Can you believe it’s already August? It’s okay though, because that means my favorite season is almost here: FALL!! (The first day of Fall in the Northern Hemisphere this year is September 22 at 5:18 p.m.) In preparation for this crisp, bright, leafy, rainy, glorious time of year, I created an Autumn Essentials list, chockablock full of products (clocks, silverwear, apparel, art, etc.) to help get you in the spirit. In honor of Halloween, the list currently contains 31 items, but I’m sure there will be more as the autumn months get closer, so keep checking back! Cool stuff shown above (L-R): Puckered Canvas Bag, 23 Inch Roulette Clock, Narration Booties, Lipmann Collection Nail Color in Dark Side of The Moon, Gladiator Bird, Raven, Wire Spun Candelabra, Viceroy Velvet Curtain.

This weekend I found that one only needs two things to spice up her reliable old pal (a.k.a. the LBD). A pair of brightly colored pumps and a coordinating clutch instantly update your fave black dress and pack much punch for a night on the town. Easy as 1, 2, 3. Literally: shoes, purse, dress. DONE! Maybe throw on some hoops and a ring for an extra special occasion Check out Clutch and Pumps on Kazowie to see some sexy shoes and their matching clutch counterparts.

I love the way Posh dresses. Granted, she goes a little overboard with the short-shorts and 4-inch heels for a walk with her family, but she always looks chic. You gotta love the attitude! I particularly love this outfit because she pairs her usual body-hugging top, oversized sunglasses, and sky-high shoes with a crisp, flowy-A line pleated Azzedine Alaia dress with sheer stripes. Copy her look for WAY less with the affordable pieces in the Victoria Beckham’s Classay Style buyer’s guide on Kazowie. Supes cute outfit for work and play!

Your fave cotton plaid shirt just became wearable again. When paired with the right outfit, a long-sleeve button down p-shirt can go from day. . . to night (believe it or not). My shopper’s mag suggested pairing the p-shirt with a pair of shorts and a white tank. I saw a girl rocking this look today on my way to the office and it works. I want a p-shirt now! Check out The Plaid Shirt for a way cute p-shirt to treat yourself to and some pieces to pair with it by day and night.

Tie-Dye still hasn’t gone out of style. This is probably due to the fact that it’s been given a complete makeover from its traditional rainbow swirls to chic, subtle designs on flattering garments  and sexy shoes. I went shopping online to find you the hot summer tie-dye looks and their affordable counterparts, so this summer, you can rock the look without breaking the bank! You can find all of these items in my Mad About Tie-Dye shopper’s list on Kazowie. Peace, Love, & Shopping!

Mad About Tie-Dye

My summer theme song by Sam Sparro, titled “Black and Gold,” inspired me to create some style guides that are sure to have you looking like the chic-est beauty at the beach this year. ‘Black and gold’ is very old-school gaudy glam and of course my motto for wearing it is, “go big or go home.” I love the look of black and gold swimwear paired with huge chunky jewelry to match. It’s over the top, but it works. (Hey, atleast I’m not suggesting that you finish off the look with some gold lame’ stilettos for your next game of beach volleyball!) The suits are sexy and the jewelry’s affordable, so be sure to check out both lists of products for a new sexy look for this season. My fave: gold cuff bracelets on each wrist. Hottt!

Suit: Black by Despi 2009
Cuff: Dereon Mini Fleur de Lis Leather Cuff

I’m very picky when it comes to my shoes - that’s why I don’t own many pairs. This past weekend, however, I decided to go on a mission for a pair of ballet flats (I’ve never owned any, do you believe it?!) and discovered a designer that manufactures shoes in exactly my style: Sam Edelman. I picked up tons of shoes to try on and the majority of them were made by this 5-year old company that I wish I’d discovered earlier. I not only found ballet flats, I also snagged some ankle strap sandals and some grey vintagey t-strap heels!

Shown above (L-R): Ilsa Round-toe Flats,  Gracie Ankle Tie Thong Sandal, Oceana Sandal, Sahara Sandal.

Sam Edelman somehow finds the perfect balance when combining glam details (metallics, bright colors, ankle straps, studs, bows, snakeskin) with natural accents (wooden buckles, button ornaments, stones, embroidery) on shoes that are actually COMFORTABLE. I’m such a fan of this style-merging technique because shoes that can dress an outfit up and down give their wearer the most bang for her buck. You’re going to love these shoes if you don’t already. Check out my top Sam Edelman picks here.

SHOP THESE HOTTIE SHOES NOW!

When I purchased a pair of black Anna Flats from Bakers, I had no idea that my new summer obsesh fest had begun. I was initially shopping for a pair of slouchy ankle booties on sale, but instead found a strappy elastic black sandal with brown heel and back zipper that matched perfectly with my tulip dress with elastic waist band. HEAVEN! I ended up wearing these shoes, rain or shine, with pants, leggings, skirts, and dresses all around New York City. Elastic strap shoes, whether heels or flats, are supes versatile, especially in every woman’s fave color, black! These kicks will be your new best friend this summer and well into fall. Trust.

Wear these puppies with: SEXY STRIPES, PUFFY TANK DRESSES, & TULIP SKIRTS!

Shown above (L-R): Anna Flats by Bakers, Ransomm Sandals by Steve Madden, Elastic Ankle Wrap Sandal with White Cut Wedge by Proenza Schouler.

I can’t get enough shoes. If you’ve read any of my posts over the past year, you probably know this-  75% of my posts are about shoes. We had to start a rule in the house that entails the removal of one pair of shoes if another is to enter the household. It’s a rough life.

I’m completely smitten over the crazy new shoes that are appearing on the runway as well as in the streets. The search for the best shoe this season ends at this Jeffrey Campbell Unicorn Princess Shoe: Ruffles.  Unicorn Heel. Gold. Amazing.

Another one at the top of my list is the Industry Leather Wedge, available in teal at Modcloth.com and beige at 80’s Purple.

And of course, not to be left out are the following (from left to right): Marc Jacobs’ Salmon Velvet, Proenza Schouler Peep-Toe Heel, The Casadei Suede Slingback with Horn Heel,  and the Tapeet by Vicini. Also amazing.

Check out more Serious Shoes here

A summer trend that I’m noticing popping up everywhere is the not-so-nautical stripe, in black, grey, and white shades. These summer stripes are often unevenly spaced, irregularly sized, and sometimes distributed over a garment in varying directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal). I like these stripes on loose, faded pieces that fall perfectly and nonchalantly, such as the Grey/Black Stripe Ripped Knot Tee by Obesity and Speed and the Border Tie-Dye Short Sleeve V-Neck by C&C California, shown below (L-R).

My Summer Stripe Trend guide contains tons of unique pieces (tops, dresses, purses, shoes, etc.) that take nautical to the dark side, which means these stripes will carry you from day to night and from summer to fall.

Also pictured (above, L-R): Striped Crop Top by Charlotte Russe, Lela Rose for Payless Brinley Ribbon Pump, and Varigated Striped Tight by Urban Outfitters.