Denim cut-offs...

Denim cut offs!  That's right ladies, they're back - again!  This is a trend that is easy and comfy - and that is always the objective.  We don't want to spend hours trying to get a look right when it's hot and sticky, so this is perfect for those of you who want to put a simple look together and still look good.

Keep in mind...

• Daisy Dukes are over (thank goodness!).  The spirit of this cute style is completely casual and playful - but exposure isn't the point.  The idea is to free your legs, not bare your bum!
• Summertime, and the fit is easy!  Size up to avoid tightness around the legs, and let the waistband sit on your hips.  The hem should hit where your thigh starts to taper.  Anything longer feels dowdy.
• What's new?  Go beyond blue.  Try neon, floral, pastels or fun prints.  Top with a shaped jacket over a tucked-in white shirt or a loose T.  Finish with espadrilles, sandals, or even low boots.

Check out these fun looks and get your denims on....

Coral for Summer...

Coral.....the ultimate summer hue!  It's that time of year again ladies to dig out your coral clothing, jewelry and/or accessories.  If you want to make a statement this summer, say it with this color in more ways than one!  There are different shades and boldness to choose from, and can really pull a look together when wearing a statement piece of jewelry,

Coral made a comeback this year (though for me it never needed to make a comeback!), and it was seen all over the runways.  Always a popular choice for the summer month's, this color looks great with a golden suntan and can make an otherwise dreary outfit really pop with that vibrant burst of color!  Personally I like to wear a piece of jewelry with coral stones or accents (usually this looks better in gold), but there are an array of accessories to choose from to wear this color.

But if you're going to wear this shade, here's a few tips...

• Don't wear it with other brights - you'll end up looking like a clown!  Stick to neutrals.
• Choose a coral that works with your skin-tone.  Some corals are more pink, others more orange.  Find what works best for you.
• If you're hesitant about trying this color, start off small with something like a coral nail color or a skinny belt and see how you feel.  If it's working for you, then you can try other accessories like a purse or a statement necklace.
• Most of all have fun with this color - it's such a happy, summery, fun color!  How can you not have fun wearing this great color?  

Here are some accessories to give you some ideas of how to wear this....

Choosing the right swimwear...

It's that time of year again ladies when you're looking forward to your summer vacation and excited about hitting the beach.....or are you?  Because I know that as much as we all love hitting the beach, it also means that we have to start thinking about swimwear shopping, and this can be overwhelming and stressful! 

We all have body parts that we're not 100% happy with, and there are so many different types of swimwear out there that it can be difficult to choose what's right and what's wrong for your shape!  What should be a fun experience turns into a depressing and difficult one, and we end up feeling bad about our bodies - again!

The important thing to remember when shopping for swimwear is to make sure you get the right fit!  Don't obsess about the size - it's just a number!  Make sure you get something with the right support, as this can make or break how your swimwear will look.

Also, be realistic ladies!  If you're 40-something and not in the best shape, steer clear of bikinis.  There are some great one-piece suits out there that will look great and hide the bits that you're self-conscious about. Or you can still wear a two-piece with the tankini, which is a bikini bottom and a long, more loose fitting top that will help disguise that tummy or muffin top.  I haven't worn a bikini in years, even when I was in the best shape of my life!  I was never a fan, but instead I opt for a great one-piece with side cut-outs and great support or one with great prints!  And remember that prints can also be key in disguising a tummy.

Also, think about getting some great cover-ups.  TJ Maxx have a great selection of colorful, flowy cover ups to throw on if you're not comfortable in swimwear.  This allows you to be discreet when
you're not swimming and look stylish too!

There are some great 'miracle' suits out there!  And I didn't just make that name up, that's what they're really called.  They're called this because they have a lot more lycra than other suits and will suck you in in all the right places.  Macy's has a great selection of these suits. 

Also remember to protect yourself from the sun ladies.  A sunhat is important and there are some great ones out there.  Sunscreen - a MUST! 

Whatever your shape or size, there is a swimsuit out there for you, so don't despair.  Take a look at some of these tips on what to look for when swimsuit shopping.


If you're athletic....this lady was wearing a droopy bandeau top that did nothing for her.  She looks
much better with a bust enhancing top.

If you're bigger on the bottom....this lady was wearing boy shorts that cut her off in all the wrong places.  Wearing a one-piece that has a higher cut was far more flattering on her. A tankini would also work as this lengthens you.

If you're lanky or boyish....swap your one-piece for a bikini with ruffles to give you some curves!

If you're apple shaped....swap your frumpy look for a sleek alternative!  Ruching is also flattering in the belly area, so look for something that has ruching detail.  Side detailing is also slimming, so keep a look out for that when swimwear shopping.

If you're pear shaped....color blocking is a great slimming trick.  Putting a lighter color on top makes her look slimmer all over.  An assymetrical cut is also slimming.  A bold print will also play up your top half and detract attention away from your bottom half.

If you're busty...you need support with cups and/or underwire and a good fit, just like with bras!  Also wearing a strapless fitted one-piece minimizes.

If you're curvy...two-pieces are not flattering, so stick with feminine styles with support.  Other things to look for are ruffles on top that will showcase curves, and a small print that conceals.

If you're an hourglass...no suit should give you a muffin top!  Make sure you don't get anything that cuts into you anywhere!  Stick to one color, it's more sleek.  A deep V plunge neckline is also sexy!

Here are some images of different swimwear available out there.  There's so much to choose from these days that there's really no excuse for not looking great on the beach!

Gold summer sandals...

I love wearing sandals in the summer, whether they be flat thonged sandals with brightly colored embellishments like bright beading or crystals and stones, or high wedges & gladiator shoes!  In my world you can never have enough shoes (and I have a friend or two who would agree with that statement - you know who you are!)...

I love the current trend for metallics, and I think incorporating this trend in your footwear looks particularly great.  Metallics go with most skin tones and can really revive a simple outfit.  I love pairing a pair of flat metallic sandals with a boho maxi dress for a simple and comfy day look, and then jazzing up an evening look with a great strappy high heel. But gold is the one that gets missed a lot of the time, so I want to concentrate on that color today.  Here are just a couple of reasons why wearing gold sandals this summer will look great.

Gold is a fab neutral - it goes with everything.  While black can be harsh, white tacky and brown too earthy, gold is perfect.

Gold matches most skin tones, but especially warm skin tones.  And remember that gold comes in an array of different shades, so you can find the one that matches your tastes perfectly if you really look around. Anyone with just a hint of a tan will look great in gold, so if you don't have any color yet, get that self-tanning lotion on!

Gold looks rich and elegant - no matter how summery and chic you look in stylish shorts or a sundress, you will always feel more elegant with gold shoes.  They add a touch of class!

Macy's has a great selection of gold and metallic sandals this season, as does Aldo.  Take a look at this great selection of sandals and get your gold on ladies.....