Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Mamma Like: Summer Fashion at Any Price


A girl needs to know in life what she is great at and what she should outsource.  When I need fashion advice, I call Jennifer Hudner, a former beauty editor at a fashion magazine and now Direct of Merchandising for a fashion company.  

Summer Chic in 5 by Jennifer Hudner

1.    WHITE JEANS: Even though the old school rule of “wear white only after Memorial Day” does not apply anymore, nothing says summer like a new pair of white jeans.  If you haven’t updated your supply in a while, it’s time.  A Slim Leg Five Pocket style is a no-brainer staple that will go with most any summer top hanging in your closet.  Try a skinnier leg with a fun tunic top for a long and lean look.  If slim is not your thing, go for a Flare Leg with a pair of espadrille wedges (or a shoe with height) so your hem doesn’t drag and become very “un-white.”
Try: J. Brand, Hudson, Gap, Madewell, J.Crew, Citizen's for Humanity

2.    THE KNIT DRESS:  The dress trend isn’t going anywhere for now, and nothing is as easy or refreshing as getting dressed in one step  (especially when the end result gives off the “yes, I’m put together" vibe).  Try a slouchy tee shirt tunic dress, a tank style or, for a dressier look, a maxi knit print dress.
Try: J. Crew, Target, Ella Moss, Splendid, Old Navy

3.    A BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN: The “borrowed from him” style will be strong for Fall, so get a jump on it now with an easy, relaxed cardigan that will go with your (1) white jeans and (2) over your t-shirt dress.  Summer can often feel frigid inside with the AC pumping, so an extra layer always comes in handy.  There are plenty boyfriend styles to be found in solids, prints and stripes.  Cotton or Cashmere is a good summer and year-round choice.  Make sure you layer over a somewhat more structured top or dress, so the overall look is proportional, not shapeless.
Try: Vince, Theory, Gap, Madewell

4.   A STATEMENT NECKLACE:  Nothing pulls together an outfit like a bold piece of jewelry.  Add new life to your favorite top and jeans by investing in a new necklace that becomes the outfit more than the clothes. Instead of going dressy on dressy, try a whimsical necklace with a simple tee, slim capris and thongs.  Going bold with both your accessories and clothing looks like you're trying too hard.  The good news, you don't have to spend a lot.  Costume jewelry is just as good as the real thing, and there are a lot of options, from wood links, glass beads or colored semi-precious stones.
Try: Anthropologie, Forever 21 (aka Foverever 30...), Boden, Department Store jewelry counter, Small Boutiques

5.  THE SANDAL:  If you want to be "au courant," the Gladiator sandal is the way to go.  The key here is picking a more paired-down version, without too many straps or studs, for a cleaner, more sophisticated version. A timeless option is a T-Strap thong that will take you anywhere.  Go for a versatile metallic silver or gold.
Try: Zappos.com and Piperlime.com (search for Thong or Gladiator), Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, J.Crew

Extra Points:  To give your skin that summer glow without the damage, Clarins Self-Tanner for Face is worth the investment (and no one will ever know that you didn't just get back from that beach vacation)!

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