7 Summer Essentials

7 PIECES TO GREET SUMMER 2011 IN STYLE

A BRIGHT BLOUSY TOP - To go with white jeans, skirts, and shorts. Pair this combo with nude wedges and it's an absolutely delightful outfit. You can also style this "Pink Lemonade" from Poketo for a night out.

Pull it over a tight white mini tank dress, sky high gold heels, and tons of gold jewelry and you are ready to go. Bring on the hot pink pedi!

SPORTY SUNGLASSES – For me, summer means always getting to enjoy the great outdoors and what a better way to do that than with fitness? Whether it's boot camp in the park, hiking, or jogging, you'll want to protect your eyes. Fashiony shades don't always work with your volleyball gear, so you'll want a sportier pair. Try these by Michael Kors.

The turquoise and yellow accents make them extra fun!

MAXI DRESS - There are many styles available, but the maxi dress has taken a turn for the casual this year. We're seeing a lot of cotton and jersey. They are perfect for a casual summer wedding, running around and more. I work in a casual environment, so I can throw on a cardigan or a shrunken denim jacket and wear this whenever. Others may want to save this look for "casual Friday," but add some wood or stone jewelry and you're office-ready.

SMALL CROSS BODY BAG - I call this my "tool around town" bag because it's perfect for brunch, running errands, etc. Holds cash, credit cards, lip gloss, keys, and your phone. This ‘licorice’ version by Poketo is so incredibly soft, you cannot tell it’s faux leather!

I also love this bright marigold by Michael Kors. 

UNEXPECTED SWIMSUIT COVER UP – The Sunburst laser cut outs on this tunic make it a nice break away from the usual sarong and allows you to keep the goods under wraps until you’re ready to unveil that bikini.

Another great find at Poketo!

One very glamorous option is this gorgeous turquoise chiffon maxi. A wide brimmed hat and large sunglasses are all you need to complete this resort-ready look.

American Apparel makes these in 7 different colors!

COLOR BLOCK DRESS - A simple style at a great price! This American Apparel two-tone dress lends itself well to the color block trend and it comes in a variety of colors. My favorite is the Sunshine/Silver.


NUDE WEDGES – This style/color combo will tie up any ensemble nicely. They work for day and night. Piperlime has a HUGE selection! I love these because they are stylish and comfy!

FALL/WINTER WISH LIST

If I were shopping*, this is what I'd buy for fall & winter. In no particular order . . .

*Yes, I'm on a fast from clothes in hopes of getting my finances in order. See here for details.

Gray knit blazer. Professional and casual, and there's a cute one at Target for $24.99 ($5 coupon in October's O Magazine!) Normally I would justify this purchase. $20 for an on-trend blazer? Great deal! But, a pact is a pact and I can’t make exceptions or else me and my Mastercard will be right back where we started.

Amazingly versatile 4-way sweater – the sleeves and bottom snap off and on, so you can go from short-sleeved tunic to long-sleeved crop in no time! Gryphon New York at Nordstrom, $345. 

Just snap off those sleeves!

Dare I say harem pants? Yes, I realize this trend came onto the fashion scene last year and I was skeptical, but my penchant for comfortable fashion has made them grow on me. If I were shopping for fall, I'd scoop up a pair in a neutral camel or black.

American Apparel

I'd really, really love a dark blue denim wash button down for work. I would pair it with white jeans and other neutral dress pants. Left open, it makes a great layer over tanks (and harem pants!)


Cozy is the name of my game once the weather changes and I would invest in a chunky-knit sweater, in navy or a rich cream. Or both. I might also get a super luxe cashmere cardigan, like the gorgeous mustard DVF cardigan I passed up at an outlet mall in June. So sad! I'm still thinking about it! I’ll be going to Chicago, Vancouver, and Park City this season, so sweaters are in order. Savvy at Nordstrom and Barney’s Co-op currently carry the best selection, including this fun Marc by Marc Jacobs cardigan. 

Comfy cozy!

So hot!

I need something fabulous to wear to holiday parties.  I’m feeling sassy, so maybe something with loads of chiffon - like a glam maxi-dress in the blended tones than were sent down the runways at fashion week.

Bell bottoms-the 70's are back! I just love 70's era fashion. Earlier this summer, I purchased a pair of BCBG bell bottomed cords in gray. Those will placate my yearning for the 7 For All Mankind Rachel Bellbottom from Piperlime, but oh, how I do want those jeans. They are so cool and can be paired with a diverse array of tops. I really want to pair them with the above mentioned cozy sweater and some platforms for a complete 70’s look.

And maybe it's just because the girls in the ads look so free spirited and happy, but I'm all about those Levi's Curve ID jeans. Who doesn't love a pair of jeans that fit like a glove?

Jessica Simpson's “Kiss Me” jeggings. How cute are these?! Click here to view the collection.

A fitted black turtleneck. How I don't have one of these, I don't know. But, I'd really like to layer all my flouncy summer dresses with a black turtleneck and black tights when the temperature drops.

What I'm not into? Those furry vests. Yuck. Regardless of whether they are faux or not (and I'd never ever wear real fur!) I just think they are creepy looking. Like you just got back from hunting and "look Ma, check out my kill!"

I'm also not so into this plaid trend. Please see above for details on my aversion to "hunter wear."

This is my wish list for fall into winter. What are you adding to your wardrobe this fall? Let me know so I can shop vicariously through you!