No.314

by She She Me

She She Me Sponsors: Shopbop and Dillard's

Get the Most From Summer Styles

Don't you just adore holidays? (Holidays in general, as opposed to The Holidays, which is a different case altogether, revolving as they do around the giving and receiving of gifts (highly stressful), the attending and hosting of parties (also, very stressful) and almost always involving vast amounts of calorie-laden food and really tight jeans (not only stressful, but downright exasperating since it took three months to lose enough to fit into those killer jeans in the first place!) But I digress…

Anyhoo, back to enjoying holidays. Specifically those holidays that involve not going in to work. Those days are the best! You get to sleep late, enjoy a leisurely brunch, then dress up in a summery sundress and flirty sandals to stroll past the shoppes, occasionally stepping inside to peruse the latest handbag or party dress on display before meeting your very chic and stylish friends for a long lunch at a sidewalk cafe and then finishing off the day with America's favorite pastime — retail therapy! Well, that's the way I envision it anyway; in reality I usually end up lazing about in bed for far too long, devouring all the sales ads and mapping out a plan of attack. Which puts me behind schedule and I end up throwing on the first pair of clean jeans I can lay my hands on; I do, however, manage to pull off a chic look with the adorable top that I bought Girly for her birthday (but that's not for another two weeks so I still have time to get her something else) and the new platform sandals that I haven't had the opportunity to debut yet. I make it to the sidewalk cafe just as the waiter is serving everyone tall frosty glasses of raspberry lemonade…and wouldn't you know it, those darling friends of mine have already ordered for me! (Hmm, wonder how they knew I'd be late?)

There's nothing like a long and leisurely lunch with chic and stylish fashionisti to put a girl in the proper frame of mind for retail therapy I might add. Lucky for me my trendy trio of gal pals enjoys browsing for a fun pair of earrings or a new summer scent as much as shopping for the perfect pair of skyscrapers or a to-die-for little black dress. Here's what we've got on our list for making the most of summer styles:

The New Nautical — putting a feminine dressy touch to the classic sailor style. Start with a pair of crisp white denim jeans or crops. Add an ultra feminine top in a chambray blue and a pair of red hot sandals. Finish with a sleek patent hobo bag and a bracelet with a bit of an edge. A little red, white and blue can go a long way!

A classic navy dress makes a great palette for nautical style. I especially adore jersey knit because it is so versatile and travels well. Add a pair of sleekly feminine wedges and a marvelously maritime bag. Finish with bold statement accessories to give your ensemble the perfect yachting style.

Flower Power. Bold, edgy floral's give new life to summer styles. A strapless sundress in a saucy floral pattern is an ensemble in and of itself. Keep the shoes, bag and accessories simple here, and keep the focus of the look on the dress.

Limit the floral pattern to just one piece: A boldly patterned blouse paired with crisp denim, strappy sandals and a fabulous vegan handbag. Or a gorgeous skirt topped by a silky blouse, then finish with sleek sandals and a great bag.

Wild West/Wild Child. Forget Annie Oakley darlings, this western style has a bit more bite. Top a frilly white dress with an edgy leather vest and slip into a pair of sky high skyscrapers. Add a retro chic handbag and a bunch of bold bangles and you are good to go!

Jean Jacket. This is a must-have for summer darlings — especially since it will carry on into fall so perfectly! There are so many ways to style your denim jacket for summer. Cinch the waist of a ruffled sundress with a gorgeous belt, toss on your jean jacket, slip into a fabulous pair of flats and you are ready for a fun summer weekend. Another option: start with a fitted tee and a pair of slouchy boyfriend jeans; add your jacket, then make a bold statement with a pair of bright patent skyscrapers and a cross body bag.

There you have it darlings! A great way to make the most of summer styles and look cool at the same time!