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.

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.

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.

It’s official. I’m obsessed. It was love at first sight.

Dooney & Bourke always makes hot, classy purses, right? But the Toggle Bag seems to stand out from the rest of the summer newbies. It’s a soft, white leather messenger bag with brown rolled up leather toggles and navy triangle accents stitched to the front with yellow thread. Hot.

SHOP NEW DOONEY HERE!

The only thing that makes it look like a traditional D&B purse is the signature blue ducky silver purse charm. Otherwise, it’s totes fresh, simple, and new, which makes it the perfect summer purse for ‘09! Holla.

SHOP SLASHED LEGGINGS NOW.
We all know trends get recycled, and slashing your pantalones up to make a fashion statement is nothing new. But this does not mean that the stripped, ripped, and thrashed black leggings of 2009 aren’t supes sexy and chic-ly risque. I have yet to see a non-celeb rocking “slashed-up-to-there” leggings (which makes me want to get a pair even more! Trendsetterrrr!), but I’m sure this fad will spread faster than the swine flu, especially among the teens and early twenty-somethings who are growing tired of their plain old leggings. Zzzz!

Shown: 1. LnA Olivia Thrashed Gathered Bottom Leggings in Noir, 2. LnA Ripped Zipper Leggings in Flat Black, 3. David Lerner Ripped Leggings, 4. Leyendecker Kerouac Ripped Leggings.

Click here to see more hot slashed leggings!

Wear with: a baggy t-shirt.
Click here to shop Baggy Tees.

I’m not one who religiously reads her horoscope. Nor am I someone who takes her daily star reading 100% seriously. I do, however, freak out when my horoscope describes my current life situation to a T (which has happened more than once). And, as cliché as it may sound, I think it’s a cute idea to give zodiac-themed birthday gifts to friends (especially since there are so many ridiculously cute/unique/designer accessories to choose from these days).

My faves right now are the Zodiac Constellation Cuffs by Jessica Kagan Cushman, shown below. Who wouldn’t want to rock this definite conversation-starter? Be sure to check out my other astrologically-themed buyer’s guides full of all 12 signs worth of cute Zodiac jewelry: Zodiac Hoop Earrings, Hello Kitty Zodiac Designer Jewelry, and FettY Zodiac Necklaces.

American Idol has brought Paula Abdul renewed fame from her days as a pop singer in the early 90’s. She has, as of late, debuted a new jewelry line, called Forever Your Girl, Jewelry, Handbags, and Accessories.

Shown (clockwise, from left): Shimmer & Shine Versitile - Coin 40″ Lariat Necklace, Signature Pave Pendant 28″ Necklace with Signed Photo, and Finale Flower Explosion Ring.

I have learned that this is not Ms. Abdul’s first line of jewelry, as she released one in 2006, as well. The 2009 collection, however, features more modern, glamorous earrings, rings, bracelets, handbags, and more. One of the necklaces in my guide also includes a free autographed photograph of Paula.

Serena Williams also has a jewelry line out on HSN, called Signature Statement, which seems, in many ways, very much like Paula’s. I don’t know whose I prefer! See both jewelry lines back-to-back before you vote:
Click here for Serena’s jewelry.
Click here for Paula’s line.

Click here to vote on whose line YOU’RE  more likely to wear jewelry from, Serena’s or Paula’s.

Since Victoria Beckham has been spotted on several occasions wearing basically the same travel outfit from head to toe, everyone’s accusing her of committing a major faux pas. She was spotted in New York on May 3rd wearing Christian Louboutin pumps, Balmain military leather jacket, Stella McCartney skinny jeans, a HUGE Hermes handbag, and the Loewe chauffeur hat and again yesterday at Heathrow in the same duds (too bad Coraline rocked the chauffeur look first! See: Dress Like Coraline).

Hmm, doesn’t seem like the most comfortable outfit to sit on a plane for 10 hours in, but she can pretty much do whatever she wants - she’s Posh Spice. And it’s not like she doesn’t have infinity pieces of designer apparel in her wardrobes. She could’ve easily rocked a different outfit, but she didn’t want to. I won’t hold it against her for wearing her fave clothes more than once. See my Dress Like Victoria Beckham style guide for Posh’s designer pieces and their affordable counterparts.

SHOP GIRL FEDORAS NOW.
SHOP GUY FEDORAS NOW.

Summer is quickly approaching. And if you’re planning a trip to So-Cal or any otherwise “hip,” young, warm-weather destination, I’d advise that you don’t let yourself be caught dead without a slick new fedora atop your head. Whether you’re a chick or dude, I’ve got you covered with my hip hat picks for guys and girls on Kazowie. Happy hat hunting!

On her: San Diego Hat Company Paper-Straw Fedora
On him: Hats by Coal The Layne Hat