WHIMSY

Few pieces of clothing truly catch and keep my attention, which is why I always buy a particular shirt or dress in every color available if I really like it. And usually, I’ll love whatever I buy for a few weeks, then it’ll filter to the back of my closet because it loses its allure. I have a feeling that I wouldn’t have that problem with this dress…

The infinite and fancy collections by Hayley Starr can be worn 100 different ways. No…that’s not a typo. One hundred different ways. The key is the long straps that wrap around your neck, shoulders and waist in a ton of different ways to make changing the style of the dress super easy. It can be a tube dress, a short-sleeve dress, a sleeveless dress, a halter dress…need I go on?

The fancy collection is made of a nylon blend, with one shiny side and one matte side. The dresses come in five different colors, including an incredible mauve-y shade of purple that I love. When I saw the website-listed price on the dresses from this collection, I wasn’t really that shocked—they’re $220 each, which makes sense considering they give you 100 options.

The infinite collection is made from a polyester/spandex jersey and features three different color combinations, including a brown/light pink combo, a teal/white combo (my favorite) and a black/white combo. This means you can drastically change your look just by flipping it inside out! Now, I expected this collection to sell for the same price—$220, but I was so wrong. Beginning Monday, dresses from the infinite collection were featured on QVC for just $38.50!

Wish I’d thought of a dress this clever! Hayley said on the QVC special that she wanted to come up with a dress design that flattered every figure—even pregnant women! Since the dresses are super stretchy and versatile, they do look great on every body type. You can even view real customers donning Hayley’s dresses on her website, and they all look fabulous!

Not only does Hayley sell this ultra-versatile dress, but she offers custom designs as well, which have been spotted on a slew of celebs, including Jessica Simpson, Jewel, Carmen Electra, Rose McGowan, Rachel Bilson, and the entire cast of America’s Next Top Model Season 8, just to name a handful. Clearly, Miss Starr knows what she’s doing.

I’ll be lusting after this one till my next paycheck!
(photo used with permission)

-Keri

Close your eyes and imagine turquoise. What comes to mind? The sun glinting off of the inviting waters of St. Tropez. A cloudless sky in Hawaii. Or maybe the flash of a tropical bird in St. Thomas. Whatever you envision, turquoise is without question, the color for summer.

Ever since Pantone named turquoise the color of the year for 2010, Keri and I have rhapsodized about this gorgeous shade. Turquoise is one of those perfect colors that just makes everyone look more beautiful. And, it’s so easy to incorporate into your wardrobe – whether it’s a snuggly sweater, breezy scarf or a new belt, the addition of turquoise is an instant update.

I love turquoise throughout the year, but I think it’s absolutely essential for summer. Against bronzed skin, paired with crisp white, or used as an accent, turquoise tops my list of summer must-haves. And of course, I have three of my favorite ways to add turquoise into the mix for you this summer!

First, is a sexy bikini from Voda Swim. This bikini is called the Envy Push Up Aqua Splash String Bikini and is a glorious shade of turquoise. Because this particular color by Voda Swim is also available in several other styles, it was a hard choice. But the simple design of this top will withstand beachside activity a little more strenuous than just sunbathing — from to surfing to volleyball! Retail $110.00

Voda Swim also has a secret!  The magic is in a new patent pending Envy Push Up bikini top which was created by international model Yulia.

The bikini top has a soft enhancer that gives a full, rounded contour with a natural bouncy movement. The Envy Push Up top visually increases bust size by up to two cup sizes and provides great support with a natural lift and flawless cleavage.

The push up pads are made of high density polyester foam which absorbs a very small amount of water. They keep their shape and form when immersed in water, and – best of all – no sagging!

Voda Swim has been discovered by celebs all over the world, and now the rest of us can look that wonderful, too. Check out this month’s magazine covers – from Seventeen to Glamour and see if you don’t agree!

Photo courtesy of Voda Swim.

Next, I absolutely love this wrap watch from La Mer in turquoise. The ultimate summer accessory, this one is appropriately called Turquoise – Gold Seaside and has an extra-long soft leather strap topped with a double chain, plus adorable nautical charms.

