If You Like Piña Coladas...

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Dressing down has never been my strong suit. Picture me, as a 6 year-old, at the beach, in my sparkly bathing suit, with my ruffled plaid purse slung over my shoulder (yes, it was as awesome as it sounds). You could not rip that thing off me no matter how big the waves got or how hard my parents tried. And boy did they try. I couldn't help myself, I was born to accessorize. And yet, I've witnessed more blinged-out beach babes and foundation-plastered trophy wives at the gym than I care to count. So, over the years, through trial and error, I've learned the art of subtlety when it comes to casual style. The goal (always and forever) is looking like you care, but not too much. Never too much. 

Whether you plan on hitting the beach, cottage or pool-deck this summer, swimwear is way more than just swimsuits. If you're like me, you probably spend 86% of your time out of the water with your perfectly-pedicured feet planted firmly on solid ground. Whether lounging on a chaise reading a smutty beach read or making sand castles with your littles, a banging beach wardrobe is within your reach. From sunnies to cover-ups to an Instagram-ready beach towel, the stores are stocked with pretty finds to make your next trip to the water may more stylish. 

Want to make a big splash this summer? You'll be the belle of the beach in these sweet summer finds...

SEE MY PICKS HERE...

LIKE A BOSS | Your Fail-Proof Guide to a Chic Summer Work Wardrobe

via RW&CO.

Originally posted in The LOOK

I've worked in many different jobs over the years. And while I'm now the Director of my own company, I never quite reached boss status before Real Life Runway. In my adult life, I've been an Editorial Assistant, a Public Relations Coordinator and a Sales Representative. But when it comes to dressing for work, I've always been a boss. Sure, nobody's ever given me private jets or bottomless expense accounts, but I've always known that when it comes to dressing for work, I can roll with the best of them. I mean, if they gave promotions based on Footwear Focus and Accessory Deliverables, my raises would be totally epic.

Summer is a tricky time when it comes to dressing for 9-to-5. You want to be on vacation but you still have to get dressed every morning. Summer is the perfect season to loosen up at work but you walk that fine line between poor judgement and professional. Spaghetti straps are a no. Exposed bras are a no. Shorts can be a yes but only in a strict private school uniform kind of way. Plus, you have to contend with sweltering temps outside and freezing A/C blasting directly at your desk. The struggle is real. 

I've put together a list of fail-proof finds that will help you navigate your workplace in seriously chic style this summer. There, my work here is done. No, really, is it too early for sangria? 

SEE MY SUMMER WORK WARDROBE PICKS HERE...

GYM CLASS HEROES

via ELLE

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Wearing your gym clothes outside of the gym used to be a fatal fashion offense. Bright white running shoes worn with a dress would just never have happened a few years ago. When it came to footwear, comfort equated with totally out-of-touch. And then there were the leggings. Girls who wore Lululemons in public after yoga class were publicly (make that behind-your-back, semi-privately) shamed. 

But like everything in fashion, what was once a faux pass has become a big fashion do. From Gigi Hadid to Karlie Kloss, I'm sure that models started this whole athleisure trend. Instagram shots of leggy supers leaving their ballet classes, yoga studios and boxing rings in their classic old-school Adidas gear made us collectively want to look just like them. And since the fitness movement has recently turned sedentary stylistas into goal-crushing workout freaks, everyone is wearing gym gear 24/7.

This summer, a little sporty goes a long way. An old-school Nike swoosh or Adidas symbol will help you look right on point when wearing black & white. Prefer to keep your logos on lockdown? Look for mesh fabrics and sporty sandals or shower slides to look athletic, no push-ups required. Hair can stay a little roughed up (did you hear sugar spray is the new salt spray?) and makeup should stay minimal, but a bright orangey-red or bright pink matte lip never hurt. After all, even hardcore athletes like to have a little fun. 

See below for some sporty summer outfit inspo. Come on. Just do it ;)

READ MORE...

DAD'S DAY | 15 Gifts to Get Him Up-to-Date

Oh, hey David Beckham. via Pinterest

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

While we make fun of guys for having it easy, dads have a lot to handle - from work to endless weekend to-do's. And while they manage to stay profesh at work and handy at home, they're still expected to be super romantic and a super fun dad, too. Is it any wonder that staying stylish isn't at the top of the list for most over-scheduled dads? Whether he lives in his Crocs or has tragically fallen victim to Dad jeans, we can help. From a forever cool tee to the must-have shades of summer, these 15 gifts will bring Dad right up-to-date this Father's Day. Easy! 

Check out our fashionable Father's Day Gift Guide below, then be sure to check out the hilarious video below (the dad with the baritone kills me). I know my husband can totally relate to this one. Happy (almost) Father's Day!

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LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY | Our Ultimate Dad's Day Gift Guide

You're welcome ;)

Originally posted in The CLOSET

You've got to hand it to dads. I mean, enduring ballet recitals, waiting out endless bathroom takeovers and braving the long teenage years is enough to make even the most sane guy want to midlife crisis his way into a red Camaro. Dads are expected to keep things fun when moms like me get naggy. Do this. Do that. I mean do this, that way. Do that, but you're doing that all wrong. My husband can only take so much direction, at which point bedtime hits and he starts spontaneously hurling packs of candy at my daughter and doing bad-ass ninja taekwondo with my son. Must be some evolutionary response to eons of nagging wives. 

I was lucky to grow up with the best dad who, though he's sadly passed away, will always be with me. When I find myself taking life too seriously, I think of the look my dad would have given me and it always makes me laugh. When I find myself rushing through my day, I remember how my dad and I would spend hours staring at the clouds, magically willing them to evaporate away. When I get too stuck in a routine, I'll whisk my kids off to do something exciting because nobody taught me the value of adventure more than my spontaneous dad. He was also the first one to arrive in any crisis and the first person I'd call if I needed a cry. I now watch my husband with my kids and feel so lucky that they're growing up with a wonderful dad, too. He makes crepes on Sundays, he takes them on bike rides through the city, and makes bedtime stories way more exciting than any author could ever have imagined. Dads might not parent exactly like moms, but it turns out that's a very good thing.

Whether he's an athlete, a techie, a wannabe hipster or just a laid-back kinda bro, we've rounded up the top gifts to show him how much you appreciate every little thing. We love you, dads! 

SEE OUR DAD'S DAY GIFT GUIDE HERE...