Celebrate Summer!!!

Did we even have a Spring? Not really sure as all of the sudden it feels like summer but either way I am looking forward to this weekend and all the soiree's that are on my calendar. Whether it be poolside, at a barbeque, or an adult cocktail party, I will be sure to put my best fashion foot forward!
A great bathing suit is key to starting off the season and a cover up could be your best friend this summer. If you choose the right cover up, it can take you from the pool to the barbeque with the blink of an eye. I personally like to keep mine washable (3 kids in tow doesn't really warrant a sassy silk frock) but if you are attending an adults only party, you can get a little more fancy with the fabric. There are some great options for either occasion that you can then use as little summer dresses or over white denim for a later evening affair. Add some great jewelry, even a belt, and you have a whole new look.
Attending an affair that might warrant a summer dress? This is the perfect time to really make your summer statement. I love this Allison Parris dress. It can be super casual and chic with gold flats or espadrilles...add some great bangles or earrings and you are done. Even a little brown belt around the waist of the dress will dress it down even more. Dress it up with a cute pair of heels for a more formal occassion. Nude heels or a fun color would look great with the green.
Want my personal style tip...I love a simple and classic bathing suit with gold bangles (any bangles really that can get wet) and cute flip flops. Arrive in a great cover up that you throw on to run to the club or snack stand or when it gets a little chilly and you are sure to be the most stylish one there.

Its All About the Bag

I truly believe that a bag can make or break an outfit. You could be wearing jeans and a t-shirt and a great bag and look totally stylish and pulled together but the wrong bag with the same outfit could say something all together different. This weekend, Hysteria will host a trunkshow with New York handbag designer Michelle Vale. I can't sing the praises loud enough for Michelle Vale's handbag collection. Her collection is simple and chic and totally sophisticated. They are super stylish without being overt and I love a bag that doesn't have a huge logo on it that screams how much you paid for it. There is something to be said for owning your style without everyone having to know what you paid for "said" style. The best part is that most of the bags are convertible from shoulder, to cross body to clutch and the hardware on the bags is interchangable from gold to silver. I carry the uber chic shopping tote as does Alicia and can't seem to swith it out...ever! Believe me I have tried to change it up but my tote goes with EVERYTHING. It is super transitional and multifunctional. With three kids in tow at all times, it is the quentissential carry all without looking like I am carrying a diaper bag around. Her totes are favorites of celeberities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz and Kate Beckinsale and have also been used multiple times on Gossip Girl.
If you haven't yet heard of Michelle Vale, you should definitely take notice. She is a hardworking mother of two who loves fashion but totally understands juggling between motherhood and looking great. She is currently working on her Spring 2012 collection, a very exciting collaboration with a highly coveted jean brand, and an amazing documentary about designers that are committed to making their products in Manhattan which will be released this Fall.
Michelle will be joining us on Thursday evening for a Sip and Shop and discussion about style and transition, and will also be at the store to show her collection on Friday and Saturday. If you are interested in coming to the private shopping night, please call the store to reserve your spot. See ya there!