Ask Allie: Flattering White Pants

I am totally against the belief that you can only have the figure of a supermodel to carry off white jeans and trousers. In my opinion, I find them to be quite flattering on muscular and curvy frames – it shows that you accept your body and dress for yourself and not to hide from the world. Come summer, white trousers, capris and jeans are a fabulous wardrobe staple as that they are dressier than classic blue denim, crisp looking and a perfect compliment to black, brights or even neutrals. The problem comes to finding white pants that flatter ones frame. Reader Claire from Ohio asked me this question as that this is just after Memorial Day, seems like a perfect time to answer it! Though you may be able to carry off snug-fitting black or denim pants, white is not as flattering in a slim silhouette. Also, white is prone to being transparent so not only your panty lines but your belly button, rear end and even the tiniest speck of cellulite can be on display in the wrong fabric or cut of white bottoms. White Jeans: White jeans should never be tight, unless you are Kate Moss. Though you may prefer a slim or tailored bootcut style for your daily blues, a wider or trouser-inspired silhouette may prove to be more flattering and versatile when in the shade of white. A classic cut (no crazy pockets, flared or stovepipe legs, really low rise) can double as trousers for evening get-togethers and nights out on the town, and can also pair with your favorite tee or tank and sandals for a trip to the mall. Keep the silhouette classic and you will get far more wear. Some options: Lauren by Ralph Lauren 'Tanya' Stretch Jeans (Plus) (pictured above right) – Starting at $75.00 from Nordstrom Not Your Daughter's Jeans Tummy Tuck Retro Stretch Trouser Jeans (pictured above left) - $118 from Nordstrom Gap Favorite Trouser Jean (Available in Petite and Tall) - $59.50 Online Chico’s Platinum Charm Modern Fit Jean (Available in Variety of Inseams) – Currently On Sale for $47.50 White Trousers: Again, the look is not slim, but a straight or slightly wide leg look that glides over the frame. Crisp fabrics like twill, canvas and poplin give a elegant look, while linen and gauzy fabrics are an elegant compliment to beaded tunics and longer tanks. White is almost always transparent, so a thicker fabric or a lining will help smooth out your figure and keep your lingerie hidden. Crisper fabrics look great with a crease ironed down the front – it elongates the leg and often makes pants look more expensive and elegant. Fabrics like linen, gauze and lightweight cotton are meant to be rumpled, so they look best paired with similar fabrics on top (silk, linen, cotton, gauze, even crocheted and lacy materials). Sturdier fabrics work with most everything from a tailored shirt to a casual knit. If the heavy fabric has a touch of lycra they will be more likely to repel creases, wrinkles and end-of-day bagging at the rear. Keep details to a minimum – a white pant is a great base garment and if they are free from adornment they become more versatile. When purchasing white pants, give them the workout before leaving the fitting room. Sit in them, and see if and how they crease at the crotch when you return to standing. Bend over and check out the back view. Stand in front of light and see how they treat your legs. See the side view – white pants, especially ones with natural or higher rises can often accentuate a tummy or saddle bags. Don’t buy them unless they get your seal of approval. Some options: Banana Republic "Jackson" Chino Trouser (Available in Petite and Tall) (pictured above left) - $79.00 online J. Jill Summertime Cotton Pants (Available in Petite, Tall and Women) - $69.00 online Laura Clement Pure Linen Pants - On Sale for $29.99 at La Redoute Boden Wideleg Drawstring Trousers - $84.00 online White Shorts/Capris: White is a great choice for shorter pants – they look clean, crisp and are far more flattering (and less likely to make you look half-naked a few blocks away) than beige. Cropped pants and shorts in white must be of a heavier, crisp fabric so that they don’t end up looking like the bottom half of your pajamas or your husband’s underwear. Catalogs may show lovely ladies in flowing linen and gauzy shorts and capris, but on the regular woman who is walking around town, lifting herself in and out of a car and * gasp * sweating, lightweight short pants will not look lovely after leaving the bedroom. Twill, cotton, denim are all good choices. The silhouette should skim the hips and rear, and then be straight down. Tight white shorts are not flattering on many, short white capris look as though they are part of a costume from the Broadway production of Grease!, and a-line or wide-leg short pants are not flattering on any feminine figure. I used to be anti-shorts, but over the years, great silhouettes have emerged making this style of garment actually flattering. City shorts, walking shorts and Bermudas can be lovely on many figures. These are shorts that are not tight, not overly wide, crisp and hit somewhere just above to just below the knee. Having a crease down the front is always a nice touch which adds formality to such a casual garment. Cropped pants should not be longer than where your calf begins. Those cropped pants that show just a hair of your ankle only make you look shorter and wider; any pant that hits at the widest part of your calf will give the illusion that your entire leg is of that size. A crisp, straight pant that hits at the top of the calf, or even a cuffed denim pair with a cuff is a great go-to with bright knits and tanks for weekends, and look lovely with a wedge heeled sandal and floaty chiffon top and long necklace for a Casual Friday at work. Some options: White House/Black Market's "Noir" Pedal Pusher (pictured above left) - $68.00 online New York & Company's "Columbus Avenue" Crop Pant (pictured above right) - $34.95 online Avenue's Chino Bermuda Shorts - Currently on sale for $19.99

