Hat's Off to You!

The summer sun can be warm and welcoming. But one too many hours without your SPF leaves your nose peeling and raw--not so welcoming after all. No need to blow your lid! We'd looked high and low for the most sublime skimmers to make sure you're covered.

If you're summer routine has you from running on the beach in the mornings to running errands in the afternoon, your baseball cap is almost as essential as your Reebok Easy Tones. And unless you're sporting a pink Dodgers cap (which is impossible to find these days), up your soccer mom status by trading in that old workout hat for a Lacoste lid that says easy-going class without the garish side effects (I'm looking at you, Coach Tennis Shoes). And for the low price tag of these tams, you can get one to match all your tennis outfits!

Though if your summer consists of shredding the gnar with a couple of bros, then the O'Neill Sonoma hat will provide some shade when you're done ripping the waves, and looks great on dudes and wahines alike. Grab a guitar and switch headgear when you're chilling by the beach bonfire that night for the Brixton Pack Straw Bowler from Urban Outfitters. Then pair it with a sundress the next morning. Or it'll go with you're favorite pair of daisy dukes. Talk about one sleek skimmer.
If you're into bows and batting eyelashes, let your purdah do the flirting for you with a wide-brimmed straw hat. This one from Forever21 is only $7 and worth every penny and pursing of your lips.

This summer I'm turning to the cowl's cousin: a visor. This braided raffia one from Bop Basics is perfect whether I'm riding my strand cruiser down the Strand, chasing after kids at Hammerhead Beach Camp, or relaxing by the Manhattan Village pool.

So go ahead, cock your hat. Angels are attitudes, after all.

Images from urbanoutfitters.com, forever21.com, shopbop.com, lacoste.com, tillys.com

The One With The Jersey Girl

Rachel: Ra.chel [ray-chelle] 1. (Biblical) Jacob's favorite wife, from the Hebrew word meaning "lamb" / 2. (Green) Fashion enthusiast and Monica's best friend from high school as portrayed by Jennifer Aniston. / 3. (Pally) Fashion house known for its unusual draping, bold colors, and fabric as soft as lamb's wool.
Rachel Pally has become synonymous with comfort, class, and color. The geography major from UC Berkeley works with jersey that's baby's-butt soft to the touch. She creates unusual silhouettes with her ingenious draping, and knows what looks good on a woman. And women love looking good in her designs--just ask Lindsay Lohan, Tori Spelling, and Sarah Jessica Parker, who all are big fans of the 27-year old designer.

The Los Angelino "Jersey Girl" makes clingy, slinky little numbers where simplicity meets glamour. Dresses are a big staple in her collections: try a mini dress with oversized sleeves, or a racerback tanks with unique cutouts.

The die-hard Eastsider never had formal training in fashion, which makes her clothing so much more endearing. Think vibrant yet casual elegance, and you can't miss her designs in over 300 boutiques worldwide.

Check out Rachel Pally here at shopbop.com

Images from rachelpally.com

Caped Crusaders

Sure you played house with your Barbies. But you were never below stealing your brother's comics (on the pretext of making paper dolls...) and they quickly became your new BFFs. The Monarch of Motion, the Golden Avenger, the Wallcrawler. You were always had a thing for the Metropolis Marvel, anyway. And you and the Blonde Bombshell? Peas in a pod.

But those coordinating costumes aren't just for the Dynamic Duo anymore. Capes are the perfect way to bundle up this winter season, and they come in every shape, size, color, and fabric.

Holy fashion wonders, Batman!

Fendi goes fur with this caplet, but if you're looking to avoid the $7,400 price tag, Forever21 have fabulous finds. MaxStudio has a gorgeous army tan cape, perfect for layering sleeves and sweaters underneath.

This unique take on winter coats translate from LA to NYC without needing a telephone booth. While different cuts boast swinging hemlines with wide sleeves, other exnay the sleeves and offer a couple of slits in the trapeze silhouette instead. And never fear! Forgiving forms are here! Capes are absolutely perfect for every body type, proving even further that this fashion trend truly has superpowers.

So take that Human Whirlwind, Emerald Crusader, and Boy Wonder.

Images from shopstyle.com

Bromance

I am not below stealing t-shirts from my boyfriend. But sometimes that one borrowed t-shirt turns into a soft button down or two. Or three. And then a cardigan. And before you know it, "His and Hers" takes on a whole new meaning.


Why are boys clothes so appealing? Well, they're warm and soft and baggy for one. Maybe they smell like your Mr. Man. But at the end of the day, they are the comfiest damn thing in your closet.

Thank goodness this winter season is granting girls with the gift of men. Unisex styles are popping up all over the place. From over-sized organics to fleeces in gender-neutral colors, it's time to fall in love with boys all over again. Take a page out of Cameron Diaz's book a la "Charlie's Angels" and rock those tightie whities with your regular sleep shirt. Bundle up with a flannel, skinny jeans, and sleek boots (just because you're dressing like a boy doesn't mean you should get sloppy like one). Take an over-sized button down from your boyfriend or brother, roll up the sleeves, and belt it: insta-shirt dress. Baggy sweaters and cardigans look great with leggings and flats--and feel great too.

Try American Apparel, notorious for their unisex styles in everything from shorts and shirts, to cardigans and underwear. Urban Outfitters is the place to go for flannels (in women's and men's sections--I'd nab at least one in each, the cut is different so you can add some variety and shape to the trend). Even Forever 21's Heritage for Men have great sweaters that ladies can steal.

So when boy meets girl, girl needs to try to restrain from tearing that buttery soft top off his back.

