{ guest post } Nona E Rose

Belts are an often overlooked accessory, but they're the easiest way to add a little j'en sais quoi to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Check out my guest post today at Glamour Guild for ideas on how to cinch your favorite ensembles.

Thanks again to belt maven Rachel Sax for the opportunity! Be sure to check out her collection of belts over at Nona E Rose. (I have the one above and can certainly attest to its beauty.)

{image via 1}

{ haute household under $25 } bathroom

Hi friends! My name is Lynzy and I am from Sparkling Footsteps. Aside from my fashion blog, I am an avid runner training for the NYC marathon, huge foodie and love working in the ER as a Physician Assistant. I am guest posting today for Jessica and wanted to share with you some items that you can use to help recreate a stylish bathroom (each item is under $25!)

I absolutely adore all of these green glass dishes and bottles via Anthropologie. The color helps to bring out the green in the shower curtain. I recently started to redecorate our new apartment and these colors would defintiely help to brighten it up a bit. I mixed in a hint of blue with the bath mat and totally adore the little man soap dish.

• Vintage top, $9.95
• Cloud Formations Bathmat, $20
• Bottle Green Bath Dish - Anthropologie.com, $30 (worth the additional $5)
• Sahara Mod Bathmat, $30
• CB2 - man soap dish, $7.95
• Amazon.com: City Scene 100-Percent Cotton Shower Curtain, Asian Lily:..., $25
• Blanc Lila Soap from Au Marche, $8.50

I also bought these cute vinyl art deco letters to go along the outside of the bath tub via etsy. The letters read "Get Naked." and make me smile every morning. Get them here.

If you wanna chat it up you can follow along on Twitter with me or visit me daily with bloglovin'.

Thanks for letting me guest post, Jessica! :)

{ help wanted } Haute Household Under $25

On Friday, D presented his apartment key to me nestled in a little velvet box. (Swoon.) This also makes it official that I'm abandoning my apartment and moving in. We spent time yesterday packing up the dry goods in the kitchen - and throwing away an embarrassing amount of expired pantry items ("I'm forgetful, okay? Yes, I realize it expired in 2007 ... you still love me, right?").

While packing is certainly the downside of moving (and a bit humbling in my case), I'm looking forward to making his place feel more girly like home. Of course this means I've been e-shopping for home accessories - as if it wasn't obvious by last week's picnic post and a sangria pitcher tucked into the Tuesday Treats post. Lisa commented last Tuesday admitting that she also has moving on the mind. Seems like an opportunity for a guest post series, doesn't it?

This is where you come in.

I'm looking for bloggers to help with a week-long "Haute Household Under $25" feature. Pick one room of the house from the list below and let me know you're on it.

• Bathroom: Lynzy of Sparkling Footsteps
  
• Bedroom: Jessica of Beautify My Life
  
• Kitchen: Kristen of City Coeur
  
• Dining Room: Lisa of The Sentimentalist
  
• Living Room: Emily of Sprout Through Concrete
  
• Outdoor Spaces: Jaime of La Vie ... J'aime
• Office: Laura of A La Mode et Plus!
  

The Requirements

• Choose four to seven items and create a collage or send separate images of your selections. Please size the images to 400 pixels wide.
• Draft a written portion describing what you're choosing and why.
• Include the URL and price of each item - I'll link to the items in your description.
  
• Include your name, title of your blog and your URL so I can link to your site.
  

Interested?

• First, send an e-mail to me at JessicaStyleObsession@gmail.com by Wednesday, June 15 and let me know you'd like to take part. I'll put you on the schedule.
• Send your post to the above e-mail address no later than Tuesday, June 21. (Kudos to those who send something earlier!)

Summer Essentials: Lovely B.

Thanks to the lovely and talented Jessica for allowing me to guest post on her fabulous blog. It was hard to narrow down my summer essentials to 5 (you could say I'm a little high maintenance... or a product junkie), but I had a wonderful time compiling this list.
Hugs - Lovely B.

1. I believe that a flowing tunic is absolutely essential to every summer wardrobe. It can serve as an ultra glam cover up when worn over a bikini, or pair with skinny white pants to look incredibly chic while enjoying drinks poolside. Whether light and breezy or colored and graphic, a great tunic screams summertime sexy.
   
