Looking hot this summer is no sweat. This year's cool clothes range from long frocks that rock, to appliques that put a new spin on finger-painting. And although wedges and platform high heels are touted, they cannot defeat the gladiator sandal in the summer shoe showdown.
The returning champion from past seasons has been training in the glamour gym. The look of the airy sandal has been beefed up, thanks to embellishments. Jeweled details add shine and elegance to the sandal, and oh-so-hot fringe creates movement. Gladiators become more edgy when crumpled fabric falls on the ankle. Neutrals, metallics and reptile skins anchor the touches.
A favorite pairing of fashion gurus is the gladiator with the maxi dress for a Greek goddess look. Not only is the marriage aesthetically pleasing, but practical. The hem of maxi could get caught on a stiletto heel.
Statement jewelry punctuates outfits this summer.
A favorite of the season is the bold, colorful necklace. With neutral pieces in this summer mix, designs saturated in vivid blues, greens, yellows, reds and purples have the perfect backdrops to pop. The hues paint flowers, pearls, faceted and rough stones (faux and semiprecious) and geometrics. The trinkets hang from gold, silver and black metal. There are even jewel-encrusted bib styles tied on with a ribbon. Wood, shell and horn interpretations speak to the tribal influence.
Nails can be accessories, too. One of the hottest ways to decorate them is with appliques. There is a lot of buzz about OPI's Chic Prints for Nails Design Appliques for Sephora. The rub-on update created by Minx is an alternative to in-salon appliques loved by stars like Beyonce and Katy Perry. Chic Prints veneers come in eight patterns, from animal prints to black-and-white lace. Each package contains 16 precut strips, which should be applied to clean, unpolished fingernails or toenails. Once on, they are trimmed with a file.
The maxi dress, the chic little dress with a long hemline, is a big deal this season. The piece is a favorite of such Hollywood fashionistas as Eva Longoria, Angelina Jolie and Nicole Ritchie.
The appeal of the maxi is that it's easy, cool and oh-so ladylike.
The maxi dress isn't exactly new to the fashion world. To create freshness for 2010, designers have adorned it with a variety of prints, from lovely floral to earthy tribal ones. The dress is usually done in cotton, which can be shaped into a T-shirt version, and linen, which is a natural for a spaghetti-strapped or haltered sundress. Also look for silk and chiffon versions, which lend themselves to summer-wedding wear.
The most important feature of the dress is its length. A proper maxi should be no shorter than ankle-grazing. A floor-sweeping style has an ethereal feel, creating a floating effect.
CONTRIBUTE TO THIS STORY
