Dramatic Shade: Summer Hats

Bad hair day?

Just need some shade?

Don't just grab the average baseball cap...reach for a dramatic floppy hat or a mysterious fedora.

Universally flattering. Sun shielding. Utterly appealing!

Some of my favorites:

Think: Jackie O., Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss & Jessica Alba

Grab your oversize sunnies, floppy hat & platform wedges...instant uptown chic!

Ciao'

Top to bottom:

Straw Floppy Hat $34.99

Uptown Fedora $19.99

Spillane Straw Fedora $28.00

Kimchi Blue Straw Ribbon Floppy $28.00

Satin Weekend Hat $34.99

What to Wear: Dinner Date

Unexpectedly going to dinner?

Be the exception!

Stand out in a sea of black in one of this season's hottest colors: yellow.

To know me is to know I rarely... okay...never wear color. But I always recommend color to my friends & clients.
So in this case...do not as I do...do as I say!

As refreshing as a light rain a jewel tone dress heightens the senses and brings about a warmth to the skin tone.

• Keep jewelry minimal. The dress is the statement.
• Mix nudes, tans, greys or blacks with jewel tones for an elegantly chic look. Too many contrasting colors often comes across as harlequin...not the effect you want.
• Too much color: wear tights. If you are a color shy gal tone down the color by pairing with matte black tights or a cropped black jacket.

Wear with confidence....you will get noticed!

Ciao'

For more inspiration on how to wear jewel tones check out my other blog: Modish Muse

Gathered waist dress $89.99

Boutique 9 Voula $150.00

Hype Simona Clutch $150.00

Trend to Try: Lace Up Sandals

European-esque, simple and fashion forward lace up sandals are just too cute to resist.

Select a neutral color for best-work-in-to-your-wardrobe-appeal. Timid of your calves opt for a pair that sits lower on the foot such as the lace up heel by Deena & Ozzy.

Favorites:

Mix in with shorts, skirts, rolled trousers or even jeans. Just be sure no matter how you wear them...you show them off!

Ciao'

Matiko Lace Up Bootie $148.00

Deena & Ozzy Strapped Heel $88.00

Sweet Life by Dolce Vita Lace Up Sandal $58.00

Dolce Vita Granite Heel $168.00

Wardrobe Essential: Pencil Skirt

Look in any sophisticated closet and you will always find a classic pencil skirt.

• Worn with anything from a printed blouse to a white tank the pencil skirt is a must have addition to your wardrobe essentials.

• The pencil skirt is office worthy, party ready & always on hand for a last minute lunch.

• Go to the office by pairing with your suit pieces or a feminine blouse and pumps.

• Dress up with an asymmetrical top, studded belt and statement booties.

• Off to the local boutique in a tank, cardigan and flats.

• Options are endless.

• Select neutral colors such as black, gray or stone. Fabrics should have a bit of stretch for a flattering silhouette.

• Remember wardrobe essentials are those select pieces that will go with virtually everything in your closet.

• Transcend time, trends and travel!

Ciao'




Classic Pencil Skirt $59.50

Stylist Tip: BUY the SALE

Summer Checklist -
Swimsuit: check.
Canvas Tote: check.
Dark Shades: check.
Winter Coat?????




Yes you are reading the right page. No you didn't stumble upon the wrong post. Sales are happening and you need to participate!

Stylist Tip: Buy the sale, no matter the season.

• Whilst buying swimming suits, planning vacations and sipping a Mojito a chic winter coat is the last thing on your mind. 95 degree heat is not quite the motivation one needs to think of wool...but remember summer is only for a few months.

• Stores are having huge clearance sales on last year's stock of outerwear thus making it the perfect time to snap up that fabulous Michael Kor's houndstooth jacket you spied but wouldn't pay the hefty price tag.

• Buyer beware and invest wisely: check your existing collection in your closet. Don't just buy a new piece because it's on sale. Stick to your basics lists, your wardrobe updates list and your dream lists and you will make the perfect selection.

Snap up your dream coat and when winter is at your door you'll wrap yourself proudly and secretly know that it was a savvy steal!

Ciao'

All coats shown are UNDER $200!! All featured by: Bluefly

Trend to Try: Neon

Just like the first time I hear a new song on the radio... neon has taken a bit to adjust.

At first glance it's too bright or too girly.

Until I spied this dress whilst shopping the other day I think it's worth a second look.

Select a flattering cut. Neon is going to get you noticed so be sure the fit and length are right for your shape.

Keep jewelry simple. A basic bangle, cocktail ring or layered delicate chains are perfect. The dress is the statement so your jewels should compliment.

Shoes and bags should be neutral. Select nude, black or metallic to add contrast with a distraction. Nude will lengthen your legs and warm up your skin to the bright color.


