{Editor’s Note: The following content is sponsored by Kohl’s, and you can read all about the gory details at the end. That said, the content is 100% my opinion, which I’m never shy about sharing.}

To wrap up our Kohl’s fashion series, they asked me to tackle the trickiest spring trend of all: white.

Confession time, friends: until this spring, I didn’t own a single white piece of clothing aside from my wedding veil and a few white tees, neither of which see the light of day on any regular basis. I find white to be terrifyingly unflattering, particularly for those of us with pale skin and non-model physiques. But every year, as the weather warms up, I wish I was that girl that could parade around in skinny white jeans, or a sweet little spaghetti-strap white eyelet dress. I even go so far as to try them on. And every year, I leave the store defeated…and depressed.

But it’s occurred to me that it doesn’t have to be that way. There are solutions! First things first: the appropriate underpinnings are key, friends. Remember: nude, not white – and either wear a seamless boy short or a thong to avoid the dreaded VPL.

Next, instead of white skinny jeans (impossible with even a hint of cellulite), try a crisp white trouser. It works in casual or business settings, and you can seek out a pair that’s either (a) lined or (b) cut wide enough to save you from…shall we say “overexposure”. I tracked down a perfect version from Apt. 9 at Kohl’s at a price so low, you won’t even be scared to wear them (nothing like leaning up against your car to rummage through your bag while wearing brand new white pants). The cut is flattering, the fabric is sturdy, and they even come with a silver skinny belt you’ll wear with a dozen other things.

To make it work, pair the pants with a light top (anything too dark can be jarring against white) – think pastels, but nothing too saccharine sweet. I love the pleats on this pale yellow tank from LC Lauren Conrad – they’re right on trend, and the forgiving cut will help you gloss over any less desirable areas, while bringing out the best in a smaller bust. Top with a dark denim jacket like this one from Lee, a stack of bangles and a wedge espadrille to add the perfect dose of casual chic.

And, once again, we’re well under the $100 mark…which means you’ll have plenty left over to nab this adorable little Simply Vera Vera Wang cardigan I spotted while I was at Kohl’s. If I could in any way pull off chartreuse (sadly, it’s not for the pale girls of the world), it’d have been mine in a flash!

Disclosure: Bloggers received a gift card on behalf of Kohl’s via Glam Media to complete the trend look. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kohl’s. All trademarks and service marks are owned or licensed by Kohl’s Illinois, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc.

With Memorial Day on the horizon, it’s time to talk sun. Being a girl with a pasty white complexion, not-inexpensive highlights, and a tendency to break out into a rash in the sun (no, really), I dread summer. The moment the sun first peeks out for the season, I bust out the highest SPF I can find, and huddle under any café umbrella in sight. Besides the fact that it causes wrinkles, freckles and melanoma (not necessarily in that order), a lot of time spent in the sun bodes for dry, unhappy hair and skin – not exactly that youthful, dewy look we’re all going for.

But this year, I’m feeling a bit less scared of those sun rays – because I have some excellent ammunition.

Clarins is always be my go-to for sun protection (and, well, most everything else too). For my skin, at least, they offer the best sunscreens around. Not too oily, not chalky in the least, and my skin doesn’t even put up a fuss when I make my seasonal switch from Multi-Active Day SPF 15 to UV Plus SPF 40 Day Screen. This year, they’ve released it in a tinted formula – excellent news if you happen to match one of the three shades. As for me, I’m still layering my Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer on top, but that SPF 40 leaves me much less tense about an alfresco lunch. Best of all? When I whipped out the Clarins for the first time this year (and skipped the Clinique), the husband asked if I was wearing makeup. When I said no, he said – I kid you not – “Wow, you look really nice – all glow-y.” Um, I’ll take a case, please.

For the rest of your bod, I recently got hold of Target’s new up & up continuous-spray sunscreen. Between the Sport SPF 30 and the Kids’ SPF 50, I think you know which I chose. The kids’ version applies seamlessly, isn’t greasy (as so many spray-ons are), and did a fantastic job of protecting me on that charity walk I did last weekend. There is a faint chemical quality to the smell, but I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a spray sunscreen without it. Oh, and it’s $5. Win!

