How to Style a White Romper

--Guest Post By Jason Phillips

Bebe Utility Romper, $79.00

Rompers are becoming increasingly popular outfits that are stylish as well as comfortable. The subtle look of the romper makes it perfect for a casual day out and when accompanied with other things you will easily find in your wardrobe, you will be able to carry it off beautifully even for a formal occasion.

Rompers are equipped to get you ready for any kind of look you are looking for and when the fashion occasion needs it can be easily personalized to better suit your mood. The customization of a romper is one of the best ways to bring out the look of the outfit, as well as highlight your own personality at a gathering. Some simple tips to dress up a romper are given below.

A Jacket
The first option you can opt for is to put on a subtle coloured jacket. Since the romper is plain white, any kind of striking coloured jacket would clash with the outfit, while also take away from the look of the romper itself, thus it is important to choose a jacket shade which is light and pastel. An earthy brown or beige would be the best option because it would complement the romper and not over shadow it instead.



→ Buy the Vince Rustic Linen Blazer, $385.00, at vince.com.


A Scarf
A sophisticated and stylish accompanist to most fashion outfits, a scarf can be one of the best finishing touches you can give to your romper. A light blue or even a turquoise green could be a delightful combination with your romper, giving you a fashion statement, perfect for a summer night out. Woven, wrinkled or fringed, any style of scarf would go well with it when delicately draped around your neck. Also, since it restricts being draped on a short area, the romper does not get hidden behind it and the both work together to give you the desired look.



→ Buy the Banana Republic Adeline Scarf, $39.50 (was $49.50), at bananarepublic.com.

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale 2012 On Now!

It's time again for one of the best department store sales of the year. The Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale 2012 -- women and kids version -- is on now! From May 23 through June 4 you can score amazing deals on fashion and accessories. But, I'd shop early. This is one of those sales where all of the really good stuff goes fast.

I've been perusing the sale and there is plenty of fabulousness to be had. My picks? A couple items we loved so much that we featured them at full price, and a couple more new finds at prices too good to pass up...

• Current/Elliott The Stiletto Leopard Print Stretch Jeans, 40% off -- now just $117.90 (was $198.00)
• Rag & Bone Bailey Blazer, 40% off -- now just $319.00 (was $535.00)
• T by Alexander Wang Crewneck Sweater, 40% off -- now just $139.00 (was $235.00)
• Elizabeth and James Milo Crop Pants, 40% off -- now just $169.00 (was $285.00)

And there's plenty more. Really. Go ahead, check it out:

5 Hot Summer Trends to Try Now

Summer may not officially hit for a few more weeks, but it's not too early to start thinking about which hot Summer trends you'll want to indulge in once the heat kicks in. Not sure what you'll want to try out this Summer, or just overwhelmed by all of the fun possibilities? Check out our list of the 5 hot Summer trends we think are worth giving a spin this year.

1. Bright Nail Polish
From fruit punch, to popsicle, to candy-store shades, fabulous bright colors are where it's at for Summer 2012. This stand out purple-pink that goes by the name Ratin Jot is one of the 5 shades from the brand new, and super popular Thakoon for Nars nail polish line. Not quite right for you? Be sure to check out the other 4 colors in the line -- every one is super bright and fun.



→ Buy the Thakoon for Nars Nail Polish, $18.00, at sephora.com.


2. Printed Maxi Dress
It seems like the maxi dress makes an appearance on the hot list every Summer, but this time around the addition of fantastic prints makes the need to snag a maxi all the more compelling. This Diane von Furstenberg dress is one of my favorites because it's a great print, but kind of subdued, so it doesn't cross the line from standout to plain crazy.



→ Buy the Diane von Furstenberg Naira Dress, $598.00, at shopbop.com; shipping and returns are free.


3. Statement Sandals
A really great sandal is a smart way to add some sass to your Summer look. Pair a really vibrant, colorful sandal with a pair of shorts and a simple, slouchy tee and suddenly you have an outfit. You've got to love the transformative power of a good pair of shoes.



