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Office Style: The Grey Line of Business Casual for Summer

Summer season calls for carefree looks and lightweight clothing, but if you’re adhering to a business casual dress code this season, you’ll need to exercise some discretion over the season’s hottest trends. Summer fashion trends include short minidresses, cropped pants and halter tops designed to show off your tan and keep you cool, but most of these pieces won’t even make the cut for your business casual wardrobe.

Stock up on linen pants that you can press for a pulled-together look. Linen pants in darker colors are a great substitute for your usual black office pants and skirts, and can create a semi-professional look when you pair them with a fitted blouse. Just make sure they’re clean and pressed, and wear a pair of ballet flats or closed-toe shoes to complete the ensemble.

For tops, try some of the season’s loose and billowy caftan or dolman sleeve blouses . These work especially well with a pair of cropped pants that fall below the knee – the perfect business casual office look! These tops will keep you relaxed, and give you that playful summer look without breaking the dress code.

If you prefer to wear a skirt, look for the frock-inspired skirts and pair it with a fitted blouse or V-neck tee for a cute and fun look. These skirts are great for summer, and can be paired with some closed-toe ballet flats or other closed-toe shoes to create a pulled-together look.

If your office dress code permits sleeveless tops, don’t think this means you can throw on the halter top or ruffled tank tops just yet. Sleeveless can still be conservative for the business casual setting if it’s a polo neck top, or a sleeveless vest that’s layered with a high-neck camisole or t-shirt. Be careful about how much skin you’re showing when you’re in the office environment, and stick with the more modest styles whenever you can.

It can be tricky to make sure you’re abiding by the company dress code over the summer season, but there are plenty of clothes and accessories that do make the cut for business casual. When you choose to wear linen pants, oversized blouses, and well-cut sleeveless tops, you can stay attuned to the season’s trends and enjoy a more relaxed look without breaking the rules!

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From the Runway to Your Closet: Asymmetrical Lines

One of the popular fashion trends that has been appearing on the runways are asymmetrical lines. Asymmetrical lines are basically any type of hem on a piece of clothing that is not the same as another part of the clothing. It could be a dress that falls longer on the one side or it could be a blouse that only has a strap on one shoulder. These types of clothing pieces have been seen on the fashion runways of Roberto Cavalli, Robert Rodriguez, and Vivienne Westwood to just name a couple of designers.

The runway fashion trend of asymmetrical lines is not strictly for the runway and model-type women. This fashion trend is actually a very wearable trend for all women. Having an asymmetrical hem on a shirt or dress may actually draw attention away from the waist and focus it on nicely toned arms or long legs.

An asymmetrical line can easily take an otherwise plain dress and turn into a show-stopping dramatic dress. It gives it the added touch to make it look more interesting, which can make you look more interesting. A one-shouldered blouse can easily be paired with a skirt or a pair of jeans and you can take it out for a night on the town, without showing too much skin.

It is actually rather easy to find pieces of clothing with asymmetrical lines as the fashion trend has also become a hit with the every-day average woman. If you want a cute, but still hot blouse to wear out for a night on the town in summer, try a one-shouldered blouse with a print, such as this one by Just Cavalli . If you are looking for more of a formal dress for a wedding or a fancy date night with your man, then consider a dress like this one from Vivienne Westwood . They are both easy and wearable styles that add drama and intrigue to your outfit.

Asymmetrical lines is a fashion trend that you are going to be seeing a lot of this summer.

Easy Fashion Tips: Neons & Neutrals for Spring

As spring officially gets underway, another hot 80’s fashion statement is making a comeback. Starting this season, it’s all about the neons. Expect to see neon in everything from pants and dresses to accessories. Shocking neon shades have been seen on the red carpet lately, on A-list celebs like Gossip Girl’s Taylor Momsen and singer Alicia Keys. So, what’s the best (and most foolproof) way to wear neon this season?

Everyone remembers the scary neon overload of the 80’s. Fortunately, it’s not just neons that are hot right now, but neon shades paired with neutrals, in any number of combinations. The result is a look that is both eye-catching and stylish. For instance, a black pantsuit with neon pink heels or a bright green dress with black, white or gray accessories all work well into this trend.

Dresses are an easy warm-weather way to wear neon in comfort. There are plenty of great dresses available in neon shades, such as the Ginger Orange Nevaeh Dress designed by Ezekiel. Eye-popping tops like the French Connection Prom Ruffle Top and bottoms like the Apple Bottoms Skinny Leg Pocket Pant in Sunflower are great ways to get in on this trend; just don’t over do it with more than one neon shade.

