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.

Since night is the overtly obvious fit for this dress, I’m going to start there.

Because the color is so punchy, I wanted to make it the center of attention and paired it with a neutral pair of peep toe pumps and clutch. Night time is when you can get away with lots of sparkle and bling, so I suggest adding a dainty, rhinestone-covered headband and big door-knocker earrings, along with lots of bangles and rings. To keep this look from being overwhelmed, keep the jewels in the same tone. I chose silver this time, but gold or bronze would look great too! This look would be great for a semi-formal evening event (graduation dinner, perhaps?) or a cocktail night with your gals.

Now, onto daytime…

To make this dress more daytime-friendly, I was first concerned with the cutout. That’s just too much skin for a walk in the park or a casual lunch, so throw a tank top in an equally bright color on underneath. (This season is all about color blocking!) I chose to stick with a citrus-inspired palette and went for emerald green, but a pink or yellow would look awesome! I also added a cardigan in a soft lemon yellow to cover up the arms and shield from that brisk spring breeze. If the weather happens to be supa dupa hot, skip the cardi. If you want more color, throw a skinny belt on around the cinched waist. Finish off with a pair of woven flats (with that same emerald green!) to keep your tootsies comfy, a straw fedora and a summery tote. Jewels are optional, since this look is already so colorful, but if you feel naked without any, feel free to add some girly bracelets or earrings.

It’s truly that easy. Take a look at any semi-formal dress in your wardrobe and see if you can make it daytime, too! Add layers to cover up, and fun, casual accessories to tone things down a bit. You’ll increase the versatility of your wardrobe and get mucho bang for your buck. Good luck!

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!

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).

Even the pattern makes me feel lighter, with posies channeling a watercolor effect in the cool color palette of blue, grey and white. I’m already thinking of ways to rock this dress to work, without pit stains, flushed cheeks and beads of foundation colored sweat as accessories.

My office is freezing (thank god) so I’ll carry a light grey cardigan or a sheer, white silk scarf to cover my shoulders. Playing up the girliness of the dress’ floral pattern with white flats and a simple, single-strand necklace will make for a perfect summer work outfit. And throwing on a wide black belt, strappy heels and mismatched stacks of bracelets makes it edgy enough to transition to a night out.

What makes me even happier is that this dress totally emulates the Anthropologie vibe at half the cost. The garden party-chic style of my all time favorite store, a price tag I can manage to justify and no sticky-thigh syndrome? I’m totally sold.

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.

The vibrant aqua base is accented by deeper navy and cobalt blues, and it reminds me of a watercolor painting of ocean waves. And finally, the rayon material is a stretch fabric making it move along with you, perfect for a night out busting some moves on the dance floor.

What I might love more than anything is the versatility of this dress. If I happen to pull out some of my darker-winter accessories, the dress will go from whimsical to vixen (I’m thinking sky-high black heels, a cropped leather jacket and some gold chains). But with some mismatched bangles, strap sandals and messy beach hair, the dress becomes uber-feminine and girly.

Ditch the heels for some flip flops and a white cardigan and you’ve got yourself a perfect outfit for brunch with the girls or grandma’s 80^th birthday party. Any dress that won’t send granny into a seizure but can still have all eyes turned your way when you strut into a bar is a keeper in my book.

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:

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again; stripes are in. This dress looks so comfortable and would match perfectly with those brand new pair of Havaianas you’ve been waiting to slip on for some quality beach time.

Walmart is really doing some good things these days, including selling this number for $12.00. My closet it hungry for something like this – breezy, bright and casual. Perfect with a pair of wedges for a day at the beach and lathering on sunscreen.

This girl-next-store dress would look adorable with a chunky pair of wedges or a bright head-scarf. It’s modest, cool and slimming thanks to the array of buttons down the center. It could be worn at the beach, but could also be easily transformed into a summer-bar-outfit with some gaudy jewelery and a jean jacket.

Lately, I’ve been warming up to the romper. I know, I know – it’s a hard thing to love and an even harder thing to pull off. But just look at this incredibly playful and vintage cover-up.  It comes in pastel green and blue and would look great paired with a sun-kissed glow and a fedora.

This black and simple cover up would look great paired with some chunky colorful jewelry.  At its sweet price of $12.00, it’s irresistible to pass up.  The deep neck line can show off your colorful swimsuit and with an adjustable waist, this can be easily tossed on and off.

I love the color purple because it looks fabulous with dark and light colored hair tones.  The best thing about this cover-up? It has two pockets. I love the casual and laid-back attitude of a dress with pockets. And I especially love that I can throw my cash and cellphone in there when I make an ice cream run mid-day.

Paired with some casual jean shorts, this shirt is to die for. The smocked waste makes the top look delicate and soft. I love the floral detail and lace swoop-neck.  And it’s another perfect transformer for evening – leather jacket and jeggings? Yes, please.

Last but not least, this jersey knit gray tube dress looks like pure comfort. Also sporting two side hand pockets, I can see myself wearing this over and over again. This would look great with some black sandals and a beach tote. Casual, light, summery…. I’m in love.

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.

I can already see this dress transitioning amazingly from day to night. For day, a thin gold belt, a pair of flats and a thin, white boyfriend cardigan; then with a quick switch of some accessories- a chunky belt, layered gold necklaces and a pair of t-strap heels- the dress is happy-hour ready.

Finally, after a long day of work and play I know I’ll love the pullover style; forget annoying zippers and clasps, I’ll just slip this baby over my head and crash (I may take the time to actually hang it up, though, since it does carry a price tag equal to a month of 4am diner visits).

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.

I think I’ve decided on the candy pink. It will be adorable as a cover-up over my bikini, then I’ll pin up my beachy waves in a messy bun and look totally hot out for night out, and the next morning I’ll throw a white jean jacket over it and slip into some embellished flip flops for brunch (sans accessories…I think the mimosa will be enough).

The dress could not be any more adorable, and its cute little price tag seals the deal. Putting $39 into my “is-it-worth-it-formula” (price divided by times worn) leaves us with mere cents, since adding different shoes and accessories to this hot number will warrant you outfits for every day of the week.

Mine’s already in the shopping cart, the rest of you can go battle it out online.

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).

And of course it meets my strict, wearable rule. Ankle strap heels, some mismatched bangles and a bare neckline make it nightlife ready. Then the next morning you can slip out of bed, throw on a white linen blazer and some flip flops for brunch. Not to mention that when fall weather hits a pair of black tights and a leather jacket will carry it through the season.

I’m hittin’ the town sailor style…
Bon Voyage ladies!

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.