Simply today we are all set for cookouts, BBQs and soirees but mostly I am wondering who is celebrating their independent style in red, white or blue today?

Here are a few adorable dresses for the celebration;

This striped jersey maxi dress features gathered elastic banding at the top hem and at the empire waist. Knot detail and ruching at bust. Unfinished bottom hem. Lined at bodice. Halter straps can be tied behind the neck or worn as a bow at the bust.

Santa Monica Long Dress

This print silk-jersey dress features a pleated shawl collar at the deep V neck and an attached tie at the pleated waist. Hidden front zip and bias back seams. Long kimono sleeves.

Kimono Dress

Girlfriends, there are so many stylish options with red, white or blue inspired colors.  Let’s look at some more!

A reissued vintage print with a modern fit, this print silk-jersey maxi wrap dress features contrast-print trim. Self-belt waist tie. 1.25″ straps cross at back.

A refreshing, elegant take on the wrap dress, this striped silk-chiffon wrap dress features pleating and a tie closure at the waist. Draping at skirt. Asymmetrical front hem. Sleeveless. Georgette lining.

Samuel Dress

DVF Samson Long Dress

This silk-chiffon dress features pleating at the V neck and at the deep scoop back. Peek-a-boo lining at draped arm openings and bias seams at front. Asymmetrical hem. Spaghetti straps cross at back. Silk-chiffon lining.

Low Back Mini Dress

Mini Water Dress

This silk-chiffon dress features embroidered ladder-lace cutouts. Drawstring and gathered elastic banding at scoop neck and keyhole at bust. Short flutter sleeves. Washed-silk slip-dress lining.  And this scoop-neck, racer-back jersey dress features voile trim and voile banding at the asymmetrical flounce hem. 4-button closure and loop detail at bust. 1.5″ straps.

Racer Back Layer Dress

Red, white or blue – you got it right?

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Dear Girlfriends -

With this beautiful weather and this season carry a party-inspired clutch.  Liven up your summer wardrobe with bags so affordable you’ll want them all.

When selecting a clutch this season its very likely, you’ll want to buy more and more!  Generally, the size and style of the bag can be selected to suit your personal style preference.  But of course, girlfriends here are a few that I would consider carrying to a trunk show or style event this weekend!

This citron Mantero satin clutch ($125.00) will give new life to last year’s dress. Floral accents in sateen, straw and nylon add a luxe touch.  A ladylike floral print meets snakeskin in this structured clutch ($40.00). Skip a too-prim sundress and wear the bag with a playful denim romper.  Or even enough a bright and simple clutch to express your personal style with this rectangular clutch ($10.00).

If you wanted to try something a little bigger … The Rumer clutch by Nicole Miller ($150.00) has a signature metallic lining with a fold over flap. This is great for an evening wear especially when you want to carry less.  A pearlescent snakeskin texture defines a clutch-style bag ($90.00) fashioned from supple leather. The structured cutout handles open to reveal a vibrantly patterned lining.

This structured bag ($50.00) is a standout in graphic black and white woven straw. Wear it with a canary-colored minidress for maximum ’80s impact.  Zipper rosettes toughen up this cute mini-clutch ($15.00). Use it to add a trendy touch to a simple slip dress.

Is there anything that signifies summer more than a crisp white dress, t-shirt or accessory? NO, so simply put here are some favorite white dresses you can pick up for the season!

This scoop-neck cotton dress features a tonal jacquard check pattern and lace-trimmed top and bottom hems. Lace insets at bodice and ruching at empire waist. On-seam hip pockets. Adjustable spaghetti straps. Jersey slip-dress lining.

Strapless White Dress

After years of rummaging through the family attic and scouring the coastal thrift stores, Cheyann Benedict and Claire Stansfield of C&C California set out to make their own collection. The collection would be easy and wearable, yet certain to exude a laid back appeal. The line would offer the perfect pieces to be worn at almost any occasion, from shopping to bikinis to cocktails at sunset.

Mixed Lace Tank Dress

This embroidered cotton dress features piping at the quilted bodice. Sweetheart neckline and ruched waist. Exposed zip and smocked elastic panel at back.

Quilted Corset Dress

Wilt offers a collection of basics that are colorful, soft, and casual. Their slub jersey tees, dresses, and tanks are a favorite with ladies that like to stay comfortable, but remain stylish.

Tresha E Dress

So simply put a white dress is a must for the season!

Until the next adventure,

Monica

I’ve been rocking the cocktail rings this season and don’t plan to stop!  In fact, I plan to step it up a notch even more!

Girlfriends let me tell you, the cocktail ring is the ultimate accessory to make an outfit shine.  This gold-plated cocktail ring features resin cabochons and two-tone rhinestones. Substantial bones and deep color make the Melinda Maria Grecian emerald cocktail ring perfect for leaders of the fashion pack. The empress cut gemstone glows in an 18K gold vermeil setting, and offers an extra layer of glitz with cubic zirconia detailing at the borders.

Add a splash of style to your ensemble with this on-trend cocktail ring. Features a vibrantly colored faceted bauble in a shimmering metallic setting.

Kenneth Jay Lane Ruby Dream Cocktail Ring is the ring of the season. A ruby colored German glass stone set in a 18K gold plated ring dotted with turquoise resin beads.