All of the La Mer Collections contain classic watch faces designed exclusively by Martine Ilana. These are paired with beautiful leather straps, each of which is hand assembled in the United States. The watches have a Seiko watch movement and are nickel free. Retail $110.00

La Mer was established in 2001 when fonder Martine rummaged through her jewelry drawer and could not find a simple, stylish and feminine watch to wear. Combining her passion for design, love of quality materials and simple beauty, La Mer Collections was born.

Martine’s inspiration is drawn from her journeys: South Africa’s colorful markets, Bali’s lush flowers, Italy’s gorgeous leathers and Thailand’s clear blue ocean. Each season La Mer’s color palette is chosen from these bright and colorful experiences. And, lucky for us, this year’s collection includes stylish turquoise!

Photo courtesy of La Mer.

Finally, my handbag addiction has reared its ugly head once more, because I don’t have a – gasp – turquoise handbag! I found the perfect solution at Rue de Chic. The Turquoise “Eva”" Clutch is sophisticated handbag that I can pair with work ensembles, weekend wear — even a casual sundress! Retail $40.00

Rue de Chic is one of my newest, favorite shopping haunts. For the unique and unexpected with a distinctive European flair, this site is a must-see. In addition to this fab turquoise clutch, Rue de Chic offers a huge array of fashions, accessories, trendy jewelry – just about everything you’ll need to enjoy your summer in style!

Photo courtesy of Rue de Chic.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Maybe it’s the heat or the feeling left over from years of hooray-I’m-out-of-school summer freedom, but from June through August, I just can’t dress seriously! No stuffy pinstripes, no matched suits, and no more black!

Instead, I favor bright reds, lime greens and hot pinks (sometimes all in one print!), strappy shoes and a much more playful attitude. The addition of whimsical jewelry and accessories that would look decidedly out of place in my “real” wardrobe are a daily delight (and surprise to my coworkers!)

To celebrate the joy of my favorite season, I found several key pieces that you can easily and affordably add to your wardrobe to keep that summer feeling alive.

First, from Danforth Pewter are these adorable Dragonfly Pewter Mini Wire Earrings. The earrings have exquisite details and are created from 100% lead-free fine pewter. The French wires are surgical stainless steel, which is perfect for me, since I have base metal reactions. Retail $15.00

In addition to the adorable dragonflies, Danforth Pewter has a host of other charming creatures from which to choose. From baby sea turtles to gangly tree frogs to elegant hummingbirds!

Each piece is handcrafted in the Danforth Peweter’s  Middlebury, Vermont workshop.  Fred and Judi Danforth founded Danforth Pewter in 1975, reviving a Danforth family tradition that stretches back to 1755 when Thomas Danforth II opened a pewter workshop in colonial Connecticut. You can even find early American Danforth pewter in Colonial Williamsburg’s collection, the Smithsonian and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston!

Photo courtesy of Danforth Pewter.

Next, I discovered Sea Fairies in San Diego. Sea Fairies may be continent away from rural Vermont, but offers the same fanciful attitude that perfectly meshes with my summer mindset!

The Watermelon Ring by Sea Fairies is absolutely luscious! Gorgeous smooth slices of watermelon toumaline mix perfectly with little rondelles of multi-colored tourmaline in this quirky cocktail ring. The pompom of tourmaline is poised on a triple band of lightly hammered gold filled wire. Retail $65.00

Sea Fairies also offers an exceptional range of gorgeous necklaces, bracelets,  earrings, as well as additional must-have rings, all crafted of striking semi-precious stones.

Photo courtesy of Sea Fairies.