Ask Allie: Where to Shop?

Gretchen asks: I have a question: Where can I find affordable, stylish, chic clothing for myself, a woman over 40 who is also petite and roundish. In other words: clothing that is not sleeveless, mini-skirted, ultra-tight, or frumpy? I am discouraged by recent visits to Ann Taylor Loft, J. Jill, and Talbots, formerly good sources. Hey Gretchen: I feel your pain, and have many times over the past several years. It’s awful when our go-to stores decide to change their concept and leave their regular customers in the lurch. When Ann Taylor got matronly again, when Express changed their sizing, when J. Crew started charging an arm and a leg for a basic knit top… been there, experienced that. On top of such corporate changes, it’s hard when the season seems to be all about silhouettes and trends you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing. My petite curvy body is NOT made for a jersey maxi dress that can’t be worn with a proper bra, and these study legs look ridiculous in pedal pushers. So what do you do when you hit the mall and hate everything that you see? A stylish woman doesn’t cave in to trends she doesn’t find flattering and she doesn’t settle for less-than-fabulous frocks. A lot of effort and planning goes into having effortless style regardless of the trends. Here’s a few tips to get through the bad fashion spells: Shop year-round for what you like and what you look good wearing. Find a great dress at a department store in the after-summer sale? Grab it, and maybe in two shades. You may not be able to wear it for several months, but you will be prepared for the next warm spell. When you visit outlet and factory stores, don’t look just for the now, but the five months from now. This is the best way to score cheap quality cashmere, classics like suiting, pencil skirts, boots and trousers for far less. If you buy classic pieces that fit your lifestyle and personality, you should be just as in love with them next season as you are when you purchase them. Dig a bit deeper. I recently received a J. Jill catalog in the mail and was horrified by many of the fashions on the pages. J. Jill has never been my personal style, but I admired the flowing fabrics, natural colors and feminine silhouettes. This catalog was filled with dowdy, matronly, cheap looking knits in those semi-pastel hues that flatter no skintone on this planet. Melon-colors tanks with nautical-printed elastic-waist shorts in the most awful of lengths, dresses of gaudy florals that made the slim models look as though they were in their third trimester, even the shoes were the most unflattering T-strap (leg-shortening) styles with matronly heights of heels. What the heck happened? Heading to the J. Jill Web site, I see that this wasn’t the new look of a popular brand, but just one aspect of their current collection. They still had simple pieces (personal fan of their Splendid linen dress) with elegant lines… they just were trying out a new look with a fancy-dancy little catalog sent out to a certain market. Often times retailers will try out a new look to a test market, or in a small section of their stores. If it sells well, you may see more of the same in the next season. If not, it will be quickly sent to the sale rack. Stores will often put these new collections in the window and on front tables in hopes of enticing new customers. If you usually have luck in these stores, don’t be deterred by the new look; take a walk inside and often you will find your favorites along the side walls. Speak up! You detest the direction your favorite brand has taken? Let it know. Tell a store manager (in a calm and pleasant way), write a letter or send an email. I have a friend who works for a popular women’s retailer. A couple of years ago they tried a new feel for the stores and for their line of clothing. The new concept hardly lasted a season – though their sales didn’t drop significantly (they still had plenty of staples and accessories), regular customers made quite a stink with letters, emails, calls and complaints to store staff. The company understood that these who took the time to comment were their bread and butter customers; to upset them could mean losing them all. They listened, made changes and kept their customers as well as profit margins. Most Web sites have a hyperlink at the bottom of the home page for feedback or customer service. Usually an email address is offered along with a toll-free number and mailing address. In this day and age, I have found emails to be responded to far more quickly and professionally than phone calls. However, use the method that makes you the most comfortable. Let your voice be heard – you are the one holding the purse strings! Go outside the box. You’re a Talbots gal? Well before you walk in those red doors at the mall, take a quick peek in some other retailers. You never know, you might find the perfect garment in Eddie Bauer, J. Crew, Coldwater Creek or Eileen Fisher. Despise the color story in Ann Taylor Loft? You may be shocked to find your new favorite tee at American Eagle, Banana Republic, Chico’s or Limited. Another good place to hit up are the big box discounters like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. Loved last year’s fashions? You will be more likely to find them at these shops, and for great prices too. You also have the ability to shop a variety of brands in one location. Clothing shopping can be tough, especially when you aren’t a wealthy 21-year old with the body of a mannequin. Don’t let the trends or the retailers own you; you ultimately have the final say for you hold the power – the wallet. In these financial times, retailers care even more that their customers are happy and returning again and again. Don’t be afraid to flex your shopping muscle and say your piece or take your money to another store.