An oversized vibrant cocktail ring featuring large stone with contrast rhinestone studded frame and a emerald cut shape with multi-faceted surface.

Creating and wearing stylish cocktail rings that are modern, elegant and unique can easily be added to your collection!

Faviana Bohemian

A summer dress isn’t a dress without the chic chiffon.  A summer dress featuring a halter neckline and low v-cut back; asymmetrical hem is the solution to an evening out on the National Harbour.  Bohemian flair takes on an elegant touch in a long Empire-waist silk maxi dress with mix-and-match prints.

Halter Dress

Tibi Halter Maxi Dress

Something as simple as this printed dress which blooms with bohemian charm.

Gauzy Dress

What can be better than being comfortable and chic?

Bohemian Gypsy Dress

Strapless Printed Dress

The bohemian-gypsy inspired pieces give off a playful, colorful, vibrant look. You will not want to take this piece off. It takes comfy to another level, while boosting your confidence to fun and flirty. These flowy gauzy dresses drape the body and make it look sexy and sultry, yet soft and feminine at the same time.  Or even this gauzy dress  which is very easy to travel with. Tie them in knots and they will come out of your suitcase in perfect condition!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

A friend asked me about the color yellow for a spring soiree and I said of course!  Each year, yellow makes an appearance, brightening up a look here or there but rarely getting the center-stage attention it deserves.

I told her this season, that’s all changing because the sunny hue is a must-have in its own right. I told her to consider a jersey wrap dress which ties together a sexy, sunny look with a plunging v-neck, sleeveless, ties at waist and fit-and-flare ($65.00 sale). Or a breezy dress with flirtation from front to back ..fit-and-flare shape ($49.99 sale).

Convertible Dress

Yellow is the perfect complement to sun-kissed skin, but if you prefer to ease into this color trend, start small in the world of accessories. Throw a sunny tote over your shoulder for brunch with the girls, or pair that flirty little dress with yellow sandals or flats. 

Jersey Wrap Dress

Breezy Back Tie Dress

I even challenge you to be different and consider this tie dyed strapless jersey dress. Banded bodice with tie back, uneven hemline and it can be worn as a skirt or a dress ($108.00).

I’ve loved the look of this blouse for a long time.  It brings some pop to your everyday pencil skirt! A sumptuous silk goes bold this Spring in a range of bright hues. Inject color into your wardrobe with our Monogram blouse ($59.99 sale). Wear under a blazer for work or top off a Spring skirt for weekend engagements.  I’ve found an even more affordable blouse.  A lovely sheer chiffon blouse ($19.80) featuring a sleeveless construction with a ruffle trim, self neck-tie sash, an 8-button placket, and a finished bottom hem.

Silk Blouse

Once you’ve had a taste, branch out. Top crisp white denim with an airy yellow blouse, or dive into a goldenrod sundress. I think you’ll like it. 

Spring Floral Chiffon Blouse

And I can’t forget about the shoes!  Sandals this season are stylish and unique and yellow-inspired footwear is even more interesting.  Triple your luck with these rhinestone studded thongs by Charles David.  Or consider a wedge sandal with faux tortoise shell chainlink by Bandolino and their on sale! ($59.99)

Charles David Thong Sandals

Bandolino Wedge Sandal

This guarantee that all eyes are on us. Silk maxi dress with shirred bodice and bias overlay at bust featuring ruching at empire waist and smocked elastic banding at back.

Alice & Olivia Bodice Dress

Girls, the lemon tint has been neglected long enough. Charm Chat loves it in every shade, so find your favorite and add a little sunshine to your life.

 Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Its like for me craving an umbrella that is so jaw-droppingly attractive you’ll never leave it in your car, cubicle, or the movie theater floor! I want to be in that place and I am sure you do too.

Through my own search for myself, I was able to also find some amazing designs so chic that I look forward to April showers.

Don’t believe me … just take a look.

As a long-time student and collector of umbrellas, Seattle’s Jodell Egbert’s vintage collections were the nucleus around which she began Bella Umbrella. Her venture is now the largest source of vintage and vintage-styled umbrellas in the world!  Like this stylish ladies stick umbrella for rain or sun.

Mint Green Pagoda Umbrella

Designer umbrellas from Pare Umbrella make chic compliments to any outfit. Their full-length fashion umbrellas are inspired by the unique, fun and colorful umbrellas of Tokyo, Japan.  Even this rock star umbrella has lots of cool details like polka dot and black lace trim, glittery graffiti prints and a black and silver alligator skin like handle. You Rock! Beautiful Woman!

Rock It Woman Umbrella

Tray 6 umbrellas are equal parts fashion and function. This SoCal company is committed to creating high-quality, high design products–no more plain black and boring plaid, enough with shoddy spokes and sharp metal parts!   Look at this red umbrella with silver floral print is both modern and feminine. The elegant floral sketch stretches onto two panels.

Red Umbrella Stylish Flower

And  here are more and more rain-style options!

Purple Orange Accent Umbrella

Joi Umbrella

Pink Orange Umbrella

Yellow Spring Umbrella

My search for the perfect umbrellas is now over and I’ve discovered they are many options for me (and you) to remain stylish in the rain!

Until the next style adventure,
Monica