Finally, I can’t face summer without a new bag from Kura Design! I have a well documented handbag addiction which Kura is happy to feed. My most recent addition is the Kitten, a fanciful pink and green swirl design, beaded with thousands of tiny glass seed beads, fully lined, with an easy snap closure. The bag has a soft frame and unlike many beaded bags, is actually large enough to hold my cosmetics, cell phone, keys, credit cards, and all that mysterious stuff I seem to carry! Retail $68.00

The Kura line of bags is wonderfully extensive. In addition to my preppy little bag there are exquisite beaded bags for evening events, weddings, proms and more. Kura also has beautiful bags in lizard, fabric – even spectacular feathered bags!

The Kura story is also inspiring. After living overseas for nearly four years, Kura Founder Margo Schlossberg got used to being able to pick up items that were stylish, unique and crafted with quality — all for an affordable price.

Returning back to the US and working the normal 9-5 life, she dreamed of something more exciting. It became clear that Margo needed to start her own business, capitalizing on a love for color, style, and uniqueness. And so, Kura Design was born.

The word Kura is actually Indonesian, meaning “turtle.”  Since each tortoise has a unique shell and swims freely in the sea, Margo’s thought was that each Kura bag would have a unique style that would allow you to express your freedom.

Photo courtesy of Kura Design.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Fashion emergencies are unavoidable—they happen to everyone at some point or another, so it’s up to us to be prepared for anything. We’re modern women, after all. Luckily, there are about a thousand handy products out there to help us roll with the (stylish) punches and barely break a sweat.

For instance: You’re on a business trip. You’re wearing your favorite tailored blazer, pencil skirt, stockings, a colorful blouse and cute yet professional shoes. You’re ready to go to the 9 a.m. meeting, until you notice that you’re missing a button. And the hem on your skirt is coming undone. Panic attack? Not this time—you, the clever fashionista that you are, packed your K.I.S. Kit.

K.I.S. Kits are basically superheroes for any wardrobe malfunction. The kit consists of no-iron crease removing spray, no-sew seam repair adhesive, press-on buttons, double-sided fashion tape and a shoe shine sponge, all in an on-the-go travel case. Everything’s carry-on approved, so getting through airport security will be a breeze. Each kit is $24.99. I’d throw in my Tide To Go pen for a complete fashion-disaster aversion kit.

Another “emergency” piece in my suitcase is, surprisingly, a bathing suit. I don’t know how many times I’ve accidentally forgotten my suit, only to be the girl sitting on the edge of the pool instead of swimming (and I love to swim). Lately, I’ve gotten into the habit of simply keeping my suit in my travel bag. At all times. Wash it, dry it, pop it back in the suitcase.

Le Doux swimsuits are ultra sexy and can be seen on a handful of Hollywood’s most fashionable women, including Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. My favorite Le Doux swimsuit is without a doubt, the monokini they dubbed “Perfect.” It’s bright white and, in my opinion, way sexier than any bikini. The shape is great, with rounded cutouts on both sides and a halter top. It’s a splurge at $125, but it’s the quintessential monokini—exactly what I think of when I hear the word. Keep it on hand and always look effortlessly chic in and out of the pool.

A convertible bra is a staple piece in my suitcase, too. I’m really good at packing a cute dress and totally forgetting a coordinating bra. And I hate unintentionally showing off my bra straps! I actually just got my hands on a bra strap solution much like the one you’ve probably seen on TV, which I’ll be writing about within the next few weeks, however, a backless dress can’t be saved without a drastic solution.

Leave it to Frederick’s of Hollywood to come up with the perfect solution—the Natural Solutions Convertible Bra. You can wear it nine different ways: strapless, halter, cross front, one strap, racer back, open back, low front, low back or asymmetric. It comes with a handful of clear and elastic straps for a truly comprehensive list of options for any neckline. It’s offered in nude or black for $39.
(All photos used with permission)

-Keri

“A fashionista without any effort.” That’s how actress Reshma Shetty describes her character Divya Katdare on USA Network’s summer smash series Royal Pains and I agree!

Divya, the practical, efficient physician’s assistant for HankMed is also always impeccably dressed in elegant, simple silhouettes. She accentuates these classic choices with an incredible wardrobe of jewelry that frequently pays homage to her Indian heritage. Large scale beaded necklaces, armfuls of bangles and spectacular, shoulder-dusting earrings are all part of her unique style.

