But as with every fashion item that sits in our closets, there are a few simple style rules to follow.

1- Always choose smaller prints.

Printed patterns are fun, but they can also be a little intimidating. The larger the print, the more intimidating the style can appear, so unless you’re up for the challenge, always try to stick to smaller prints like paisley or tiny polka dots.

2- Hide your flaws with a darker pattern.

Colorful prints were designed to flaunt your best features, so if you’re looking for a chic printed garment to conceal, go for a darker print.  Try a ditsy print or floral in black, deep gray, or brown.

3- Skip the printed pants and shorts.

When it comes to selecting super cool printed pieces, it’s best to stick with dresses, skirts, and tops. Try to skip printed pants or shorts because they tend to look a lot like pajama bottoms. Printed tights or leggings are okay if the colors are dark and are worn with simpler pieces like a-line skirts or linen shorts. Skip brightly colored or printed tights.

4- Never mix two prints together.

Here is one style rule you can break on one condition: the two printed pieces in question must be in the same color family but not match. For instance, you could try pairing a printed tank top in medium red with a printed sweater in a darker red print.  Never pair two prints that don’t look like they belong together.

Winter Coats and Jackets

People love to give warm coats and jackets as holiday gifts, so Black Friday is the perfect time to shop for them. Many coat deals start at 30% off and sometimes go up to 60% off. The best places to find such deals are at department stores, specialty clothing stores, and online.

Denim

Looking for rock bottom prices on denim? Shop Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Now you’re probably not going to find deals on high-end designer brands, but you should find lots of great buys for both trendy and classic styles. You will probably find the denim sales as doorbusters at department and discount chains.

Boots and Shoes

Kick off the winter season with a fabulous pair of boots, pumps, or slippers. The weekend after Thanksgiving provides a wonderful opportunity to shop for footwear. You will find lots of awesome styles that might not normally go on sale (mostly doorbuster deals).

Accessories and Fashion Jewelry

There will be lots of worthwhile deals on winter accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves, as well as on fashion jewelry. If you want to hit the department stores but aren’t looking for bottom dollar bargains, you’re probably going to be very impressed with what you find. Other stores worth scouring for these kinds of deals include specialty fashion stores and online.

How can you buy the latest footwear trends for nice prices? I have some ideas.

1- Patent or Faux Leather Shoes

Genuine leather shoes will cost you a small fortune, so save money and purchase faux or patent leather shoes instead. Faux leather shoes are versatile, and they come in a wide range of colors or styles. Instead of spending $200 on a single pair of shoes, you could buy two pairs for $100.  That’s a great way to stock up on the season’s hottest shoes and high-end designer footwear without paying full price.

2- Wait for Sales

If you must have a certain pair of designer shoes, or you have more patience than the average person, you could wait for a sale. Or you could do what everyone else is doing and search for a sale. Websites like DSW, 6PM, and Footcandy are all have frequent deals on designer footwear.

3- Shop Trendy Footwear Stores

If you’re willing to sacrifice a name or brand for a certain trend, then stores like Aldo and Nine West are probably your best bet.  Both of these shoe stores offer amazing deals on the same styles of footwear you would find at a department store – but for less money. These stores are the best places to stock up on seasonal styles like leather boots, strappy sandals, dainty ballet flats, and more.

The savvy fashionista never turns up her nose at a shopping opportunity. She shops online designer stores for genuine leather accessories, flea markets for vintage jewelry, and the mall for up-to-the-minute trends. Here is your guide to shopping successfully at the mall.

1- Start with department stores.

Most department stores are bigger than your typical mall shop, and they have more sales. JCPenney, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Target are all great examples of department stores that sell cool (and sometimes exclusive) brands or designer wares for much less. JCPenney has Bisou Bisou and MNG by Mango.  Macy’s has Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Tommy Hilfiger. Kohl’s has ELLE, Jennifer Lopez Collection, and Simply Vera, Vera Wang. Target currently has Missoni, but they’re always rotating designers every half-season to keep it fresh. Make the department store your first stop to find cheap basics, designer items, and important garments like a winter coat or cocktail dress.

2- Shop seasonal accessory trends at chic chains.

If you’re searching for a specific accessory that’s in season right now, shop Forever 21 or Charming Charlie. You can stock up on all your favorite looks of the season and still save money on the expensive pair of designer shoes you want.

3- End your shopping spree at your favorite store.

Once you’ve got everything on your list, give yourself the green light to head over to your favorite mall chain. The reason you want to shop here last? So you won’t attempt to purchase your entire wardrobe there only to return more than half of it the next day.

1- Start with local consignment and second-hand shops.