Then, of course, there’s the matter of your mane. It’s no surprise that summer does awful things to hair – all that sun exposure, a few more trips to the salon for a few more highlights, and those “beachy waves” that turn into impossible-to-remove tangles. I’m kind of in love with Sachajuan, a line I was introduced to by the geniuses over at Woodley & Bunny (go ahead, just try to visit their awesome new online apothecary without being sucked in). They personally test each and every item on the shelves, so I knew I was in good hands. Sachajuan’s products are incredibly gentle and nourishing, with the goal of making you do as little heat-styling as possible (volume powders, repair balms) with as little product as possible, so your hair gets loaded down with moisture and not much else. Love the philosophy, and absolutely love the products.

And I can’t wrap up without dishing on my latest favorite lip balm (SPF 15, naturally). Bobbi Brown Lip Balm comes in this sleek silver tin, and is packed with goodies like wheat germ and olive oil. It feels absolutely amazing on (and can also work wonders with your cuticles in a pinch), and somehow lends just the palest of tints without having any color at all. Plus, it’ll save your lips from that super attractive sunburned-slash-scaly-and-peeling look. As always, I don’t know how Bobbi does it, but I’m sure glad she does.

What are your go-to summer products? Come on, fellow sun-phobes…dish!

So, first, I have to break the bad news…I didn’t get to meet Tim Gunn in person after all.

Wah-waaah. I know. But I did get to talk to him on the phone! Here’s how it all happened (I can’t believe I have actual celebrity dish for you!): Tim was coming to Portland to host a Lucky Brand Jeans event, and his PR folks contacted me to see if I’d like to interview him before the event (um, YES!). After our lovely chat on the phone last week, Tim asked me to attend the Lucky Brand event, and to let his people know I was there so he could meet me (!). Convinced we were destined to be BFFs, I showed up, dressed to the nines, of course. But alas, his schedule (or more specifically, I suspect, his handlers) had other plans. So, I had to settle for sitting 6 feet away while he expounded on everything from the tortures of warm-weather dressing (he shares my hatred for capri pants and showing too much skin) to that bitch, Gretchen, from season eight. Not a bad consolation prize…especially when paired with our phone chat. But I’ll admit, I was a bit blue.

{Photo by my darling hubs. Yes, that’s me, over in the right-hand corner. You can always spot me by the sunnies
perched on my head. And PS, aren’t those red jeans adorable on Tim? }

Minor setbacks aside, it turns out that, in person (and on the phone), Tim is every bit the poised, well-mannered guy you want him to be (if considerably skinnier). But he also loves to dish, just a little bit. He has some fantastic stories about behind-the-scenes wars with Heidi and the other Project Runway judges, which entertained me to no end. He’s nothing if not honest, but he has that rare gift for delivering the truth in a way that doesn’t make you hate him. {And as a bonus, it turns out the event wasn’t a total loss: Lucky Brand actually has some extremely cute summer wares, and is offering 20% off online today. Score!}

I know, I know, blah, blah. “Get to the part where Tim tells us the secrets of the fashion universe,” you’re thinking. And so, I shall. But be prepared…it’s long. He’s a chatty guy, that Tim Gunn. I edited for length, but not for content – I didn’t want you to miss a thing! So, this is the world’s longest blog post. You’ve been warned. Read the rest of this entry »

Summer is about the only time of year during which I open myself up to “cheap” pieces. Those espadrilles that will inevitably wind up speckled with cherry Slurpee stains, the tank tops that lose their shape from all that sun and sweat, and the sundress you’ll be wearing so often, the very sight of it will hurt your eyes come September – none of them warrant splurges. Instead, I’m perpetually on the hunt for the pieces I’ll use and abuse for the next three months, then be perfectly content to send off to greener pastures, or pleasantly surprised if they manage to survive.