Ask Allie: Adding Romantic Elements to a Wardrobe

Hi Allie, Can you recommend a way to start to add romantic elements to a wardrobe? My wardrobe mostly consists of classic pieces and my body shape doesn't do well with ruffles, bows and frou-frou, but I have a romantic personality and would like to express that in my clothing. For instance, I've got lots of t-shirt dresses for summer in vibrant colors - any way to add some romantic details to those? Thanks! Amy Hi Amy! Great question! Staples are great because they are versatile, but they really don’t show your true personality. Solid colors and clean lines often give a more professional/hardened feel if not accessorized correctly. This makes it extra difficult for those who have a softer or more romantic side. Here’s a few suggestions to make those t-shirt dresses and other classic pieces for your romantic self: Scarves: A beautiful large, square silk scarf in a romantic floral or painterly pattern can transform most any style. Tied in a square knot at your throat with that t-shirt dress will make the style more feminine and polished; add a delicate gold bracelet and some delicate heels and what could have been quite the knock around garment is now elegant. An oblong scarf looped around the throat dresses up a simple shift dress or top – combine it with a necklace or two and you have a romantic version of a simple tank and jeans. That oblong scarf can also replace a belt for a simple shell and trousers (tie in a knot and have the knot off to the side so it hangs as a sash), and there is nothing more elegant than tying your square scarf to the handle of your handbag. In place of a cardigan or blazer, wear a shawl or pashmina, the drapey fabric gives a romantic feel to the most standard of pieces. Both looks from Ann Taylor Jewelry: I am a HUGE jewelry-aholic. Any trip I take, thrift store I enter, or even cheap kid’s boutique I pass in the mall, I check out the jewelry selection available. No accessory can show your true personality better than a great jewelry collection. Yesterday walking down the street, I saw a woman wearing the same dress I own. It is a black ponte knit sheath with short sleeves and a square neckline. I had to look twice to recognize the dress for her jewelry completely transformed its look. She had a long strand of pearls looped around to make a choaker and then an opera-length of beads. Along with it, she had an opera-length strand of thin gold links that were interspersed with crystal drops. A gold and crystal bracelet matched this necklace. The look was so feminine and romantic, it completely transformed what I saw as a dress with very strong, graphic lines. Pearls are always a safe bet, as are bracelets with charms or baubles. Don’t worry about piling them on if they are in a similar style set (all gold, all beaded, all antiqued silver) – this gives even more of a romantic and individual look. I have an old coworker who used to soften her business suits with cameos and vintage brooches – they were elegant, unique and showed that she was a romantic soul under all that pinstripe! Next time you go shopping, wear a simple outfit and check out your look in a mirror and you experiment with different pieces of jewelry. You will be amazed how a simple necklace or pair of earrings will give a whole new life and style to your wardrobe basics. Both looks from Wendy Brandes Shoes: We women are so lucky, this season seems to accept most any style of shoe. Like a chunky wood wedge? No problem. More the type to love a delicate kitten heel? That works! Whether you like flats or stilettos, platforms or Pumas, there is a style that you can find and fits your personality. It is getting far too warm for this now, but come fall, boots are a great choice. Flat riding boots, lace-up granny boots with delicate heels, sleek leather boots with pointed toes and slim heels, nothing else better defines a look than a great pair of boots. To show your romantic side, don’t be afraid of details like frog closures, decorative heels, lacing, or unusual colors like Bordeaux, gray, hunter or navy. A great and unique boot can be a signature piece that works with tights and a simple dress, a romantic floaty skirt, or even over slim jeans or leggings with a men’s inspired fisherman sweater. I often tell women that if you can’t wear a certain color near your face, you often can near your ankles. Look terrible in yellow but love the hue? Get yourself some great yellow sandals! Can’t wear lace and bows and frou-frou? Why not let your shoes have the fun. Take a simple black shift dress and add spectator pumps, peeptoes with a pink grosgrain bow, floral silk mules with a kitten heel and you look stylish yet true to yourself. Having a simple wardrobe makes it easier to get creative with your footwear, since they will take center stage and most likely compliment a larger portion of your closet. Both looks from J. Crew Purses: So all the It Girls are carrying a leather hobo big enough to store a family of four… that doesn’t mean you need to. Another thing the lady on the street with pearls and my dress had was a clutch purse. It was black leather, rouched, and looked large enough to comfortably carry all her necessities. Tucking her bag into her elbow instead of hiking it over her shoulder gave a completely different effect and silhouette – far more feminine, delicate and romantic. If clutches aren’t your thing, try a handbag. My good friend who sees Marilyn Monroe as a style icon always carries a small ivory wicker bag with red ribbon handles each summer. The bag is so sweet and feminine; it really transforms her look, even if she’s heading to the market in a tee and capris. Classic Kelly bags are a great choice, as are bags you have picked up on your travels. Made of unique fabrics and styles, they will be a signature piece that adds your true self to your finished look. Both looks by Nordstrom Your Hair: We often get into the long-layered rut. It’s simple, it’s easy and everyone else is doing it. Well if you are a romantic, long straightened hair doesn’t always fit the look. Try a beach spray (or make your own with water and sea salt) and encourage natural waves. If your hair is naturally curly, let your wild show with a cascade of curls, or a face-softening short cut that gives a halo of spirals around your head. A few warm highlights can really transform your look and add depth to your natural color. If you have bangs, consider growing them out into a layer or having them made into a side-swept style that is more relaxed and feminine. If you are a romantic, longer hair is often more flattering (no matter your age). Keep it relaxed but well maintained and your mane alone can add much romance to your classic look. Finally, what you wear underneath may not be seen by the public, but it affects how you stand and how you feel. Invest in some feminine frilly confections for your lingerie drawer. You may be buttoned up in wool gabardine, but your lovely lacy bras, panties and slips will remind you that you are all woman!