   
2. Find the fit that best frames your face, and invest in a pair of sunglasses you’ll love forever. Tom Ford, Chanel and Oliver Peoples all make great styles, but my personal favorites are classic aviators by Ray Ban.
   
   
3. Recently, I’ve become obsessed with chunky white watches and slightly splurged on the Ceramic Michael Kors. And to be honest , I could not be more pleased with this purchase (no buyer’s remorse here). The crisp white color looks great against tan skin and instantly dresses up any summertime ensemble. Choose a heavier ceramic version, or opt for the less expensive resin for a fabulous accessory, sure to make a statement.
   
   
4. Summer is the perfect time to ease up on makeup and let natural skin glow with jus a bit of help. Skip your everyday two-step process or moisturizer and foundation for one quick application of tinted moisturizer to provide just the right amount of coverage while protecting skin from harmful rays. My favorite brand is Laura Mercier, but Neutrogena makes a great product as well. Just be sure the formula you choose contains SPF to ward of wrinkles and sunspots. Follow up with a light sweep of bronzing powder for an extra boost of golden warmth.
   
   
5. Water bottle, lip balm, book, iPod, towel – all essentials for a day basking in the sun. But, to be truly beach-ready, a great tote is an absolute must. Natural woven versions are always in style, or choose a funky version with a fun design. Either way, be sure it’s got a flat bottom and several pockets to keep your self organized and focused only on enjoying the gorgeous weather, rather than digging for sunscreen.
   

(Pictured above: Sea Geometry Cover-Up, Ray Ban Aviators, Nordstrom White Watches, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Thatched Bungalow Tote)

Thank you, B.! Those classic Ray Ban aviators are calling my name!

Be sure to visit B. over at Lovely B.

Summer Essentials: The Pink Boudoir

In today's Summer Essentials post, Monica of The Pink Boudoir shares her top five selections for summer 2010.

Rayban Wayfarers

Tan

Fruity Cold Drinks

Florals, Florals, Florals

Girlfriends

(Photos were either taken by Monica or found via Tumblr.)

Thank you, Monica! Beautiful photos - this is exactly how I want my summer to be!

Be sure to visit Monica over at The Pink Boudoir.

Summer Essentials: 20something Cupcakes

Good morning dolls! Welcome to today's edition of Style Obsession. I'm Sarah from 20somethingcupcakes - and today we'll be discussing one of my all-time favorite things: summertime. There's something about this season that's so relaxed and fun; in my mind, it's a season meant for lounging your days away on a beach and sipping afternoon cocktails into the sunset. So when the lovely Miss Jessica asked us to consider what our five summer essentials would be, I thought about it long and hard - and I came to the conclusion that these five items could safely navigate me through this entire easy, breezy, and fabulous summer.

Forget food, water, and shelter - we're talking essentials of the bikini + t-shirt dress variety.

What sort of summer would this be without a chic new bikini? As a self-confessed neutral addict, I'm always partial to either a black or a white one - and this little number combines the best of both worlds. I'm loving the chevron zigzag pattern, and the boy-brief bottoms ensure a super-cute fit.

Next on our list of must-have items is the perfect white t-shirt dress - which you can easily throw over your swimsuit, and get yourself from the sand to your breezy beachside dinner party in no time. And, of course - what I really love about a good t-shirt dress is the ability to dress it up for nighttime: just add some sky-high platforms and a statement necklace and you're out the door. Still, for your more casual affairs (read: just how I like to keep my summer days) you'll need the perfect pair of flats. I like anything with jewels, beading, or embellishment - and the metallic stones on this lovely pair of gladiators by Diane von Furstenberg definitely fit the bill.

Of course we'll need the perfect summer scent - and that's exactly what Virgin Island Water is. The top notes are coconut and lime, so it's definitely tropical and undeniably fruity, yet it still maintains that level of sophistication that goes hand in hand with anything Creed. Yes, it's expensive - but it stays on so well, and it smells so delicious - it's totally worth it. And you can't beat the fact that every time you wear it, you'll be instantly transported to the island of St. John. Yes, please.

I'd say we'd need a great lip gloss, but experience tells me that all those boating trips are better off without it; the wind + hair + sticky lip gloss thing rarely works out. Instead, let's add a pop of color where it counts - our nails. This color is not for the faint of heart, I know. But, hey - if you can't have fun with your nail polish now, when will you? I love anything that's bold and unexpected - and this shade of chartreuse has been catching my eye all season long.

