Staying Cool In the Summer Sun

We got a great question from a "football mom" who is outside with her son at practices in the scorching summer sun.  She has been sporting running shorts and tanks.  Defiantly good to stay cool but not so fashionable.  She asks what can I wear to stay cool and look cool at the same time?

1.)  Wear cool fabrics.  Silk, satin and such are an obvious no.  For one, too dressy.  Secondly, when you sweat it will cling and get wet spots...not a cute look.  Stick to thin cottons, linen, and other such natural fabrics.  Stay away from the synthetics such as polyester.
2.)  When in doubt, stick to the basics.  A t-shirt and shorts will do just fine.  Try stepping it up a notch by going with a shape or style that is more current.  We love a pair of distressed cut-offs with a loose-fitting tee. 
3.)  The looser the better (in regards to your clothing).  Breezy t-shirts, peasant tops, and dresses will keep you cool while still allowing you to have a little style.
4.)  Don't forget to accessorize.  When dressing for practicality and comfort (i.e. usually plain and basic), accessories are your best friend.  They can take you from blah to hot football mom!

Try out some of these ideas.

Sheer Plaid Boyshirt $68 at Madewell, Classic Bermuda Short $29.99 at J.Crew, Ecote Basketweave Sandal $24 at Urban Outfitters, Pins and Needles Open Weave Fedora with Bow $34 at Urban Outfitters

Joie Soft Stellaluna Tank Top $54.99 at Piperlime, Cutoff Jean Shorts $30 at American Eagle, Kimchi Blue Metalic Suede Sandal $38 at Urban Oufitters, Jade Cross Necklace $6.80 at Forever 21, Oversized Round Sunglasses $9.99 at Forever 21

Slouch Pocket Tee $38 at Madewell, Level 99 Boyfriend Shorts $75 at Piperlime, Vans Authentic Lo Pro Sneaker $41.95 at Nordstrom, BDG Shirting Stripe Fedora $31 at Urban Outfitters, Skinny Slots Belt $49.95 at Anthropologie 

Damask Stripe Tank $26 at Threads for Thought, Buckle Short $49.50 at J.Crew, Cairo Studded Capri Sandal $49.99 at J.Crew, Lizzi Fortunato Jewels Beaded Bracelet $32 at Madewell

Still in doubt?  Throw on a casual knit dress or maxi dress.  Even a romper will work.  Add a pair of sandals and your are out the door.

Slub Tank Dress $14.99 at Gap

Lucca Couture Floral Romper $58 at Urban Outfitters

 Xhilaration Smocked Back Maxi Dress $24.99 at Target

How to make your swimsuit last longer

With beach trips and poolside afternoons your favorite swimsuit can take a beating:  from the sun, your own perspiration and even the sunblock, you could be using.  Now we do believe in buying a quality bathing suit that will last and that means digging deep into your pockets.  The last thing we want to happen is ruining that suit and not getting enough use out of it.  Stretching our dollars is what we are all about nowadays, aren't we?

Britney Spears

Kourtney Kardashian

Here are some tips that we have found to help lengthen the life of your suit:

1.)  Avoid hot tubs with that expensive suit.  Heat is not good for the color and elasticity of the suit.  Opt for a cheap suit when hot tubbing!

2.)  Hand wash your suit with a gentle soap like Woolite and never wash in the washing machine.  Let the suit soak for about 30 minutes if possible.

3.)  Do not dry your suit in the sun.  Dry off excess water on teh suit with a towel after hand washing and lay it flat to dry.

4.)  Don't wrap your suit in your towel after use.  Your towel will contain chemicals from your body and added with the heat, it will let those chemicals manifest.

 

5.)  Be careful where you sit.  Pool edges are hard on those bottoms!  Try placing a towel underneath you.

Men's Style

Us gals can't always be blamed for all of the fashion missteps in the world!  The men make just as many (if not more) mistakes as we do.  Check out this list from GQ and the team who wrote Undateable (if you haven't heard of this book, it's hilarious).  Is your man doing any of these fashion no-no's?

Embellished Jeans!  Such a don't for men!

If your guy is like ours they suffer from fashion cluelessness.  We feel it's our duty as the women in their lives to help them out and give them a little guidance.  If you don't, who will?  We love this list from GQ.  The 10 Commandments of Style.  It includes matching socks to pants (not to shoes), and how to know which undershirt to wear.

What does your guy wear that drives you crazy?  Are there any fashion don'ts for men that you feel were left off the list?

Jessica Alba's Summer Style

We aren't sure which we are digging more:  Jessica Alba's easy California casual summer style or the way she dresses her adorable daughter Honor.

Either way, try out her looks for a casual summer day out with your kiddos (or hubby/boyfriend/girlfriends/etc).

Silence and Noise Floral Zip Back Racerback Tank $28 at Urban Outfitters, Leather Washed Panelled Slouch Bag $76 at ASOS, Boy Fit Denim Shorts $25 at American Eagle

C and C California Racerback Twist Tank $40 at C&C California, Ralph Lauren Distressed Boyfriend Jeans $42 at Dillards, Metal Trim Peep Lens Sunglasses $8 at Old Navy, Slim Flip Flops $24 at Havaianas

exposed zippers

Right now we are digging exposed zippers.  They give a tough edge to an otherwise sweet article of clothing.  Look for them in unexpected spots such as up the back of a shirt or dress, on the pocket or trim of a tank, or even an exposed zipper on shorts.