If you live in a large city (or at least near one), there is a pretty good chance you will find name brand kids clothes at your local thrift or consignment shops. As always, it’s a smart idea to visually inspect each piece before purchase, even at the most upscale consignment shops. Make sure that there are no stains or rips. Second-hand shops don’t allow returns, so use your purchasing power with discretion.

2- Swap clothes. 

You can take the old-fashioned approach, and swap clothes with your friends or neighbors. You could also swap with other families online. ThredUp is an easy-to-use site that lets you exchange  gently used children’s clothes for a small fee. You can easily search for different looks by brand, style, gender, and size. The only downside about this website is that they don’t offer photos.

3- Shop flash sale websites.

Zulily is an awesome website that’s a lot like Rue La La.  This is because it’s a flash sale shop that rotates new sales on designer kids clothes, toys, gifts, and more. It’s free to join, and they always have sales for items that fashion-conscience families love.

Don’t skimp on the basics. It is better to spend a little more on something that you know you’ll be wearing often – like a sweater or jacket. Major items like cardigans and jeans make or break a wardrobe, so it is imperative that you concentrate a larger amount of money in this section.

Spend less on second-tier items. Never pay more than $25-30 for a guy’s T-shirt. Even the trendiest v-neck is not worth it. Many stores often have T-shirt sales at the beginning of fall, so stock up for the whole year. For example, I recently paid $7 for a brand new, super-soft cotton, J. Crew v-neck, as opposed to it being $35 at regular price.  You can also get by with cheaper socks. Check out dollar stores for deals on cotton footwear.

Shoes. I cannot emphasize enough how important the right shoe can be. No, you do not have to obsess as much about shoes as your female counterparts, but it does note attention. Seriously, ditch the old tennis shoes. Many upscale shoe stores, such as Steve Madden, have regular sales on nice, leather loafers or boat shoes. For example, I upgraded from tennis shoes at the amazing price of $39 for a pair of new loafers. They were regularly priced at $120.

Outlet Malls. Even if you’re like me and the nearest outlet mall is an hour away, it is worth the drive. My local outlet mall in Gulfport, MS, provides a factory J. Crew, Polo, Sperry, Banana Republic, and Gap. Many times they have the overstock from the normal stores, so it is the same items for for less. On my receipt from my J. Crew purchase as compared to the normal store prices, I saved $360. And that’s only on seven items! (Lori S. wrote an article about outlet malls with some great advice you might want to check out).

Ask, ask, ask for student discounts. I cannot even tell you how many friends I have informed about the J. Crew 15% student discount. That’s right, no matter if an item is on sale, or regular price, students always get 15% off. Ask everywhere you shop, and it will pay off.

Sign up online for the store mailing lists. Stores send out coupons to customers online, and they often have insider deals. For however annoying an email a day may be, it can save you college guys a lot of money in the long run.

Good luck, stay thrifty, and happy shopping, guys!

1- Never match your pants with your top or jacket.

You wouldn’t match your shoes and handbag, so why would you match your clothes? Instead, you should opt to pair your bright denim pants with a top in either a muted color or black. Bright denim looks terrific with solid white tops, grey tees, and cream cardigans.

2- Skinny denim in a vivid color is a no-no unless you’re really thin.

Bold colors tend to emphasize the most unflattering parts of the body, and brightly colored denim is no exception. If you’ve got hips or a slightly rounded derriere, you could try colored denim in bootcut or classic styles. If you’re super svelte, you can probably get away the skinny denim in fun colors.

3- The same rules of fit apply.

Jeans are jeans, even if the pair in question is bright purple, so a proper fit still applies. You’ll want a pair of denim pants that fit without being too tight or too loose. Try on several pairs of same style in different sizes if you have to.

4- Take good care of your colored jeans.

Colored denim needs to be washed with clothes in like colors, and preferably with a color-safe detergent. If your favorite pair gets a stain, be very careful when removing it. Use a color-safe stain remover, and never use bleach. Tide makes good stain fighting products and detergent for colored clothes.

eBay is one of the most popular websites to find designers for less, but it’s so hard to navigate. Another downside to shopping on eBay is that it’s made up of individual sellers, so you have to really weed out stores by reading the ratings and reviews from customers. If you’ve got the time and patience, eBay might be worth it.

A better bet would be to shop on a website that specializes in authentic designer pieces like Bluefly or Revolve Clothing. Both shops offer the latest fashion trends, including jeans, dresses, tees, blouses, skirts, pants, handbags, and shoes. They also offer style ideas to inspire you to create fresh  looks for the current season.

