts, $69 from Gilt

Sophomore Cotton DTF Tee, $29 from Gilt

Miguelina Roni Petal Dress, $119 from Rue Lala

T-Bags V Neck Pocket Dress, $159 from Shop Bop

Chic sandals are a must for any summertime outfit. Chances are, you will be standing and walking on uneven surfaces like grass and sand. You may even need to negotiate a few rocks, stumps, coolers and other BBQ obstacles. If you must wear heels, go with wedges. Don't wear any shoes too beloved since spilled drinks and splashed pool water may end up on your feet.

Morena Thong Sandal, $78 from Gilt

Cole Haan Air Lunetta Leather Slide, $79 from Rue Lala

Rafe Leather Beaded Espadrille, $129 from Rue Lala

In your bag, throw in blotting papers (like Arbonne's FC 5 Mattifying Powder or MAC's Blot Film), lipstick, gloss or chapstick with SPF (like Arbonne's BefoRE Sun Lip Saver or MAC's Tinted Lip Conditioner), a comb, pony tail holders and bobby pins, body spray, sunscreen (Arbonne's BefoRE Sun is a great choice) and deodorant (you never know...).

Collina Strada Ferra Hobo in Navy/White, $119 from Gilt

Rafe Katherine Large Print Tote, $139 from Rue Lala

Don't forget sunglasses and a hat to shade your face during the hottest part of the day. Also, a chic beach towel is a must for fashionistas!

Cole Haan Acetate Oval Sunglasses, $35 from Rue Lala

Eugenia Kim Erika Sunhat, $297 from Shop Bop

Lacoste Crocobayadere Beach Towel, $27 from Bloomingdale's

With these tips, you will be the most stylish person at your Fourth of July party!

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To order Arbonne products, shop online or contact Christina Hayward.

Photos from Gilt, Rue Lala, Shop Bop, Bloomingdale's, Tarina Tarantino, Victoria's Secret

Shades

A great pair of sunglasses can make your look standout whether you are at the beach, on a boat, or strolling through shops. A unique pair will garner tons of compliments, but will also protect your precious peepers at the same time.

Alexander McQueen Wrap Around Sunglasses in Brown, $119 from Beyond the Rack

Fendi Dot Logo Square Sunglasses in White, $99 from Beyond the Rack

Trying on sunglasses is key since there are so many shapes and styles available. If you are buying sunglasses online, be sure you can return them.

Coach Aubrey Sunglasses in Navy, $99 from Beyond the Rack

Fendi Belt Sunglasses in Pink, $99 from Beyond the Rack

Hugo Boss Solid Sunglasses in Gray Green, $69 from Beyond the Rack

Valentino Rhinestone Shield Sunglasses in Silver, $109 from Beyond the Rack

Keep your sunglasses in their case when you aren't wearing them to avoid scratches and damage. If you are prone to throw your sunglasses in your bag, beware!

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Photos from Beyond the Rack

Summer Weddings

Wedding season is upon us and the big question for the guests...what to wear? You have to take into account the time of day, the location and the couple getting married.

Time of Day

The time of day will dictate a range of appropriate attire. Weddings held before lunchtime are more casual and get progressively more formal throughout the day. There is no rule, as far as I am concerned, regarding the length of a dress, unless the invitation says black or white tie, then a gown should be worn. Maxi dresses, tea length dresses, and above the knee dresses (no micro minis!) can be worn at anytime, as long as the style is appropriate. You can wear more color and patterns during the day than at night. You can also wear strappy sandals and chunky heels.

ABS Rose Multi Print One Shoulder Dress, $149 from Rue Lala

ABS Aubergine Cowl Neck Gown, $129 from Rue Lala

ABS Black & Ivory Cocktail Dress, $129 from Rue Lala

Location

The location of the wedding also plays a part in deciding what to wear. You can wear strapless or thin strapped dresses to an outdoor wedding; you can even wear a silk jumper. Wearing a shrug or jacket may be an appropriate addition to your outfit for a church wedding, depending on the church. Wedges and more colorful footwear can be worn at beach weddings, but you may want to go slightly more conservative for garden weddings, and stick with traditional pumps for church ceremonies. A similar rule of thumb should be followed regarding jewelry and accessories: bright, colorful and chunky jewelry is appropriate for beachside weddings and more delicate pieces should be worn to more formal unions.