Smudge Heart Zip Pocket Vest $60 at TopShop

 Silence and Noise Floral Zip Back Racer Back Tank $28 at Urban Outfitters

Flounce TBD Zip Trim Tunic $68 at Nordstrom

Gibson Ruffled Zip Racer Back Tank $48 at Nordstrom

Boardwalk Shorts $72 at Madewell

Flower Punch Dress $22.80 at Forever 21

airport style

Now that travel season is here, some of you may be jet-setting and flying off to your destinations.  Navigating the airport dress code can be a little dicey.  Of course you want to go for comfort but don't want to end up looking like you just rolled out of bed (even though that may be exactly what you just did).

Exhibit A :

 (Sigh.  Where do we start?)

Let's agree to leave the men's boxers at home ladies and we will be two happy girls. 

Airplanes can be cold while the airports are stuffy.  You may be doing a good bit of walking but let us not forget that you have to loose the shoes for the dreaded barefoot walk through security (so pack some socks in your carry-on).  You want to be comfortable for sure but don't want to look like a mess with no style.  It's enough to make even the most put-together of girls a little confused.  These celebs got it right.

We love LC's airport look.  Try a pair of skinny jeans (look for lots to stretch for the most comfort), a loose tee, and a zip-up jacket. 

Cropped cargos, a tank, and a jacket may seem like a simple, boring outfit.  Jessica Alba makes it her own by adding studded sandals and a straw fedora.

Penelope Cruz shows that it's all about the accessories.  Start with your favorite jeans and tank.  Add a pair of comfortable to walk in Chucks, a scarf and bright jacket for warmth, and a cool hat to complete the look.

If you still can't let go of the sweats, take a cue from cutie pie Carrie Underwood.  Stick with basic black pants and add a brightly colored hoodie.

Our Picks:

Jersey Fold Over Wide Leg Pant $79 at Splendid (aka The most comfortable pants you will ever own.  Worth the buy.)

All Over Stars Tee $28 at Threads for Thought (A comfy tee is a must and this is our favorite brand.)

Eyelash Striped Cashmere Wrap $78 at Nordstrom (A wrap can be worn as a scarf when you aren't using it to stay warm.)

summer job outfit inspiration

This one is for your corporate gals out there!  We've both been there; dressing for an office job in the summertime can be tough.  It's hot but you don't want to look inappropriate by flashing too much skin around the office.  Even worse:  striking out on interviews in the summer.  It can be tough but we found this great video from Lucky Magazine that gives some fabulous tips.

trend watch: oxfords

We told you about the rising popularity of the oxford shoe at the beginning of the spring and they can now be found in so many forms.  Now we have seen them in all colors and most recently, cutout oxfords.  If you don't think you can do this trend, check out these celebs who are embracing their oxfords, even in the warmer months.

We love this look Sienna Miller is wearing!  Such a fresh, youthful, flirty take on the oxford.

Veronica Webb is proof that all ages can rock this look!  You just have to make it your own.

Olivia Palermo and Emma Watson mix it up a little bit with their off the wall colors.

Still not sure?  Stay on the safe side by sticking to black, brown or nude in a classic shape.  They are more versitle than you think.  Think of them as an alternative to your ballet flats.  Try them with skinny jeans, skirts, and dresses.  They even look good with a pair of dressier shorts.  Here are some of our favorites.

Miller Cutout Oxfords $98 at Free People

Sam Edelman Cory Flat Oxfords $54.18 at Bloomingdales

BC Anchors Aweigh Oxfords $64.95 at Nordstrom

Lubbs Oxfords $90 at Aldo Shoes

Urban Outfitters has tons of oxfords.  Follow this link to check out the whole lot of them.

How to Wear White on White

We have told you how much we love a white jean for the summer but we like to take it a step further and pile white on.  Cream, white and all that is pale looks great worn together if you do it right.

Victoria Beckham paired her white jeans with a pale gray tank that gives her an all over soft and alluring look!

Here are some tips when wearing this:

DO layer with different textures to avoid a drab look.

Pair this textured vest with the simple silk camisole.

Heirloom Lace Vest $148.00 at Anthropologie

Joie Jan Silk Top $148.00 at Nordstom

DON'T be afraid to mix white and cream together, forget those old school rules!

DO go for the head to toe look so break out those white or cream colored shoes.

Try a cream or white oxford with a short dress or short!

Sam Edelman Oxford $102.00 at Zappos

DO layer with a cream or white necklace to give a dramatic affect so the look does not blend together too much.

Cara Accessories Cream Bib Necklace $48.00 at Nordstrom

how to wear chambray shirts

Chambray (denim's lighter cousin) is super popular as we told you way back when.  It's a great trend for summer that is so classic that it truly can be worn by all.  Think of it as a more casual white button down shirt.  It can be dressed up or dressed down.  Follow our simple tips for your best look.

We will go ahead and say right out of the gate that we don't love chambray denim with your regular denim.  It can be a little denim overload in our opinions.  If you must, please please stick to super dark denim.  You need the contrast that dark denim will give you.

If you do want to be casual but don't want to do dark denim, try white denim, which is always a popular summer pick.  It looks equally good, if not better, than your basic dark denim.  Not to mention that it is so much more summer-ready.

We especially love chambray with colored bottoms.  It gives your outfit a pop of color that can add some fun to a basic piece.  Be creative and have fun.  We love this simple look from J.Crew.  A pair of flats allow you to run your errands, or add some chunky wedges for a casual night out.

If your office is a little more on the casual side you can rock the chambray shirt there as well.  Tuck it into a black skirt, add your heals and accessories and you have a simple summer office look.

Leave it to Rihanna to give her spin to even the most simple of items.  We love a gal who isn't afraid to show her own style without fear!  She shows that you can take your chambray shirt out on the town in a fun skirt, and funky heals (mohawk optional).

Get your own chambray shirt:

Perfect Chambray Shirt $68 at Madewell

Lauren Chambray Shirt $50 at Ralph Lauren