How to Have Style

I would like to thank Polly from my French Chic group for bringing my attention to this article from PsychologyToday.com. I think this is an amazing article that really defines style and how it is different from fashion and not a superficial, stupid characteristic to possess. Many times I feel I have to apologize for having a blog about style, thinking people find me to be materialistic and silly to care so much about such a subject. But style is not stupid, materialistic, or silly and Hara Estroff Marano defines style quite perfectly in this article. Enjoy! How to Have Style Unlike fashion, a sense of style comes from within. By: Hara Estroff Marano It’s clear to me from the many people I talk to that there is a great misunderstanding about style. Style is not a price. It is not an age. It is not a size. And it can be learned. Style is one part self-knowledge and one part self-confidence. In other words, it’s an attitude. It is a life-affirming expression of your character and spirit, a conviction that you are worth knowing, worth looking at and can present yourself well. It is knowing your strengths and weaknesses so that you can accentuate your strengths, not hide real or imagined shortcomings. Feeling good about yourself is a sine qua non of looking good. There is one more element of style, and that is clothes, but style should never be confused with fashion. Fashion is synonymous with clothes, but style is merely expressed through clothes. Fashion is IN the clothes. Style is IN the wearer. Style is nothing if not a celebration of individuality, of individual variability. It glorifies the fact that we are all different. It exposes as preposterous the notion that there is an ideal body, an ideal woman—that there is only one perfect way to look, that any one way is perfect for all women. Style always delights because it is a revelation that the possibilities for originality are limitless. Style rejects ideals. It goes its own way. In fact, style is nothing if not a triumph of the fresh and unusual. Style is democratic. It assumes that every woman has the potential to create an identity that’s unique, and to express it through how she carries herself, how she grooms herself, what she puts on. Yet style is aristocratic. It sets apart those who have it from those whose dress is merely functional, utilitarian. It announces to the world that the wearer has a sense of herself and has assumed command of herself. Style is intelligent, because it requires self-knowledge. Style hugs the self closely, even though it never represents the whole self at one time. The self is too complex to be represented by any one way of dressing. Style is optimistic. It is optimism made visible. Style presumes that you are a person of interest, that the world is a place of interest, that life is worth making the effort for. There is no style without taking risk, without exploring new sides of the self, without saving what works and discarding the errors. Style, then, is a springboard for personal growth. There are those who criticize style for its trendiness and materialistic consumption. But they are confusing style with fashion. Fashion is preoccupied with change merely for change’s sake, to stoke consumer purchases. Style is in fact a way of avoiding the clutter of stuff. It is a way of sorting through the crowded marketplaces, a way of selecting, making choices influenced not so much by pressures such as advertising but by internal considerations. This kind of style no more requires change from season to season that does your character. But neither is it completely static. Ideally it should evolve over time, as character does. Style is really self-knowledge applied selectively—selectivity is its essence—to the material world. Psyched for Success, 20 November 2003 Last Reviewed 29 Mar 2006 Article ID: 3123

