Guest Blogger: Effortless Summer Dressing

Meet Amanda, my dear friend and one of the lucky few who gets to work in fashion (and actually get paid for it). As a valuable team member of BCBG Max Azria, Amanda has a fashion point of view that spans from the classic to the unexpected to fashion forward. But most importantly she knows what looks good on women! Here she gives us her perspective on summer fashion...

Effortless Summer Dressing

Five summer basics that I couldn’t live without include Bondage Skirts, Tunics, Sequined Tanks, Rompers & and Blowsy Shorts. I love bondage skirts because they are so simple, so comfy & they literally look good with any top. I own three! But I think everyone needs at least one neutral and one in a funky color or print. My favorite style to pair with these slim fitting skirts, or any slim bottom, is tunics (think “upside down pyramid”). Cool & breezy, tunics also offer a level of comfort. And I am all about dressing comfortably & effortlessly this summer! I love a classic white style or nautical stripe. To keep a slim illusion layer a heavy necklace on top of these flowing tops.

For an effortless night out throw on a sequined tank – with jeans, leggings, shorts, or as a dress. Sequins allow just the right amount of sparkle minimizing the need for a lot of jewelry. In +90* weather no one loves to pile on jewelry…I don’t care what Rachel Zoe says!

Rompers are so playful! I think we all should pay homage to our childhood this summer! These onesies are perfect for a day of errands, lunch with the girls, sporting events, a trip to the zoo…you get the picture. If you want to set yourself apart try a luxe fabrication like silk. Or make this look your own by adding a belt or boyfriend blazer.

I have never been a shorts fan myself, however, this year, due to numerous vacationing, I have picked up a couple of styles. My favorite pair is pleated, blousy, and silky! Kind of frivolous because they are dry clean only, but it was love at first sight! I also got two pairs that were cuffed because they are so flattering, making my legs look longer & leaner.

I will briefly speak on my view of accessories. I’m much more of a clothes junky than jewelry. I don’t usually pile on a whole lot of jewelry, but I do apply the theory that bigger is better when it comes to accessories. Be it cocktail rings, necklaces, earrings, belts or shoes, I can’t resist a statement piece!

Favorite Fashion Apps

The influx of smart phones has permeated every aspect of our life, including how I personally approach fashion and shopping. I thought I would share some of my favorite iPhone apps that have changed my approach to style forever.

Ask a Stylist by Glamour Magazine

Cost: Free

This app is brand new and uh-mazing. Glamour has offered up the services of several NYC-based stylists 24 hours a day. You simply take a pic of the outfit in contention, answer a few questions, ask your specific question and within minutes have a professional, polite, and insightful style answer. I am in LOVE!!

Trendtrack by Trendstop

Cost: Free

This app catalogs all the latest fashion shows from around the world. You have the ability to see the latest from Milan with a simple touch of a button. But my favorite part is the "Trend" tab where you can quickly scroll through Trendstop's latest and greatest trend observations. Some can be very easily integrated into a wardrobe immediately.

Shopstyle

Cost: Free

BEWARE! This app is dangerous for the wallet. It is basically a one-stop-shop for all things fashion with all the hottest retailers. It is so easy to browse and buy that it doesn't even feel like spending money. I could get lost in this app for hours and spend thousand of dollars.

Style.com

Cost: Free

It is like having Anna Wintour in your pocket. OK maybe not, but this is probably the closest you and I will ever get to her. This app is really like having Vogue magazine in a digital format.

TouchCloset

Cost: $0.99

You know when you watched Clueless for the first time and you absolutely died for Alicia Silverstone's virtual closet? Well 15 years later you can finally have it. TouchCloset allows you to take pics and catalogue your whole closet. You can make outfits and even note when you wore them last. It makes choosing what to wear in the morning so much more fun and easy.

Do you have any fashion/style apps that you love?

You Are Invited

Never been to a fashion show? Ralph Lauren took the scale of the internet and invited every online surfer to their Spring 2010 fashion show. Being the first ever online show, I commend the attempt but miss the true energy and excitement that reverberates throughout a live show. The sluggish tone is exaggerated by the zen-like music, chilled walk by the models, and the mysterious breeze ruffling all their hair. Nonetheless, I love the safari-inspired looks and color combos, the airy silk pants, the jersey drop-waist dress, and the ethnic printed tops.

Fall 2010 Runway Review

The less than pristine economy brought a sense of trend continuation from Fall '09 to Fall '10 runway looks. Nothing seemed to be completely rewritten but more repurposed. The biggest trend I saw was tons of crazy layers motivating me to experiment with what I have for Fall '10 versus buying all new. That is a nice break on our economy hit pocketbooks.

Here are a couple other big picture trends I either saw or read about on the runway:

• Furs and shearing (I am still vowing to go faux)
• Booties with bling
• Ethnic patterns and inspiration
• Ruffles and draping
• Full skirts
• Thigh highs and tights
• Belted layers
• Historically inspired hats
• Luxe fabrics like velvet, sequins and shiny materials
• Pleated and tapered dress pants circa 1980s

Sources: The Cut and ShopBop

Cozy Loving

Source: Who What Wear

After the constant snow and spending my holidays out west, I am totally obsessing about this "Northern Exposure" influence. The Indian inspired to lumber jack prints conjure up visions of cozy cabin escapes with pipping hot cups of tea. Then accessorized with faux fur, heeled hiking-esque boots, and turquoise jewelry potential gives me the stamina to make it through this already dreadful winter.

Looking where to find pieces to create this look? F21 is loaded with options under $30 bucks!

Shoulder Service

Even if you are not knee deep in fashion trends, it is probably hard to ignore the overly exaggerated shoulder trend. While I think strong shoulders are amazingly lovely on a woman, the massive 80s shoulder pad throwback and futuristic harsh angles are unrealistic for everyday wear. And they tend to make women look more like a football linebacker versus simply accentuating a sexy female trait.

Here is my real life compromise: bedazzled shoulders.

Obviously accentuating shoulders doesn't always have to entail sparkles, but look for detail around the shoulder area from studding to a contrast knit. Then look for a slight scoop neck that shows off your collar bones. You might as well accentuate another sexy female trait if you are drawing eyes to that area.