What do you think, lovelies? Would you happily waste your summer days away with these five items? Or is there something you simply must have that I failed to mention?

Thank you, Sarah! Bright nails are definitely a summer must!

Be sure to visit Sarah over at 20something Cupcakes.

Summer Essentials: Chic on the Cheap

Hi, I'm Lydia from Chic on the Cheap, where I am always seeking out sales, discounts, and finding creative ways to put together looks that feel luxurious for as little as possible. Here are my budget friendly summer essentials, for enjoying the sun, the surf, or the shade.

• Chandelier earrings with faceted beads to capture the sunlight around my face
  Mini Beaded Chandelier Earrings, $20 at Avon
  
  
• A sheer colorful top that can go from the beach to a night out
  Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Chiffon Tee, $20 at Khol's
  
  Here's an example of a beach-to-evening look with the top, only in a different pattern that was in the store, but not on the Web:
  
  
  
• Embellished flats with enough glam to rival a pair of heels
  Zigi Soho Philia Flat Coin Sandal, $50 at DSW
  
  
• A delicious guilty pleasure, a Starbucks mocha Frappuccino, sometimes with peppermint, or raspberry chip or coconut...
  
  To keep from over indulging, I like to get a Starbucks card at the beginning of the summer, and I can only get Starbucks as long as money is on the card. When it's gone, no cheating!
  
  Price: however much you want at Starbucks - You can even design your own card!
  

• My favorite beach day read, Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin ($10 at Amazon) - Two best friends, Darcy and Rachel, are about to spend the summer planning for Darcy's September wedding, until Rachel sleeps with Darcy's fiancee and realizes he's the only man she's ever loved...
  
  Hilarious, and sweet, I think every girl can related to these best friends. I've read it every summer for the past three years, and best of all, there is a sequel - Something Blue.

Thank you, Lydia! I don't think I could limit myself to just one Starbucks card all summer!

Be sure to visit Lydia over at Chic on the Cheap.

Summer Essentials: I Don't Think Prada is the Answer They're Looking For

Hey there - I'm Karen from I Don't Think Prada Is The Answer They're Looking For (yes, it's quite possibly the longest blog name ever). As most of you know, while Jessica is jetting around Cali, she asked a few people to fill the void with their summer essentials. And I'm happy to oblige! Ever since the days of pool parties and Jell-o Pudding Pops, summer had reigned supreme in my mind. These days though, warm summer nights aren't complete without an icy cocktail in hand. So I thought I'd shake things up by detailing my 5 Summer Essential Cocktails!

The great thing about warm-weather drinks is how endlessly adjustable they are: many ingredients are a matter of personal preference. Not a big drinker? A few of these could easily be made for a non-boozy crowd. The summer's meant to be laid-back - remember what Will Smith told us back in the day? - so just grab whatever you have on hand and try out one of these essentials:

1) The classic: Red Wine Sangria

Sangria never goes out of style, and it's a great option for picnics or other outdoor events. Many people dice up the fruit (and feel free to substitute with what's in season!), but I prefer to slice them vertically for a prettier pitcher.

1 bottle red wine (I prefer Shiraz/Syrah)
1 container of frozen lemonade
1 liter of ginger ale
A splash of dark rum (or more if you want to get into trouble!)
1 orange, sliced1 apple, sliced
1 peach, sliced
Maraschino cherries to taste, 3-4 tablespoons of juice included

Mix all the ingredients together in a pitcher, except the ginger ale. Allow to sit for a few hours or overnight. Add the ginger ale before serving and enjoy!

2) The Trendy: Pineapple Mojitos

Mojitos became popular a few years ago, and unlike the Appletini, for instance, it's stuck around. And I for one am glad it did! It's truly refreshing in the summer heat.

10 mint leaves
2 ounces of pineapple flavored rum
1/2 lime, cut into wedges1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave nectar
1/4 - 1/2 cup of club soda
Pineapple chunk, lime wedge and/or a sugar cane for garnish

Muddle the mint leaves with the lime wedges in a pitcher or large glass. A tool called a muddler is very helpful if you're serious about mojitos; but the back of a spoon or a fork can easily do the trick. Add the rum, some ice, and top with club soda.

