Navy This Time

Mid-summer marks the peak of wedding season and for those of you lucky enough to not be a bridesmaid, you have the freedom to wear what you want. The key to being comfortable and looking fierce is choosing an outfit appropriate for the daytime ceremony (which could possibly be held in a church) that can also transition to the reception that evening.

This white-on-navy floral printed Botan-avy dress from Modcloth.com has an elegant tiered skirt and and flattering empire waist. The adjustable spaghetti straps keep you covered up enough for the ceremony, while the exposed zipper in the back adds some sass for the reception. Add these Unlisted satin heels in champagne from Zappos.com and this pleated clutch with removable chain strap from The Limited, also in champagne, for a sophisticated look that will not only keep your conservative grandmother appeased, but also attract the attention from that hottie across the room.



Clockwise from left; pearlescent clustered earrings, Forever 21, $4.80; white-on-navy floral dress, Mod Cloth, $47.99; rhinestone encrusted shell ring, Forever 21, $5.80; satin strappy sandals, Unlisted, $49; pleated clutch, The Limited, $39.50.

One thing is for sure; you will definitely wear this dress again.

WARNING: open bar may cause impaired judgment and loss of advanced motor skills. If too much is consumed, at least make sure that kind sir you've been dancing closely with all night isn't a relative.

White Hot

It's tough to find a comfortable summer outfit that won't leave you burning up like the Jonas Brothers. Luckily, one of my favorite trends from last summer that is still looking chic and keeping you cool is white skinny jeans. They always make an outfit look crisp, even when worn casually. For a chill summer afternoon lunch or happy hour on the patio, pair white skinny jeans with small-wedged gladiator sandals and a ruffled tank (the ideal length would be just past your hips). Since I love the look of white and gold, I chose a men's-inspired watch for the perfect bold accessory. Add a gold chain necklace and you have a clean, put-together summer look. (Click on the collages to enlarge and the links to take you directly to the retail site).

Afternoon:



Clockwise from top left; Silence and Noise ruffled camisole, Urban Outfitters, $48; skinny jeans, American Eagle Outfitters, $39.95; initial necklace, Urban Outfitters, $18; Bucco gladiator thong sandals, Overstock.com, $26.99; wraparound watch, Urban Outfitters, $38.

Take the look from day to night by replacing the sandals with leather platform heels and a studded faux leather clutch in a complimentary color, shown here in pink. If you really want to stand out, pin back a section of hair just above one ear and secure with a peacock feather clip to add some extra color and flair.

For a Night Out:



Clockwise from top left; peacock feathers hairclip, Forever 21, $3.80; Vieta 'Pierre' faux leather clutch, Nordstrom, $45; Enigma platform heels, Overstock.com, $34.99.

And remember, NUDE boyshorts or thong is the best underwear to sport under your white hot pants. Spanx can also be a great option, especially if you are paranoid about cellulite.

Another fierce money saving trick
Love your hair stylist? Tell your friends! Not only will your stylist appreciate the extra business, but most salons have a referral program in which you get rewarded for every new client you bring in. Who doesn't love free hair products and gift certificates?