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.

I’m keeping it classy with My End-of-July Finds. Everything that is appealing to me today has a vintage-chic, rose-colored feel to it (or has rhinestones on it, duh). I must be getting into the Fall vibe. . . And cocktail coasters are cracking me up! Peep these hot picks and see my other July Finds here. What do you think?

July Finds (L-R): Oh My God Coaster, Lula Hoop Scarf Kit, Bear Shits Coaster, Fossil “Candy” Frame Cents Coin Purse, Cocktail Now Coaster, Rose Bouquet Earrings, Bling Bottle Opener, Tree Owl Lamp, Wildfox Malibu Girl Sweatshirt.

Don’t forget to vote on today’s poll

What Do We Think of Halle’s Potato Sack Look?

That top is a bad move, girl!!
OR
I love potato sacks, especially ones with Halle Berry in them!

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.

The Bobble Detail Scarf is pumping me up!

The little bobble details on this scarf are reminiscent of grapes and this accessory is just as scrumptious. Try the neckwear in Bubblegum Pink, Oatmeal, or Lime (among other colors. My fave for fall is Duck Egg, a charcoalish blue, shown above). Shop tons of Fun Scarves for Fall and start rockin’ your new stole ASAP!

Also above, from left to right, Curiosity 16 Scarf by Swash, DVF Warhol Scarf by Diane von Furstenburg,  Cockaigne Scarf by Lin Beeser, and Fringed Jersey Scarf from Topshop.

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.

July always seems like one of those months that starts off with a bang (no pun intended) and ends far too quickly. In the aftermath of the bright, patriotic colors of 4th of July celebrations, I`m seeing trends already moving into fall, with muted/neutral colors, pinks and greys, romantic ruffles and florals, tons of flats, boots, and oxfords, and lots of delicate jewelry, i.e. watch pendants and antique key necklaces. (See The Secret Garden shopper’s guide for this romantic look.)

Fashion is always several steps ahead, but my advice is to enjoy your sandals and sarongs while you can. Keep your eyes peeled for the hot fall finds, but don’t let the summer pass you by while you shop! See My July Finds for products that are catching my eye this month. New items will be added all the time, so keep checking back to scope the unique goodies I find.

Shown above (L-R): Christopher Kane Chimp jersey T-shirt, zipper hoops, whispy feather wallet, strapless smocked floral jumpsuit, TokyoMilk scented bubble bath.

SHOP MICHAEL JACKSON’S STYLE NOW!

Yesterday, people of all ages from around the world celebrated and mourned the tragic and unexpected passing of the King of Pop. Radio stations filled the airwaves with the familiar sounds of MJ’s famous beats. Everyone listened to their old favorites with a new ear and deeper appreciation for the genius behind the hits. A grief counselor called a radio station that I was listening to on the ride home from work. She was surprised at how much Michael Jackson’s passing was affecting her emotionally and was close to tears remembering the time she got to touch the hand of the most talented entertainer that ever graced a stage. For so many, Michael’s name is a household one, and his death had fans feeling as if they’d lost a close friend.

I will always admire Michael’s signature style and the way he could pull off such over-the-top-looks so effortlessly, as if a jacket, pants, glove, and shoes completely covered in sequins were as ordinary as a t-shirt and jeans. But what I envy most was his ability to establish these looks as his own. The glove, the hat, the armband, the jacket. That’s Michael. He will always be an inspiration to those aspiring to discover and establish their own personal style. As a tribute to the iconic celebrity’s innovative flair, I created a style guide of all things Michael, with some literal and some more modern takes on Michael’s trademark adornments, which represent the self-expression of a beloved pop legend. I love you, Michael!!

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

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.