3) The Keep It Simple Stupid option: Lemon-flavored Italian Soda with Cherry Vodka

Sometimes you don't have time to muddle mint before guests are arriving, and this quick drink can save the day! Simply combine a shot of cherry vodka (my favorite is made by Three Olives) with a few ounces of San Pellegrino Limonata. Garnish with a lemon slice, or some maraschino cherries, and find your place on the patio!

4) The Guys-Get-Bored-of-Beer-Too drink: Spiked Iced Tea

So many cocktails are marketed towards females - the Cosmopolitans, the Pina Coladas, anything involving blue curacao. But sometimes the guys like to take a break from the beer, and they don't want paper umbrellas standing in their way. Spiked iced tea fits the bill! I use the Bourbon Iced Tea recipe found here - which is equally great without the mint!


5) The Neo-Traditional Cocktail: The Gimlet

Gimlets were popular back in the 1950's -- days when it was common to partake in liquid lunches, or have a cocktail before dinner. Sounds glorious! But in the past few years, it's been making a comeback (meaning you can look both glam AND cool by whipping up a batch for your next get together!) Gimlets can be made with vodka, gin or tequila; I prefer gin personally. The classic recipe calls for Rose's Sweetened Lime Juice; I prefer fresh squeezed.

2 ounces of gin
2 ounces of fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave nectar
Splash of club soda

Mix all the ingredients together and shake with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, for effect :)

Hope you enjoyed that lush-ous (see what I did there?!) review of my summer drinks. Inspiring, right? Time to grab a glass, some friends, and enjoy the summer! {Photo at top is from Slim Aarons gallery - check it out if you'd like some vintage summer inspiration!}

Thank you, Karen! So, anyone up for drinks?

Be sure to visit Karen over at I Don't Think Prada Is The Answer They're Looking For.

Summer Essentials: A Wonderfelle World

Hey y’all! Elle from A Wonderfelle World here and I’m delighted to share some of my summer essentials with you while Jessica is away.

1. Silk Tunic Dresses: I live in dresses and this summer I can’t get enough of these effortlessly chic pieces that seamlessly transition from poolside cover-up during the day to date-worthy frock at night. One of my favorite recent purchases was the Diamond Gaucho print DVF Tabalah Dress and I have my eye on the Indian Temple Dip Dye print above.
   
   
2. Bright Polish: My favorite way to complement a sun-kissed glow is with bright nail polish (on hands and feet!) – OPI’s Strawberry Margarita and Cajun Shrimp are a couple of my summer staples.
   
   
3. Nude Wedges/Espadrilles: For leg-lengthening, comfortable shoes, I look no further than nude wedges/espadrilles that go with everything from summer shorts to sundresses. I’m a sucker for bows and currently coveting these Valentino Leather Espadrilles.
   
   
4. Refreshing Cocktails (preferably on the beach): I don’t think summer would be complete without some time spent relaxing outside with a cool cocktail. I’m a big fan of elderflower and thus cocktails with St. Germain – try 2 parts sparkling wine, 1 ½ parts St. Germain, 2 parts Club Soda for a delicious treat!
   
   
5. Retro Sunnies: You can’t enjoy your cocktails in the sun without a fabulous pair of sunnies. My trusty Prada aviators have seen better days so I’m crossing my fingers these Prada ‘Vintage’ Resin Aviator Sunglasses find there way into my possession soon!

Thank you, Elle! I'm craving that gorgeous Diane von Furstenberg frock!

Be sure to visit Elle over at A Wonderfelle World.

Summer Essentials: Cafe Fashionista

Summer Travel 2010 by cafefashionista featuring J Brand jeans

Given the fact that my plan for summer 2010 is merely to have no plans at all, I have come to the conclusion that my summer essentials are only the very clothes found upon my back. You see, my loves, I am taking a page from both Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, and the Mario Testino fashion editorial starring Daria Werbowy and Lily Donaldson, which was published in Vogue UK back in March 2008, to play the role of bohemian, beatnik beauty in the form of a mysterious femme fatale traversing foreign soil all by my lonesome. Thus the reason I must look completely chic yet comfortable from the beginning of my journey to the very end; and the five pieces I have selected will ensure that I adhere to that motif.