Over the weekend, I popped into Cost Plus World Market in search of patio furniture for my new digs. Instead, I found the cutest little section of summer apparel! Who knew? Loads of pitch-perfect tunics, maxidresses and sarongs, all in actual cotton (no polyester that I saw), so they’ll be as light and airy as you’re hoping. I nabbed this adorable kaftan, took it home, and…friends, it’s pretty fantastic for $20.

One size really does fit all, the waist cinches in at just the right spot, and it’s long enough to be worn solo (it hits right above my knee). Sure, I might not win a sexpot award, but all that draping is actually pretty flattering. It’s going to be just the thing for those sweltering summer days when I don’t want a thing touching me…and it would make a dream cover-up for your next poolside vacation. All of their apparel is 20% off this week, so head in (plus, you get a free subscription to Martha Stewart Living with a $30 purchase). But you’ll have to beat me there – I’m off to buy one in another color.

It’s no secret I spend a little too much time “researching” for the blog (ie, overshopping on the www). But I do it because every so often, a true treasure crosses my path, and I just know the day’s toil was worthwhile. My latest treasure? Amy Sacks eyewear. I was introduced to them by a darling buddy of mine, and friends – this is a company you want to know about.

I’m a fan of glasses from way, way back. When I was a kid, I faked a bad eye test to get my first pair, but soon realized that wasn’t a great long-term strategy. In high school, I treated myself to a pair of faux-glasses – from Camp Beverly Hills, thank you very much. They were red, and I was in love…but my forward-thinking style hadn’t quite caught up with the mocking teen set, and they were retired to a drawer somewhere.

Sadly, my vision persists in being 20/20, so, no glasses for me. But when a doc recently suggested amber-tinted sunnies to help with some other vision issues, I could hardly wait to track down my first legitimately custom pair! Fortunately, Amy Sacks will make any pair you’d like into reading glasses, prescription eyeglasses or custom-tinted sunglasses, and they were sweet enough to invite me in to pick a pair for myself. Want to see?

{Get it? Frames with frames…}

These awesome Wayfarer-inspired frames are so much cooler than I had ever hoped for. First of all, they’re the first Wayfarer I’ve ever been able to wear. Amy Sacks has done something wonderful to the top arch, making them suddenly suitable for those of us who can’t wear those completely straight styles. In fact, I do believe they’d be flattering on absolutely everyone.

That said, the brand has about a zillion styles to choose from – all utterly flattering (I was amazed, in fact), completely unique, and perfect for you lucky four-eyed ladies. And they’re so darn sweet to work with! They let me try on styles to my heart’s content, offered advice, and when I finally settled on a pair, they actually ordered them in with two different lens colors so I could test them out. For all that selection, help and fantastic service, those sunnies (that are now my go-to pair) were only $85. Irresistible.

If you’re a Portland local, you can call and set up a time to stop by (tell them I said hello!), or find them at a few of my favorite boutiques in town. If you’re not, they have free shipping, free return shipping (they’ll even send you a bevy of frames to check out in person, and you can just send them back once you pick your favorite), and a lifetime warranty. Oh, and part of their proceeds go to save homeless puppies via the Pixie Project. How much more could you ask of your glasses?

Some days, my job is so fun, I can’t quite believe how lucky I am. Like, for example, when West Elm invites me over to the store for a sneak peek of all the goods they have in store for summer. And gives me mini cupcakes. Plying me with sugar nearly always works, but these goods needed no plying at all. West Elm is knocking it out of the park this season, friends. Care to be my plus-one for the preview?

{Photos by yours truly…can you believe it?}

Yes, I’ll take a few of those woven baskets, that papier mâché hippo head, and any or all of those bed linens, thank you.

Of all the goods to love at West Elm, I think my favorite thing is that they are masters when it comes to display creativity. Sure, I won’t be stringing baskets from the ceiling, but it gives me a great indication of just how well they’ll work as a decorative item. And note how they’ve taken the scary out of pattern-mixing for your bedroom by showing off all of those contrasting bed linens together. I love the pairings they came up with, and it proves the point I’m always making: if you love a combo, it will work, no matter how bold or unique. It’s true in fashion and it’s true at home.

