Shorts Gone Formal

If you don't think that you can dress up a pair of shorts, think again. Celebrities like Gwenyth Paltrow and Amada Seyfried have been reinventing "Red Carpet Formal". The stars have been spotted showing off their gams with chic short shorts and have coupled them with high fashion blazers. So, I have picked through some pairs that can go from Retail-to-Red Carpet just like the stars! 

The Sateen Wide Waistband style from Express shouts sophistication with its slit pockets, wide waistband, cuffed hem, and trouser vibe. Easily pair these shorts with a sleek or embellished blazer. Choose from three colors, Muslin, Pitch Black and True White for the look you are trying to achieve. 

J.Crew's Smart Trouser Short is mid-length and tailored for a manicured look. Although it's paired with a casual cardigan-style blazer, it can also be dressed up with a more structured, yet lightweight style. 

Bermuda shorts are more versatile this season and aren't just for casual lounging around or running errands. Gap's Bermuda Short is the essential 'cropped trouser pant'. Throw on a blazer and heels to make this look more formal. 

I love taking a trend and adding my own twist to it! Rather than a three-piece look :: shorts, blouse, blazer :: go for a two-piece look with a romper! Mix in a contrasting belt and throw on a blazer to break up the look. This Diane von Furstenberg romper is slouchy and silky and would be oh-so-much-more-stylish (and formal!) with a satin trimmed blazer. 

Nude Nails

If you're thinking red, go nude instead! Creamy nude nails (not clear nudes) compliment your clothes better this summer. Don't let those bright neon's, reds and beachy hues take away from your trendy ensemble. 


Nude is sophisticated and adds length to your nail without being a distraction. Below are some polish picks for the look in stores now. 

Tie The Knot by Essie 

Creamy Cameo (left) and Putty (right) by CND

OPI's Dulce de Leche is a candy-like nude that still does the trick but with a flirtier flare. 

Stella Summer Steals

Stock up on your summer style with Stella & Dot's 50% OFF sale! Choose from a great selection of celebrity-coveted styles and add some flare to the summer fire! Take a peak below at some of my favorites and find the link at the bottom to shop the entire sale section. 

Sale Price: $73 (original price $98)

The Boca Necklace with Bee Brooch  and the Palm Necklace with Starfish Brooch are versatile and fun! Interchange the brooches with other Stella styles and layer the beads to the length you desire.

Sale Price $98 (original price $178)

Stella's Sayulita Statement Necklace is a celebrity favorite and an InStyle fashion pick for their March 2010 issue. Celebrities like Pussycat Dolls and Dancing with the Stars Winner, Nicole Scherzinger, TV Host, Samantha Harris and singer, Audrey O'Day have all been spotted in this Stella style! It's chunky, lightweight and the brooch can alternate from left to right. 

Sale Price $59 (original price $118)

Every wrist needs the Cortez Cuff! Turquoise, glass and wood beads create a stunning motif design atop a leather band with an adjustable two-button closure. 

Sale Price $33 (original price $44)

One of my favorites! The Jardin Ring is a great statement piece that goes with virtually anything! 

Sale Price $29 (original price $39)

The Bloom Flower Charms come in a set of three and truly are oh-so-charming! Wear the collection together or separate on the Bloom Charm Bracelet* or clasp them onto a necklace. So much to do with just three charming pieces!

*Bloom Charm Bracelet not included in the sale. Bracelet does include the enamel ivory flower

View the entire sale section by Clicking Here. There are many more indulgent delights!

Ropes

Ropes are no longer just a twist of braided strands for lassos, boat docking, climbing and other hobbies. Rather, ropes live on from the nautical trend in a huge way!  Details pop up in accessories, shoes, apparel and even home decor as they remain a defining look for casual American style. Rope in the trend with popular styles whether or not you take a Hampton-esque vacation! 

This Rafe tote is a fabulous find for summer. I love the pop of fresh canary ikat atop the canvas material. Roping details are present in the handle and the drawstring piping to round out the nautical look.

What a perfect partner for the beachy Rafe tote! This Vix 'Ana' style replaces strings with ropes. 

Ropes are even appearing in allover prints like this Fairway Buoy Tank from Anthropologie. The colors remain nautical and the knotted, 'rope-like' design along the neckline adds dimension and texture.

Tassel-in your toosh with this Roped-In dress which is also from Anthropologie! The printed rope design is inspired by the docks and complimented with colorful nautical stripes. 

Tie your feet down with DV by Dolce Vita's Osorno Rope Sandal. The design is sleek, simple and stylish! 

Stella's Summer Sparklers

Stella has launched a quaint collection of sassy summer styles to add some sparkle to the wedding season, summer socials and showers! 

The Charlotte Charm Necklace is elegant and versatile. Three removable, classic charms include a hand-set pave ball, a faux pear,l and a flower with textured leaves, crystals and a pearl center! Wear all of them together, solo or interchange them on different Stella styles. The necklace includes the textured vintage chain as shown in the photo above.

The Charlotte Pearl Ring is a larger version of the textured flower charm from the Charlotte Charm Necklace. This piece was inspired by a brooch found at a flea market and makes an classic vintage statement. 

The cocktail style Vintage Cluster Ring is an eye-catcher with its collection of pearls and perfectly placed crystals.

This Belle Fleur Ring is adorned with handset pave crystals and a center glass stone. 

The details really are delicate in these Delicate Drop Earrings. Stone facets drop from a petal of pave crystals at the base of the gold wiring for a simple statement. 

Crazy Cutouts

A cute cutout style is a great way to show some subtle skin! Manage your modesty by choosing a look that has a neutral lining or let it all show through a complete peek-a-boo cutout!

This mid-thigh Kensie dress is kissed with feminine touches! The cutout design at the hem is backed with sheer mesh fabric to slightly mask the peek-a-boo cutout. 

I adore the South Hampton look of this INC style.  The design is relaxed and charming for a great summer soiree and has a great "t-shirt dress" vibe. 

Swimsuit cut-outs can be sexy like the Guess Tribal style or more sophisticated and modest like the Inches Away style. 

These are the perfect cutout pumps for that conservative office! If you have to stay all buttoned up in a 3-piece business suit, then show some skin at your soles with styles like Quincy by L.A.M.B. 

The keyhole and cutouts within the embroidery of this Forever 21 top are subtle yet sexy. This is the perfect day-to-night, office-to-cocktail style!