I feel like all I’ve been seeing are American flags plastered to every store window and bumper. Which is fine by me. Who’s going to complain about a whole day off from work to down 30 beers and stuff your face with hamburgers? (…And celebrate our country, of course!)

But where July 4th does get my panties in a knot is when it starts bleeding over into fashion. The amount of horrendous American flag pants, t-shirts, scrunchies (yes, scrunchies) and even themed nail art that has passed me by on the street is ridiculous. And although red, white and blue really isn’t a color palate I dress in often, seeing all of these proud Americans struggling to express their love for America in an outfit that is just plain wrong, is just plain wrong. So this year I vowed that I could find something just as appropriate for the day (and the entire season) without sacrificing my dignity or style.

The winner? The Madison Marcus Infinite Striped Jacket. It was included in a July 4th inspired slideshow on Shopbop but when I saw it all concept of a holiday celebration outfit flew out the door. Instead I had flashes of all the places I would walk into looking incredibly chic in my white cotton blazer with the criss-crossed navy stripes.

The jacket is so smart that it’s almost unbelievable. It’s channeling the nautical theme which gives it a crisp, preppy feel, but the detailing is so modern that other nautical inspired wear comes nowhere close to being as wearably chic. The combination of the laid-back rolled cuffs and the sophisticated tuxedo color give the jacket this uniquely casual “oh this thing? I just threw it on” vibe, while the one-sided pocket and asymmetrical stripes and buttons make a huge fashion statement. Read More »

American Pride Doesn't Have to Look Like This

Fourth of July is here! Commence drinking, hot dogs, drinking, and singing “Bye Bye Miss American Pie” and maybe burning your hand on sparklers (which I don’t care how old I get, they will always be so freakin’ cool).

I’ve already given you recipes for the bbq you’ll be hitting, and now we have one more thing to tackle: the Fourth of July ‘fit.

You need to look somewhat festive (i.e. I don’t suggest your skull tank or vintage “I love Canada” tee) but you don’t want to look like a walking advertisement for the US of A. I’ve got you covered: from red, white and blue festive to festive without being decked in the colors of our homeland, you will look like those American Girls that all those foreign boys (and the Counting Crows) talk about. And you will be ready to pull a Miley and Party in the USA. Woot woot. Read More »

As great as it is to finally have the summer weather here, the season can create a lot of problems that tend to lengthen your morning routine. Like that near third-degree burn you picked up at the beach… how are you ever gonna cover that up in time for work?

And that awesome summer internship you scored demands you look absolutely adorable each and every day, which we all know can be extremely demanding and time-consuming. Not to mention, trying to find a work wardrobe that is super cute AND super affordable for a college student’s budget may seem impossible. However, with help from CollegeFashion, we’ve found 3 chic internship looks, all under $100 (shoes and jewelry included)!

And if you need some more fashion inspiration to spice up your workday, take it from the ladies on the streets of New York themselves. Those chicks know their ish.

Would you wear non-prescription glasses?

Kristen Stewart lightens up…her hair.

Well this is just awkward for Joe and Demi.

Why do we stay FB friends with people we hate?

Ironically, Britney designs better than she dresses.

Woops. Jason Batemen REALLY pissed people off.

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 »

When I’m out and about – struttin’ my stuff, doin’ my thang – there are two things I’m seeing a lot of right now:

1. High-waisted shorts
2. Feminine/sweet touches combined with a tougher/rocker edge

It sounds like a strange combo, yes, but it’s totally workin’, so for this week’s Budget Stylista I’m bringing it to you. And on top of that, because I like you and want to have you covered for all potensh style situations, I’ve brought you two looks for two trends. One for day and one for night. You, my friends, are welcome.

So let’s start with some shorts because, let’s be real, a good pair of shorts aren’t the easy to find. These black shorts, featured in both looks, are great. What I like about them is that they have a higher waist without being TOO high-waisted (i.e. flattering and not mom-from-1992 looking) and they are short without being TOO short (i.e. sexy without showing off your lady bits). The ruffle is sweet and feminine but there isn’t TOO much going on. And you can wear them day or night. Score, score, score and score! (Yes, that’s my nod to World Cup soccer. Go USA!) Read More »

Who or what inspires your style? Many of us use actresses (like Sanoe Lake or Lisa Bonet) as style inspiration, even though, most of the time, they are being dressed from head to toe by the best stylists.

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!

If you haven’t seen The Virgin Suicides, go see it! RIGHT NOW!  Directed by Sofia Coppola, another style icon, you can see how the 5 Lisbon sisters’ lives unfold in this dreamy and mysterious story (so mysterious, it almost seems true).  Originally based on the book by Jeffery Eugenides, the story is set in the 1970s in a town about 15 minutes away from where I live.

All of the sisters live in the kind of home where it’s a huge deal if they can actually be allowed to go to their Homecoming dance.  If these girls are late for curfew, they’re pulled out of school and under house arrest (unlike me where when I’m late for curfew my parents just…go back to sleep). Yeah, it’s not easy being a Lisbon sister. But despite  the strict dictators watching their back, the sisters manage to create their own distinct identities and styles, Lux especially. Read More »

Summer means beach. Beach means sunscreen, snacks, beach reads, magazines, a towel, a wallet, two pairs of sunglasses (you need some smaller ones so you don’t get those ridonk tan lines), a change of clothes, more snacks…

Basically, a whole lot of crap.

Crap means I need a big ass purse, and by that I mean I’m totes in love with totes that hold all my crap to get me to the beach (even though I still always manage to forget something important….). Instead of dragging your everyday purse to the beach or worse, your mom’s ugly “Acapulco 1992″ straw bag with the sticky sunscreen stains on the bottom, pick up one of these super cute, cheap, totes-cute totes for summer!

And if you’re feeling really creative, create one of LL Bean’s custom-made tote bags. You can pick any of their famous totes (great deal, great size, durable, adorable… it’s no wonder everyone loves them) and pick the colors, the strap length, the shape, etc. to make it all your own. For cheap! Read More »

A few weeks ago Sarah Jessica Parker inspired Fashion Porn. This week, it’s inspired by someone completely different.  While doing my usual online browsing, I discovered Forever 21′s “Inspired by La Roux” page.  I’ve been drooling over pictures of Elly Jackson of La Roux’s style.  And while I won’t be donning her angular, statement hair anytime soon, I am coveting some of the rock ‘n roll elements of her style.

Very few things scream rock ‘n’ roll like studs and chains.  The metallic hardware adds edge to items, and adds an instant accessory to any piece of clothing.  With studs appearing on everything from shoes to skirts this year, and chains gracing the shoulders and front of dresses, these are two elements easy to incorporate into your wardrobe.   Just remember: while you can find studs or chains on absolutely EVERYTHING this year, be careful not to go overboard. You wanna look chic, not like some reject from an ’80s heavy metal band.

Read More »

Oh the joys of summer – sunshine, beaches, the end of school, sandals… and of course, rising hemlines!

As the temperature starts to rise, it’s time to bare those legs, soak up a little vitamin D (just make sure to wear sunscreen!), and enjoy the lovely weather. Sure, you could wear shorts, but then you gotta deal with that whole “thighs rub together and shorts ride up” situation. Plus, skirts are way more fun, and a cuter, flirtier way to show off those gams.

So enjoy the start of summer with a skirt. Here are 16 perfectly adorable options to choose from. Just remember, knees together when you’re getting out of the car.  No one needs to see you pull a Britney! Read More »