As much walking will ensue, Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent’s Luella Zip Wedge Sandals in a cognac hue will accommodate my tootsies, keeping them cozy yet classy during my journey. The J BRAND Lovestory 22” Jeans will provide a soothing, slimming effect to my form, adding a complementary bohemian flair via the bellbottom-like aesthetic. Ruthless locks will be kept out of my eyes with the assistance of American Apparel’s Wool Floppy Hat; while Forever 21’s Crochet Halter Top will keep me cool during my long hours strolling under the hot sun, whilst giving me the chance to flash a little sophisticated skin courtesy of the halter back. And to keep all of my newfound treasures safe from harm, JJ Winters’ Suede Fringe Bag will sway to and fro from its perch upon my shoulder. Cute boys beware; there’s a new girl in town, and her summer essentials are dyn-a-mite!

Thank you, Erika! Your picks are the epitome of bohemian glam!

Be sure to visit Erika over at Cafe Fashionista.

Summer Essentials: Amy's Afternoon Reading

Hello Style Obsession, lovelies! Jessica, I hope you are having a relaxing vacation (with a little bit of shopping thrown in). I am Amy from Amy's Afternoon Reading and I am very excited to be asked by Jessica to be a part of this guest blog series. This post will always have a special place for me because it's my first time (and hopefully not my last) guest blogging.

To be honest, I had such a hard time narrowing down my Summer essentials because I find summer to be the most lust-worthy season. So I cheated a bit on the assignment and created Summer Lusts (things I really want, but may not be so affordable) and Musts (pocket-friendly alternatives). Enjoy!

1. Sexy Summer One-Piece - I find that I am most confident in a bathing suit when I am in a one piece. And when I feel confident, I am sexy. So ...
   
   
   
   • LUST - baja suit monokini - apartstyle.com - $150
   
   
   • MUST - halter swimsuit - newport-news.com - $49
     
     
2. Beach Cover-up that can Double as a Dress - Since I live in Manhattan and take the train to the beach (as opposed to the privacy of my own car), I need quick-drying, street-appropriate beach cover-ups for travel.
   
   
   
   • LUST - Diane von Furstenberg zumi cover-up dress - Saks Fifth Avenue - $32
   
   
   • MUST - twist-front bandeau dress - Newport News - on sale for $24


3. Movie Star Sunglasses - I actually own the Lust selection because I decided this year to treat myself to designer sunglasses.
   
   
   
   • LUST - Marc by Marc Jacobs square sunglasses - Nordstrom - $98
   
   
   • MUST - Express oversized square sunglasses - Express - $29.50
     
   
   
4. A Lighthearted Beach Read - I can't think of anything more relaxing to do in the summer than to sit outside (preferably at the beach) and read. I even started a summer book club. My current reading list is 200 books long and growing. Feel free to recommend more.
   
   
   • LUST - Sony pocket e-reader - Sony - $149.99 (plus the cost of e-books)
     
     
   • MUST - Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell - Border's - $11.10
     


5. Frizz Control! - No amount of spray will tame my hair, so I actually splurge for the Keratin hair treatment. It makes my beauty routine so much easier and faster and I never have to worry about messy, dull, or frizzy hair. Plus, it lasts all summer (3 months). If you can't afford it though, Biolage is a good alternative.
   
   
   • LUST - Keratin hair treatment - ask you local salons. I go to Gerard Bollei (in NYC) - $200+ (price varies on city, salon, expertise of stylist, etc.) Gerard Bollei offers 20% off to new clients.
   
   
   • MUST - Biolage deep smoothing serum - drugstore.com - $16.50

Thank you, Amy! Now what happens when I'm craving both the lust and the must options?

Be sure to visit Amy over at Amy's Afternoon Reading.

Summer Essentials: Fashions on the Fly

Hey Style Obsession friends, it's Nikki from Fashions on the Fly.

I'm super excited to be guest posting here on Style Obsession for Jessica while she's on a little getaway to California. Jessica, hope you're having an amazing trip and maybe on your way home you can stop by for a little fun here in Utah!

Well, friends, here are my top 5 summer essentials:


I'm all about finding a pair of Bermuda Shorts that are light weight and comfortable. These Jolt Bermuda Shorts have the perfect fit and stylish color for this summer fashion. Shorts end up being my "go-to" outfit if I can't find anything to wear during the summer, so each season it's a must to find a couple of new pairs.

