Outfit Idea: Sweet & Sassy

Around this time every year, the heat starts to get me.  I find myself going through my cooler weather clothes and daydreaming about cool breezes and 50 degree temps.  I don't know why I torture myself...  We still have many very hot and humid days left this summer, so I would be much better off incorporating some of my long lost friends into looks that I can wear now versus coming up with ideas for October.

I have been missing my very best friends... my blue suede shoes.  In the height of summer, I just don't  have a need for them.  It's all about flip flops all of the time.  Therefore, I decided putting together a summer look for night out would be just what I needed.  

Since I'm daydreaming, I am going to include this beauty from J. Crew that I have been crushing on for several months... the Flower Lattice Necklace.  

I love all of the colors used in this necklace.  The use of the cobalt blue and the turquoise gave me an idea... teal and cobalt blue.  I have a sneaking suspicion that this will be big this fall.  I found this Diesel tank (on sale).  A good canvas for the necklace...

Now for a pair of cute shorts... lace shorts are a style that I have wanted to purchase, just never did.  These Sam & Lavi Addison Lace Shorts at Madewell would be perfect!

Perfect!  Just need a bag...  since this ensemble is all about color, why not?  My favorite "go to" clutch just happens to come in pink.  The Clare Vivier Fold Over Clutch...

Now I just need to buy it...

                                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of jcrew.com, madewell.com, shopbop.com and ssense.com.

Trend Alert: The Short List

My new found obsession with shorts has led me to discover some really cute styles, but I am still searching for the perfectly affordable pair.  With that being said, there is a great trend out there that you may or may not be aware of... shorts for evening.  Now this isn't some colossal discovery of which I should be awarded some prestigious honor, rather just another option to switch up your look a bit.

Shorts are such a great alternative... comfortable, versatile and a great way to show off your gorgeous gams, but beware of a few important rules.

1.  Do not wear "mini" shorts unless you are in your twenties with a really well-toned lower half.  Remember, it is not sexy to show off your cheeks or pockets.  And, a 2" inseam is short.

2.  It is okay for shorts to be a little loose.  On the other end of the spectrum from buying your jeans a size too small due to stretch - shorts look much better with some wiggle room.  You might even want to try a size bigger than you usually wear, depending on the style...

3.  Have fun with different styles, but keep the fabric dressier for evening wear.  Silk, brocade, sequins are great for evening... wrinkly chino style shorts, not so much.

I found a few great pairs for inspiration...

Elizabeth & James' Striped Ozzy Shorts - the jogger style in silk is fun and flattering.

Cacharel Coral Striped Shorts - the retro feel, the fine knit and the stripe are so versatile and perfect.

Elizabeth & James again... I can't help myself.  The Katia Shorts flirty styling reminds me of a pair of '30's tap pants... sexy and cute.

I'm not to say "I told you so", but I did.  There are so many fabulous pairs of shorts available this season.  You must try at least one.  You won't be sorry.

                                                                                                                         - Allison

*Photos courtesy of shopbop.com.