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!

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website

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

Haircare: Expensive Does Not Equal Better

Several weeks ago I went to Ulta to buy shampoo and conditioner. I know that you should look for sulfate-free products, especially if you have color treated hair. Sulfates are harsh and strip the color from your hair. Also, as people are becoming more aware of what products they are using, it is nice to see vegan products with natural botanicals and no added fragrance.

I headed to the "salon" haircare section, which includes brands like Oscar Blandi, Joico, Redken, Ken Paves, Biolage and more. After carefully reading ingredients, comparing products and pick up and then putting back several shampoos and conditioners I settled on a pair. As I was walking to the front of the store to check out I saw the "regular" haircare section. I am always looking for quality for less, so I stopped when I saw L'Oreal's EverPure line.

The metallic packaging caught my eye, but when I saw sulfate-free and 100% vegan, I put down my expensive selection to read more. I compared the two brands and even shopped the inexpensive section a little more. In the end, I decided on L'Oreal EverPure Smooth shampoo and conditioner. At $5.99 each, I couldn't resist!

The shampoo contains juniper and rosemary and the conditioner uses rosemary and mint for a great natural scent. The pair is sulfate and salt-free, 100% vegan and the conditioner has UVA and UVB filters.

If you don't need the frizz fighting power of the smooth shampoo and conditioner, try the EverPure Volume shampoo and conditioner. If you need more moisture, pick up the EverPure Moisture shampoo and conditioner. The EverPure line also includes hair masks, UV filter spray and leave in treatments.

L'Oreal also has the EverStrong line with similar attributes as the EverPure line. The EverStrong line features shampoo and conditioner for bodifying, reconstructing, hydrating results. Like the EverPure line, the EverStrong line is sulfate and salt-free as well as 100% vegan with natural botanicals, but it also includes L'Oreal's bio-ceramide complex to strengthen hair. Since the EverStrong line is not formulated especially for colored treated hair, the conditioner does not include the UVA/UVB filters.

So, save those hard earned dollars and try L'Oreal! If you order online from Ulta, use code 46537 to save 20% on one item. Shipping is free on orders of $50+ and you get three free samples with each order (I loved the Borba sample from a few months ago!). Also, be sure to check out the sales and special offer pages to get the most bang for you buck.

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website

Photo from Ulta

Swimwear

Most people dread shopping for swimwear. It doesn't have to be terrible task though. My favorite place to shop for bikinis and coverups is Victoria's Secret. They have a huge array of tops, bottoms, one piece swimsuits and coverups that are sure to flatter everyone.

Ruffle Triangle Top ($18) & Beach Sexy String Bottom ($11)

Whether you are looking for a skimpy bottom, a supportive top, or sequins, you can find it at Victoria's Secret. Besides all of the options for every body type, all the colors, the ability to mix and match, these swimsuits really last! I have suits that have seen years of salt water, chlorine and accidental machine washes that are still in perfect shape.

Magicsuit Firm Control Convertible One Piece ($158)

I like bright colors, sequins, embellishments, cutouts and anything that is eye catching. I always get compliments on my Victoria's Secret swimwear and no one can beat the fit and versatility- I have even been SCUBA diving in one of the more simple bikinis (didn't want to look like a fishing lure in sequins!).

Very Sexy Draped Halter Coverup ($29)

Don't be afraid to order online; returns are simple and with offer code SHIPVS10 get free shipping on orders of $100+. Plus, you can always go to your local Victoria's Secret store and try on different bra styles and then order your bikini top in the same size. Their bikini tops mirror their bras in style and name (BioFit, Very Sexy, etc). Now, go find your perfect suit and strut your stuff on the pool deck or beach with confidence!

P.S. Don't forget your Bikini Band to avoid tan lines!

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website

Photos from Victoria's Secret

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

Jumpers, Rompers, Onesies

Whatever you call them, they are a quick outfit to throw on, yet look put together and chic at the same time. Like a dress, a jumper is a whole outfit in one piece. You don't have to think about selecting a top and then pants/skirt/shorts. All you need to do is pull out your jumper, pick some shoes (gladiator sandals, wedges, heels, boots even) and throw on a necklace or eye catching ring.

My newest favorite outfit is from the UK store Firetrap. The silk shorts jumper has cotton paneling, a tie at the waist, draped front and is backless. Even though they call it gray, it is more of a dusty forest green. I wore it to a backyard BBQ with cork peep toe heels; I can't wait to try it with chunky sandals soon! Unfortunately, Firetrap does not ship to the US yet.

Firetrap Tacita Jumper, £70

So, now that I am fully into shorts jumpers, I have found several more great ones that I need! Ok, want. But, really badly.

American Retro Jumper, $122 from the OutNet

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jumper, $155 from Blue Fly

When the fall comes around, keep wearing your shorts jumper, but add sheer black tights or sheer patterned black tights. Also, boots, booties and peep toe booties would look great. Keep your long jumpers around for winter- it doesn't look like they are going anywhere yet.

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website

Photos from Firetrap, OutNet and Blue Fly

Au Revoir, French Connection

You probably heard a month or so ago that French Connection is closing most of their US stores. Seventeen of their 23 US stores will be closing their doors. What does that mean for shoppers looking for a steal? Well, French Connection needs to get rid of all those clothes. In the past four weeks I have noticed Blue Fly carrying the label; also, sample sale sites have began to have French Connection sales.

Originally $88, On Blue Fly $61

On Blue Fly, you can find French Connection beginning at 30% off and up to 49% off. If you would like to add to your discount finds, play Blue Fly's Rock Your Closet contest daily. Simply open one of three drawers to discover your prize. While you can win $500, I have only gotten 10% off my next order of $100 and $30 off my next order of $150. But, it adds up since you can play daily!

Originally $188, On Blue Fly $132

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website

Fashion From Another Time

Fashionistas should look back in time to see where their clothing came from, see the workmanship and see how ideas are repeated and change through time. The perfect site to do this is Antique Dress.

1926/1927 Couture, Attributed to Lanvin

While the site might seem basic at first, it is updated regularly and showcases dresses that date back to the 1800's. The photos and descriptions included give you a vivid image of the garment and the type of person who wore it. The collection includes wedding gowns, formal gowns, "casual" dresses and accessories from all eras.

1895/1896 Dressing Gown

The first time I visited Antique Dress, I spend hours looking at every single item. The detail put into the dresses and hats is truly amazing. Plus, it is fun to imagine yourself wearing these fabulous dresses. But, take time to think about the conditions at the time these where worn, whether it be in the South with no air conditioning or just hanging out at home when we'd be in sweat pants and a t-shirt.

1893 Mantelette, Emile Pingat

Get lost in the world of Antique Dress, be inspired, take another look at your clothing and accessories, imagine current clothing being labeled as antique, mold the future of fashion.

1961 Cloche, Dachettes

For wardrobe & image consulting visit TheStylista Website