Summer nights are upon us! And darkness . . .

One of my new favorite hobbies is putting together total looks at Polyvore. So fun!!!

It's hot out and you want to hit the town. Dress up your comfy denim cutoffs with some super high heels, hearts, floral, and bling. Now you're hot.

"Oh, Oh, Oh, those summer nights!" by sassy803 featuring Fendi bags

Items in this set:
Marc Jacobs Silk-twill heart top, $195
CELEBRITY PINK Raw Edge Womens Shorts, $20
Azzedine Ala?a Python Skin Platforms with Knot Detail, 1,275 GBP
Peekaboo python medium tote, $5,360
Dyrberg/Kern Buhoma Braided Gold Bangle, 90 GBP

On the darker side, here is a look that is eerie yet romantic. Very Twilight. I envision this girl running through these woods, pursued by a sexy vampire. She's caught and gives in to the passion. The strapless dress is key for ideal neck exposure.

So Twilight-y by SoigneeLA featuring Notte by Marchesa dresses

Items in this set:
Ruffle silk-blend mini dress, $795
Combat Boot, $495
Silver Rose Corsage, 29 GBP
Maison Michel Hat Pete Studs, 600 EUR
hats & scarves | Womens Autumn Winter Fashion Tops Dresses Shoes..., 50 AUD

Summer Necessities

Here's what Soignee is really into for summer . . .

1. Fun, fun, fun prints! I'm in love with the whimsy of stars, hearts, and polka-dots. They make me think of a favorite sweater of mine that I had when I was in the 4th grade; it had a stripe of rainbow hearts across the chest and I adored it. Now that I'm (a little bit) older, I'm still loving the concept, but light, modern, sexy/flirty.

Hearts Galore

2. Leggings are hanging in there and all I can say is Thank God. I am so grateful for my leggings - black and gray are my staples. They are so comfortable, so slimming, and totally work with nearly everything in my closet!

3. I have never loved a brooch until I saw this Tiffany:   Now, this is an investment ($8400!) but imagine your granddaughter's eyes welling up as you pass this gorgeous piece onto her; probably at her wedding. A treasure.








5. Baggy jean shorts. I'm super excited about a DIY project that I'm about to embark on (before & after photos soon!) I obtained a free pair of Levi's that are too big, but will make for really awesome baggy jean shorts for the summer. I'm going to break out the rubberbands and a bucket of Clorox and create my own tie-dyed denim! Nothing better than virtually free fashion . . .

This is what I'm copying. Pretty cool!

6. A maxi dress is seriously, the most flattering thing you can put on. They cover so much of what most of us want covered! You know, tummy, hips, thighs . . . You'll look taller and thinner - what's not to like? Pair them with a great pair of wedges (add height!) and you're good to go for brunch, shopping, or even an outdoor wedding. Got this beauty from Piperlime:

7. And, speaking of wedges, get some! A wedge sandal in a gorgeous soft leather will serve you well with dresses, shorts and business wear. I LOVE these:

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Beauty on a Budget

Step Up Women's Network, a women's organization that I am a member of and love (more on that later,) has an incredible mentorship program. I had the opportunity to participate in this program last year and had the best mentor ever, beauty & fashion guru, Nina Sutton. Nina is now the beauty spokeswoman for Walmart.com, and here, in her own words, is the beauty scoop:

Nina Sutton

I want to share an exciting project that I have been working on! I am the new Beauty Host/Expert of Pretty.Smart- a beauty show on Walmart.com and potentially in every Walmart store (in the beauty aisles). It is exciting to work with the world's largest retailer and talk about the biggest beauty brands in the world!!!!

http://see.walmart.com/prettysmart/

I give my easy and budget-friendly beauty tips for women everywhere (especially moms). This month is all about Fragrance, and each month there will be a new topic. Note- these are all my tips, and I have personally written all of them for the show- and each month I will be giving more on haircare, easy makeup, skincare, bodycare, etc.

Please watch and share Nina's videos. She's a total pro and your friends will thank you!

Props for Soignee Personal Shopping

I'm just going to toot my own horn here with some of my recommendations on Linked In. You can see my Linked In profile here. 

Each of these quotes came from someone I've worked directly with on personal shopping/styling projects; everything from 1-on-1 personal shopping to special event and professional services.

“I recently had the pleasure to see Sarah in action. I told her about my fashion reservations and what sort of goals I was working towards and she provided some great suggestions and solutions. Lets not forget the wonderful fashion connections and deals she is privy too! I would recommend Sarah's work any day!”

“Love her commitment to detail”  

“In the many years I have known Sarah, I have had the priviledge in working with her on many levels. The common thread that connects all is her exquisite attention to detail, her exceptional intelligence, and her care and concern she puts into evrything she tackles. Facing insurmountable odds on several projects, she always has managed to make it spectacular, due to her work ethic, pride, and attention to detail. I highly recommend her and see nothing but grand success for all she attempts!”

“Sarah is creative, open to your likes/dislikes, willing to put the best outfit on you for any occasion. My first experience with Sarah was amazing. I got two outfits for job interviews. I got a second interview at SPE partially because of my appearance which says a lot about Sarah's skills. She kept it professional and trendy. I would recommend her for any occasion because she will make sure you look your best.”

“Sarah is the most chic professional I know! She is a great resource for all things fashionable, from housewares to shoes; and a pleasure to work with.”

“Whether it's a deadline that's looming or a problem that you can't figure out a solution to, Sarah has always been a tremendous person to have in your court. Without a sign of stress, she pulls off amazing events in style. She's such a creative and calm force that anyone should be honored to work with her!”

On a side note, here's a fantastic dress for a spring/summer wedding. Designed by Eva Franco - a Soignee favorite!

FAN Soignee on Facebook!

Keep up with all things Soignee on Facebook!

Fiesta Style on Display at the LA Auto Show

The Ford Fiesta video that I did the shopping/styling for last summer was on display at the LA AUTO SHOW. The video (seen here) was one of Ford's favorites and was played during the Fiesta ceremony and played just about every 5 minutes on the big screen for all those car aficionados to see. Fabulous fashion for Ford and a great project for Soignee!