The other day I was browsing the Topshop website and came across a dainty little number with so much potential. The Orange Cutaway Halter Dress (yeah, real original name, Topshop), is, like you guessed, an orange, halter-style dress made of flowy chiffon. Besides the knockout color, this dress also features a stunning cutout in the chest area, giving it a sexy ’70s feel and a very thin break in the fabric on the back, which will be evident when you’re moving around. Bottom line: The dress is hot, but leaves something to the imagination! When most people look at this dress, they immediately think “going out,” however, when paired with the right pieces, this dress becomes a super versatile item for both day and night.

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In the world of shopping right now, it is a very in between time. It’s still so humid that your hair is poofy and your face is dripping with sweat, so the thought of wearing anything warmer than a cotton camisole is non-existent. But at the same time, you know it’s silly to buy said cotton camisole-esque ensembles (or other summery ‘fits) because before you know it, leather jackets, wool sweaters, knit caps and boots will be your daily staples.

But thanks to major sales (and a deep and unwavering love for summer clothes) you still want to buy those fun, summery dresses! They’re so cute and frilly and light and cute! AND ON SALE. And you do have a few more bonfires/summer parties to attend before the heat lifts and you’re back at school, running to class in a pair of jeans and a cardigan.

Well, I’m here to tell you that you can! And you don’t even need to feel guilty about it. Here are 7 great options that can be worn with open toed wedges, flip flops and gladiator sandals now, then paired with opaque tights, leggings, boots or close-toed pumps later. Throw a leather jacket over them for some edge, add texture with a scarf and even a fabulous white dress can be made to look fall ready (paired with thick black tights, patent toe pumps and a leather jacket or black velvet blazer- so crisp, so fall).

So even though you don’t want to even THINK about fall (unless you’re thinking about how you’re going to decorate your new digs) you can wear these fab dresses for Welcome Week and know full well you can rock them into November!

Clockwise: Forever 21, $15,80; Forever 21, $29.80; Delia’s, $34.50;  Mod Cloth, $44.99; Victoria’s Secret, $49; Nordstrom, $48; Old Navy, $29.50

It’s starting to get hot, hot, hot outside! While I’m stuck in landlocked Alberta, where no one has pools, I’m sure many of you out there are gearing up to start hitting the beach, or hang out poolside on a weekly (if not daily) basis.

Whether you choose to wear a bikini or a one-piece, you’re going to need a cover-up for going to the beach, or even just covering up a bit to avoid extreme sun exposure.  Lucky for you there are some really cute options this year that will easily transition from the beach to the boardwalk (assuming you dry yourself up enough to avoid those pesky wet marks around your boobs…). Seriously, toss a pair of wedges and a few bangles into your beach bag and you can take these things all over town.

So put on your sunscreen, grab your shades and don a cute cover-up as you get ready to hang out by the water!

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Last week I had a series of outfit mistakes, each one leaving me standing on a subway platform, sweating like a pig, wishing I could strip naked and put on something that wasn’t bringing on hot flashes like a menopausal woman.

First it was the skinny jeans that seemed like a good idea in my cool apartment, but instantly made the back of my knees sticky when exposed to the 90 degree sauna outside. The next morning I vowed to never make the mistake again and I slipped on a mini skirt. An hour later the hip hugging stretch fabric was making me claustrophobic, not to mention that it kept riding up making me look like the office hooker.

As I felt sweat stains spreading down the back of my white tank the next day I cursed myself and then hit the web in search of some scorching-temperature outfits that could get me through the summer of hell that this is turning out to be.

I stumbled across the Flowers in the Fountain Dress from Modcloth (which is always my go-to site for girly frocks with a vintage vibe) and wished I could have it delivered to me right at my desk.

The strapless top is just what I need, with no uncomfortable straps or restricting high necklines, and the sweetheart shape couldn’t be any more adorable – sexy in a way demure enough for the office. We get the comfort and airiness of a mumu without committing a massive fashion faux pas. Much to the contrary, this dress couldn’t get any cuter. The baby doll shape accents the waistline without feeling too binding as the fabric flows away from the body (giving my legs some much needed breathing room). Read More »

In the winter months I get really moody.

And I’m not just talking snapping at people on the subway because my skin hasn’t seen the light of day in months and the lack of Vitamin D has sent me into a permanent state of PMS. Not only my overall disposition, but my entire style changes during the winter. It’s part brooding downtown rocker-chick, part sleek uptown-chic. And while it is many things (bad-ass included), one thing it definitely isn’t is colorful.

Which is why when summer comes around I fully embrace the rainbow.

Catch me out at a club now and there will be no trace of the head-to-toe black ensemble complete with chunky rings and metal-chained necklaces. In its place will be a vibrant fuchsia ruffled mini-dress or a white linen pencil skirt and a floral top.

And if you catch me out next week, I just might be rocking the Tie Die One Shoulder Ruffle Tunic from Arden B.

For me, summer outfits are all about fresh silhouettes, fun colors and patterns and comfortable fabrics, and this dress hits all of the criteria on the head. I am obsessed with the one-shoulder trend, it perfectly channels chic, sexy and modern all at once –not an easy feat. This dress kicks the trend up a notch by adding a cascading ruffle detail down one side; adding a dose of flirty movement to an otherwise form-fitting and sexy shape. Read More »

The beach has been calling my name lately.  Seriously, I think I heard it.  But I’m having a slight issue… all of my beach cover-ups are worn and tired. And one cuts off the circulation to my boobs. Seriously.

