Fabulous for Less: The Strapless Maxi Dress

As much as we love designer fashions... We're not sold on the notion that "you have to spend more to get more." It's all in how you wear it. This season, ruffled maxis in pretty florals and bold hues is the look to score. Finish this hot Summer style with fabulous cork wedges or gold/tan leather sandals. Bring on the gold bangles (more is definitely more), oversized chandelier earrings, and a statement ring for the ultimate boho chic look.

Note: For added coverage, layer with a neutral cardi.

SPLURGE: Jay Godfrey Smocked Maxi Dress



FOR LESS: Francesca's Collections Pink Lagoon Maxi

Designer Sale: Must-Have Neutral Heels

Designer lovers rejoice as the big shoe sale continues at net-a-porter.com. Our top picks are neutral-colored heels designed to work with everything:

Pedro Garcia Peggy Suede Sandals
Day Style: Fabulous strappy style with comfy 1" platforms and contrast sole. Pair these with your favorite boyfriend jeans or brightly-colored Summertime dress.


Chloe Cutout Leather Pumps
Office: Worn with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt, these pumps are so chic and definitely office approprite. Buy now; wear now, and expect these beauties to transition perfectly into your Fall wardrobe.

Christian Louboutin Fortuna 120 Platform Pumps
Evening: Steep discount on this one! Stunning heel with hidden platforms and sexy vamp. Champagne color goes beautifully with hot pinks, cobalt blues, and kelly greens.

Stylish Dads Go Casual Cool

Easy yet so put together; not all men can make casual look this good. Our fav men of style shows us the look doesn't have to be sloppy. With Father's Day just around the corner, here's a little inspiration for dads all over.


Brad Pitt
It's an early morning with the boys in Long Island, New York (April 25). Layered in a tee, hoodie, nylon jacket, straight-leg denim, and black/tan Vans (not pictured). Just a couple choice accessories is all it takes to keep it polished. Gold metal aviators and grey ivy cap tops off this dad's casual look.



Gabriel Aubry
With daughter Nahla and Mommy Halle (not pictured) in Topanga, CA as they head to the Topanga Days County Fair (May 24). Model dad goes ultra cas in a simple white tee, loose cargos, and white sneakers. The key to keeping this look clean is all in the fit. Tees should be close-fitting; minimizing the baggy factor, and white sneaks always keeps it fresh.



David Beckham
Hottie soccer dad out and about in Milan, Italy (May 8) sporting a graphic tee, motorcycle style jacket, fab distressed denim, white sneaks (not pictured), and dark aviator Ray-Ban sunglasses. This is the way to do casual cool. Love it!!!

Fashion Focus: Rompers, Jumpers

Casually chic, fun, flirty... Summer rompers are a fantastic alternative to shorts and a tank; it's like wearing two pieces in one. Light, loose, gauzy styles are just what we love for lunch with the girls, a day with the family or an afternoon of shopping. Rompers for evening? Ohhhh yes... Dress up strapless and belted styles with chunky statement jewelry, sky-high platform sandals, and a fabulous clutch.


Free People Striped Crochet Trimmed Romper


Alice + Olivia Tube Top Short Romper


Tracy Reese Belted Jumper

Memorial Day Weekend Sales

It's a long holiday weekend filled with fun in the sun, smokin' backyard bbq's, and for the savvy fashionista...it's mega sale time!!!! Online deals worthy of a celebration:

*Up to 80% off at shopintuition.com
Get the hottest denim style in town with these Genetic Denim Ryder Boyfriend Jean



*Take advantage at net-a-porter.com. Their end of the season designer sale is more than everything nice. This gorgeous Jimmy Choo Manda Suede Bag looks fab with light, dark or charcoal denim, and makes for the perfect year-round wardrobe addition.



*Now through Monday, take 20% off entire site at pinkmascara.com (use code MEMORIAL20 at checkout). Plus, it's an additional 30% off existing sale items. A chic black cardi never goes out of style. Love this MINT Fancy Stitch Cardigan.

Fabulous for Less: Strapless Floral Dresses

Little floral dresses perfect for cocktail parties to hot Summertime weddings. It's fabulous designer style for a whole lot less...

Tracy Reese Woven Strapless Dress in Watercolor Floral $218 (reg $435)



FOR LESS

Ann Taylor Printed Floral Strapless Dress $69.99 (reg $159)

What to Shop

It's another fabulous designer sale at ruelala.com!!! Get amazing deals on PRADA and a fantastic selection of Shoshanna dresses. Just click on the invite link and enjoy.

