STAR SPANGLED FASHION

With the 4th of July around the corner, here are some patriotic fashions that will have you enjoying fireworks in style!

This red, white, and blue dress from Soca Clothing is perfect for the occasion. Its thin soft cotton makes it so comfortable and very weather appropriate $68.




Channel your inner Betsy Ross with this patchwork head scarf from JCrew $14.50.






These blue earrings add a little glam to your holiday from Lara at Patton Creek.






This crisp white cotton tank from JCrew is very All American, pair it with khaki shorts or the below madras walking shorts - for a great look $98.






Patchwork madras shorts from Anthropologie $98.






These cherry shoes from Anthropologie will make you the cutie pie of the fourth. Throw them on with shorts or a crisp white dress and you will look patriotic and posh $268.

This MINT navy and white shirt by Birmingham born designer Jodi Arnold, is blousy, comfortable and chic. Mint can be found locally at Susan G. Matthews in Mountain Brook Village and Laura Kathryn in Crestline Village.







Get star spangled in this red, white, and blue bag by Orla Kiely. Orla Kiely can be found locally at Laney's Place in SOHO.




Red, white and navy dress from Francesca's Collection at The Summit $48.

GOTTA WEAR THOSE SHADES

Eyewear is a key part of any fashionista's wardrobe. Whether you want to splurge or find a steal - these pairs are the must haves of the season and can chart your course in shade shopping.

Sama Eyewear is a leader in sunglasses. These Greta shades designed by Badgley Mischka and named after Greta Garbo are fabulously chic $270. Sama can be found locally at Schaeffer Eye Center.

Tom Ford - a fashion icon and the epidemy of fashion cool. These Margaux shades are hot and can be yours for $340. Visit http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/








These shades by Sean John show that P.Diddy does know a little about fashion. These oh-so hip shades are $125. Available at Schaeffer Eye Center.


Be Hollywood in your own right with these Michael Kors sunglasses $90. Available at Schaeffer Eye Center.







Oversized Gucci sunglasses - Italians are the essence of chic, so it only makes sense to feature such cool shades by Gucci $290. Available at Gus Mayer at Colonial Brookwood Village or Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit.

ACTIVE GEAR GETS DARLING

Want to learn to golf, but don't think the garb is up to par? Love to tennis, but long for chic match point? Want to add a little sass to your yoga? Ame and Lulu have the active gear for you! This oh-so darling line is ideal for the Southern fashionista.




Veranda Stripe Golf Club Covers from Ame and Lulu $100.




Blue Toile Yoga Bag from Ame and Lulu $70.





Tee belt from Ame and Lulu $24.





Zebra striped Tennis bag from Ame and Lulu $100.

TOP SUMMER SCENTS

Perfumes - some people love them, some people avoid them and they are particularly tricky in the summer with the scorching sun making us perspire. Creed Virgin Island Water is the perfect summer scent. I am not a big perfume wearer at all, but this scent is so light, refreshing, and enchanting - my senses were in paradise. And guess what - it is for men and women. Creed Virgin Island Water can be found at Gus Mayer at Colonial Brookwood Village or Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit. $98 and up.

Another fabulous summer scent is Miss Marisa: for those true perfume addicts. Wisps of Plum Blossoms and Cassis romance Fresh Mint and Waterlily, in a dance for the senses. Available in a Eau de Perfume Spray and available online at Ebba's of LA $59. One of my friends turned me onto to this perfume a favorite of Young Hollywood and it is truly more than just hype!

Not interested in perfume, but interested in adding a little fragrance to your life? Try these must have candles.


Looking for an exotic summer adventure? Pagoda Paisleys by Seda France will transport you to exotic ports-of-call along the ancient trade routes that supported the original luxury goods markets. Impeccably packaged in a pagoda box, each hand-poured candle in this collection is also highlighted with a matte-gold paisley embellished glass for another classic design. $32

1. Three Sheets
2904 18th St South
Birmingham, AL
205-871-2337

2. Ginsburg Medical Spa
972 Montclair Rd
Birmingham, AL
205-870-3376

3. Suite Dreams
2409 Montevallo Rd
Mountain Brook, AL
205-414-1922

4. Interiors By Kathy Harris
2213 1st Avenue S
Birmingham, AL
205-241-5101

5. Blue Willow
3930 Crosshaven Dr
Birmingham, AL
205-968-0909

6. Portobello, Interior Marketplace
5732 Highway 431 S
Brownsboro, AL 35741
256.539.0519

Low Country Luxe candles are big, beautiful, and slow burning capturing the essence of a Southern summer night sitting on a porch swing smelling the flowers in bloom and listening to the crickets. With a soy blend featuring a combined creation of Citrus Trees and Pink and White Dogwoods, Tea Olive spiked with Lemon and Lime, White Grapefruit and Peach, each candle provides over 100 hours of illumination. $49.95

1. Tammy Connor Interior
1904 Cahaba Road
Birmingham, AL 35223
205.933.2122

2. Magnolia Market Place
5732 Highway 431 S
Hampton Cove, AL 35741
256.539.0519

3. Seibels
2927 18th Street South
Homewood, AL 35209
205.879.3558

4. Design South
1903 Old Shell Road
Mobile, AL 36607
251.554.1422

GET HIGH WAISTED

It is true - they are back, but isn't this a good thing? Isn't everyone a little tired of jeans riding so low they bear your unmentionables? The high waisted jean may not be for everyone, but for those of you who try them - you will LOVE them. Most of the high waisted jeans are not very high, in fact most still hit below the belly button. If you fear a little belly budge, just throw on your Spanx and problem solved. These jeans can be so flattering. Whether you choose to tuck in a nice ruffle blouse with them or tuck in a vintage tee for the Dazed and Confused look - you will feel all the more hip by owning a pair.

