Summer Essentials

Summer is finally here and what better way to celebrate the sun than with fresh style!

Trends for this spring/summer are full of color, pattern and new silhouettes.

For tops, flowy blouses are all over the stores. My favorite include Joie racerback tops and tunics from Anthropologie. Fit on these types of tops is key. The fabric should be tapered in at the sides to show off your figure and avoid the “tent” look. Try different sizes to see which offers the best fit.

(Click on the image to see designers, etc.)

I’m loving this floral top from Rebecca Taylor. Pair with gray skinnies and sandals for day, or leather shorts and heels for night, and you’ve got a chic summer look. (I’d actually mix and match each piece for day and night.)

*A quick note on shoes. Please shelve your stacked platform heels. Shoes we’re loving this season are minimal yet sophisticated and sexy.

Next up: Black and White

Following the minimalism trend, black and white looks are the epitome of chic this season. As a lover of all things dresses, I chose a few to illustrate my case. Opt for nude shoes to keep your legs looking long and lean for days. Finish off the look with minimal jewelry in silver or gold (whichever looks best on your skin). Tired of dresses? Pair a black blouse with white jeans and add nude flats – voila!

Finale: Gorgeous Digitized Prints

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of art and fashion. Historically, they’ve had a very cozy relationship. Luckily for us, artistic influences are popping up everywhere in fashion. Prints have gained popularity over the past few seasons with stripes, floral and animal ruling the pack. This season digital prints are where it’s at.

Mary Katrantzou’s prints are simply the best. This award winning designer has steadily grown her line from just dresses to denim, blouses, jackets, accessories and more. As an avid fan, I’d gladly add a piece of hers to my wardrobe, probably starting with this gorgeous tunic. It works equally well when worn casually with shorts or white denim, or dressed up with cigarette pants and a blazer for the office.

As with all intense prints, balance is key. Pair them with neutral coordinating colors and minimal accessories. Have fun!