Since I’m in the process of moving to a new place, you’ll most likely be hearing a lot more about home design from me over the next few weeks…I hope you don’t mind. I have remodeling on the brain, and well…it all shows up on the blog. For now, I’m ogling all sorts of potential additions to my new pad from West Elm. Want to see a few of my current faves?

Don’t all of those calm creams and greys just clear your head? I can’t tell if it’s the fact that I’m moving from a warm, quirky Victorian home to a clean, modern condo (with a killer view), but it seems that bold color phase I was in a few years ago has abated. Now, it’s all calm, classic neutrals, as far as the eye can see. I’m envisioning a clean, less cluttered feel than the cozy, eclectic thing I have going on in my current space. Of course, translating that look without scrapping every piece of furniture I’ve accumulated thus far is easier said than done. But I’ll keep you posted on the process!

Summer is my least favorite season…except when it comes to the sales! Best sales of the entire year, in fact. If you’re in the mood for a little sale fun today, Searle NYC just marked down a bevy of beauties for their killer summer sale. Couldn’t resist showing you a few of my faves:

Yes, my v-neck cashmere sweater collection is threatening to take over my bedroom. But this delicious Magaschoni version in that stunning jade green is calling to me. ($95, was $198)

And speaking of classics that never go out of style, this cap sleeve knit dress (also by Magaschoni) is begging to be my new LBD. It’s so very Audrey…just the thing for those of you that like a more conservative style in your cocktail attire. ($198, was $498.)

I am really feeling the Botkier love this season – their pieces get better every time I look. This Botkier open-toed heel defies all my rules – normally, the peep toe bootie makes me crazy – but I somehow adore these. Plus, they’re perfect for a fall transition – add a colored tight for some interest, or stick with solid black to create a long, lean line. ($149, was $298.)

And, speaking of Botkier, their crossbody bags this season were especially wonderful, and now my two favorites are on sale. It’s hard to choose between that bright red Charlotte ($191, was $318) or the Isla in tarnished gold ($263, was $438)…they’re both perfect for summer, but the Isla is just begging to carry you into fall.

Last but not least, button-down shirts are a new staple of mine. Maybe I’m more in the mood to dress up these days, or I just finally, finally tired of my old tee-and-cardigan standby look. If you’re feeling it too, there are a dozen excellent options on sale…most under $100. So, so hard to narrow down the field!

See anything you can’t live without?

Have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend, everyone! I’m taking the hubs to his very first rodeo…I’m pretty excited about it. With plans to spend an entire day out in the sun, I couldn’t help thinking that it might be the perfect time to remind you to bust out your sunscreen this weekend…and, if it’s more than a year old, replace it!

A few of my favorites to slather on every 3-4 hours over the next few days:

From left: Clinique Sun SPF 50+ face cream, $18; Tocca SPF 30 sunscreen towelettes (bonus: they smell unbelievable!), $28; Phyto Plage L’Originale Protective Beach Spray, $22, and
Hair & Body Wash (both do amazing things for your hair, sun or not), $18.

See you back here Tuesday!

I can hardly believe that it’s nearly July 4…June has flown by in a sea of grey clouds and scattered showers here in Portland. But July means sun, so I’m optimistic! So much so that I’ve put together a few of my favorite swim looks for the summer…you know, just in case there’s some poolside lounging in your immediate future. Even if there’s not, this is the perfect time to nab a suit for a later date. Most swimwear sites are offering major discounts this week, including The Orchid Boutique, a personal favorite of mine.

Fair warning: I’m a fan of the one-piece suit, so you won’t see any bikinis in the mix. I like to leave a little to the imagination. And PS…why are most swimsuit modeling shots so ridiculous? That girl in the last shot is leaning on a table, holding a big pile of tulle. Which is, you know, the first thing I do when I put on a swimsuit. Anyway…on to the show!