ABS Rhinestone Drop Necklace, $39 from Rue Lala

ABS Silk Jumper, $99 from Rue Lala

The Couple

You know your friends and you know what they like. The bride may love purple and would be ecstatic to see you and your date wearing purple. Perhaps the bride likes 50's inspired dresses and would be thrilled to see you in a dress with a full skirt. Maybe the wedding is at the beach and the bride and groom are fun loving people- a Hawaiian print could be perfect! Is the bride a shoe-aholic? Funky shoes would fit right in. If the couple mentions a dress code on the invitation, follow it (no jacket or tie required, tea length dress recommended, more bedazzled the better!).

Charles David "Sassy" Suede Heels, $99 from Rue Lala

basix Black & White Dress with Flower, $99 from ideeli

jack rogers Raspberry Maggy's Party Dress, $78 from ideeli

There are just a few things to remember: you are going to a wedding, not a club or bar; it is the bride and groom's special day, so don't wear anything that will compete with them (like a long white dress!); have fun and be yourself!

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Photos from Rue Lala, ideeli

Makeup for the Pool & Beach

Victoria's Secret and Sports Illustrated models look perfect as they roll on the beach sand and splash in the water. I wish I could jump out of bed, throw on my bikini and head to the beach and look that good. But, that isn't my reality and it isn't theirs either.

MAC Paint, $16.50

Hair is simple- a pony tail or loose bun is quick, add a headband for fly-aways or a few bobby pins to keep bangs back, top it all off with a hat to shade your precious face and protect your hair from the sun. The sun is the enemy of colored hair!

Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15, $14.50

Wearing makeup and protecting your face goes hand in hand; just follow these simple steps:

• After cleansing your face, apply oil free sunscreen and let it dry


• Apply facial lotion with sunscreen; I like Arbonne's RE9 Restorative Day Creme SPF 20 (Click here to order)


• Apply MAC's Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 Foundation


• Set foundation with MAC's Iridescent Powder; this powder is great because it is not heavy and gives you a glow


• Apply MAC's Blushcreme to the apples of your cheeks for subtle color; just touch your index finger once to the blush (really, just down and then right back up) and dab on to your cheeks, blend using your fingers


• Use MAC's Shadestick, Paint Pot, or Paint as eyeshadow- layer, mix and have fun!


• Apply eyeliner on your top lid with MAC's Powerpoint Eye Pencil


• Curl lashes (clamp lashes as close to the base as possible and hold for 20 seconds) and apply MAC's Splashproof Lash mascara


• Apply MAC's Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15; this product will melt if exposed to direct sunlight, so keep it in a cosmetics bag in your beach bag and cover it with your coverup, extra towel, etc


• Spay face with MAC's Fix + and use a brush to dab all over your face- like a 182 or 150 brush

Just remember to pick colors that aren't too dark or harsh. It is better to use golds, corals, pinks and even teals rather than darker blues, purples or grays.

Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 Foundation, $29.50

By following these simples steps you will look beautiful and fresh; you will also be protecting your face from the sun. Don't forget sunglasses and to apply sunscreen all over your body- including your neck, ears, hands and tops of your feet!

Blushcreme, $18.50

To purchase MAC products, visit MAC Pro, MAC or a MAC counter. To purchase Arbonne products, visit Christina Hayward's site.

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Photos from MAC

White Hot

The arrival of Memorial Day signals the beginning of summer, and also the return of white clothing. I must be honest, I don't believe in fashion rules and especially not the rule that does not permit wearing white between Labor Day and Memorial Day. This rule still echoes through my mind in my grandmother's voice. My philosophy is wear what you want, when you want!

Natorious Twill Wide Leg Pant, $99 from Rue Lala

No matter if you are a white rule follower or breaker, white is the color of the season. White pants are a must have this summer. I have met numerous people that are scared of white pants. White pants are nothing to be scared of; just like all other pants, find the right pair with the right fit. You may need to do a lot of shopping and trying on before you find the perfect pair.

Marc New York Dress with Rope Belt, $59 from ideeli

White jeans do look young to me. However, a pair of tailored white pants can be a showstopper. My favorite pair is slim in the waist and hip area, gradually flare out and are wide legged. I like to wear solid colorful tops, but also pattered tops. I like patterned tops because the white pants are a strong statement, and a solid top can look too color blocked for my personal taste. But, there is nothing wrong with that look if you like it!

Ruri Cotton Jersey Belted Dress, $69 from Gilt

Besides white pants, white dresses are a great addition to any wardrobe. White dresses are light, flirty and carefree. White, nude or colored sandals go perfectly with this look.