Your Challenge This Week

Your challenge – until Memorial Day (we’re talking only 12 days, 10 if you exclude today and the 26th) be good to yourself and your fellow woman. What do I mean? 1. Accept that you are a woman, not a moving mannequin. Of COURSE you will have some softness, bumps and lumps in various places. Moaning over them, cursing them and tugging at them doesn’t make them disappear and just ruins your mood, which affect your appearance. Every time you are ready to scowl at your reflection, stop in your tracks and find something you are happy about. Fabulous pedicure? Feminine ankles? Stop-in-your-tracks lashes? Maybe you are starting to see results from your new gym membership, or are always told you have the most infectious smile. Those who have high self esteem are seen as being more attractive to others – for a week allow yourself to accept and heck… even LOVE yourself and see how reactions will change! 2. Go a week without the rags. Can you do it, a week without TMZ, Perez, InTouch and OK!? A week without guessing who’s cellulite is being pictured on the front of the Inquirer, and what It Girl was caught sans makeup (or panties) the day before. Why do we find such entertainment in finding fellow women not look their best? It doesn’t help our appearance, or our soul. You may find a week without the gossip sites and rags may actually make you feel better about yourself. 3. Before you judge, try to place yourself in her shoes. “Omigod, did you see what SHE WAS WEARING?” “That woman should NOT be wearing that with HER figure.” “What a fat-ass, her skin is disgusting, wow she looks so old for her age!” How many times have you caught yourself whispering something similar to your friend (or whispering it to yourself)? Often times, those we judge we judge unfairly. Possibly that woman has a medical condition, is pregnant, just gave birth, is going through a nasty divorce, is cramming for The Bar, had a death in the family, had her house burn down and is wearing donated clothes… gosh the reasons could be endless and extreme. Thing is, we are so harsh on our fellow woman without stopping to wonder WHY, or to offer assistance. Have an acquaintance who can’t style her way out of a paper bag? Instead of gossiping about her tapered chinos over mojitos with your friends, offer a makeover day with a shopping trip (or a shop in her closet day). See a stranger at the fitting room admiring her reflection while you know that dress does nothing for her hips? Instead of sneering or giggling, why not gently offer her your opinion and an alternative choice? No woman WANTS to look unflattering, she usually doesn’t have a clue how to change her style or get out from under her personal woes. Try to get into her shoes and think, if you were she, what would you like to hear or what would you need at that moment? You never know when karma will come back and assist you during a time of need. One week of being considerate and compassionate to your fellow woman, and to your self. Amazing how one week can totally change your outlook on life and alter your priorities. Start the summer off great by detoxing your mindset. I challenge all of you to try this and come back and let me know how it went!