My next summer essential is a super cute swimming suit. I grew up with a family that is always around water - either wave running or boating - so at the end of the summer season, I always end up throwing a swimming suit away because the suit just can't take anymore fun. This Victoria Secret suit will work perfectly for me and it's a great price.

I'm not going to lie, I love technology. That's why one of my five summer essentials is the new MyTouch Slide by T-Mobile. I love this phone - my favorite thing about this phone is the keyboard. I just can't get a hang of the touch screen keyboards so I'll rest my fingers on something solid.

Summer is never complete without a nice cold drink. My drink of choice is Coca-Cola Classic. I might be slightly addicted to its taste. The best moment is having one while basking in the sun in some far off place from Utah...

...which explains my last summer essential, plane tickets to anywhere. I'm a small traveloholic and will go anywhere in a heartbeat. My closest friends always say that they need to schedule six weeks in advanced to hangout with me for a weekend. Lets just say if I'm not working the weekend I'm off somewhere enjoying the sights.

Thank you, Nikki! I'm a classic Coke girl too!

Be sure to visit Nikki over at Fashions on the Fly.

Summer Essentials: The Iconic Blog

In today's Summer Essentials post, Melanie of The Iconic Blog shares her top five selections for summer 2010.

Essential #1: A darling summer dress. I am all for loose comfy maxi dresses for day, but I like to have something a little sassier to throw on for evening. After a long day lounging at the beach, I am always in the mood to get all dolled up. I love that this dress has some great cutouts to show off that perfected summer glow.

Essential #2: Moroccan hair oil. Run this magical serum through your hair right after you get out of the shower for natural frizz-free waves (no blow drying needed). For all out shine, blow dry after and then add a few drops just to your ends. This fantastic product gives you the option to be as low maintenance as your please, but ensures that you will have a fantastic hair day.

Essential #3: Gold sandals. I love my heels and wedges as much as the next girl, but I need a glam pair of sandals like these each summer. Flat, because I want to be able to navigate farmers' markets and cobblestone streets. Gold, because I want them to look just as fab with cut-off shorts as with a black jumpsuit for a poolside soirée.

Essential #4: Dita Sunglasses. Aviators are hot. They are also everywhere. I want to stand out from the crowd a bit, and not be wearing the exact same sunglasses as all of my friends in our photographs. Dita sunglasses are versatile, but different enough for you to maintain your individuality. I love that this "sunbeam" style perfectly marries the thin frames of an aviator with the large lenses of a bolder Hollywood style.

Essential #5: Colorescience mineral sunscreen. This stuff is amazing. I cannot stand sunscreen that is not in powder form - regardless of whether or not if it is oil free. It always makes all of my makeup slide off and permanently smears on my sunglasses. I hate ruining great beach photos with a ridiculously shiny face. This powder is not only discreet it is incredibly effective. It is waterproof and lasts all day! It evens comes in tinted shades so you can use it as a bronzer or wear it alone for slight coverage.

Wishing you all a summer filled with sun, sand and style.

Thank you, Melanie! The cutouts on the dress are perfect for a sultry summer evening!

Be sure to visit Melanie over at The Iconic Blog.

Summer Essentials: Sogni e Sorrisi

{via}

I usually spend all winter praying for spring and dreaming of summer, so with the temperature finally rising I'm completely out-of-my-mind delighted. Here six things that help make the warm months perfectly blissful for me...

1. Sandals: The first day possible I'm packing away my boots and pulling out my sandals. Is there any better feeling? Wedges, gladiators, flip flops, flats - I love them any way I can get them!
   
   
2. Anti-Frizz Hair Serum: I have curly hair so this kind of product is absolutely necessary in the heat and humidity. Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum is one that works well for me.
   
   
3. NARS The Multiple: On a regular day I don't like wearing a ton of makeup, but this is even more true when the weather is warm. Plus with everything going on during the summer months I don't want to have to cart around a whole beauty kit. I love that this product serves more than one purpose and once you add some eyeliner and a slick of mascara you're good to go.
   
   
4. Sundresses: I'm not a big shorts girl so sundresses or floaty skirts are musts for me in the summer. They work as casual day wear, for a night time barbecue and even to wear to the beach. Versatile, stylish and comfortable? Can't ask for better than that.
   
