Recently in Fashion Category

We all have a natural tendency to show more skin during the summer season. Baring more skin leads to baring more bra, which is never sexy. Versatility is key if you're going to keep those unsightly bra straps from poking out. Try any one of the convertible bra looks pictured above. They'll keep you looking hot all summer.

Yeah, that's right...I said it. If you don't want your little bundle of joy to be a stripper or the punching bag for every kid on the playground then don't give them crazy names like Rumor or Coco. Yes, I know know Coco Chanel is an icon but that's about the only person in the world whom that name worked for. If your child is not going to follow in the footsteps of the clothes maven then there's really no other option besides Stripper, Courtney Cox Arquette. Seriously, I know we all secretly want be these people but do not saddle your children with names like Puma or Miller Lyte, Matthew McConaughy's little brother. Don't think that this is the pot chastising the kettle. I am perfectly aware that my name is unusual. Is "Sharifa" unique? Yes. Is it a name that destines me to end up with a serious drug addiction? No. This is one trend that falls under faux pas ladies. Avoid it as all costs.

*As a side not, you should also avoid naming your child Britney or Jamie Lynn.

I know this isn't breaking news, but I want to talk about Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing line, Bitten.  I'm totally in!  The Sex and the City star's line is all simple pieces perfect for layering.  You can easily achieve that soho chic look without looking like a maniac hippie.  Amazingly, all of her pieces are less than $20.  So you can get a whole seasonal wardrobe without breaking into your savings account.  Everything sounds good on paper!  I'd love to have a Bitten wardrobe. But there is one problem-  there's no online ordering and shipping.  How is that possible in 2008?  Traggedy!  I never seem to find myself near a Steve and Barry Store, where the clothes are exclusively sold.  If you're near a Steve and Barry, go nuts.  I'll just have to wait until the magic on online ordering catches up to beloved Bitten. 

Yes ladies, summer has finally arrived. Stop crying hysterically, you don’t look nearly as bad in your swimsuit as you think you do. Take page from these Starletts books. When it comes to turning heads in you two piece, more is less.

Deborah Kerr in "From Here to Eternity" (1953). Kerr wears a  black halter-neck swimsuit with boy-short bottoms. It's feminine without being risque, plus black is slimming.  Pull on this two piece, grab your guy and recreate the moment by rolling around in the sand. Make sure you let the mothers in the area know to covers their kids' eyes.

Farrah Fawcett's pinup poster (1976). Her red one-piece, tank-style bathing suit inspired the red swimsuit Pam Anderson donned 20 years later on "Baywatch." The original wasn't all that low cut and the leg openings certainly weren't high, but you were still left with the feeling you saw something you shouldn't have. Add the Farra Fawcett hairdo and leave onlookers drooling.

Jacqueline Bisset in "The Deep" (1977). Bisset's white T-shirt and a snorkeler's mask doesn't really constitute a swimsuit but she looked hot. And while wearing a wet t-shirt out in public will probably get you ticketed for "indecent exposure"  her look deserved an acknowledgment.

Bo Derek in "10" (1979). Derek's actual swimsuit isn't all that revealing: It's a one-piece tank-style suit, although the straps are pretty thin.  What make the look sexy is that it's flesh colored, and tricking beach-goers into thinking you're naked is almost as fun as yelling "SHARK." Now don't go crazy and try to  wear the  beaded braids. You turn your head too fast and you could hurt yourself with those things.

 

Let's face it, we all want to look, feel, and dress as good as the Celebs do. Take a look at Posh, living up to her name, on the streets of New York. Every hair in place, a crisp chic ruffled blouse, and belted skirt, polished off with a very trendy pair of shades. No wonder the paparazzi follow her all day. She looks hot! Well you can re-create her posh look for way less. If you start to notice strangers with cameras swarming, it just means you got the look right.

If you think this is just another t-shirt then look closer. C&C California's new soft organic-cotton tees are fashionable and good for the environment. Each shirt has a tag, filled with wildflower seeds, that you can remove and then plant. Buy one in every color and you can landscape your entire neighborhood. Check out this fab find here.

*Pair this top with J Brand Green Label's organic-cotton jeans and Jenny White's Eco Boudoir lingerie, made of earth-conscious silk and you've got an outfit that would make Mother Earth proud.

I have to tell you a secret.  I own a pair of crocs. I'll be the first to admit that they're certainly not the most fashionable shoes.  Sometimes I have to chose between comfort and fashion, and ocasionally (not all that often) comfort might win out.  I've worn my crocks while working in restaurant kitchens.  They're lightweight, comfortable and slip resistant.  Crocs have their place.  But now Crocs do heels.  Heels?  Yea.  These aren't working for me.  I'd much rather rock the Nike inspired Cole Haan's.  What do you think of Croc heels? 

Looking out the window this morning, it sure doesn't look like summer, nor does it feel like it. The sky is overcast a there's a bit of a chill in the air, but I know that the Cali sun won't let me down. By this weekend the sun will be back and the temp will be rising. The real question is, will I be ready? With these five fashion trends hanging in my closet, there's no doubt Ii can face whatever summer has to offer, and look good while doing it.

"What was old is new again." Truer words were never spoken, with the return to Art Deco fashion. Geometric shapes and curved lines are making this a fierce trend. To make this look modern pair an Art Deco inspired top with tailored cocktail shorts and accentuate the look with a large hat.

F. Scott Fitzgerald would feel right at home. Take a page from Gatsby and step out in this trend. The 20s Flapper look is completewith a dropped waist, body skimming draping, and bead or fringe embellishment. Finish your flapper look with a red lip and faux bob or finger-wave hairdo.

I love a great pair of silky or satin-y pajamas. Now, I can wear them all day long. Take your underwear and make it outerwear. Pick up nighttime inspired pieces like camisoles, robes, and slips and brave them outside the bedroom.

With a return to bedroom fashion comes the re-emergence of Sheer fabric. Much like the Boudoir look, when wearing see through clothing the idea is to look feminine and sultry not skanky. Stay away from anything overly form fitting and go for something that grazes your curves.

It's time to ditch those skinny jeans and pick up a pair of Wide-leg jeans. Now that I can wear jeans that allow me to eat and breathe, I plan on taking advantage  before the horrible skinny jean trend comes back again. Click here to see what wide-leg jean will work for you.

 

I'll admit it. I am willing to make serious sacrifices for fashion.  If a pair of heels is perfect for an outfit, it doesn't matter if they cut off circulation or give me blisters, it doesn't matter if I lose a toe, I must have them.  I've worn some ridiculously uncomfortable shoes in my day, but I was somehow comforted by the fact that they were the hottest shoes in the room.  That makes all the discomfort way worth it!

It looks like my days of uncomfortable heels are over!  Just imagine finding the cutest pair of heels, trying them on and discovering that they're as comfortable as your beat up running shoes.  Brilliantly, Cole Haan has made that happen!  Cole Haan teamed up with Nike to create a heel that rocks it in both the comfort and style department. Trust me when I say you'll never want to sacrifice your feet again.  These shoes are the best! 

 

Carma OT Air- open toe pump in shimmer gold.

Aurora Air Sling- open toe sling in brown snakeskin.