Five Must Haves For Summer

Summer is practically here, and that means it's time to talk summer trends! I put together a list of my top five favorite trends for this the summer of 2016.

Let's discuss...

1. The Perfect Sandal

Sandals are essential for summertime. What makes a great sandal to me is one with a slight heel, some interesting detailing, and in a neutral color.

NATURE Cross Strap Sandals available at Topshop- $125

2. Bow Details

Adorable bows add a feminine touch to absolutely any outfit. Wear them in the straps of your sundress, wear them in your hair, wear a bow as a belt...wear them everywhere!

White Side Tie Linen Top available at Pixie Market- $89

3. A Floral Maxi Dress

I love a maxi dress for the summer. This year I'm all about floral maxi dresses. It's so simple and stylish. Comfort never looked so chic.

Vila Floral Bloom Maxi Dress available at ASOS- $68

4. Bright & Bold Shorts

Why fill your summer with boring blue denim shorts when there are so many bright and bold hues out there? It's summer...have a little fun!

Summer Shorts available at Gap- $29.99-$39.95

5. A Great Straw Hat

I actually picked up a straw hat back in January when I went on vacation in the Caribbean, and I wore it practically the entire trip. I'm planning on breaking it out a bunch this summer. It's a look that anyone can rock! Keep the sun off of your face while looking so cool doing it.

Ace Of Something The Arizona Large Panama Hat available at Urban Outfitters- $69

What are your top five must haves this season???

Stuck In The Midi With You

There is nothing more flattering than the midi dress! I think this style looks adorable on just about everyone. So put away your minis and maxis and try these midi looks!

Pineapple Midi Dress by Sunday in Brooklyn available at Anthropologie- $148

Objects Without Meaning Palm Print Midi Dress available at Urban Outfitters- $170

In Midi Condition Dress available at ModCloth- on sale for $44.99

Lattice Halter Midi Dress available at LOFT- $49.50

Women's Midi Shirt Dress by Merona available at Target- $27.99

What do you think of the midi style? Don't you find it is so much more versatile than a mini or maxi dress?

Shopping Roundup

The weekend is here...so let's treat ourselves by going shopping! Check out these fantastic sales that are happening right now.

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Stop by The Limited and save 40% on new arrivals and an extra 30% on sale items.

Express is having an amazing sale on shorts right now! Women's shorts are 30% off and men's are buy one get one for $9.90.

Take 40% off of your order at Old Navy.

Urban Outfitters is now taking 20% off of all dresses.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Show A Little Shoulder

The current must have trend for spring/summer is tops and dresses that are off the shoulder. This look is so dreamy, sexy, and bohemian...what's not to love?

Ecote Embroidered Off-The-Shoulder Mini Swing Dress available at Urban Outfitters- $89

One Eleven Off The Shoulder Tee available at Express- $12.90

Minimal Off Shoulder Top in Crepe available at ASOS- $51.76

Off-The-Shoulder Jumpsuit available at Zara- $99.90

Dual Color Off The Shoulder Top By New Revival available at Pixie Market- $94

Color Pop!

No matter if it is my outfit, my makeup, or my photography, I absolutely love adding in a splash of color. I know, I know...you guys are probably saying...you wear so much black. Yes, that is true. But, I always try to add in a pop of color to keep the look from being to dark and boring. 

Here are my top 5 easy ways to making your images and looks stand out from the crowd.

coat: BB Dakota, secondhand from Keiko Lynn's closet sale/ dress: Kensie/  tights: H&M/ flats: Steve Madden/ tote bag: Brooklyn Industries/ sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

1. Wear one bold piece of clothing. I have been doing this ever since high school. I remember back then I'd wear a crazy colored dress with black tights, shoes, and cardigan. To this day I find myself still following these old habits. One thing I often do is wear a colorful coat over a black outfit. Take the look shown here for instance. I have only had this coat for a couple of weeks (and only worn it a handful of times) but New Yorkers have been stopping me left and right to tell me how much they love the color. Who said New Yorkers were unfriendly anyway???

2. Wear a bold lip! Trust me on this one. It not only makes your look seem more complete and polished but it really does make you stand out from the rest. Personally, I feel like everyone needs to own a great red lipstick. Don't go and say you can't pull it off. You can! Just have some confidence, and I promise you'll be getting compliments from strangers. The red lip I'm wearing here is always a conversation starter. Strangers have stopped me while I was vacationing in New Orleans, crossing Fifth Avenue in NYC, in Bloomingdale's, and even in a full elevator to tell me how much they love this shade. FYI: it's Sephora's Creme Lip Stain in 01 Always Red. It is my absolute favorite. 

3. When taking photos I think that a colorful background is always key. If you have ever checked out my portrait photography you will see how important color is to my images. A simple tip is no matter what anyone is wearing I like to use colors found in nature and the landscape around us to enhance the subject. Using opposite colors on the color wheel is a great way to make an image pop! If someone has green eyes, put them next to some purple flowers. If you're wearing a red dress, lay down in the bright green grass in the park. You get the picture!

*Speaking about getting the picture...you are all about to get a great deal with my photography! I'm giving all of my readers 20% off of any of my photography packages. If you are in the NYC area, please book your session by July 1st to get the discount. Just let me know that you are a reader for the full discount.*

4. Try some colorful legwear. As much as I love basic black tights (they really do go with everything), I find colorful tights to add so much fun to every look. In my massive bag of tights that I have sitting in my closet I have so many crazy colors: vivid purple, hot pink, wild tie dye...the list goes on and on. Fashion is about having fun. So go out on the limb and try something outside of the box.

5. Try adding in some colorful jewelry. My jewelry box is full of things like turquoise necklaces, a pink horse pin, and red earrings. It's stuff like this that turns a basic look into a stylish outfit.

How do you have fun with color in your everyday looks and your photography???