CASUALLY CHIC 

Now that we're truly into the summer months and casual-wear abounds, it's important to remember that casual does not mean "sloppy". Here are some great tips for looking casually chic at your summer BBQ or while running errands, etc....

MAXI-DRESSES AND LONG SKIRTS are easy-to-wear summer style. Try topping them with a little cardi or jean jacket if the weather turns breezy or cool. They work equally well with sandals or wedges, depending on their length. A long skirt can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. If you're shorter in stature, opt for the lengthening column of the maxi-dress instead of the long skirt, which tends to break the flow of the eye from top to bottom.

JEANS work great year-round of course, whether in a classic wash, in white, or in one of the many available colored versions for summer. Try rolling up the hems just above the ankles for a different look with your sandals or wedges.

CITY SHORTS (i.e. shorts in a length just above the knee) are a great way to upgrade a casual look, especially if you combine them with a jacket in a light-weight fabric, such as linen. Pop on some coordinating accessories and you've got a chic casual-Friday look for the office.  

BRIGHTLY COLORED TOPS AND TEES are fresh and uplifting for the season. You can find some inexpensive, but stylish, versions that will look great with jeans, shorts, or skirts. Combine them with a statement necklace and a stack of bracelets and you've got a totally pulled-together look with very little effort.