Being Stylish While Being Cool

Today it is over 80 degrees in The Nation’s Capital… and today I have seen some of the worst work fashion travesties in months! Ladies, just because it is warm out does not mean decorum, class and style should go right out the window. It really is possible to stay cool and be cool about how you do it. 1. Respect Your Profession. Even when I worked at a very trendy fashion boutique, I didn’t flash a lot of skin. I respected my company, and the clients who shopped there, so I chose to enjoy the summer months with a bit more skin showing, but not letting it all hang out. Unless you are a lifeguard, a waitress at Hooters or a car show model, there is rarely a reason why you should have your stomach showing for work (this includes those shirts that barely hit your waistband and show an inch or two every time you swing your arms or reach for something off a shelf). Tube tops, backless halter tops and dresses, and short shorts are included. Your office may be very casual, but as my old boss at that trendy boutique said, “one should dress not for the job she has but the job she aspires to have.” Upper management is rarely seen in beachfront cantina-worthy attire, and those who are, they are rarely respected by their subordinates. To keep cool, a sleeveless top or dress that is loose enough to let the breeze flow will do nicely. If you must wear that gauzy halter sun dress, pair it with a thin cotton cardigan. Adding a couple extra inches to your shorts will not cause heat stroke and no matter your figure, your colleagues will thank you for dressing with respect. 2. Flip Flops are NOT Shoes. Flip flops are terrible for your feet, dangerous on wet streets, make horrible sounds when you clop around and are not the footwear of stylish women. Flip flops are for the beach, running around your house, the pool and maybe a trip to the grocery. Consider a thing made out of leather, suede, patent or fabric that has a more substantial sole. Another great alternative is a traditional sandal. To work so hard and spend so much on a lovely blouse and trousers and then kill it with your rubber thongs from Old Navy or Reef… it just doesn’t make sense. 3. Shine a Light. On your light-fabric and light-colored clothing, that is. Yesterday while walking to the train, a beautiful woman was walking ahead of me. She had on adorable mules, a teal twinset and a mint-colored linen bias-cut skirt. Oh, and purple striped bikini underwear with pink lace trim. Getting a quick glance in your full-length mirror may not tell the true story about your garments. Have a light shine behind you, and then move as if you were walking. Get a hand mirror, turn around and examine your back view. If you can even slightly see your undergarments, they will be on full display once you are out in the midday sun. Can’t stand thongs? There are many styles and fabrics of underwear that are made to be invisible under garments. Choosing a lightweight fabric in your skin tone that is free of decoration is a good start. Also, to save time and stress when dressing, don’t purchase items that are prone to being transparent (light colored linen and thin cotton, unlined white trousers, light colored nylon). You’ll never see me in a light colored skirt that isn’t made of a very heavy fabric or comes with a lining – too much trouble, too much worry and not worth my time or money. 