I absolutely love her look and to incorporate it into my own summer wardrobe, I started searching for some Bollywood-esque earrings of my own. And although I was only looking for earrings, what I found was a whole selection of incredible, must-have beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings from The Bead Dreamer.

Charlene (the dreamer herself) has been creating beautiful jewelry all of her life. Her unique, handcrafted designs are truly spectacular. Through her travels, she searches for unusual beads and materials to incorporate into her striking designs. Her inspiration is found in every aspect of the world — whether it’s the shape of a leaf, a door or window with architectural interest, or the color of the sky at a particular moment.

Charlene’s LuLu earrings (pictured) would fit perfectly in Divya’s jewelry box (and mine!). A turquoise glass bead and delicate yellow crystals hang from a gold-plated, ethnic style finding, creating a design that is equally appropriate for dressy outfits or casual jeans.  The earrings are 2 ¼” long and have gold-filled French ear wires. And, they retail at only $18.99!

Want some of Divya’s style of your own? The Bead Dreamer’s beautiful pieces are sold in fine boutiques and shops everywhere. To find a store near you, simply visit The Bead Dreamer. You can also shop online, but I will warn you… you’ll want everything in her shop!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photo courtesy of The Bead Dreamer.

I love all things interchangeable. In this tough economy, I’m always thrilled when a designer comes up with a new style solution that allows a cash-crunched fashionista to get a little more for her money! From interchangeable bead jewelry like WHIMSY earrings to adorable Miche Bags to sandals from Convertibles, changing it up can be fun and fashionable.

Last week I found playful, interchangeable watches from Sasha Rhett and I was immediately hooked! These watches come in an amazing array of colors and all of the straps are (you guessed it!) interchangeable. So, you can wear a sleek, black snakeskin strap for work and later switch to sassy, hot pink one for happy hour. Basically, Sasha Rhett’s timepieces allow every girl to create her own personal “watch wardrobe.”

The interchangeable straps are available in genuine leather and exotic skins like ostrich and snakeskin, plus colorful, fun patterns. Whether your style is classic, preppy, conservative or wild, you’ll be able to match your Sasha Rhett watch to your outfit of the moment. And, if eclectic like me, you can have them all!

One thing I love is that the interchangeable technology is easy, so you can change your band in seconds. The mechanism to switch the straps is both simple and extremely secure.

Plus, Sasha Rhett watches use Swiss movements for reliability. Each watch is covered by 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Sasha Rhett offers several great collections, with something for every girl’s style. You can take a walk on the wild side with The Alexandra Collection (which I have and black and white). Straps are genuine leather and US-made with a zebra print in five vibrant shades.

The Bailey Collection is All American preppy and straps are also made of genuine leather in a classic stripe. The Bailey Collection wouldn’t look out of place while yachting or lunching at the Club.

Elegant and stylish, The Julie Collection offers the very feminine Flourish print in four lovely shades. Also made of genuine leather.

Sophisticated and urbane, The Schuyler Collection straps are crafted of genuine snakeskin and ostrich skin. Very chic!

The Chrissie Collection (pictured) is the newest and trendiest of the five collections. These double wrap straps wrap twice around your wrist showing off more of their bright colors and luxurious exotic skins. The adjustable length ensures they’ll fit almost any wrist size and allows you to play around with how loose or tight you want to wear it on your wrist. The Chrissie strap comes in purple, silver, pink, and orange snakeskin, and orange and turquoise ostrich skin. The straps are also interchangeable with all other Sasha Rhett straps and watches.

Watches from Sasha Rhett range from $159-$249 and additional interchangeable straps are only $49-$69.

To find a store near you, you can visit Sasha Rhett or even shop online.

The only thing left to decide is which band to wear today!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photo courtesy of Sasha Rhett.