→ Buy the Stuart Weitzman Encore Wedge Sandal, $385.00, at piperlime.com; shipping and returns are free.


4. A Flirty Mini Skirt
Not sure this hot Summer trend is right for you? Try adjusting the length of the skirt to find a flippy, fun silhouette that fits with your personal comfort level. This cute find from Lulu's -- my go-to store for Summer skirts since college -- is appropriately flirty, but not too youthful for those of us well past college-aged.



→ Buy the Roll Call Taupe and Coral Mini Skirt, $56.00, at lulus.com.


5. A Signature Cocktail
Give your Summer festivities a theme by selecting a personal signature cocktail. Might I suggest trying out our sponsor, Pucker Vodka? The fun, unique flavors Pucker offers are perfect for Summer. Learn more about Pucker by visiting their Facebook page, and always remember to drink responsibly as you enjoy the Summer.

Break up with boring vodka! Pucker® Vodka is a premium vodka with unique flavors added that will give you a taste experience that’s as intense as it is unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a house party or out on the town, the bold flavors are perfect for sipping, mixing and dancing the night away! http://www.puckervodka.com/

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Pucker Vodka via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pucker Vodka.

5 Unique and Fun Father's Day Gifts

--Guest Post By Adam B.

Most people would agree that the most difficult person in the family to buy a gift for is your father. It seems like dads pride themselves on having everything, which makes finding a gift that they don’t have even more challenging. Unlike Mother’s Day, you can’t get away with just sending flowers and a card.

I usually find myself struggling to find something at the last minute for my dad, so I started my gift search early this year and came up with a bunch of unique gift ideas. Below are 5 suggestions for gifts that you can get for the dad that seems to have everything:

1. Magnetic drill bits set
While almost every dad has a complete set of tools, chances are he doesn’t have a nice set of magnetic bits for his drill. One of the biggest hassles of using a drill is changing out the bits and make sure it’s lined up straight. With this magnetic drill bit set, all your dad will need to do is point the drill at the bit he wants and it will snap into place. This is a nifty gift for the dad who is the self claimed “repairman” of the family!



→ Buy the DEWALT 35-Piece Magnetic Compact Rapid Load Drill Bit Set, $24.97, at lowes.com.


2. Noise cancelling headphones
My dad always complains that he never gets enough quiet time, so let’s help fix that problem! These noise cancelling headphones are perfect for Dad when he wants to kick back and block out the distractions going on in the house. They’ll also come in handy while traveling, as they block out the noise on planes as well!



→ Buy the Bose QuietComfort 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones, $299.00, at amazon.com.

Steal: Gap Pure Cocoon Sweater $48.00

This simple, streamlined cocoon shaped sweater from Gap's new Pure line would be a smart addition to any closet. The modern shape and rich neutral color options remind me a lot of Vince, but at a fraction of the price, which seems to be point of the new Gap Pure line.

Gap's Pure designs collectively have a more modern, sleek aesthetic and subdued color scheme that would work just as well in a monochromatic outfit as popped with a colorful accessory. The line also contains items crafted from a slightly more upscale fabric than day-to-day Gap items. Gap Pure encompasses both loungewear and items meant to be worn out and about. Generally, the line appears to be designed to give off the same vibe as labels like Vince, Theory and Helmut Lang, with maybe a small dash of Maison Martin Margiela. You get the idea.

This Gap Pure Cocoon Sweater is crafted from a soft knit Rayon/ Nylon/ Polyester/ Cashmere blend. It has short sleeves and an shallow v-neck, with a banded hem that helps to create the cocoon silhouette. It comes in three neutral colors -- Tahitian Pearl (pictured here), True Black and Faded Ink Blue -- in sizes XS to XXL. At only $48.00, it will add the same look to your closet of an item that costs several times that amount. I'd wear it with skinny jeans and booties to reconstruct the above-mentioned Vince/ Helmut Lang look.

