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 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.

With airline prices as inexpensive as they’ve been these days, many are opting to take mini vacations to get a little sightseeing and relaxation in. If you’re planning a trip, studying abroad, or if you’re someone who travels regularly, I’ve done some online window shopping for products that will help make your next trip organized, stress-free, and stylish. Some of my favorite travel items are shown below. To see a full list of stylish, functional, and affordable travel products, click on one of the categories here:

Cool Passport Holders
Neck Support Pillows
Portable Massagers
Sleek Laptop Bags
Toiletry Bags for the Serious Traveler
Travel Shoe Bags

Shown (l-r): Samsonite Double Comfort Travel Pillow with Pouch, Shoe Bags by PB Travel, Travelon Nylon Hanging Toiletry Kit, Checkpoint Friendly Quick Pass Adjustable Laptop Protector, Homedics PM-R2 Handheld Massager.

Whenever I see someone wearing a top with a unique and sexy design or cut on the back, I always stop to ask her where she got it. The person usually replies with the name of a foreign country, to which I reply, “Figures. It’s super hot!” But I think these types of tanks are unique, sexy, and necessary additions to any chic chick’s wardrobe, especially for summer. So, I went in search for some Black Tanks With Sexy Backs that I don’t need to travel across the world to purchase. Check ‘em out.

Shown - from left: Kimchi Blue Lace T Back Halter, Silence & Noise Swirl Tank, and Silence & Noise Leather Back Applique Tank.

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

Cork bottom sandals are my new favorite look for spring. They are super versatile and can be worn for casual occasions with jeans as well as with dresses for fancier outings. I especially LOVE cork bottom wedges like you see here:

Clockwise from left to right: Stuart Weitzman Attire Wedge, Nigel by Michael Kors, Bette Buff on Cork by Kork-Ease, McGraw Sling by Michael Kors, Enzo Angiolini Gild Sandal.

Check out more Cork Bottom Wedges

Country crooner, Sheryl Crow’s clothing line, Bootheel Trading Co., named after Missouri’s “boot heel” region where she was born, is all about casual, vintage comfort.

Shown (from left): Printed Tee, Vest, ‘Nashville’ Jeans, and Tunic Blouse.

It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n roll, just like Sheryl. When I first saw the garments in the line, I must admit, I wasn’t too impressed. When I saw that the clothes are eco-friendly and supes afforable, I took a closer look. I picked out a few pieces that seemed to represent the collection as a whole and added them to my Sheryl Crow Clothing Line buyer’s guide on Kazowie. The (stretch!) denim jeans have piping on the rear and cute back-pocket accents that are sure to make anyone’s gluteus maximus look bootylicious. I think this line defines casual summer chic and would look great with a piece or two of Lucky Brand Jewelry. Don’t you think?

Shown (from left): Bootheel Trading Co. ‘Missouri’ Jeans, Lucky Brand Jewelry: Peace Cuff, Carved Hoop Silver Earrings, Double Gold Chain Necklace, and Carved Gold Bangle.

For some of us, swimsuit season has already begun. For those who haven’t found the time yet to pick out a new suit to strut around in, I’ve done the work for you! I’ve been keeping an eye out for hot swimwear for the past couple of months and have complied a number of different buyer’s guides that I hope will help you choose your perfect suit for this summer!

Free People Swimsuits are natural, colorful, feminine, and boho-chic.
Retro Swimsuits are making a comeback. Highlight your figure in a one or two-piece vintage suit.
Basic Black Bikinis will never fail you! I promise!
One-piece Cutout Swimwear is sexy and sophisticated. Pile on sunscreen to avoid awkward tanlines!
Sexy Swimsuits come in all shapes and cuts, so you won’t want to overlook this shopper’s guide.

Shown (from left): Sailor Jane Nautical Swimsuit, Solar Orbit Bikini, Monokini by Sauvage, Cheetah by Sauvage, and Melissa Odabash Wood-Link Halter Bikini.

SHOP RAINBOW NOW!

I should take my own advice and spice up my majorly monotone wardrobe with some kaleidoscope-inspired pieces. If I truly believe the theory that color affects mood, I should probably quit wearing so much black and look into some more colorful clothing options. The rainbow-colored garments, jewelry, and accessories in my Add Some Rainbow buyer’s guide are the perfect solution for those looking to brighten up not only their wardrobes, but their attitudes as well!

Pictured (clockwise from left): Totes Jumbo Stripe Umbrella Rainbow, Carnival Print Strap Dress,  Beaded Wire Hoop Earrings, Longchamp ‘Xlight Imprime’ Vertical Nylon Tote, Braided Mosaic Bead Cuff.

Plaid is not for everyone (plaid reminds me of my dad’s work shirts) but I love how many different kinds of plaid there are: tartan, gingham, argyle, madras. And depending on what colors and material, plaid pieces can have a completely different look and feel from one another. There is definitely a huge difference between a light, summery cotton plaid and a heavy wool plaid. I don’t think that plaid ever technically goes out of style, but it happens to be super hot at the moment and I’m pretty sure that its here to stay well into the fall.

Jump start your summer and pick up some TOMS Shoes* in a plethora of plaid slip-ons.

From Modcloth.com, comes a pretty little sleeveless number, The Rise Over Run Top and Urban Outfitters has quite a few cute summery pieces, including the Plaid Smocked Tube Top,  the Plaid Shirt Tie  Tunic and the Chambray and Plaid Tube Dress. Or from 80’s Purple, you can grab the sassy Roberta Oaks Georgie Dress. Check out some more hot Summer Plaid

*TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased. Get some!