Images from Forever21.com, urbanoutfitters.com, americanapparel.com

Highly Recommended

To Whom It May Concern:

I have had the great pleasure of working with Theory's clothing line for the past five years. The high-end line's simple patterns, innovative cuts, and flattering fabrics have made it a staple for every dress-needed occasion. From little-black-dress to sunny yellow tea smocks, Theory has proved itself steadfast as a go-to designer, loyal in classic looks, and simply fabulous across the board.

Which brings me to this letter of recommendation. Theory's luxurious fall line offers the potential to dress you with every haute style hot this season. From harem pants in a plethora of fabrics to tulip dresses flattering for any form, I assure you the line's work ethic is above the rest. Please also take into consideration Theory's printed cardigans, pleated skirts, and soft cotton tops. The line has perfected the balance between adorable and comfort, and always rises to the occasion's challenge. Functional, fantastic, and fun are just three words Theory embodies.

I have no doubts that Theory will allow you to sparkle, glimmer, and work it like no one else this fall.

Sincerely,
Ah, The Cleverness of Me
CEO of Fashion Trends
Creative Director of Crazes
Board of Trustees of Recommendations

Find fantastic Theory finds at shopbop.com

Images from shopbop.com

The Fall Edition

We here by solemnly swear to refrain from those old played out fall cliches. There wont be "Fall Back into School" or "Falling into Fashion" nonsense here. No siree.

(But we do hope you Fall in love with our picks for the autumn weather.)

So here's the skinny (literally): we still love our skinny jeans. But to beat the cooler clime we're gonna add a thousand layers on top: long tanks, eccentric vests, wool scarves, soft organic cotton over-sized tees, knits like grandma makes, and a giant purse too. East Coast autumns easily Fall above the West Coast's when I get to start pulling out these essentials. It makes me wish the palm trees at home turned colors and shed their leaves too.

This Fall season, the tucked-in button down is big. Keep up the balancing act with little flouncy skirts like this one from Forever 21 and a sweet brown belt to keep things classy. Don't Fall running to class latte in hand.

And while the best part of this time of year is the color palette of Mother Nature, take a leaf out of her book and go golden too. Bronze looks great in these prints and in subtle embroidery. Fall into the trend with this look also from Forever 21.

I personally always have a hard time with fitting the feet as a sandals-or-nothing kinda gal in the summer, so head over to H&M where their boot assortment boasts high-fashion styles at less then $60 a pop. The whole head-to-toe layered look (above) is less than $140 and every piece is just as Fall-worthy alone as it is together.

Fall is in the air--duh, it's 55 degrees out. So get inspired, grab an apple cider, and fall in love with Fall.

Images from thelivingcolor.blogspot, hm.com, and forever21.com

Go Greek

Toga, toga, toga.

Maybe that's a familiar chant for you freshmen walking down Frat Row, but here's some sophomoric advice: ditch the sheet and go Greek with Matiko's end of season sale.

Sandals, boots, heels, and wedges galore with styles perfect for transitioning summer into fall. Try pairing black Sierras with jean shorts and a sweater and you'll be the talk of the sisterhood. Dress up jeans with Moira for a date with an Alpha Epsilon Pi brother. Or make like Hermes and fly to class with a pair of Romans. Anyway you choose, Matiko's line has the variety and value of Mount Olympus to leave any sole-searcher perfectly happy with their new pair.

These shoes are going fast, especially with their sale prices over 50% off the original tag.

So lift your plastic red cup of Franzia in honor of Dionysis--and in honor of your fantastic new kicks.


Images from matiko.com

Back In Black

You're creepy and kooky, and can be mysterious and spooky. And while sometimes you're fashion choices often lean towards the deadful and dreadful, summer's transitional trend into fall is no longer reserved for the Wednesday Addams's of the world.

All-black outfits are making the rounds again as the temperature begins to drop and the leaves begin to change. Spotted walking the streets of Venice Beach, I couldn't help but notice how chic and pulled together my friend Juliana looked in a sheer black t-shirt and classically cut black shorts. I decided that this look was definitely one to mimic, and began patrolling my sources for further inspiration.

Keep from going all spiderwebs and spooks by playing with proportions: short shorts matched with long-sleeved button down oxfords tucked neatly in; a billowy blouse offset by sleek and strappy brown heels; a textured top and ankle-hitting harlem pants. Posh gets the idea with an added bike glove without getting too rocker-chick on us; Kate Bosworth adds a dash to her solid-color ensemble with a pop of pink lipstick. This blank-canvas look easily becomes your own with those kind of special touches; consider a neon belt or signature necklace. Plus with the summer tans we've all been working on for the past four months, the blackest black can only compliment your glow, rather than preen your pallor.

Best of all, is this whole look goes easy on your wallet. Check out my picks below, or raid your own closet for your basic blacks to mix and match! These all-black ensembles really are a scream, even if you're Uncle Fester disagrees.

From top left clockwise: Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Chrisscross Sandal (ON SALE!) $19; Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise Cropped Dolman Tee (ON SALE!) $24.99; UO Brass and Leather Bracelet $28; and Forever 21 7 Pocket Denim Short $14.80


From left to right: Forever 21 Looped Rope Necklace $14.80; American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Short Sleeve T-shirt Leotard $28.00; Silence and Noise High Waisted Harem Pant $58.00; Deena & Ozzy Suede Zip Bootie $78.00


From top left clockwise: Lacoste Short-Sleeved Strech Piquéd Polo $79.50 (Macy's); American Apparel Unisex Strech Courdory 5-Pocket Short $44.00; The Limited Skinny Patent Belt $19.50 in Aqua; Forever 21 Cleopatrice Wide Metallic Cuff $8.00

Images from teamsugar, fashion launch page, fashionising.com, and styleontrack.