Going Solo

We are all about asymmetric one-shoulder fashion right now.  We think a single shoulder is better than two because it is a great way to show off those sculpted deltoids without showing too much skin.  One shoulder is a great alternative to strapless for those who need a little more support than a strapless bra can  provide.  Try taking your strapless bra and use an attachable strap across the one shoulder. 

So how do you wear a one-shoulder dress so that you look like a greek goddess without feeling like you're wearing a toga?  If the dress is not already fitted then add a belt to cinch your waistline.  In general, stay away from wearing a necklace unless the dress is plain, but a great pair of earrings can complement the look adding just the right amount of flair.  One shoulder flowy tops are best paired with skinny tailored pants or short shorts.  This trend will be sure to make you look classy and feel sexy.  

One Shoulder Gold Detail Dress available at Hadley Emerson - $352

Theory "Vivien" Ikat Dot Dress - $315

Ella Moss One Shoulder with Ruffle Top - $48.99

Classic Black One Shoulder Dress available at Hadley Emerson - $98

La La Love Dress in Midnight Teal - $34

One Shoulder Purple Top available at Hadley Emerson - $78

T Bags One Shoulder - $151.20

Phoebe Side Drape One Shoulder Jersey Dress - $288

One Shoulder Romper available at Hadley Emerson - $188

Crystal Clear

Lucite jewelry is as hot as North Carolina's 100 degree summer heat. This trend is so hot that even the Sex & The City 2 stars have sported this look.  Lucite is a clear favorite because it is lightweight, easy-to-wear and goes with any outfit.  These translucent jewels are not seasonal, so you can wear them well into fall and winter.  Feel free to dress these accessories up or down depending on your look.

Sweetie Pie Jewelry "Molly" Necklace (as seen in InStyle) at Hadley Emerson - $74

Lee Angel Lucite Drop Earring - $68

Sequin Lucite Ball Cluster Necklace - $28

Sweetie Pie Jewelry "Lena" Bracelet at Hadley Emerson - $36

Kate Spade "Blowing Baubles" Cluster Ring - $95

Sweetie Pie Jewelry "Harper" Earring at Hadley Emerson - $32

Ben-Amun Lucite Cuff - $105

Kenneth Jay Lane Double Layer Lucite Bead Necklace - $79.99

"The Beach"

Does anyone else find it baffling that in North Carolina when you ask someone about their weekend plans, almost everyone says that they are going to "The Beach."  I guess it is similar to the folks in NY/NJ who head to "The Shore" or the Midwesterners who go to "The Lake" or "Up North" for the weekend.  Nobody ever tells you the name or the town of the beach that they are running off to (e.g. Wilmington, Myrtle, Outer Banks, etc.) and I know that these places are not necessarily very close.  Having grown up in Maine, it was perfectly normal to go to the beach for the day, but most people don’t stay overnight.  I want to ask where and what exactly is “The Beach?"  Is there one beach that everyone flocks to once Friday rolls around?  Where is this beach that you speak of and how do I go about getting a season pass?  If you are someone who is planning on going to “The Beach” this weekend, you better make sure you have the right outfit because everyone worth knowing will probably be at “The Beach” as well.  Here are some beach appropriate cover-ups and purses that we have picked out so you can look fabulous all summer long.

Romper Available at Hadley Emerson- $158

Free People Tiered Jeweled Dress - $118

Available at Hadley Emerson- $148

DVF Nobi Coverup - $285

Available at Hadley Emerson- Dress for $108, Clutch for $32

PJ Salvage Bridgehampton Babe Printed Tunic - $66

Available at Hadley Emerson- Tunic for $108, Purse for $335

Victoria's Secret O-Ring Bra Top Dress- $14.99

Something New?

Finding a dress to wear to a wedding can be a daunting task.  I try to stick to the following rules of thumb when choosing an appropriate dress for a wedding.  The first rule of thumb is to NOT wear all white to a wedding, some white is acceptable but be careful about the amount of white.  There is no sense in competing with the bride for attention.  I generally try to stay away from wearing black during a daytime wedding, but it is perfectly acceptable for an evening wedding.  If a wedding invitation says "black tie," I opt for a long evening dress and heels.  Beads and sequins on a dress can also be a great way to create a dressy look.  At a "black tie optional" wedding, it is appropriate to wear a cocktail-length dress but it should be something more formal than a cotton sundress.  Bright colors are fun for the summertime, but try not to steal the show with something too flashy.  Lastly, when in doubt, choose a fancier dress over something more casual.  Below are some of my favorite dresses that I think would be perfect for a variety of weddings.  Hopefully you can buy a few classic dresses and wear them to more than one wedding.

Available at Hadley Emerson - $110 (Great for a day/evening wedding)

 

Available at Hadley Emerson - $338 (Great for day or evening wedding depending on accessories)

Laundry by Shelli Segal Silk Chiffon Dress - $124.95 (Perfect for a day or night wedding depending on accessories)

Available at Hadley Emerson - $180 (Also available in pink, both are great for an outdoor or daytime wedding)

Milly Ruffle Wrap Dress - $350 (Easy to dress up or down)

Black and White Gown Available at Hadley Emerson - $208 (perfect for a black tie wedding)

The Beat of a Different Drum

You don't have to play the drums to sport the tribal trend this summer. You can look just like the celebrities in these exotic fashions. Pair with simple accessories to make the designs standout.  Don't get too crazy, a single piece will be a great fashion statement by itself.  These bold patterns and crazy colors are sure to make your friends roar.      

Strapless Dress available at Hadley Emerson-$268

Charles by Charles David Motif Sandal - $80

Brown Ikat Dress available at Hadley Emerson-$118

Ann Taylor Loft Animal Print Smocked Button Down - $44.50

Tibi Spiral Zebra Dress - $190

How to Stand out in a Crowd

Construction workers are starting the trend this summer, but luckily I am not talking about orange vests. Neon is taking center stage as a wardrobe must-have.  Add a little punch of brightness to an everyday outfit, but make sure not to bring the 80's back.  Pair your brights with something neutral, so I would suggest not overloading and only wearing one neon item at a time to avoid hurting the eyes.  If you have fair skin I would stick to the fluorescent pinks, but every color looks great with a summer tan!  Wear neon this summer if you want to be seen and not forgotten.

American Apparel Jersey T-Shirt- $28

J.Crew Neon Cotton Bling-Button Cardigan- $62 

J.Crew Chino Short- $29.99

Rachel Roy Strapless Pleated Dress-$99

Victorias Secret Sliding Halter Top Bikini-$15 and Bottom - $14.50

Kate Spade Tote- $195

In a Cinch!

While a belt’s main purpose used to be to hold one’s trousers up, over the past few years they have become more of an accessory rather than a necessity, sported over dresses to accentuate curves. Less fitted, billowy frocks are all the craze today and a cinch in the middle flaunts a more feminine shape, creating an instant hourglass effect. Depending on preference and fit of the dress, a belt can be placed just below the bust, at the natural waist, or slung low around the hips. Thick belts create the most dramatic, waist-narrowing looks, while thin belts are a lovely compliment to a simple, feminine dress. Whether it be thick or thin, consider your body’s proportions - a thick belt may overwhelm a petite frame, while a thin belt could add weight to a fuller figure. If you decide on an elaborate belt, let it take center stage and keep all other accessories to a minimum.

Elise M. Belt Available in Black or Brown at Hadley Emerson - $42

BP. Braided Leather Stretch Belt-$18

Elise M. Belt Available at Hadley Emerson- $62

J. Crew Distressed Leather Belt - $48

BDG Stretch Metal Closure Belt- $24