When wearing white, you can really go bold with your jewelry, accessories and makeup. Turquoise jewelry, a red bag and red lips with a white dress will make you an instant knockout. Don't be afraid to go bolder than you normally would. White can wash some people out, so bringing in color will liven up your complexion. If bright white is too harsh for you, find a slight off white.

Textured Shorts, $39.50 from Martin + Osa

White is a color everyone can wear and should be trying this summer. Don't get discouraged if your first few picks don't work, keep trying! Also, a tip for white wearers: Victoria's Secret's Second Skin Satin bras and panties in sand will keep you covered and smooth.

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Photos from Rue Lala, Gilt, Martin + Osa

Summer Sandals

While I am not normally a fan of flats, this summer's sandals are interesting, embellished and much more than the normal flat. The sandals that we are seeing this summer can be worn with shorts, rompers and jumpers, dresses and even pants.

Antik Batik Squaw Sandals, $82.50 from The OutNet

The gladiator sandal is still in, but in a multitude of colors and with beads and stone embellishments for a feminine look that suits women of all ages. I love fancy footwear that makes a statement and get noticed. I found some great sandals, and a few chunky heeled sandals (I couldn't help it- I need some elevation!), that are perfect for summer.

Cole Haan Air Aster Sandal, $168

Summer is also vacation season and if you are going on vacation that requires a lot of walking, the Cole Haan Air line is what you need. The Air line is amazingly comfortable, well made and features many different styles. As I was hiking around London and Amsterdam, my feet were comfortably inside nice flats that were still fashionable.

Rush of Gold Sandals, $128 from Anthropologie

So, summer sandals aren't just the old, boring flip flop anymore. Embellished, colorful, gladiator sandals are here and go with everything in your closet. To cover all your bases, get a pair of black, brown and funky colored sandals. Don't worry about getting shoes just for this season; you can wear them over the winter on beach vacations/cruises and then again next spring and summer.

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website

Photos from The OutNet, Cole Haan, Anthropologie

Top Off Your Look

We know that sunscreen is an essential element to protect your skin from wrinkles, sun spots, burning, premature aging and even cancer. To up your protection, but still remain the fashionista that you are, find a great hat.

My mom is very health conscious and has been shielding her face from the sun for years, but with a non-so-stylish visor. There are an abundance of wide brimmed hats that are stylish and affordable that you can wear any place from the beach to a golf tournament. Be sure to try on the hat so you can check its sun shielding ability. The brim needs to be wide enough to shade your face, especially your nose that is one of the first places to burn.

Target is carrying Eugenia Kim hats for a limited time, starting at $14.99. While gorgeous, her hats regularly start at $145. Target has a variety of Eugenia Kim hats ranging from straw fedoras to adorable equestrian style hats. For style and sun protection, I like the rouched sunhat and the straw cloche.

Eugenia Kim for Target Rouched Sunhat, $15.99

Add a pop of color with Juicy Couture's April wide brimmed straw hat with multicolored pompom tassels. The added color and fun tassels take this hat to another level.

Juicy Couture April Hat, $88 from Net-a-Porter

Urban Outfitters also has some fun hats that are both stylish and affordable. Plus, use coupon code SHIPHAPPENS for free shipping until May 17, 2010. My pick is a Pins and Needles crochet floppy hat; it comes in three colors: brown, tan and grey.

Pins and Needles Crochet Floppy Hat, $34 from Urban Outfitters

There are so many hats with sun protection to choose from! A variety of shapes, embellishments, colors and price points make a hat the perfect accessory this summer. Don't forget your sunscreen though!

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Photos from Target, Net-a-Porter, Urban Outfitters

Summer Concerts

Finally, it is summer! That means pool time, BBQ's, patio drinks and outdoor concerts. Of course you still want to look good, but what should you wear to do that?

Concerts put you in hot weather for hours, and that's with a lot of people around you that are dancing and spilling drinks. What's a fashionista to do?

It is pretty easy this summer season with the popularity of tribal inspired pieces and rompers. Tribal inspired clothing lends itself to be worn casually outdoors. Rompers are a great choice for an outfit in one piece that can be casual or dressed up.

Even if you find the perfect outfit, don't forget appropriate shoes and accessories. Go for gladiator sandals or dressier flip flops for footwear, and long, layered necklaces and interesting earring for accessories. If your man is willing, get him to hold your ID and lipstick.

Chamak by Priva Kakkar, $29 from Blue Fly

Kelsi Daggar Catarina Sandals, $53.99 from Blue Fly

JB by Julie Brown Morgan Dress, $125 from Blue Fly

Tbags Dress, $89.99 from Blue Fly

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website

Photos from Blue Fly