I’m back with my favorite fashion mavens Andrea Chila and Kellan Kredatus from Pileggi Boutique in Philadelphia.  Since summer is here (and it’s going to be a hot one) Andrea and Kellan have picked out some “must-have” items so you’ll look great AND keep cool all summer long.

When the thermometer goes up, the fun and flirty dresses of summer come out!  There are tons of floral options, but we chose this gorgeous blue “Joan” dress by Amanda Uprichard.   This dress has been literally flying off the shelves at Pileggi Boutique.  It’s just plain fun yet sophisticated enough to be the perfect special occasion dress this summer.  Accessorize it with this gorgeous Chan Luu wrap bracelet and you might get mistaken for one of the celebrities (Halle Berry, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Lopez) who are wearing these super cool bracelets.

Accessorize in Color

Vivid coral and turquoise pieces are perfect for summer time.  Brightly colored accessories make a statement and give you that “put-together” look. 

This bracelet and ring are designed by Marlyn Schiff.  What I love about her rings is the band.  Instead of a traditional gold or silver band, it’s stretchy!  So it fits everyone!  You can wear it on a different finger every day or loan it to your friend.  They’re fun and affordable—what’s not to love?

Get a Great Hat!

Maximize you protection against the sun while looking chic and fabulous.  Try one of these reversible hats by Flora Bella and get two hats in one!  Wear your white hat while you’re lounging on the beach (or the Shore as they call it here in the great Northeast).  Later you can wear your black or navy hat to an outdoor café.  Each piece is an original so no two hats are the same. 

Bring along this stylish tote by Jane Marvel (who believes that it is every woman’s right to have great style and not go broke getting it).  Not only is it super affordable, it is eco-friendly!    All of their bags are vegan—the handles and trim are not made from leather while the rest of the bag is made from laminated canvas.  These fabulous bags are:

• Lightweight
• Virtually waterproof
• Easy to clean (with mild detergents)

And, they even come with a free gift inside (like Cracker Jacks—but oh so much better). 

So get shopping!  Buy your cute summer dress, don your jewels & hat and grab your tote—you’ll have everything you need to look and feel great this summer.  Better yet, send me your photo in your favorite summer outfit and I’ll post it for everyone to see!

Stay Cool and Be Stylish

Since you know I’m not THE fashion expert, I decided to go straight to the professionals—Andrea Chila, owner of Pileggi Boutique in Philadelphia and her awesome manager, Kellen Kredatus to find out what’s hot for spring. Not only do they help teach my clients how to find clothes that work best for their bodies, they also encourage ME to get out of my box. Let me translate that into English—they actually get me to try on (and sometimes BUY) DRESSES!

For spring, there are some definite looks you’ll want to incorporate into your wardrobe. Some of these looks definitely will be “throw-backs” to many of my friends. There are some dynamic combinations that may raise your eyebrows – but don’t be too quick to judge.

Pattern Play

Pattern Play:

It’s time to let your inner artist out! Go for some cool combinations—ones I’ve never thought of before. Try mixing a bold pattern print with a striped jacket! Sounds odd, but it works…really!

 Or try this beautiful floral top, cinched at the waste, with a gorgeous pink jacket to top it off.

Clean Energy:

I love this look (and the name). It’s sleek and has simple lines—with a feminine take on tailoring. Think Jackie O. Try a crisp white blazer like this one.

Clean Energy

Notice that it doesn’t look like your typical white blazer—this one definitely says I’m a woman and I look great! The beautiful gold buttons gives it a bit of a nautical look (yes, nautical is back).

Game Theory:

Designers have been getting some great tips from sports. Active wear has had a HUGE influence on the clothes this spring. They’ve taken cool materials (such as vinyl and tech) and created outstanding pieces—like this sexy evening trench made of tech.

Game Theory

This material is awesome (I have a couple pieces).

It packs well, it’s pretty much stain-resistant and the BEST part for me is that dog hairs don’t stick to it. Not a one!