I’m not particularly what I call a “girly girl” when it comes to fashion—I tend to stick to solid colors and run far away from complicated prints. I’ve always felt that loud prints are too jarring to the eye, whereas solid colors allow the shape, detail and fit of the clothing to truly shine. However, during the summer months, I like to jazz up my ensemble by adding a colorful accessory that incorporates a bold, graphic floral print—it’s the easiest way to add attention-grabbing pizzazz to any outfit! And choosing a floral accessory that suits you is the most important part. 

Handbags
If you aren’t choosing a different floral print bag to carry every day, then you need to get your hands on something that will match just about anything in your wardrobe.

Luckily, there’s a wealth of options out there, especially on Etsy.com. You could spend hours on their website perusing the handbag category, and you’d probably find more than a handful of floral bags that you love.

AllyBu, an Etsy seller since early 2009, offers over 100 different handbags to choose from, including hobo bags, totes and even wristlets. And almost all of them are made with floral print fabric. She uses a lot of bold prints from IKEA, and they definitely don’t look like upholstery!

One of my favorites is a slouchy hobo bag in a brown, gold and pink floral paisley pattern. It’s big enough to fit your favorite book or fashion magazine on trips to the pool, and it would be great with just about any summery outfit, except black, which you shouldn’t be wearing during hot summer days anyway! There are a couple nifty pockets on the inside of the bag, so it’s easier to stay organized within such a large bag. Right now, it’s on sale for $34 and shipping inside the U.S. is only $6.

Another of my favorites is the granny hobo bag in brown, turquoise, pink and green. The shape of the bag is fantastic, and the floral print is SO cute and girly. The pleats on the side add a little extra detail, and this one also has organizational pockets on the inside. It sells for $40.
(photos from AllyBu)

Jewelry
Another way to incorporate a shock of floral fancy is to wear a flowery piece of jewelry. ModCloth always has a handful of adorable floral necklaces to suit your style, including “The Pop-lar Pendant,” which I thought was enameled until I got a closer look—it’s actually made out of leather! Much lighter than metal (I hate wearing heavy jewelry in the summer), the leather “petals” are shaped to make them look more realistic. And at just $13.99, it’s definitely an affordable accessory!

As if I don’t have enough big flowery cocktail rings in my jewelry box, this one from ModCloth is much different than any one I have—it’s like a miniature bouquet of flowers in all different colors and shapes. Each flower even has a little colored rhinestone center for some glitz. So cute! And just $22.99!
(photos from ModCloth.com)

-Keri

I spend a lot of time at the pool every summer – swimming, sunning and having a blast with a huge group of my friends. Our pool is often quite the fashion show and each year I love to pick out some of the season’s cutest suits, cover ups and sunglasses. Problem is … I’m not always completely swimsuit-ready when the season kicks off!

One of my personal tricks to getting ready to don that suit and keep the sugar cravings at bay is to have a supply of Jolly Ranchers on hand. You get a nice, sweet treat and almost no calories. Jolly Ranchers were my candy of choice until I discovered Couture Pops from The Sugar Factory this Christmas.

This fabulous lollipop has a striking design with a contemporary fashion edge, in a deliciously sweet pop. Plus it’s wonderfully portable. But best yet, there are only 112 calories per pop!

Celebs everywhere have already discovered these great lollis. Britney Spears, Anna Lynn McCord (pictured) The Pussycat Dolls, Kim Kardashian, Lauren Conrad, and many more all love Couture Lollipops!

Not only do they taste fantastic, the bejeweled, custom handles can be paired with a rainbow of yummy lollipop flavors. I love that you can match your mood, outfit, or special occasion with these tasty pops. The flavors and color combinations are almost limitless.

Throwing caution (and calories!) to the wind? In addition to Couture Pops, The Sugar Factory has deliciously sweet treats — from a vast array of candies, to scrumptious chocolate, to special occasion baskets and even adorable candy-inspired fashion items!

Sugar Factory currently has two stores located in Las Vegas – one inside The Mirage, and one inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. A third Sugar Factory location will be opening up at Paris Las Vegas this fall. Not planning a trip? All of Sugar Factory’s products are also available online.

