Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use Hollywood A-listers (like Diablo Cody) or

Which we don’t have.

And sometimes it’s damn near impossible to work their Hollywood looks into our not-so-Hollywood lives. I’ve made it my mission to tap into the mind of a fashion stylist and show you how to take your style inspiration – whatever it may be – and make it more you!

Sometimes in this (awesome) summer heat, the last thing on our minds isn’t what else we can add to an outfit to showcase our style, but how many layers we can remove without flashing too much skin or, worse, a nipple. And if I had to name one person who balances this all out perfectly, it’s Sanoe Lake.

Not familiar with her? Well, this part-surfer part-actress is part-Japanese, part-English and part-Hawaiian, the perfect combo for her breakout role in Blue Crush. (Which, like to admit it or not, you know you stop to watch when it’s on TNT on a Saturday.) In the movie, you don’t get to see much of Sanoe’s style as she’s either wearing a hotel maid uniform or rocking her bathing suits (and the occasional board-short).  But off the movie set, Sanoe takes her cool, laid-back surfer style with her, which makes for some pretty gnarly (in a good way) style. She’s a surfer girl from the waves to the street, and she does it well.

Sanoe’s style isn’t cool because she cares about all things fashion, but because she doesn’t.  Her main focus is on the water and what she wears is just an afterthought. Still, she pulls together a look that is cool, chill and a total fashion inspiration to anyone who sees her. The fact that she can do that without even trying? Well, that makes her an under-the-radar fashion icon.

Sunglasses, Hair Wrap, Shorts, Rope Bracelet, Wood Bracelets, Shirt, Shoes, Swimsuit

The key to getting Sanoe’s look is to make it seem like you’re not trying to get Sanoe’s look. I know, it’s backwards, but the whole “I don’t care” vibe is what makes or breaks this look. To start, you need a swimsuit. You can’t be a surfer girl without one and, well, it’s essential under that gorgeous crochet tank that screams summer goddess. Pair those with the frayed shorts for the “I don’t care if they’re torn, get me to the beach” look and some casual gladiator sandals (because comfort is key for this style).

As for accessories, think bohemian meets city girl. Mix chunky and sparkly bracelets (city) with more natural braided ones (bohemian). Big sunglasses add a hint of diva, but the printed head scarf is very beachy. (Not to mention, both pieces double as protection from harsh sun rays and add total badassness). Put it all together and you’ve got a flawless summer look.

Even if you aren’t about to ride a wave.
Or never, ever have.

Except, I do imagine it. I catch myself worrying about non-existent assignments and responsibilities that won’t resume until September. But even more, I constantly find myself spacing out at work, reminiscing about all the good stuff that comes along with college. Mostly the whole not-bored-at-work-9-to-5 thing.

And I miss it!

Meal Plans: While I’m lucky enough not to be taking classes this summer, I do have to work — which means I’m stuck in a college town all summer long without the benefit of visiting home, and therefore the benefit of home cookin’. My freshman year, I ate dining hall food. My sophomore year, my sorority dues included a meal plan. This summer, with my sorority house closed and the dining halls freshmen-infested, I’m armed only with my apartment’s kitchen and whatever the hell I find when I Google “easy, cheap, healthy recipes” and pudding. Do I enjoy learning to cook? Absolutely. Would I prefer a cook to prepare my meals? Uh, hell yes. Plus, there’s no clean up if you’re not the one using all the dishes…

The Gym: As any lady knows, summer is either the best time to flaunt your hard earned bikini-bod, or to berate yourself for spending more of Spring watching The Office than a yoga instructor. So naturally, gym time is a necessary evil (unless you enjoy working out, which I sadly do not). Imagine my disappointment when I arrived at my campus gym early for kickboxing, only to have my student I.D. DENIED at the turnstile. It was almost as embarrassing as having a credit card declined, weirdly enough. Apparently, if you don’t take summer classes at FSU, you can’t use the gym (I guess the tuition I pay during fall and spring doesn’t cut it). Every day as I run outside (instead of on a treadmill with AC and Daisy of Love repeats) I count the days until I’ll be back at the student gym.

The Bar Scene: Never in my life did I think I’d find myself wishing for the bar to be more crowded. There are no lines for the bathroom, the bartenders are almost overly attentive, and I have enough room to extend my arms. All of these are seemingly good things, but when there are no people to watch, no strangers to mingle with, and no one standing between me and unlimited mojitos, things at the bar just don’t end well. When it takes me 20 minutes to fight my way through the crowd to the bar in Fall, I will look back at this time lovingly, but for now, the bar scene just seems kinda boring.

“Academic Expenses”: As I mentioned before, I’m a working woman. But when my parents offer to help out with any school related costs, I definitely don’t turn it down. The beauty of this is that there is always some way to explain a purchase as necessary to my academic career. “Supplies” at Walmart, “Business attire” for those in-class presentations, and my personal favorite “Whatever they sell at the bookstore” because Mom’s credit card is on file there. A random charge on her statement is easily explained during the semester, but trying to convince her that I need money for “road trip supplies” doesn’t go as smoothly.

Overall, I’m not complaining about a long, hot and relaxing summer—but there are definitely a few things I miss about Fall and Spring. What about you guys?

[We all live busy lives: we go to school or work (or sometimes both), we try to keep our lives in order and, on top of everything else, we try to maintain a social life.

It can all be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when you’re running here, there and everywhere, and in the process of it all, still trying to look cute.  On a weekly basis, I will be posting a guide for an outfit that looks super cute and casual during the day, but you can easily rock out at night with a few accessory additions and/or a change of shoes.  And maybe, just maybe, it’ll help ease the stress of life a little bit because, hey, when we look good, we feel good, right?]

This weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season and that means cool ice cream treats, hot days, hotter boys and less clothing.  I figured that in honor of Memorial Day, I’d do a Day-to-Night Style that can easily be worn from a picnic in the park to a night bar-hopping with your buds, all with a few key extras you can store in your beach tote.

Because why should you sacrifice quality daylight hours to go home and do a complete wardrobe change? The summer only lasts so long and we gotta make sure we get the most out of it.

For Day:
Denim shorts are always cute (OK, maybe not always, but they are now, so embrace them!). I love the wash and cuff on these. They are light, summery, and can go easily from daytime style to night time chic.

A flowy tank in a bright color (like a fun sunshine yellow) tops off the look nicely, while also bringing out that gorgeous tan you are definitely going to get.

A pair of flat white sandals are the perfect, versatile summer shoe. Comfy as a flip flop, but so. much. cuter.

Wear some silver hoops with a twist and you’re good to go. (PS: Please not that these earrings are from the most amazing web find ever: 2dollarjewelry.com. Yes, everything on there really only costs $2!)

For Night:
As the day wraps up and it’s time to go into party mode, there’s no need to fret; just change your shoes and your jewelry, add a wrap cardigan and you’ll be sittin’ (or dancing) pretty. Really pretty.

Swap those summer flats for a pair of white hot wedges. You still have the casual, summer vibe going, but the added height will make your legs look oh-so-hot in those shorts.

Add a little oomph with a few accessories. My recommendation: turquoise jewelry. The pop of color perfectly compliments yellow & white and really adds a bold statement.

The nights can still get a bit chilly, so don’t forget your cardigan. And don’t worry about lookin’ sloppy; a loose cardigan over a blousey top looks incredibly chic and will draw everyone’s attention to those long legs of yours.

With an outfit this hot, you won’t need the sun; you’ll be puttin’ off enough heat yourself. Have fun!