Nautical is always in for summer, but plain stripes on plain tees get old fast. The key to rocking this look through summer 2009 and beyond is to seek out stripes on tees with unexpected fabrics and fun stylistic flourishes. My favorite picks from a whole flock of hot tops in Striped Tops With a Twist are below (L-R):

Eco-Ganik Stripe Pocket Tank, Splendid White Rugby Stripe T-Shirt, BGD Scoopneck Tee

Summer is about simplicity. Layering too many accessories and products makes your look stuffy and over-done. Sticking with key trendy summer essentials allows you to keep the rest of your look laid-back and relaxed, the way summer should be. My favorite summer must-haves are shown below, but there are plenty of items in several other summer categories to shop through. Happy clicking!

See all: Yellow Purses, Coral Blushes, Cork Wedge Heels, White Jewelry, Braided Jewelry, Retro Sunglasses.

Shown above (L-R): Berbenno handbag in light yellow by ALDO, CORALista blush by benefit, Mely Wedge in Chocolate by BCBGirls, Braided Magnetic Cuff Bracelet by Accessories & Beyond, sunglasses by Forever21.

OTHER SUMMER ESSENTIALS:
(Basics so easy, you’ll rock them every day!)

Baggy Tees
Beach Totes
Bandeau Tops
Charm Bracelets
Havaianas Sandals
Bronzers
Sarongs
Loose Powder Makeup
Anti-Cellulite Products

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.

Key elements of hipster style have been cropping up in the wardrobes of self-proclaimed hipsters and non-hipsters alike this summer. I’ve noticed the “retro sunglasses, baggy shirt, graphic tee, skinny jean, fedora trend” has become increasingly popular among the urban chicks in the city. It’s a pretty laid-back style, so it’s smart for summer. What do you think about the hipster trend? Cool or wannabe?

Shown (L-R): Tear Us Apart by Kid Dangerous,  Viktor Osborne - Black Straw Feather Fedora, Carrie Sunglasses.

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.

I don’t know why, but it seems impossible to be in a gloomy mood when I wear yellow. Yellow’s said to instill optimism and energy while stimulating memory. No wonder I like it so much. Yellow is a great color to wear during the summer months and there’s a perfect shade of it for every skin tone. Yellow isn’t just a daytime color, either. It’s rare to see yellow rocked at night, but I think that’s what makes it even hotter! Pair some Canary Yellow Shoes from my buyer’s guide with a little black dress and some silver hoops and you’re good to go! Yellow Purses and Faux Canary Yellow Diamonds are hot too! I’m obsessed.
Shown: Cosa Sandal by Kelsi Dagger in Gold.

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

I’m not going to lie- the most I’ve ever seen of anything Star Trek is the preview for the 2009 version that came on before the movie I actually paid to go see. Just because I’m not a Trekkie, however, does not mean I don’t appreciate futuristic fashion! “Star Trek” premiered on the 8th of this month and Zoe Saldana looks like she rocked the role of Nyota Uhura (cute dress!). I created a Dress Like Nyota Uhura buyer’s guide with literal and non-literal versions of her style to inspire your everyday look or your Halloween costume (there’s an actual Nyota costume in the guide, if that’s what you’re in the market for). Have fun!

Shown: Charm Straight by TressAllure Hairpieces, Sterling Silver 9×17mm White FW Pearl Teardrop Earrings, and Urban Renewal Mixed Strip Knit Tunic.

Disney-Pixar’s Up is less than a month away from premiering (May 29th in Disney Digital 3-D)! If you liked Monster’s Inc., brace yourself: Up is directed by the same guy, Pete Docter. I have a feeling it’s going to be absolutely hilarious and completely darling. How could it not be? Duh, I’m obsessed with the characters already and, as you know, I’m always looking for an excuse to dress up. If you’re like me and/or you’re just super-excited for a new Pixar movie, you should check out my Dress Like Carl Fredricksen from Disney-Pixar’s UP shopping guide. This outfit’s great for opening night at the movies, Halloween, a Pixar theme party, or just for fun. Obviously, the main character is MALE, but the products in my guide are all women’s apparel and accessories (i.e. a pre-tied bow tie). It’s really cute, you’ll see.

See my other “Dress Like” guides at the links below. There’s definitely going to be more of these in the future! If you have any ideas for a fun character dress-up, let me know and I’ll shop for you!

Dress Like Coraline

Tim Burton-Esque

Robin Hood-Esque Fashion for Women