I recently went to Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), a massive electronic music festival/rave, and saw some wicked cool costumes. While I didn’t go all out with leather and lace like some party-goers, I did enjoy stepping away from my usually more conservative outfits and wearing neon bright clothes. I liked it enough, in fact, that I figured I could try to work them into my daily summer wardrobe.

And why not? When paired with the right articles of clothing, bright pieces are a super easy way to add color and fun to your look.

The easiest way to incorporate color is with a bright pair of shorts. Sure, you have your reliable blue or black jean shorts that practically go with everything (so you can grab the nearest clean – or not – top), but colored shorts would make the outfit more vibrant and exciting. I picked up these shorts featuring destroyed cuffs from Wet Seal, and at $12.50, they won’t make you feel too guilty about dipping into your account for a “novelty” item. They come in a couple of other colors, and  if the cutoff look isn’t your thing, other styles are offered in even more colors.

I’ve been pairing these with a basic top (white or gray v-neck, anyone?), some key accessories and flip flops and my summer look has been instantly amped up. I’m even considering heading back to Wet Seal and getting every color they got.

[Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!]

Even short haired girls know, a summer outdoors is a hair disaster waiting to happen.  Cruising in a convertible. Spending a windswept day at the beach.  Biking with friends. Floating your day away in a pool.  They all sound fantastic right about now, don’t they?  Well your hair doesn’t agree.  Tame those wind ravaged, water logged tresses with these cute, chic and fabulous accessories. Read More »

Riddle me this: It’s June. It’s cold and rainy in most of the country so you spend your day shopping instead of at the beach. You stumble upon sundress after sundress, cute top after cute top, and you want to buy everything. In fact, you’ve pretty much convinced yourself that it’s totally fine if  you move some money from your savings into your checking. Clothing is a sound investment, after all.  And even though Suze Orman would say “stop it right there, sister,” you really want/NEED these amazing frocks for summer.

Well I’m no Suze Orman, but “Stop it right there, sister.”

Let’s face it, summer is only 3 months. Is it worth going into debt buying that totally adorable DVF wrap dress? Sure Carrie Bradshaw would say yes, but Carrie Bradshaw is a fictional character. I however, your trusty budget sylista, am 100% reality. And not reality like The Hills reality – reality, reality. So listen up.

For such a short season, especially one that has been unseasonably unsummery (seriously mother earth – get on that), there really is no need to go into debt and owe your soul to Saks. Especially when this summer is ALL about accessories. The bolder, bigger and brighter, the better. Bib necklaces and funky necklaces are all over the place making it possible to take a garb from the 8th grade and make it look instantly modern, and make the simplest of outfits look uber chic and pulled together.

I scoured the web and compiled a ton of awesome options. When you wear one, though,  remember to pair it with simple clothes, solid color dresses, maxi dresses or with a great pair of jeans and solid top. Keep the rest of your accessories minimal. And, no, minimal does not mean 3 cocktail rings and a pair of hoop earrings. (Yes I’m talking to YOU, Miss Over-Accessorizer…and you too, grandma) Choose ONE other accessory, whether it be one ring, a few thin bangles or small studs and let the necklace be the focal point. Throw on cute shoes and a great bag and – boom – you just saved yourself a lot of money and buyer’s remorse. Not to mention you still look hella stylish.

I know, I’m good. I’ll be here all week. Well, I’ll be here every Friday. Read More »