   
5. Sunglasses - I think this one is pretty self explanatory!
   
   And the bonus item...
   
   
6. Cross-Body Bags: It is so great to be hands-free when traveling, sightseeing or just shopping in your own city. The purses are lifesavers!
   

Thank you to Jessica for hosting me on her lovely blog! I look forward to reading about everyone else's summer essentials! xo Connie

Thank you, Connie! I'm also a proponent of hands-free traveling with a cross-body bag!

Be sure to visit Connie over at Sogni e Sorrisi.

Summer Essentials: Narcissista

In today's Summer Essentials post, Lima K. of Narcissista shares her top five selections for summer 2010.

These Summer Picks Will Seamlessly Take You From Day to Night...

The BB Dakota Mandie Dress is fun & flirty when paired with flats (or barefoot over a bikini), but can easily be dressed up with some hot heels. Talk about scorch factor! (Buy it at: Swell, Zappos or Shopbop.)

If you’re like me, you have tons of nail polishes in a rainbow of colors sitting in your bathroom drawer, begging to be used. Essie’s Matte About You, will revamp those “tired” colors with a modern matte finish. (Buy it at Amazon or Beauty.com.)

A Carryall Hobo is essential for all your summer essentials. You never know when you're gonna need extra sunscreen, spray-in conditioner, or switch into some flip flops! (Buy it at Target.)

Get ready to splurge on some metallic DVF Sandals. The shine factor makes these ideal for some daytime fun, or sexiness after sundown. (Buy it at Zappos or Gotham City.)

iTouch, iSmouch. Check out Microsoft’s Zune HD WiFi Touchscreen Player! It’s got a cute sleek interface to go with its modern exterior. I love watching shows on it when on my commute for a little faux getaway, or listening to music when I’m at the beach. You can also get the armband accessory for those bikini butt workouts. (Compare prices here.)

Thank you, Lima K.! You found the perfect summer tote!

Be sure to visit Lima K. over at Narcissista.

Summer Essentials: Closet Fashionista

Summer is definitely a great time of year, no school (though sadly I got my first job as a "real person" so I'll be working all summer), great weather, beaches and fun! So here is a list of what I think everyone needs for a great day at the beach!

1. The Perfect Bathing Suit: Summer equals beach/pool/tanning so you need the perfect bathing suit! I've chosen a monokini because it's the perfect cross between a one-piece (safe to swim in) and a bikini! It's a bit of a splurge so just use it as inspiration if you (like me) can't afford it. (The only problem is that it could cause a weird tan line!)
   
   
2. Great sunglasses! Of course with summer comes the sun, duh! So you want to protect your pretty eyes from damage! But when you go to the beach you don't want to spend too much on your sunnies, what if you lose them in the water or they fall in the sand and get scratched?! So find a nice cheap pair that you won't mind losing, but make sure they're still cute!
   
   
3. Beach Tote: Everyone needs a nice big beach tote for their clothes, towel, sunscreen and whatever else they need at the beach! No need to spend a fortune on this either, it just needs to hold your stuff.
   
   
4. Cute Cover-up: You won't be at the beach all day, so you need a cover-up for when you are strolling on the boardwalk or want to quickly run into a store. Also make sure to pick up some cheap matching flip flops at old navy for $2.50!
   
   
5. A Great Book: You need a book for lazy days at the beach when you aren't in the mood to swim or people watch. For the budding fashionista, I suggest Classy, it's a really great book and a nice easy read. I wrote a short review of it over at my blog.

Thank you, Megan! I'm saving my pennies for that DvF swimsuit!

Be sure to visit Megan over at Closet Fashionista.

If I Were a Shoe ...

... what kind of shoe would I be?

photo via An Untitled Blog

When Elle at A Wonderfelle World e-mailed me this weekend asking what shoe embodies my personality, I thought it'd be easy to pick footwear on my lust list and write a few sentences about it.

Not so fast. I needed something that was classic. Something chic. Something just a little playful. Something versatile. Something that could be a little sexy.

Not very easy at all.

Head over to Elle's post My Style Monday: If You Were A Shoe… to see which pair I chose, and to see the footwear choices of fellow bloggers.