White Out

One color that screams summer is WHITE! But not everyone can wear white pants, shorts or jeans. One great way to get white into your wardrobe is with a white jacket or cardigan. And, since most of us who go out to dinner end up freezing at the restaurant in our little summer dresses, a white cover up is an easy fix.

White jackets and cardigans come in all shapes and sizes. If you are going to wear a cropped or shorter version, be sure to wear with a longer waisted top or dress. But, if you are going to wear a longer blazer version, be sure to wear with pants or skinny jeans.

Mixing formal ware and casual wear is all the rage right now. So, dress up any shorts and t-shirt with a dressy waist length blazer or tuxedo-like jacket. But, be sure that the white blazer is fitted to your body and isn't boxy. White can definitely add weight to you.

Always be sure to add accessories so the outfit isn't bland. And, since white is always in style, this is a great piece in invest in a designer brand. So, enjoy your summer and white it out!

Beat the Heat with a Shirt Dress

With this south Louisiana weather there isn't much you can wear to help you beat the heat. And, if you are like me, shorts really aren't your thing. Well, there is one sure way to help with the heat - a little shirt dress.

Shirt dresses are quick and easy. All you have to do is throw it on with a pair of flip-flops and run out of the door. You are sure to look polished and are sure to stay cool throughout the day.

One of my favorite brands for shirt dresses is Lacoste. From stretch-cotton and jersey to linen, Lacoste dresses come in great light-weight summer materials. And, since these materials have a little weight to them and aren't just a flimsy t-shirt, they do not cling to your body so you don't have to worry about every bump and bulge. Plus, each dress comes in a variety of colors so there are plenty to choose.

To dress up the shirt dress, wear it with a great pair of summer wedges and add fun jewelry. Or, just keep it simple with flip-flops or sandals. Either way you will be comfortable and breezy throughout the rest of the summer and possibly.....beat the heat!

Color Trend: Cobalt Blue

As I've taken off a few months to adjust to motherhood, I've been continually struck by one thing this spring and summer - COLOR. It's everywhere. You can't go into a store without seeing splashes of color everywhere. Usually, I'm more of a black and white kind of girl, but wearing bright colors in the summer somehow makes the heat more bearable.

One color that really has gotten my attention is COBALT BLUE. It's such a fun color and looks good on all skin tones. The spring runways were filled with this rich, sexy color and it has carried into summer. Mulberry creative director Emma Hill was quoted as saying, "Cobalt is the new black!" This is possible because it's an easy color to transition from day to night. It's brighter than navy and deeper than royal blue and can can add a splash to anything you wear.

So, if you are really feeling the trend, try wearing a cobalt blue cocktail dress to dinner or to a wedding. Or, sport cobalt blue pants or shorts out around town (This has been seen on celebrities from Ashley Green to Heidi Klum).

If you are a little color shy, try mixing a great cobalt blue handbag with an outfit for a sure pop of color. Or, try some great cobalt blue shoes for the perfect mix. If you want to be even more subtle, try cobalt blue earrings or a necklace.

Anyway you try it, this shade of blue will be modern and flattering!