Strap Happy

It's time for a pedicure and to show off those toes in peep toe and strappy heels. There are a lot of shoe styles for dressing up that are the same from last year, which may allow for you to hold onto those you purchased before. However, if you are looking to add one fun pair to your closet this season, here are some cute options.


1. Nine West Metallic is such a versatile option because it easily pairs with all colors. Also, these heels have both a woven/metallic look: two hot trends for summer shoes.

2. Aldo I had posted earlier about nude shoes. A great pair of peep toe heels in a neutral shade help elongate your leg and can compliment any style or color combination.

3. Nordstrom If you don't like to wear sky-high heels, these are perfect. With a lower heel, they still sport the strappy look for the season. Plus, they blend both neutral and metallic tones.

4. DSW If you are looking for a black shoe to match a black dress, maybe rethink your options with something like this heel. It incorporates all neutrals but is a little bit different. Keep in mind that this style of shoe is better on a narrow foot.

Zapped!

My friend Devin alerted me to this amazing product that will help everyone in some capacity. G.M. Collin Skin Clear Gel is a spot treatment that has the ability to diminish the appearance of blemishes overnight. I don't know about you, but something that prevents huge welts from showing up on my face.......SOLD!!!!

G.M. Collin Skin Clear Gel

Boys to Men

I haven't posted a lot for men thus far, but thought I would put one out there for the guys that may be interested. Here are some spring shirts that would be nice to wear with jeans, shorts, or khakis.

1. The Original Penquin Spring colors are popping into the plaid shirt styles that are still in for warmer weather. Paired with jeans or khakis, this style of shirt can be casual (untucked with sneakers) or dressy (tucked in with loafers).

2. Jcrew This lightweight shirt is really easy to wear over a white v-neck shirt open, or buttoned with the sleeves rolled. It definitely boasts a more casual look.

3. Polo Ralph Lauren I have learned through my husband that the custom-fit polo looks a lot cleaner and dressy than the classic fit. Choose a bright color for spring to wear with a track jacket or spring coat.

4. Banana Republic When the weather warrants some layering, this zipped sweater would work well as a pseudo-jacket. Over a collared or polo shirt, it will provide warmth and maintain style.

5. Lands End Canvas Having read GQ and Esquire a few times, I noticed that this new line from Lands End has been featured more and more. This blazer is wonderful for spring/summer and can look rugged and formal at the same time. It can be worn over anything, even a simple T-Shirt.

Laura Mercier- must haves

In the past I have given my MAC must have items. This time I am reviewing Laura Mercier Products. When in New York at the makeup counter I explored some new items that I had not yet tried and these are my faves.....


1. Foundation Primer- A long time fan of the tinted moisturizer, I had not tried the primer beforehand. It totally helps the moisturizer soak into your face and gives it an almost "dewey," fresh look.

2. Tinted Moisturizer This is my second post about this product, but I honestly love it. I know a lot of you already use this particular moisturizer, but make sure you have the right shade for your current skin color. Also, the oil-free version is nice for summer because it doesn't add shine.

3. Concealer When applied with a great brush, this concealer is fantastic for under-eye darkness. When I was at the makeup counter the girl applied it under my eyes where I was a bit puffy and it really helped decrease the appearance of bags. You will have to go to the counter to get the correct shade vs. buying online.

4. Eye serum While a little more expensive, this serum really is worth the money. It is cooling and moisturizing. It is great if you are like me and don't want a thick moisturizer all over your face, just in the delicate zones. You can apply before makeup and look refreshed under those eyes.

Shower Style

I am sure many of you either have a bridal or baby shower to attend this spring. Sometimes it can be hard to find something to wear for such an event. I found a few dresses that work for both of these occasions, or for fun daytime socializing.


1. Bcbg Jersey dresses are perfect for day because they can look more casual with flats, or more dressy with heels. This particular dress would look great with nude or camel colored strappy sandals.

2. BB Dakota Another great day dress to pair with gladiator sandals. Or, for evening, throw on a brightly colored cardigan with chunky wedge heels.

3. Armani Exchange Another dress that would look great with a bright cardigan or fitted jacket. Any type of shoe works with this style and color as well. Pair with large bracelets to complete the look.

4. Ann Taylor Loft A silk dress for under $100! It can easily be dressed down with metallic flats/sandals. A large necklace looks great with this simple style.

5. Bloomingdales This dress is classy. It exudes simple elegance. Paired with suede strappy nude heels and you will look like a million bucks.

Friday Fave Five

1. Hackney Satchel This bag is beautiful. I was surprised to find it at JCrew given that I usually am not impressed by their handbags. It really is a fantastic spring/summer color with hardware details that add an expensive look. While it may be over your price range, look for sales (if you are a student you automatically get 20%) that may give you a bargain on accessories.

