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 »

It’s that time of year again – the time to start hunting for summer jobs or internships (if you haven’t already), or start hunting for job or internship wardrobes (if you’ve already secured the gig). If you’re working in an office or a professional environment chances are you’re going to need to pick up a few pieces. Contrary to what some people think, Uggs and flip flops are not acceptable at most office jobs.

But don’t worry – you don’t have to pre-spend all that money you’re about to earn on a new work wardrobe. There are a few basics that can help make getting dressed for interviews or a work day simple. Just mix-and-match these with your everyday stuff and you’ll have plenty of options all summer long.

Well-fitted basics are the groundwork for a put together, streamlined outfit.  Dressing these up with accessories, or fun extras – tops, cardigans, or shoes – add personality to simple pieces and keep you lookin’ like you (and not some dowdy old lady).  If you want to hold onto these pieces for the future, it’s always good to spend a bit more and invest in pieces that fit well and are good quality. However, if you have a limited budget, many discount stores offer cheaper alternatives that will get you through your summer gig. Read More »

[I used to show you how to pull off runway trends in the series "Rock the Look." In this new series, I'll be taking a different item you probably already have in your closet each week and showing you three new ways to wear it. After all, the best shopping tip anyone will give you is to only buy pieces that work with something you already own. Last week I glammed up the basic black tee, and this week we're moving on to blazers.]

You probably have a blazer.

Your mom made you buy it and now the only time you pull it out of your closet is for job interviews and funerals. Other than that, it just hangs there and takes up space that would be better suited for a new pair of sweats. But your basic black blazer (like the one pictured right, from Old Navy) can be very stylish and versatile!

Wear it during the day to your internship for a mature (but not “old”) look, or to dress up a pair of jeans on the weekend.

Here are three new ideas for rocking a black (or whatever color you might have) blazer. Read More »