These pops are truly delicious, but fitting into the new swimsuit that arrived yesterday – now that’s sweet!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

All photos courtesy of The Sugar Factory.

Jamison Rae Designs
I’d been lusting after these cute little sterling silver and 14k gold filled stacking rings I found on Etsy a while ago, so when I found out that the designer, Jamison Rae, actually sent a stack of six to us, I was giddy with excitement! What a coincidence!

I love the idea of being able to wear one or a whole bunch of anything, and it’s even better that these adorable rings are handmade by an inspired independent artist, making them even more unique. They’re lightly hammered for texture, with a satin finish for a little shine that really brings out the gold color. Wear one, wear them all, wear just silver, or wear the gold rings—it’s totally up to you!

Jamison Rae also sells a variety of other jewelry, including necklaces and earrings. Her prices range from $20 to $62 and include elegant, minimalist designs with gemstones such as labrodorite, moonstone and druzy.
(Photo courtesy of Jamison Rae)

WHIMSY Jewelry
Another way I can update my look everyday is to simply change the beads in my WHIMSY™ interchangeable bead jewelry. They sell beautiful little “Elizabeth” earrings that unscrew to accommodate Murano glass beads from Trollbeads, Chamilia™ and many other glass bead companies. I have plenty of beads to choose from, so I like to change them according to what outfit I have on. Today it’s bright pink!

All of their jewelry is crafted using recycled materials, which is pretty neat. The earrings retail for $125, so they were a bit of an investment for me, but it was well worth it because it’s like getting a thousand different pairs of earrings in one!

What I like best about them is how well they showcase the beads I’m wearing—it really is all about the color and depth of each tiny little bead! And it only takes a few seconds to change the beads in them, meaning I have no excuse not to have cute, coordinating jewelry.

There are TONS of options out there for interchangeable, mix-and-matchable jewelry–leave a comment with a link to your favorite piece!!

-Keri

Ever wonder how stars like Tyra Banks, Hillary Duff, Christie Brinkley and Angela Bassett always manage to look so put together, stylish and just plain fabulous? Their secret weapon is Leisel Quamie, known simply as Q.  She’s celebrity fashion stylist, image consultant, costume designer and the founder of Styling Your Image Inc.

For six consecutive seasons Q styled shows for Oscar de la Renta, Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, and Anne Bowen during the exclusive Mercedes-Benz 7th on Sixth fashion shows. Receiving weekly international exposure as a stylist on four seasons of UPN’s television hit, “America’s Next Top Model” and season one of “The Tyra Banks Show,” Q eventually became Tyra’s personal stylist.

Q also works with some of Hollywood’s hottest male stars. In addition to her extensive work with actor and director Forest Whitaker, singer Kirk Franklin and Josh Childress of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, Q has styled photo shoots featuring actor Jesse L. Martin of NBC’s “Law & Order,” and racer Dale Earnhardt, Jr., among others.

Q kindly offered to share her Top 5 Style Tips with Style on a WHIM readers. So ladies, take note!

1. Undergarments: Bras – Get FITTED first ladies! Most women have never been properly fitted and/or updated on their appropriate size and that’s the biggest style NO NO. Undergarments: A seamless undergarment is a must-have and NUDE is the new not white. It is a big misconception that WHITE undergarments are the best choice in color; well I am here to tell you it’s not, so GO NUDE!

2. Bottoms Up! Jeans – Every girl needs a Good Supportive Jean in their life…You should have at least one pair of dark jeans that fit perfectly.

3. Stay on TOP of your Tops: “The” Perfect Top is a myth, but “Your” Perfect Top is a purchase away. Every woman should own a rich solid color or feminine print styled blouse.

4. Walk with Style: Shoes – Every lady…I repeat every lady MUST HAVE a pair of basic pumps; I suggest a dark pump and a classic red pump, always buffed and not scuffed!

5. The Necessity of Accessories: Always make a bold statement when you accessorize. You should own a cuff styled bracelet, one bead necklace, and the classic bangle.

All photos courtesy of LQ Styles.