HEAT WAVE: 15 Summer Pieces You'll Want to Pick Up Now

Karmen Pedaru looking lovely in the Michael Kors Summer '14 Campaign. Photo: Michael Kors.

Originally posted in The LOOK

Summer is finally, officially, here and while it might seem hard to believe, I'm totally on board with the idea. I mean, longer days, fewer deadlines, a more relaxed schedule, vacations on the horizon...ahhh, yes, I could totally get used to this.

If one look at your wardrobe has you less-than-stoked for summer, I've got you covered. From flowy shorts to breezy summer dresses to sweet sandals, I've handpicked the 15 prettiest summer pieces you'll want to pick up now. And with most items checking out at under-$100, you can rest easy that your summer budget won't suffer the consequences.

Happy summer to you! Hope this one's full of long, lazy days, super fun nights, and a wardrobe that will make them all grass green with envy...

SEE MY 15 SUMMER STYLE ESSENTIALS HERE...

Your Sun, Sand & Surf Survival Kit

Karolina Kurkova in Sudbury. Kidding... Photo via Vogue Spain.

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

When it comes to body image, you can learn a lot from a 5 year-old. My daughter's criteria for a bathing suit: a) Does it fit? b) Is it pink? c) Can it go in the water? She'll strut around the pool with a crowd of fully-clothed parents and grandparents looking on and not only does she not mind that they're there, but she wants to make sure that they arewatching. A 5 year-old doesn't slowly slip into the water, she canonballs right in. And when it's freezing cold, instead of complaining, she shouts, 'This is ah-MA-zing!!!' 

I know we don't all have perfect bodies but this summer, let's all try our best to forget about our far-from-flat tummies and, like a 5 year-old, let's focus on the fun instead. I mean, nobody's going to notice your thighs when they're busy checking out your super cute sandals. I mean, this is a fashion blog, I'm allowed to be superficial, right?

The stores this season are loaded with fun beach gear, from suits to cover-ups to amped-up flip-flops to help you turn your attention away from your bod to your bangin' beach wardrobe. Oh and to your friends and to your family and to your perfect swandive, too. I've hand-picked my top 50 picks to pick up now, whether you're heading to the beach, the boat or the pool this first official weekend of summer. Sigh...can you even believe it's finally here??

SEE MY TOP 50 PICKS HERE... 

Happy Friday!

15 Stylish Summer Updates

Photo courtesy Smart Set

Originally posted in The CLOSET

It's amazing how little it takes to feel refreshed and renewed. Take an amazing new pair of shoes - I've seen them take me from depressed to elated in 5 seconds flat. Add a handbag to the mix and I feel like a new person - a more stylish, more organized, more grown-up version of me. I'm not going to pretend that shopping changes the world, but it can certainly change your world, especially after the epic hibernation we experienced this past winter.

If you're finally ready to get out there and update your wardrobe for the new season, I've got the perfect finds for you. From the wearable crop top (really!), to the shoes you'll love to choose, read on for the stylish instant summer updates you can start wearing now. I don't know about you but I feel happier already...

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