Think: Blake Lively, Victoria Beckham or Kim Kardashian

Find a flattering color and warm up to neon!

Ciao'

Silk pleated faux wrap dress $99.00

Must Read Blog: Modish Muse

As a stylist I recommend finding your muse.

Your inspiration.

Someone for you to follow and take cues from as to how to emulate current style into your own wardrobe.

Look no further: Modish Muse

A new blog with me as the author featuring all the latest looks, trends and fashion cues from around the globe.

A simple format full of photographs of note worthy muses for you to take a cue.

Stylist Tip: Need help finding your muse?? Check out this article:

Looks I Love: How they wear short

Keep Chic & Savvy as your stylist. Add Modish Muse for your style stalking!

Ciao'

Carte' Blanc: Little & Long White Dresses

Long or short the white dress is making a bold premiere this summer season.

Make mine vanilla.

Ciao'

Pieces of Grey: Statement Jewelry

To know me is to know that I love meaningful jewelry.

Pieces that are unique.

Rare finds.

Personal and inspirational.

Be inspired.

Ciao'

All jewelry and images courtesy: Made Her Think

Boyfriends & Birkins

I love when I see two similar but different looks...especially being rocked by a young socialite and a not as young fashion editor!

What they wore:

• Boyfriend Jeans
• Sheer Blouse
• Fitted Blazer
• Platform Pumps/Bootie
• Hermes Birkin/Kelly

Why I like the look:

• Boyfriend jeans have quickly become this seasons mainstay as they continue to be worn about the fashion world...even on the red carpet. Comfortable yet chic a look that can be dressed up or down.

• Feminine meets masculine: by pairing a flirty sheer blouse with fitted blazers added a bit of edge to an otherwise demure top. Adding a scarf in a contrasting color (as seen in the white against black) gives the basic tee and blazer more interest.

• Pumps with attitude: both muses selected shoes that everyone will notice. So take note: when dressing up boyfriend jeans ditch the flops and opt for a unique platform whether it's strappy, a peep toe bootie, suede or even studded here is where you get your glam.

• Classic Bag: Both women opted for a classic...okay yes iconic bag. I love the way they mixed the rough rocker with a simple traditional bag. We all aren't fortunate to own an Hermes...but we all own a basic black tote.

So, the next you are questioning whether your boyfriend's will work for the night out...take a cue from these muses and add a bit of your personal style to the look we've all grown to love!

Ciao'

Chic Summer Scarf

I need light and air Earl...LIGHT and AIR!

One of my ultimate favorite lines from one of my most favorite movies...Fried Green Tomatoes.

Remember the scene when Evelyn Couch (Kathy Bates' character) used a sledge hammer to knock out a wall in her home only to be caught by her enraged husband as to what the hell she was doing?!?

Light and air! I love a great story and a great throw back in time when things were simple. People still sat on a porch, drank lemonade and women never left home without a shawl, wrap or as we currently refer to this garment: a scarf.

Scarves for summer...a DO!

Think: Light shimmery colors, sheer airy fabrics and delicate details.

Summer travels, dining out and wearing less layers we often find ourselves wishing for a jacket...toss a delicate scarf around your neck or in your bag and tie it on should the evening call for another layer.

You'll instantly have a chic new look...and no one will know you're actually just warming up!

To Wanda!
Ciao'

Matta Dupatta Lurex Shawl $170.00

Looks I Love..How they wear short

Take a cue from these muses!

Now that summer is in full swing celebs are showing up in shorter lengths and I'm loving the combination of edgy pumps, leather jackets and feminine dresses.

Muses are such a fine resource when in search of inspiration for new looks. If you are searching for a way to re-mix your basics or jump start an idea for what you should shop for you can always turn to your favorite muse.

As a stylist I always recommend looking at fashion in different places and finding a muse that you can take a cue.

Finding your muse:

• They are Everywhere: Don't just look to celebrities for fashion cues. Often times their style is unattainable and not practical. Include celebrities but also search for models, designers, socialites and even your local community for inspiration. These muses will often mix store bought clothing and vintage with couture which is more attainable. (Not the couture of course but the overall look)

• Body conscious: Your muse can be your shape or not. Often times I find we are attracted to a muse because we wish we looked like her. However, the same is true about being attracted to our own body type. So, select a few different body types and remain aware of what will work for you.

• Copy Cat: Just because you have some looks you love doesn't mean you should replicate that exact look. Rather take inspiration from a color, layering of a certain jacket, bold shoes or hem length...emulate through inspiration.

Ciao'

Some chic sites for finding your muse:

Celebrity Style Guide

Shop Style

Style.com

StyleList

Photos courtesy of: Style.com