Are you looking for a really simple way to wear neon without spending a lot of cash? Wear accenting neons in the form of shoes, purses, jewelry, watches and hair accessories with the all black, white or gray outfits you probably already have. Take a monochromatic outfit and add some pizzazz to it with a brightly colored handbag like the Dooney & Bourke Sport Duck Purse . Or, add flare in other ways, with a funky necklace, watch or pair of shoes.

The return of the retro neons makes staying in style this season easy, and most of all, fun. Use these easy-to-follow tips to make the most of this Spring 2009 trend.

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From the Runway to Your Closet: The Jumpsuit Makes a Comeback

When you think of the word jumpsuit, the 80’s may come to mind, but believe it or not jumpsuits are all the rage in the fashion world. They are being seen on all the runways as well as on celebrities. Celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Beyonce, and Kate Bosworth have all been seen wearing jumpsuits, but you are not a celebrity nor a model walking down the runway. So, how you can sport this runway fashion trend without looking like you walked straight out of a Bangles music video?

Here are some things to remember when taking this fashion trend off the runway.

The jumpsuit actually gained popularity during last fall but with summer here, it has taken on some new variations with color and style. No longer will you just find all black jumpsuits, but there are ones in all colors and even patterns. If you are the daring type of person, you can pull off the zebra print jumpsuit, you just have to do know how to wear it and when to wear it. Something like a zebra print jumpsuit is best suited for events such as a night on the town or a cocktail party. It should be played up with a fancy belt along with some cute jewelry such as chunky bracelets or a big cocktail ring. Pair it with a high heeled pump or peep-toe shoes and you are ready for a night out. They key to this look is to look put together and not like a shapeless, potato sack.

Whether you are choosing the casual jumpsuit for running errands or the black dressy one for a cocktail party, you need to remember a couple key things. If the outfit has a voluminous top, you need to make sure that it is cinched in at the waist with a belt or tie on the jumpsuit. If it is not, it can look sloppy and make you look larger than you are. You can have some variation with the style of the pants. One fashion trend is pants with a tapered leg, while pants with a wide leg are also popular. Pick what suits your body the best.

If you are new to this fashion trend, you may want to stick to an all black jumpsuit like this one by Allen Schwartz .

Most Posh Hotels and Spas in the World: Tabacón Grand Spa & Thermal Resort, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for having the best of many different worlds all wrapped up in one small island in South America. While in Costa Rica you will find gorgeous beaches and warm blue waters, offering you a whole array of different opportunities for both exhilarating fun and relaxation. Some of the many water activities include kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, swimming, and more. As you travel more through Costa Rica you will also discover an abundance of Rainforests and wildlife refuges. You will want to plan ahead to secure an in depth tour of these natural wonders, especially if you are tight for time and money. If you do decide to trek through the Rainforest, knee-high waterproof boots are highly recommended to avoid ticks and other poisonous insect bites.

For those tourists that are looking to visit all the spectacular sights of Costa Rica, but also pamper themselves while at a few of the outstanding spas spread throughout the country, you should have no problem finding something to suit you. One of the most decadent and magical Spas in Costa Rica is Tabacón Grand Spa & Thermal Resort. Anyone looking for pampering will surely find what they’re looking for at this wonderful Spa and Resort.

Tabacón Grand Spa & Thermal Resort is located in Tabacón in the area of Arenal in Northern Costa Rica. The Spa’s location presents a nice break from the tourist packed beaches of Costa Rica, because it is in the center of the country.

The Spa is centered around the natural hot springs that provide a long list of health benefits to all who endeavor to use them. The Spa offers a host of different treatments and therapies to its guests, including massages, skin care treatments, mud therapies, and more. The accommodations at the Spa are extremely extravagant, and the restaurant will more than meet your expectations.

Easy Fashion Tips: Stylish & Put Together with One Easy Trick

When you’re out and about, at the metro station or at the mall, do you notice (and silently critique) what the women around you are wearing? Some people obviously threw whatever they could find on, while others try to look fashionable and never quite get there. On the endless spectrum of wardrobe interpretations, there is one fashion trick that makes almost any outfit look trendy – matching colors or accents. It may seem totally obvious, but think about it. When I see a woman in a turquoise blouse, and then notice turquoise-accented espadrilles or a beaded turquoise headband, my first thought is ‘wow, that looks sharp. I wish I had the time and money to pull that off’. Surprisingly, I’ve discovered it’s not as pricey as it looks. Most women have the cash to pull it all together with matching shoes and accessories – you just have to know where to look.