J Brand High Waisted are my top pick! J Brand is coveted by Angelina Jolie, Hally Berry, Fergie and others. J Brand can be found locally at Doree at SOHO.






Citizens for Humanity Hutton Jean is another coveted pair. Citizens can be found at Doree at SOHO, Gus Mayer at Colonial Brookwood Village, Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit, and Soca Clothing.







The Ginger Jean by Seven for All Mankind is a great fit and great cut. Sevens can be found at Gus Mayer at Colonial Brookwood Village, Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit, Soca Clothing, and Marella in Mountain Brook.






These Hudson high waisted are pleated in front and a somewhat dressier version of high waisted. Pair with a nice white short sleeve button down and jewelry. Hudson is found at Doree at SOHO.






Tag jeans are so fun, great fitting, and so comfortable. They are known for being the best fitting jean and that statement can certainly be validated by many fashionistas. These jeans are very 70's inspired and would look great with platform espadrilles, a vintage tee, and big sunglasses. Tag jeans can be found at Doree at SOHO and Swank 35223.







A favorite of Hollywood, these Era of Chaos jeans are made from soft denim with a little stretch making them feel so good. Found online at LF Stores.

SUMMER CHIC

Summer chic brings images of sandals, shorts, jersey dresses to mind. But for every season there are also many occasions to dress for (like work, special events, church) where flip flops just won't do. Here is Summer Chic for Every Occasion. Post and win a Summer Chic Package full of Summer Must Haves!

1. AT A SPECIAL EVENT

This TIBI dress is gorgeous, easy-breezy, and dressy enough for a wedding, benefit, or almost any occasion. It even has pockets which is a huge plus! Susan G Matthews in Mountain Brook Village $358.
Birds are very in style right now from printed dresses to jewelry. This bird cuff is so chic and could be paired with almost anything. Lara at Patton Creek $109.





2. FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH

Crisp white cotton with yellow stripes make this dress an ideal choice for Sunday or the office. Orla Kiely can be found at Laney's Place at SOHO in Homewood $288. These Sunny Side wedge lace up shoes in navy and yellow are the next big thing, Anthropologie at The Summit $348. The Wanda bag by Isabella Fiore is the perfect accessory for this outfit, on sale at Eluxury.com $405.




3. FOR DATE NIGHT

Jersey dresses are the ideal outfit. Since they are dresses you look very put together yet because they are so comfortable, they make style effortless. Ideal for the summer throw them on and add a little bling with these fabulous bangles by Amrita Singh. Bangles Jane Simon in Mountain Brook Village $78 and up. Michael Stars puff sleeve Vanessa dress The Clothes Tree off Acton Road $188. Frenzii peach strapless dress at Turquoise in Bluff Park $82.

4. FOR THE OFFICE

Perfect for the office, this polka dot shirt by Young Essence from Turquoise in Bluff Park $49 paired with this School of Women skirt from Swank 35223 in Mountain Brook Village $148 is a sophisticated choice for the summer. Put on these Cherie Amour Betty Grable inspired shoes from Anthropologie at The Summit $68. For a great suit option this Yoana Baraschi denim suit also goes well with the Cherie Amour pumps.
















5. FOR THE BEACH OR A PICNIC

Be a stylish beach bum in this flowy number by Blue Plate Lara at Patton Creek $68. This floppy khaki hat is a great accessory Anthropologie at The Summit $68. Pack your beach gear or a picnic in this Macrame bag from Target $14.99.

6. FOR MOMMY'S DAY OUT

You have a free day to yourself and you are on the go - go - go. Look great without sacrificing comfort in this Odille blouse from Anthropologie $88, Light house shorts from Anthropologie $58. Throw it on with the a pair of flat sandals like the earthy thongs featured in Summer Sandals and you are a ready to go.

7. FOR LUNCH WITH FRIENDS

You're grabbing lunch with friends and the last thing you want is to look like plain jane. Well, this tank top with embroidered flowers by Oh So Jane is anything but plain Lara at Patton Creek $84. Skirt by Nick and Mo is affordable chic Lara at Patton Creek $47. Looking for something a little less girly - try this mod jersey dress from Soca Clothing $68.











8. FOR THE POOL

White terry cloth jumper dress American Apparel $29. Oka B gel thong flip flops $25. Sun plot beach bag on sale at Anthropologie at The Summit $39.99.