men's corner: sprucing up your summer shorts...

while i have met some men who love to shop...ok...maybe love is a bit strong of a word to use...but men who don't mind shopping...but then there are those who absolutely hate to shop...don't want to be near a mall...store...or anything closely resembling retail...come to think of it...i even know a few women who do...

not loving to shop...is not an excuse to still be wearing shorts that you wore 8 years ago...time to update update update...and if you can't seem to get yourself to a store...get a friend to help...or...get a wardrobe stylist to shop for you...you would be amazed at what can be created for you (in way of a new wardrobe) in no time at all...

but if you plan on venturing out there...let's update to some new shorts...and while it is SO easy to go for basic black, brown, navy blue or khaki...let's step out a bit more...isn't summer all about fun in the sun?  your wardrobe should reflect some of that...

so...try a pattern...doesn't have to be bold...but it sure gives some interest...don't you think?

madras plaid short
banana republic

 how about adding some shorts in a vibrant color...

linen short
banana republic

if going bold is too much...go for a lighter color...but do go for color...

solid short
banana republic

any of these can be paired with a button down or t-shirt...and you are ready to go...and those old shorts that have seen better days?  toss them!

7 ways to add color to your summer wardrobe...

when we think of summer...we think of sun...fun...and color...but many still have a hard time figuring out how to incorporate color into their summer wardrobe...now for those that for whatever reason...don't like color...no problem...i have several clients who prefer to stay in their neutrals...and that is ok...

but for those wanting to have a little bit of a colorful impact on their wardrobe this season...here are some simple solutions for you...and the great thing...is you can just add one of these items...and have instant color success...

1.  how about adding a vibrant colorful handbag for this season...this one below is the one i got myself...but in a neon pink...the tangerine was my second choice...and believe me...it goes with almost everything i wear...i literally have been using it for months...and get lots of compliments on it...which color to pick?  whichever one speaks to you...the pink was screaming my name...so i went for it...

michael kors "jet set" tote
nordstrom

2  a big trend that has been staying strong for quite some time...is the colored jeans...or in this case...a nice cool cropped pant...and yes...i have a similar pair...and i love them...wear them often...with so much...i've paired them with a black & white graphic summer coat...a simple tee...a floral blouse...on and on....add a blazer - wear it to the office...

nordstrom.com

3.  same as above - but in a skirt...depending on what you are looking for...as far as casual or business...the colored skirt can be incorporated in either setting...this one is a casual cotton skirt...perfect for running around town...going to the movies with friends...or meeting up with the gal pals for drinks...add a fun white tee...cute espadrilles and you are set...

banana republic
styling fabulous consignment boutique

4.  add a little color to your shoes...there are such fun loafers out now...flats...in vibrant colors...or pastels...such an easy way to add color when wearing a skirt or your jeans...

cole haan
styling fabulous consignment boutique

but of course...don't just think of your flats...how about a fun color in a pair of pumps...a yellow?  blue?  how fun to wear with your jeans...can't go wrong with a fun colorful pair of espadrilles...or for something a little dressier...lovely mint green slingbacks...for those that want a little color...not to bright...

paolo
styling fabulous consignment boutique

5.  adding a fun flirty top when going out for the evening...yes...skip the black for an evening...believe me...people gravitate towards color...you will be surprised...all you need?  a fun pair of white jeans or skirt and you are set for a summer evening...

max studio
styling fabulous consignment boutique

6.  add a colorful cardigan...for those cool summer nites...or depending on where you live...here in san francisco bay area...summer nites can get pretty cool...so a fun leather jacket in a great summer color...how chic is this?

lucien piccard
styling fabulous consignment boutique

7.  and last...but certainly not least...a simple add of a colorful scarf...add that to your neutrals...your blacks...or your all whites...and you are fabulously set for a wardrobe with a splash of color...

now i realize that all my examples are showing solids...but don't stop there...there are amazing colorful prints out there...that would do wonders in adding color to your summer wardrobe as well...

which of these would you try?

it's official...first day of summer has arrived...

i still remember the feeling as a kid...school is out...summer is in...back then...of course...summer started when school ended...now i go by the "official" day...which happens to be today!

so...happy first day of summer!

photo source

put together: in sheer feminine glory...

a big trend this season is wearing sheer garments...and believe me...i've seen some winners...and then some questionable ones...going sheer doesn't mean you need to show all your goods ladies...let's leave something to the imagination...right?

stylelist did a great piece "the trend report:  sheer is here!" be sure to click on the link to see some great examples of wearing sheer this summer...of all of them...this really got my attention...how chic is this outfit?  it screams feminine...lady like...and just 100% put together...

is this a look you would try?  how do you wear sheer pieces?

photo source

the chambray shirt...

there are those certain items in your closet that just make it easy to get dressed...take a pair of jeans...once you find the ones that fit you nicely...making fun outfits is fun...and limitless...

the same goes for the wonderful chambray shirt...of course...as always...fit is key...find one that is tailored...meaning...not a man's cut...you want to show off those curves...once you've found the right fit...making fun outfits is fun...and limitless... =)  yes...i'm repeating myself...

while the picture shown below is pretty plain...here are some fun ideas to try...pair your chambray shirt with a bright colored pencil skirt...or a swingy skirt...add kitten heels...and pearls...

not your type of look?  another variation...wear it with a white jean...and add a super colorful scarf and stack of leather bracelets on your wrist...

what is your variation going to be?  share in the comments below how you plan on wearing your chambray shirt...