Crisp Linens for Spring/Summer...

Spring/Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors.  Whether you're enjoying a picnic, eating al fresco with friends, or enjoying cocktails outside, you should enjoy the outdoors while being comfortable and looking stylish & fresh.  It's not that difficult ladies.  In my opinion one of the key things is to choose an outfit that is the right material.  Linens are great for summer - they keep you cool and look chic.  And don't fret about it wrinkling easily - linen is meant to wrinkle and just adds to the chicness!  Also, don't wear something that is so tight you can't breathe.  You will look and feel uncomfortable, as well as be swelteringly hot on those humid days!

Choose crisp white linen palazzo pants (one of my personal favorite choices), a fresh linen dress or a tunic for those days when you're going to be enjoying the outdoors.  You'll look and feel great!

So remember ladies.....keep it simple, roomy and chic!  Take a look at some of these looks to help you choose your outfit for the outdoors this year!

How to Wear Shorts This Season...

The last few days we've finally seen the temperatures soar.  But here's what happens when the sun comes out after a long spell of cold weather - people go crazy, and for some reason seem to think that it's okay to start wearing ridiculous clothes....i.e. short shorts!!  I am amazed at how many women I've seen these last few days wearing shorts.  Now let me assure you I have nothing against shorts - but when you're of a certain age it does not look attractive to wear short shorts!  Period!  It is not age appropriate to wear this item of clothing - please just leave it to the younger girls to wear them!

I personally never wear shorts (in fact I don't think I wore them in my younger years either), but if you feel you have to wear them, at least keep it classy ladies.  When you're of a certain age, choose a longer short, like a Bermuda short, which is more streamlined, super chic and far more wearable and appropriate.  You can choose a bright color if you want and pair them with a more neutral top, or go for a neutral pair and add a bright floral print which is very on-trend right now to wear on top.  If you're tall and slender you can get away with a ballet flat or a low-heeled strappy sandal.  If you're short and/or curvy, go with a heel like a wedge sandal.

But please ladies, don't do the cut-off jeans or really short shorts....it looks tacky and tasteless!  here are a few pics of how NOT to wear shorts.....




And here is how you should wear shorts...

Spring's hottest shoes...

You know I love a good shoe, and this time of year is great because after having my tootsies covered up all winter long, I finally get to let them out and breathe!  I love Spring shoes and sandals, showing off pretty painted toes and having fun with footwear.  And this season is no exception as we see footwear that is fun and sometimes frivolous!

Looking for some Mediterranean cool?  A gladiator shoe or sandal never fails to transform an easy dress or broken-in jeans into an outfit for strolling the cobbled streets of France!



Want something feminine but sexy?  Consider a strappy T-style shoe that's the equivalent of red lipstick.



Want to be comfy, sporty but also show some style?  Step up your game with sporty sandals that bring a kick to your game!



Done up in lush, earthy neutrals, sturdy platforms play the perfect foil to this season's flowy wide-leg pants and romantic dresses.



Step aside stilettos.  The wedge gets whittled down to a sinuous shape for a different twist.

Pleated fashions for summer...

Pleated fashions have made a comeback this year and I've talked about them before, but I'm really loving the trend of accordion pleats.  These narrow fabric folds flow with such gentle rhythm and look so soft and feminine.  Unlike bias, box, crystal, knife or Fortuny, accordion pleats are never sharp and they don't lie flat.  Instead, they move with grace.

Try this trend when you have a romantic summer evening planned and wear a dress or skirt with accordion pleats and feel soft and feminine again.  Some celebrities who have pulled off this romantic look include Leighton Meester, Kristin Bell, Gabrielle Union & Dreama Walker.

Take a look at these pics and start planning your date night....