→ Buy the Gap Pure Cocoon Sweater, $48.00, at gap.com.

Web Snob: Memorial Day Fashion, Trina Turk for Banana Republic and More!

The best posts you may have missed this week, from the web's top fashion, beauty, shopping and entertainment blogs. Are you a Web Snob? Check out this week's finds:

• Shapewear isn't just for plus sizes! Stiletto Jungle explains how to find the right shapewear for your unique figure.

• Allie is Wired takes a look at the newly released Forbes Celebrity 100 for 2012. Can you guess who snagged the top spot?

• BagSnob never travels without her arsenal of oversized cosmetic pouches! With Top Oversized Cosmetic Pouches you'll also be ready for your summer travels.

• Exciting news from iS Clinical! BeautySnob is giving away the iS Essentials Kit, valued at $44. And one very lucky follower will receive the big prize: the entire full-sized line, valued at $634!

• Coquette is taking a virtual vacation to Palm Springs with the new Banana Republic Trina Turk Summer 2012 Collection that debuts in June.

• Fashion Pulse Daily Shares 8 Great Fashion Essentials for Memorial Day.

• The Jet Set Girls are loving Bobbi Brown's new Miami Collection.

• Second City Style found the Tom Ford interview with Fern Mallis to be fascinating and entertaining. Tom Ford On Fashion: "It’s a Tough, Tough Industry."

• Shopping and Info loves the Lanvin mini pop beige crossbody bag and others for summer.

• The Beauty Stop shows how to snag big beauty deals by joining loyalty clubs.

Summer Fashion: The Perfect Sandals

--By Kim Moshtaghi

What’s summer without the perfect sandals? We all have sandals we wear around the house or to the grocery store, but we wouldn’t be caught wearing them to a nice lunch. Although everyone may have different opinions about particular styles, I’m sure we all agree that finding the right pair of nice scandals is essential for fashionable summer attire. Furthermore, I’m sure we all agree that finding a comfortable and stylish pair, is a double bonus, so this article features both comfortable and stylish pairs.

One of my favorite fun brands is Vince Camuto because Camuto’s brand always follows both stylish and color trends. These sturdy sandals come in a couple colors and the beadwork gives it an alluring look. This brand is fun, feminine, and will keep your feet in place to help you cover some serious ground while looking fabulous.



→ Buy the Vince Camuto Allik Beaded Sandal, $60.61 - $68.87, at endless.com; shipping and returns are free.


My favorite comfortable shoe brand is from Stuart Weitzman. I think this tassel flat sandal is unbelievably chic. This comes in a few color options that all pair beautifully with a maxi dress and will still look appropriate with a fancy dress. These flats can definitely keep up with a nice outfit, and you don’t have to be worried about looking underdressed!



→ Buy the Stuart Weitzman Tasselites Sandals, $298.00, at stuardweitzman.com; shipping is free.

Review: Prevage Body Moisturizer

When it comes to my face, I spare no expense. I follow $80 serums with $119 moisturizer; I slather on $22 lip balm like it's chap stick. Anything to slow down aging and prevent environmental damage. But, when it comes to the skin that falls below the neck, I tend towards drugstore products. No real reason. I just never found the need to use pricey products on the rest of my body. But, admittedly, I've been curious.

When I received a deluxe sample of Prevage Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer in a department store GWP package I was excited. Not only was I eager to give a super high-end body moisturizer a test drive for my own benefit, I was excited to review Prevage Body for all of you. The promise of a body moisturizer that can transform your skin is hard to resist, so I wanted to add something to the discourse about whether these pricey products are worth the cash.

Prevage Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer makes many of the same claims that Prevage facial products make. Specifically, Prevage body "minimizes stretch marks, firms and tones dimpled skin, improves the appearance of sun-damaged skin, brightens the look of skin, evens skin tone and texture and boosts collagen levels in the skin." Prevage Body was the winner of Marie Claire magazine's Best Products of the Year 2009.