1. A serious bargain find, and that longer, loose tankini top makes these stripes ultra-flattering. Plus, I do love a little ruffle trim. Lands’ End Canvas Summerland ruffle tankini: $39 top, $19 bottom (on sale)
2. For those of you looking for a little more support from your swimwear, I have to take a moment to gush about Panache (check them out at Figleaves or Bare Necessities). They make gorgeous, on-trend suits exclusively for the D+ set. I adore the slanted stripes on this “Lucille” style, which make it incredibly slimming, and that sweet button trim is icing on the cake! Panache “Lucille” striped tankini: $59 tankini top (or $92 for bikini top), $32 bottom (take 10% off with code MISSING)
3. Anything ikat makes me happy, but this particular version is slimming, and eliminates those tan lines on your shoulders. OndadeMar “Silk Butterfly” one-piece strapless w/detachable halter: $188 (take 25% off with code 4JULYSALE)
4. This simple black suit is so classic, and so perfectly cut, you’ll feel chic and thin even on your worst “I feel fat” day. Badgley Mischka “Draped” one-piece, $108 (take 20% off with code NEW20)
   
5. I can’t help it – this just screams summer to me. I love the wild blend of prints, and the simple, classic cut. Maaji Swimwear “Abstract Blow-Up” one-piece: $155 (take 25% off with code 4JULYSALE)

*All codes should be good through July 4 at least.

Have a poolside cocktail for me!

Oh, I am so ready for the weekend! True, working from home (and I use that “working” word oh so loosely) means I have a fair bit of bumming around time, but for some reason it doesn’t feel like a weekend until the hubs is home, bumming around right along with me. What kicks off the weekend for you?

I spent a little time playing over at EmersonMade this week, and managed to fall in love – just as I do every time I check their site. They have the perfect summer look down to a science – every piece makes me want to be sitting on a bench in a park somewhere (maybe Paris?), or playing tourist, wandering the streets of a faraway town. This simple red bicycle dress just screams summer, doesn’t it?

And speaking of dresses, I just saw that a new crop from Modaspia made their way to one of my favorite Portland shops: Una. Put this shop on your must-do-in-Portland list, ladies…it’s a good one. And don’t these simple linen dresses just make you want a vacation? If you can’t get here to buy in person, the lovely Giovanna owns the shop, and would be more than happy to ship one of these pretties to you.

Of course, to go with all these lovely dresses, I’m going to need some jewelry. I spotted this Ben-Amun enamel bangle in a magazine recently, and something about its chic simplicity is really calling to me. Also, the fact that it’s $80, but looks infinitely pricier doesn’t hurt.

And then there are these resin bangles from Marc by Marc Jacobs, which give me visions of vintage Bakelite jewelry, without the pricetag or the thrift-store hunts. Wouldn’t they be amazing stacked on your wrist to adorn that yellow Modaspia dress, above?

In case you haven’t found them yet, Topshop has a fabulous line of cosmetics. I got to try a few out recently, and they’re pretty wonderful, in fact. They’re fun-grade, so they’re not overly saturated, just light, easy to apply, and fun to wear. I’m oddly smitten with their new pale yellow “Bee’s Knees” nail polish (which you can only buy in-store…heartbreaking!), and this silvery eye crayon in Equinox from their new, limited edition Sandstorm collection, which has a barely-there shimmer you can wear all summer long. Plus, eyeshadow on a stick…what took so long? Application takes about 3 seconds, which even my lazy self can handle.

To go with all this summer color, I’m feeling the need for a very summery, easy-as-pie clutch to hold it all together. I’m sure I have mentioned these soft-as-silk leather pouches from Sammy before, but now they’re on sale, and every bit as lovely. I may finally need to take the plunge.

Wow, that is a list packed with summery goodness if ever I saw one. And with that, I’m off! I have promised the husband that I’d make him some caramels this weekend…what are you up to?