4. Heat Does Not Equal 24/7 Casual Friday. This rule is about respect; your office may not have a rule about dress code, but to respect yourself and your office you should make your own. Sloppy tee shirts, ribbed tanks, shorts, frayed denim, rumpled clothing does not have a place in the workplace. Knits can be great if they are of a high-quality fabric, have a more formal style (slightly fitted, interesting neckline or sleeves) and are of a nice color. Ribbed tanks, when worn under a jacket or cardigan can be appropriate but are not work-worthy on their own. Some current styles of shorts (walkers, city shorts, Bermudas) can work for the office if paired with a jacket or tailored blouse, but few other styles look good outside the plant nursery or Home Depot. Frayed denim may be chic, but is best left to the weekend. As for rumpled clothing? If you loathe to iron, then don’t buy items that are so easy to wrinkle. Great options for beating the heat while looking chic: Breezy shift and sheath dresses: Paired with gladiator or traditional sandals, this is a warm-weather favorite. Not only is this look great for the office, but it works for weekend social events, or even for running errands around town. Choose a fabric that can handle the washing machine, and either hang dries to perfection or can take a tumble in the dryer so you have a low-stress wardrobe go-to. Trapunto-stitch sheath dress from Ann Taylor – On Sale for $49.99 Tropical-linen shift from Gap - $59.50 Capris, city and walking shorts: In a crisp fabric, these garments will look professional and resist wrinkles. Pair with a short-sleeved blazer for a casual summer suit, or with a crisp no-wrinkle shirt or feminine knit and a pair of ballet flats or peeptoe wedges. Linen capris for women from Old Navy (not shown) - $32.50 Twill Bermuda shorts for petites from Talbots – On Sale for $32.00 Flat or low wedge sandals: Just as comfy as your favorite flip flops, but with more polish and structure. Pair with your favorite dresses, shorts and trousers for casual elegance. Casual flat sandal from Lands End in leather or patent - $49.50 Wedge thong from Calvin Klein - $70 at Zappos Airy blouses and shirts: Let the air flow and look proper in these great tops. Paired with a crisp twill pencil skirt, Bermudas, or wide-leg trousers and a pair of flat sandals, you will be chic and feeling cool. Cotton/silk blend ruffled blouse by MICHAEL Michael Kors - $79.50 at Nordstrom Black striped belted seersucker blouse for women from Fashion Web - $36.00 at Alight

Free Tip - Keep it Clean

When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? Not wiped them on a tissue to change shadow colors or even use a swab of makeup remover, but actually cleaned them? Not only will a good washing of your brushes keep them hygienic, it will help prevent breakouts from bacteria and miscellaneous crud being transferred to your skin, and also will help with the application and pigment level of your cosmetics. There are some great precuts out there specifically for the cleansing of makeup brushes, but I use shampoo. A tip I learned when I worked in skincare is to occasionally switch out the gentle shampoo with an antibacterial wash (I use the Body Shop’s Tea Tree Face Wash) to give the brushes a gentle yet thorough cleansing. Wet the bristles with warm water, trying to keep the water on the exposed bristles only. In the palm of your hand, mix a bit of shampoo or cleanser with water to form a soapy lather. Swirl the brush in your palm gently; you will see the lather become opaque or change colors as the makeup is lifting away from the bristles. Rinse, and swirl to see if any pigment is left. If so, repeat. Dry brushes flat on a towel, reshaping the bristles. If possible, let the bristles hang over the edge of your counter or table to help air flow through the bristles to prevent any mildew. You will feel as though you have a new set of super-soft brushes and your makeup will go on so much more smoothly! Before you decide your blush, bronzer or foundation is starting to look dull and boring; wash your brushes. Often times, the problem isn’t the product or even your skin, but the applicator!