In an effort to be scientific (and, ok, extend the life of my sample tube) I dutifully applied Prevage Body Moisturizer to my left leg every day. My right leg received a daily application of my normal body moisturizer-- Nivea Body Skin Firming Moisturizer Q10 Plus. The test lasted just over 2 weeks. Here's my Prevage Body review:

5 Fashionable Snake Print Options for Summer

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Leopard is not the only trendy print. Unleash your inner vixen and invest in cool snake print clothing and accessories. They are both fun and spicy. Furthermore, when paired with neon accessories, the color schemes are very flattering. Go bold and pair a snake print skirt with lime green wedges and a simple solid colored top.

Speaking of a snake print skirt, check out Marciano’s python print pencil skirt. It rests high on your waist and exudes sexiness, so avoid wearing this skirt to any office functions. The skirt is perfect for a night out on the town and perfect for a date night outfit because of its longer length. Not only will it look great with the neon accessories but you can also wear it with darker chiffon blouses, which will make you exude sophistication.



→ Buy the Guess by Marciano Liquid Python Skirt, $69.99, at ebay.com.


Another sophisticated snake print option is Rachel Roy’s body contouring dress. The print’s intricate, crochet collar makes it easy to decide to wear your hair up, and you can try combining heavy gold pieces with the print, which will add a classic finish to this multi seasonal dress.



→ Buy the Rachel Roy Snake Print Dress, $428.00, at bloomingdales.com.

How To Choose the Right Shapewear for Your Figure

--Guest Post By Michelle Star

Shapewear is a wonderful invention within the lingerie market and is becoming an increasing popular as designs improve and move away from the ugly shapewear of decades past. Shapewear is, as the name suggests, uniquely designed to physically shape your body in some way.

Source: Uploaded by user via George on Pinterest

Unlike many people believe, shapewear is not just for "big" bodies. For example a waist cincher can create an hourglass figure where you're naturally less curvy, no matter what size you are. You can enhance your bust, slim your hips, get trimmer thighs... shape wear has undergone a huge transformation in the past few years, with new fabrics being developed and new shapes being designed. Super stretcy lace for example means you can now look trim in sexy black lace, rather than the nude coloured nylon of your mother's generation. Really, shapewear has never looked so good!

Below are my tips on choosing the right shapewear for you.

"Boyish" Figure
A "boyish" figure is often defined as a body shape consisting of a small waist, small hips and small shoulders - you're more of a straight up-and-down figure than a curvy hourglass. A glamorous shapewear basque would be an excellent solution for you, enhancing a small bust whilst nipping the waist in. Choose a basque that ends before the hips - this will make your waist-to-hip ratio appear bigger, in other words giving you some instant sexy curves!



→ Buy the Fauve by Fantasie Rosa Underwired Moulded Strapless Basque, $185.00, at figleaves.com.

Top Pick: Nars Beach Lover Kit

No need to worry about what makeup to pack on your summer getaway -- Nars has you covered. The new Nars Beach Lover Kit contains 5 items that will work together to give you a subtle, beach-worthy glow at a great price.

The Beach Lover Kit features items for your eyes, lips and cheeks. Really, all that you'll want to wear in a warmer climate while on vacation. You'll get:

• Blush Duo in Hungry Heart/ Orgasm (gold ivory/ peach pink with gold shimmer)
• Soft Touch Eyeshadow Pencil in Skorpios (iridescent copper)
• Lip Gloss in Laguna (bronze)
• Illuminator in Laguna (brown with golden shimmer)

Reviewer on Sephora.com rave about the exceptional value of this set -- just $49.00 for $74.00 worth of goods -- and the handy travel-friendly sizes. Users also love how well the colors work on a range of skin colors and look very natural. I think it's just ideal for taking along on a trip, or for a weekend staycation makeover. You'd be surprised how a little bronzer and glowy gloss can make you feel better after a week of slaving in a fluorescent-lit office.