Hot Moms...Cool Shades (Part 2)

In honor of Mother's Day... More hottie celeb Moms rockin fabulous shades:

Halle Berry
Doing a little shopping for baby girl Nahla at Bel Bambini (May 2) in West Hollywood. In easy cotton tank, black skinnies, fringed black gladiator sandals (not pictured), big sunglasses, and edgy black leather hobo.



Jessica Alba
With daughter Honor Marie in West Hollywood (April 30). Layered in a tan leather jacket, cardi, tank, and red skinny jeans. Fab oversized metal aviator shades and green Salvatore Ferragamo bag provides the perfect pop of color.



Angelina Jolie
In NYC (March 11) on the set of her new movie, Salt. Wearing one of our favorite Tom Ford shades.

Victoria Beckham: Hot Mom...Cool Shades

She's a fashion icon...always on her game. From the airport to her insanely hot Red Carpet looks, Victoria Beckham seizes every photog moment. This week's Emporio Armani ad reveal was no exception. Even on off days, she manages to look effortless.

Spotted this week (May 5) shopping in New York's Chelsea District. In a simple black tee, full charcoal-striped skirt, and fabulous dark oversized shades; so uncomplicated and refreshingly chic.

Last Minute Mom's Day Gifts

It's too late for online orders. But lucky for us, the perfect gift is just a department store's step away. Just a few fabulous ideas to say, "thanks" to Mom for all her goodness. Check locations for availability and the best selections.

Tie Dye Tube Maxi Dress

It's the hottest dress of the season. This daytime maxi is perfect for shopping, a day at the beach or any Summertime event. She'll love pairing it with her gladiator sandals or wedges. Check your nearest mall for this one.


Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Square Sunglasses


Bvlgari Plastic Square Frame Sunglasses

Stylish neutral frames in oversized black and olive tortoise. Mom will love wearing these sunglasses year-round.

Kooba Jaylin Crossbody Bag

Mom can never have enough bags. She's sure to adore this gorgeous Kooba tote; amazing design, chic hardware, and wonderfully roomy.



Toy Watch White Mother of Pearl Chrono Watch

Busy Moms stay on schedule with a casually chic timepiece.

Juicy Couture Dazed & Coutured Necklace

A statement necklace so versatile, and simply fabulous for everyday.

Cejon Tie Dye Wrap

When temps cool... Mom will love to wrap up in this brightly colored scarf.

Hello Readers!

Trying out a new format... If you've been following us here, please add this new address to your favorites. Our first post....

Everyone had a thing or two to say about Monday's Met Costume Gala. Here's a copy of our latest blog post... Let us know what you think.


Tuesday May 5, 2009

2009 Met Costume Gala: Red Carpet

Held on May 4th at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The annual celebration to honor couture fashion brought out mega stars: Victoria Beckham, Eva Longoria Parker and hubby Tony Parker, JT and Jessica Biel, Kate Hudson, Ann Hathaway, Kate Moss, Olsen Sisters, designers Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenburg, and many others. Bravo to the fashion risk-takers, but not all paid off. Take a look at who made this year's "So Fresh" and "Hot Mess" list.


So Fresh

Heidi Klum with Gilles Mendel: With the designer and unbelievably stunning in J. Mendel. Fabulous peek-a-boo blues, lovely sweetheart neckline, and empire waistline is super flattering on this soon-to-be Mommy. Just glowing with beautiful, understated hair and makeup.



Ciara: R&B artist turned Red Carpet hottie!!! Lovin' her in this super sexy, classic yet modern Pucci. Perfect makeup and sleek updo highlights her gorgeous face.



Chanel Iman: Super model and runway favorite in Zac Posen. Daring, feminine, and fabulously edgy... So FRESH from head-to-toe!!!



Emmy Rossum: In a metallic gunmetal gown by Carolina Herrera. Stunning high neckline and fantastic fishtail hem. Would have loved a jeweled belt and supersized cocktail ring, but the dress was amazing!


HOT MESS

Madonna: Queen Madge turns fashion victim in Louis Vuitton. Totally bizarre!!!! It's Rambo channeling Bjork. What the hey???



Leighton Meester: Gossip Girl darling also in Louis Vuitton. Minus the paisley leggings, this ensemble may have worked. Together, it was all too busy and more Cirque Du Soleil than Gala fabulous.


photo courtesy/nymag.com/getty images