2. Boar Bristle Brush Apparently I am behind the times on the brush revolution. I had a lengthy discussion last night on the amazing benefits of using a boar bristle/nylon hairbrush. It is supposed to really help straighten hair while you blow dry without creating flyaways. It also redistributes the oils from your scalp to the dried ends.... worth checking out!

3. Chanel Nail Polish- Chanel's new Particuliere (search for color "Particuliere") nail polish is amazing. It has been all over the fashion magazines, but more importantly, is a great spring color. It provides the drama of the dark polishes, and the style of the grey polishes, but is more unique.

4. Ellie Tahari Flats I tried on these flats and fell in love with their look. They are dressy flats but have a sneaker-style bottom for walking at length. There is a bit of metallic on the heel and they look fantastic with skinny jeans or leggings.

5. Cardigans Still in need of some bright cardigans to transition from jackets to t-shirts? These are affordable and in a bunch of cute colors.

Must Have Item of the Day

Quick post on a MUST HAVE item. These sandals were in my most recent InStyle magazine and I thought they were a terrific deal. However, my desire to buy them increased once I visited New York and noticed very high-end stores carrying similar styles at five times the price. I assume they will sell-out soon, so grab them now to wear with cropped jeans, dresses, skirts, and even shorts. PS, they are under $80.


Franco Sarto Shoes

Jeg-Jeg-Jeggings!

Enough of the legging.....now its the Jegging. Jean leggings are still making waves and really allow for you to wear a jean "look" in a more comfortable way. Skinny jeans can be stiff and tight, whereas jeggings are more soft and comfortable. Any body type can wear this style its just important to balance your tight bottoms with an appropriate top. If you are more self-conscious, pair a flowy racerbank silk tank with your jeggings. If you like your upper body, wear a v-neck t-shirt with a scarf. There are a bunch of styles in various prices so that if you don't want to commit, you won't break the bank.


1. BDG legging- BDG makes super soft jeans, so these will probably feel more like a traditional legging.
2. Joes Jeans The zippered side creates a more rocker look to the jegging.
3. A&F Abercrombie makes jeans for girls with hips, so these may be a great option if you have curves.
4. TopShop Topshop was one of the first boutiques to introduce the Jegging to the USA, therefore makes a great fit.
5. Forever 21 These are under $20, therefore a great way to try out the jegging without the cash commitment.

Cool Shades

1. Ray Ban Aviators are super flattering to any face shape and this season, the plastic rimmed ones are in! These are sexy and sporty at the same time.

2. Diane Von Furstenberg If you still crave the oversized glasses look, these are perfect. Throw these on and no makeup required. They also can make a shabby outfit look expensive.

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Colored frames are huge for this spring as a style trend. If you can't commit to a pair that screams color, these are perfect. They are a subtle shade of purple that will highlight any skin tone.

4. BCBG Have a smaller face shape? These are a great style for anyone that loves larger glasses, but has a smaller face that can't hold that style.

5. Michael Kors These glasses scream "beach", "pool", or "boat". A perfect style to throw on with a swimsuit and head outside without the worry of losing a $300 pair of glasses. They are sturdy and chic.

Cover-UP

Sometimes a bathing-suit cover-up can be just as hard to find as the actual suit itself. Here are some great options that won't leave you embarrassed when traveling to and from the pool or beach.


1. Embroidered Tunic This colorful Tunic will keep you looking classy at the pool or beach.

2. Tube Dress The nice thing about this dress is that it works as a cover-up but also as a sundress.

3. Maxi Dress If you want a cover up that can allow you to parade through a nice hotel lobby on your way to the pool, this maxi dress is a great option.

4. Tunic This is a great cover up that is lightweight, but looks expensive.

5. One-Shoulder This is another cover-up that would easily transition into a casual day dress with flat sandals.

Roll-up your sleeves

Men's style shirts are great for spring. They look great when you roll up the sleeves and pair with a fitted bottom half. You can easily leave them open with a camisole underneath, or buttoned up with a metallic belt to match. Happy shopping!

1. Jcrew checked shirt This is a lightweight top that easily pairs with denim, white, or khaki pants. Roll up the sleeves and add a white cami underneath

2. Gap- Chambray is big for spring. This grey style is wonderful because it pairs nicely with a lot of bottoms. You could put it with black skinny jeans and flats for a very urban chic look.

3. Joes Jeans The Shirt Joes has created a variety of menswear shirts for women that are cut narrow along the torso and are really soft and versatile. This style of shirt would look great with skinny cropped jeans or Bermuda shorts.

4. Zara Zara has a ton of menswear-inspired shirts that are well-made and low priced. There is a red one in particular that is more roomy, therefore requiring jeggings or skinny jeans on bottom. For Chicago residents there is now another location of Zara open in the loop (state and randolph area).