The Glam Kaftan

This summer take a break from your good ol' maxi dress and set your sights on something with a little more glam to it. The caftan is a magical, elegant, flowing garment made of luscious printed cotton or silk which instantly transforms the wearer into a truly ethereal creature. The Middle Eastern inspired garment is oh-so versatile and makes for a way to beat the heat in style. The kaftan looks great when dressed up for an evening or as a beach cover-up. The breezy summer piece can be worn almost any time or anywhere. Think beach, spa, night on the town, or mid-summer getaway.

A summer kaftan is the way to be ready for all eventualities from morning to late evening. It works perfectly for the beach matched with a bikini and a maxi bag, but can also be used as a stylish outfit for a party during the evening, worn with wedges and finished off with a clutch.

For day, wear a kaftan around town with a thick leather belt of skinny jeans. If you are petite, you will be able to pull off the kaftan dress look. Just make sure the garment is not too short to avoid showing a little too much. Depending on the length, you can wear wedges or flats.

Kaftans are pretty and exotic and can take you from the beach to an elegant summer dinner. Experiment with different materials such cotton, silk or linen. Each fabric holds a different style and look.

All in the Jeans

For some, they can't get enough. For other, it's their worst nightmare...denim! We love to hate all the different style of denim that are on the fashion scene. With so many options, it's difficult to know if your direction is skinny, bootcut, or flared. Jean shopping can be a truly mind-boggling experience. At times it seems this closet staple seems to complement everything...except our physique. Here's the SKINNY on the perfect style for you.

Minimize your Midsection: The rise of the jean is important. Choose a mid-rise that will draw attention to your natural waist instead of your hips. A little stretch goes a long way, gravitate towards a high cotton, denim without all the stretch. The cotton classics won't cling and you will be able to avoid the dreaded muffin top! Avoid buttons or embellishments at the front pocket.

A Slimming Effect: A darker wash is the way to go to look picture perfect. Generally, a straight-legged that is slightly form fitting or a trouser complements a fuller figure.

Counteract Curves - If you are pear-shaped, it is most important to choose a fit that is a little higher on the hips and over the rear to keep you covered. Steer clear of anything super tapered to create an overall balance which helps keep your hips looking slim and streamlined.

Thin Thigh Illusion: A flare can counterbalance your proportion and draw the eye down. Believe it or not a skinny jean can create this illusion as well. A darker wash is more forgiving and paired with a non-fitted top will again, draw the eyes down taking the attention off your thighs.

Add Umph: If you have a boyish figure and you crave curves, have no fear. A slight bootcut or flare will create a curvier silhouette from top to bottom. Pay attention to detail. Denim with zipper pockets on the upper thighs will draw attention outward to round you out. A detailed back pocket will also give a flat bottom some dimension. Avoid the boyfriend jean.

Got the Blues

Do you find yourself scanning your closet and finding a plethora of black? We all fall in the trap. Black is an easy, neutral color to wear, so when in doubt we buy a black dress, black pants, or a black top. It is slimming and easy to match. I'd like to let you in on a little secret; blue is almost just as simple! It is easy to pair and looks good on the majority of skin tones, hair and eye colors. What are you waiting for? Get the blues!

Many designers looked into the water and sky for inspiration this season and translated these themes onto the runway with pretty cloud prints, varying shades of blue and fluid fabrics. Currently trending is cobalt blue. It is bright, bold and guaranteed to get you noticed. Going with cobalt for your 9-5, choose one piece such as a top or skirt and pair it with a neutral white or black. It is sophisticated but still fun for the office. Take a traditional turn on blue with a softer edge by combining the blue with white. This print combination makes for an easy breezy summer frock. It complements an olive skin tone as well as porcelain skin. If you are convinced that blue isn't for you. Stick to tried and true denim. You can't go wrong with a medium wash denim pant or short. This is the easiest of the blue family to match. Literally, you can get away with almost any color of the rainbow with denim.

If you are worried about skin tone, keep in mind that lighter shades tend to complement darker skin tones and a deeper blue looks perfect on lighter tones. If you are sun-kissed, gravitate towards teal, sky blue. If you haven't made it to the pool this summer, try a navy or royal blue. The color of the season; cobalt will work on almost all tones!

Ease yourself into the trend with stand-out blue accessories. Bags, shoes and even socks in the bright blue all pack  real sartorial punch. Find your hue in blue this summer!