→ Buy the Nars Beach Lover Kit, $49.00, at sephora.com.

Web Snob: White Heels, Zooey Deschanel and More!

The best posts you may have missed this week, from the web's top fashion, beauty, shopping and entertainment blogs. Are you a Web Snob? Check out this week's finds:

• Stiletto Jungle explains five common self-tanning mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Allie is Wired has a look at Terry Richardson's pictures from the opening night of Lady Gaga's Born This Way Ball Tour.

• What does Mom want? A bag of course! But not just any bag will do for Mom, which is why BagSnob is giving away the JET SET tote bag from Michael Kors!

• When it comes to drugstore mascara, L’Oréal has always been BeautySnob's favorite, but does the L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara keep the eyes on the prize?

• Coquette's still in the mood for white and chooses her favorite white heels and sandals for spring and summer.

• Talking hair: More fromThe Jet Set Girls interview with Zooey Deschanel!

• Second City Style wonders If Your Ex-Boyfriend Was A Pair Of Shoes… because nothing captures a lady’s heart more quickly than truly fabulous footwear.

• Shopping and Info loves the David Yurman gold cuffs and bracelets for an arm party this summer.

• The Beauty Stop explains how to score beauty discounts and freebies via Facebook.

What To Pack For a Memorial Day Weekend Getaway

I want to know what you think! Comment in the discussion box below for a chance to win gift cards and other fun prizes.

5 Dresses Every Woman Needs in Her Wardrobe

--Guest Post By Susanna Cha

As a woman, you will have heard that a little black dress goes a long way. While it is true that black dresses are versatile and a must-have in any wardrobe, there are other dress styles that never go out of fashion and can always make you look good. Read on to find out which are the five dresses that you need in your wardrobe.

Little black dress
There are literally thousands of variations and styles when it comes to black dresses. Depending on their cut, they can be elegant, sophisticated, sexy, understated, casual...and the list could go on. The key is to accessorise your little black dress according to the occasion.

You can add some fine jewellery and towering heels if you are attending a cocktail party or an evening event. A black dress teamed with stockings, an elegant blazer, and a pair of stylish shoes could be the perfect outfit for a job interview. And of course, you can always don a black dress with a pair of wedges and a cardigan to meet friends for lunch or during a shopping session.



→ Buy the Pied a Terre Slinky Cowl Neck Dress, £92.50 (was £185.00), at houseoffraser.com; U.S. delivery £6.00.


Knitted dress
This is another staple of any wardrobe. You can combine a knitted dress with opaque tights, a pretty scarf, and ankle boots for a casual look that would work very well at concerts, cinema dates, or a relaxed evening at a pub.



→ Buy the Ted Baker Meda Knitted Dress, £99.00 (was £129.00), at houseoffraser.com; U.S. delivery £6.00.

Top 5 Summer Hats for Stylish Sun Protection

--By Kim Moshtaghi

Hats are always a great way to keep styling in the sun. Along with your sunscreen, a floppy hat is a great accessory to cover up your untamed hair and keep some sun out of your face. You will look cute whether you are laying out or if you are strolling outside in the sun.

Every time I see a cowgirl hat, I think of Elle Macpherson. She is hip and up to date and seems to cover her gorgeous face with a straw hat similar to this one from Francesca’s. Take this on your weekend pool outings. Please keep in mind this hat will not completely protect your face and neck. Because it doesn’t extend out to fully cover your face and neck, so make sure to apply sunscreen all over your face, neck and body.



→ Buy the Francesca's Collections Headed West Hat, $28.00, at francescascollections.com.


Do you want something sophisticated? Try a colorful, sexy floppy hat. Show off your inner diva while you strut around with this fun orange and red trimmed hat. The hat will compliment long Kim Kardashian-like locks and really accentuate an oval face.



→ Buy the Aqua Colorblock Floppy Hat, $52.00, at bloomingdales.com.