If you’re watching your budget, then know this: the matching shoes, headpieces, jewelry and purses don’t need to be expensive at all. The overall “put together” effect of the outfit is what people will notice. For instance, orange can be a hard color to pull off. But pair a hot top like the Nic & Zoe Wave Sheer Print Cardigan with the affordable Romantic Soles Snuggles in orange for $59.00, and you’ve got an outfit that looks far more expensive than it is. Jewelry is an even less expensive way to match up an outfit, since costume jewelry is cheap and can be bought to match any shade. For example, check out the Juicy Couture Brushed Jersey Pant can be matched with the Goorin Brothers Ribeye Hat in pink for just $36.00.

So next time you’re looking to make an impression, don’t max out your credit card. Just match up the colors you love with affordable accessories for a look that outlasts the trends.

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Celebrity Style Mashup: Lauren Conrad + Georgina Sparks

Fashion designer and soon-to-be former star of The Hills, Lauren Conrad, aka L.C., has a sweet and fashion-forward style. Her wardrobe reflects her fit body, but does not reveal too much. L.C. is the good girl, who won’t be caught on a Don’t list. Mash up that good girl style of Lauren with the bad girl style of Gossip Girls’ Georgina Sparks, as played by Michelle Trachtenberg.

Blue is the Summer Black
Both fictional Georgina Sparks and real life Lauren Conrad embrace blueberry blue. Blueberry blue is the new black, for summer months. Blue accessories including bright blue bangles as worn by Lauren or a fashionable blue scarf as worn by Georgina

Cami Dress and Black Booties
Combine a sweet Cami dress , a style which is flattering on and popular with Lauren, and it can be worn with a pair of bad girl Georgina Sparks peep toe booties with high heels. The black heels give the dress and edge. Add a long 1920’s inspired necklace.

Rough Up the Dress
A sleeveless leather coat a la Georgina Sparks can be worn, long or cropped for more attitude, with classic Lauren Conrad separates. Combine a layered skirt that lands above the knees, with a body-hugging top. If the skirt does not have a pronounced waist, add a belt.

Bejeweled
Lauren Conrad often lets her outfit speak for itself, and does not layer her jewelry. Georgina Sparks, on the other hand knows the importance of making a strong statement with rings and things. Make a strong statement with a cobra or snake ring or arm bracelet, and wear it with a graphic t-shirt and pair of slinky jeans. Layer different styles and lengths of beaded necklaces.

Sugar and Spice
Sweeten a Georgina Sparks outfit with a touch of pink to an outfit of black or gray. Or start with a pink top and add black jeans and a gray scarf. Soften the outfit a bit more with some open-toed heels and a surprise of pink toenail polish.

View 469687438's profile

Celebrity Style Mashup: Lauren Conrad + Georgina Sparks

Fashion designer and soon-to-be former star of The Hills, Lauren Conrad, aka L.C., has a sweet and fashion-forward style. Her wardrobe reflects her fit body, but does not reveal too much. L.C. is the good girl, who won’t be caught on a Don’t list. Mash up that good girl style of Lauren with the bad girl style of Gossip Girls’ Georgina Sparks, as played by Michelle Trachtenberg.

Blue is the Summer Black
Both fictional Georgina Sparks and real life Lauren Conrad embrace blueberry blue. Blueberry blue is the new black, for summer months. Blue accessories including bright blue bangles as worn by Lauren or a fashionable blue scarf as worn by Georgina

Cami Dress and Black Booties
Combine a sweet Cami dress , a style which is flattering on and popular with Lauren, and it can be worn with a pair of bad girl Georgina Sparks peep toe booties with high heels. The black heels give the dress and edge. Add a long 1920’s inspired necklace.

Rough Up the Dress
A sleeveless leather coat a la Georgina Sparks can be worn, long or cropped for more attitude, with classic Lauren Conrad separates. Combine a layered skirt that lands above the knees, with a body-hugging top. If the skirt does not have a pronounced waist, add a belt.

Bejeweled
Lauren Conrad often lets her outfit speak for itself, and does not layer her jewelry. Georgina Sparks, on the other hand knows the importance of making a strong statement with rings and things. Make a strong statement with a cobra or snake ring or arm bracelet, and wear it with a graphic t-shirt and pair of slinky jeans. Layer different styles and lengths of beaded necklaces.

Sugar and Spice
Sweeten a Georgina Sparks outfit with a touch of pink to an outfit of black or gray. Or start with a pink top and add black jeans and a gray scarf. Soften the outfit a bit more with some open-toed heels and a surprise of pink toenail polish.