Anyways, I use and abuse them because they are my most comfortable items of clothing (breathable, and perfect for a day dedicated to drinking beers and beaching it out), but now they’re way past their prime and I have nothing to wear with my bikinis and high heels. Just kidding. I mean, who wears high heels to the beach?

Since money is tight for us post-grad and for all you full time studentd saving money this summer for booze next year paying those loans, it’s not so easy to find that perfect summer cover-up. But don’t settle for the ol’ wife beater and running shorts combo. We have the eight, easy and cheap solutions for you. So stop worrying about your bank account and start relaxing on the beach. Those loans will still be there come fall, but the perfectly sunny summer days will not: Read More »

So I just got back from a glorious seven days lounging on the beach with no worries other then which wine cooler to pop open next and which bathing suit to wear. And of course the second I arrived back at my doorstep I had a major reality check greeting me with open arms. I instantly went from beach bunny to recent-college-grad-desperate to-make-a-dime.

I can accept the fact that instead of enjoying my morning coffee on the patio overlooking the ocean I will be fighting rush hour traffic in the muggy subway; but what I can’t so easily throw away is the easy style of a beach getaway. I refuse to put on anything other than breezy dresses and floaty tanks while I am away and while I love my skinny jeans to death, my legs got some much appreciated breathing room.

I know I can’t skip into the office wearing a linen mini dress and some flip flops but I also refuse to stuff myself back into my snug pencil skirts and flats. Which is why Anthropologie’s Baby’s Breath Dress is really exciting me right now (seriously, I can barely keep myself from putting it in my shopping cart and paying  for it to be overnighted).

The moss-green silk fabric with white flower bud detail is so delicately feminine and the shape only plays up the girlish vibe. The faux-wrap plays up our womanly curves, accentuating the ladies and our waists, and flows seamlessly over the nether regions (hitting none of the bumps or dimples along the way). And we can’t forget the best part: it is elegantly comfortable. A perfect combination of that beach-easy comfort while demure details like the flutter sleeves and longer hemline make it totally office appropriate. Read More »

OMG girls, I found THE dress.

You know which one I’m talking about. That summer dress that travels at the bottom of your purse everywhere you go. It works for any occasion, any location, at any time. And I have found it: Victoria’s Secrets Strapless Bra Top Dress. For once my wish list post won’t be a rant debating if I should purchase my newest obsession. At this point the only dilemma I’m having is what color to buy it in.

Let’s  jump right into the reasons why this dress absolutely must be in every single one of our closets. The shape is to-die-for flattering. The sweetheart neckline is demure in a flirty, come-hither sort of way and the hemline falls not too short, not too long, but just right to be appropriate for work and play. The ruched, wrap bodice gives some extra accent to those of us lacking in the breast department, while the built in bra provides extra support for the lucky ladies with the ta-ta’s.

The dress comes in 11 colors and one print; it will literally fit into any wardrobe. From the edgy rocker who rocks it in purple cheetah, to the laid-back tomboy who wears it in navy, to the daring fashionistas who flaunt it in lime green. Read More »

I am in total freakin’ party mode right now. Not that I blame myself; actually, far from it. Instead I am rewarding myself for delaying Senioritis until the last 3 weeks of the year by downing bottles of wine with the girls on weeknights and stumbling into morning class with barhead and underye circles.

So obviously instead of getting my notes together for finals I’m just perusing the Internet for additions to my summer party dress lineup. The minute I grab my diploma, I’m strippin’ off that gown and hitting the clubs hard.

The first night will be a little black number, skyscraper heels, chunky jewelry. But the subsequent nights, I’d like to mix it up a bit. Enter The Sailor Button Dress from New Look.

I never really got into the whole nautical trend, but this dress is too tempting to resist. The vibrant red only pops even more with contrasting white stripes and the split detail is totally sexy, while till having a demure, girlish quality.

The cut couldn’t be any more flattering with a cinched waist and forgiving pleated skirt. And the nautical style embossed buttons draw the attention up to your shoulders having a totally slimming effect. Added bonus? It has one of my favorite features in a dress: pockets. Giving a comfortable, laid back vibe to an otherwise sophisticated and refined mini. I can already seem myself out on the town, one hand in a pocket, the other daintily holding a martini (or making a beer pong shot…either way). Read More »

With the end (fingers crossed) of the rain and the new May flowers that follow, what better way to celebrate it finally feeling like spring than with a dress! This year, there are so many adorable spring dresses to choose from that’s it’s hard to pick! (I just bought three…I have a problem.) But really, why should you have to choose just one? With retailers slashing their prices, you’re sure to find a good deal on one or two (or three) to satisfy your every dress need.

Or desire. Because that’s what it really comes down to, yes?

There are so many styles of dress to choose from, meaning there is the perfect dress out there for everyone, as well as every occasion.  More modest dresses worn with blazers or cardigans are perfect for the summer job, while the fun, flirty, floral mini dresses are sure to be a hit for a girls night out on the town.  With a large range of patterns and colors available, it’s easy to choose the statement you want to make with your dress, or find one that suits shoes and sweaters you already own. Read More »