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....

Ideas for summer hairstyles...

To me, the summer means two words - HAIR NIGHTMARE!!!  If like me, you have curly, thick hair then you know that these hot humid days mean bad hair days!  No matter how long I spend trying to tame my curls, it seems that within minutes I'm a hot mess!  Trust me when I tell you that there is nothing I haven't tried - nowadays I get a Keratin treatment every 4 months, which is costly, but has helped somewhat.  But there is no way my hair will ever do exactly what I need it to do, which is why in the summer months I just have to admit defeat and pull it up in a top knot, ponytail, or bun.

Luckily the top knot, buns, and ponytails are very on trend and fashionable right now, and even though I can't do a whole lot with my hair during the summer months, I still try to keep it interesting.  So if you are also someone who struggles with hair during the heat, here are some tips of different ways to wear your hair in a bun but still look cool and creative!  Finally maybe you'll be able to enjoy the summer without constantly worrying about your hair....

• Wear your bun with a very deep side part.  Not only is it easier than pulling strands straight back, but brushing your hair to the side will look less severe and more refined.  Begin the line right above the highest point of your brow's arch.  From there, drag the end of a styling comb back from the hairline at a slight inward diagonal to give it an edgy angle.

• Add a headband - if your bun feels bland, jazz it up!  Chunky, embellished buns look right with low buns. Simple, skinny versions are cute with high knots.  For a modern look, choose one that's sleek (no more than 1 to 2 inches wide) and position it about an inch behind your hairline.

• Make it messy - for chic that goes beyond freeing a few wisps in front of an otherwise tidy knot, texturize your hair with dry shampoo, then twist it and hold the bun in place with French hairpins instead of an elastic.

• Try a side bun - tweak the position of your bun for a flirty variation!  Part hair in the center, and then sweep it onto one shoulder before setting the bun behind your ear.  If you feel lopsided, balance the look with a few face-framing tendrils on the opposite side.

• Try braids - for more of a boho look try braiding a front piece of your hair and pulling it back.  This look is great for a more casual day look, but can also be combined with the messy bun for a more glamorous evening look.

Shorts for every body type...

The spring/summer months mean that one of the most popular items of clothing to wear are shorts.  I have seen them everywhere so far this season and the stores have them in every color, length and style you can imagine.  However, there are definitely certain shorts that are better for your shape, so today I'm going to talk about that.  Whether you're curvy, petite or athletic, there is a short for you!  So read on and find out what works better for you...and please remember ladies, always keep it appropriate!


If you are curvy, like Jennifer Lopez or Kim Kardashian...

• Look for flat-front shorts or very subtle pleats.  Cleaner cuts are more flattering on hourglass figures.
• Skip prints and big pockets which make hips look wider.
• Try wearing dark bottoms with a light top to draw eyes up.

If you are petite, like Eva Longoria...

• Look for short styles (think mid-thigh or higher) and high-waisted cuts which make legs appear longer.
• Avoid Bermuda shorts!  They make legs look short.  You can get away with stripes and bolder patterns.
• You can get away with lighter colors (like white or cream), so don't be afraid to try this!

If you are athletic, like Zoe Saldana...

• You can create the illusion of curves with pleats, pocket details and bold prints.
• Add a waist-cinching belt to emphasize your waist.
• Try shorts with thicker fabrics (like linen) to add volume.

Looks to inspire your summer office style!

Spring/Summer can be a tricky time to figure out your office style.  It's (usually) hot and humid, and there can be those summer thunderstorms.  You need to be office-appropriate, comfy and stylish, right?  Well check out these looks to see how skillfully these ladies nailed the 9-to-5 look, keeping it polished and professional. Take some inspiration from these looks as a way to update your office look without breaking the corporate code.


This summer, rather than reach for your boring black collared shirt and skirt combo, make your look white hot with a head-to-toe white office outfit for a refreshing way to stand out.




Bring timeless trousers to new heights this season with a set of cool cropped culottes for the right way to sport shorts in the office.  Love this look!




Create the perfect professional pair with a chambray button up and a floral pencil skirt for a perfect Spring uniform.




Revamp your workwear basics by opting for a slimming pencil skirt in a pastel shade to step out in style this spring.




Leopard should already be a staple in your work wardrobe, but play up the safari chic look by layering an animal-print blouse over a pencil skirt.




This next look is one of my favorites.  It's stylish and edgy which I love!  Wear shorts in a classic menswear pattern or fabric to play up professional androgyny.




Give the classic white blouse a feminine twist with a shirtdress, for a more modern take on an old work wardrobe staple.  This looks fab!




Punch up your look with perky, bright bold colors and/or prints.  You can't go wrong with some cheerful colors can you?




Wearing a crop top in the corporate world can be tricky, but if you work in a more relaxed environment you can do it in a way that looks classy.  The right way to do it is paired with a pantsuit with just a sliver of skin showing for the ultimate in feminine power dressing!