Another great way to save on designer stuff online is to join flash sale websites. Many of these websites advertise themselves as “insider” or “exclusive sales,” but if you’ve got an email address, you can join. Gilt, Ideeli, and Rue La La are three popular flash sale websites. You can join these sites for free, and receive emails for different designer sale events that last from just 1 day to 3 days. You’ll find some really great prices on current items, but when you see something that you like in your size and preferred color, you need to buy it right away, because these items won’t last long. If you’re shopping for your significant other and kids, these flash sales also offer great deals for men and children, making it the ultimate choice for family fashion.

1- Gold vs. Silver

The age-old question regarding jewelry preferences: do you prefer gold or silver? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It’s all about personal preference, and most women choose to have a mixture of gold and silver pieces.

2- Layered Necklaces

You layer your clothes, so why not layer your jewelry? Sometimes there is nothing more chic than wearing two or three of your favorite necklaces at the same time. The only thing to remember is that you have to make sure they don’t tangle.  Try pairing two or three necklaces in different widths or textures. Don’t forget, you can layer bangles, too!

3- Statement Watches

Wearing a watch saves time (you won’t have to dig through your purse to find your cell phone to tell time), and it can make a terrific statement.  When shopping for a watch, choose a piece that’s more timeless than trendy. Go for a simple streamline design, rather than for something that’s colorful and plastic.

4- Stylish Pins

Chic pins are so versatile. You can pin them on your tops, sweaters, tees, scarves, and purses! Collect as many as you want, and you will never run out of style options.

5- Dazzle With Extras

A girl can never have too many rings, bracelets, or earrings, so have fun by mixing up different pieces (and styles) to create a multitude of looks. Fashion is all about expressing yourself, so have fun!

11. For the love of God, do not wear jorts. I understand that you may be going for the hipster look, but you look absolutely ridiculous. Please, don’t. No matter who you are, jorts don’t work on men.

12. Cardigans. Ask my friends – my motto is, “no man looks good in cardigans.” This motto is true for about 90% of college men for a very definite reason. To look good, cardigans must fit your shape well. Loose cardigans make me cringe.

13. Manscaping. Yes, I said it. It is not the hairy Seventies anymore. Chest hair. Out. Beards. Out. Sideburns. Out. Clean-shaven and trimmed chest hair. In. Welcome to 2011, my sasquatch-looking friends.

14. Tie-dye. No! This should be a given, but at my school we had tie-dye kid. He never got a date the his four years of college. I’ll let you guess why.

15. Undergarments. Don’t pretend you are the only person who will be seeing these. College is a time where, at some point or another, they will be exposed. Don’t be caught in boxers with beer cans or naked lady prints. Pick a classic black or grey boxer-brief; your significant other will love it.

16. Sports logos. They are alright for working out, but too many guys wear sports logos or the names of other universities around on a daily basis. I have my one LSU sweatshirt, and that is all. There’s a word for wearing sports team shirts on a daily basis – tacky.

17. Scarves are not just for girls. Even in south Louisiana, it gets cold enough for a scarf once in a while. Grandma’s knitted scarves are ok, but hop on over to the nearest mall and pick out a fashionable scarf that can last for years.

18. Backpacks. Your backpack is a sign on your back that makes a statement about you – the person. Do not be the funny guy who gets a child’s cartoon backpack for college. Newsflash- that’s not funny; it’s just awkward and creepy.

19. The dreaded Peruvian, wool pullover, sweatshirt-type thing. This is, in essence, hippy clothes. You’re in college, not in Machu Picchu. Put it away.

20. Overall physical cleanliness. This bears repeating. No matter what you buy or how you dress, if you are dirty, you will not get dates, probably not have many friends, and may actually inhibit your relationships with professors and interviewers.

Hooded Jackets

Whether you’re looking for a casual, sporty cover-up, or you want to stay warm during your outdoor jogging sessions, a hooded jacket is a style staple that almost every woman needs. Since most hoodies are made of cotton or a cotton-blend material, they are rather cheap, so you can stock up on two or three. Go for black or brown jackets, but you can also get one in a bright color, like red or royal purple, for days you crave a little fun style. You can wear these jackets over tanks and sweatpants, or you can wear them over screen tees and skinny jeans.

Shrunken Jackets

Keep warm while maintaining that sexy style with a shrunken jacket. A lace jacket is usually more about fashion, so try to go for a knit/cotton jacket with long sleeves. Buy one in black, because that will go with anything – black dresses, cocktail frocks, and decorative blouses. If the jacket doesn’t have a button closure, you can close it with a pretty vintage pin.

Parkas or Outerwear

Harsh winters call for a solid coat designed with quality insulation, like down-fill, quilting, or wool. When shopping for that one special coat, it’s important to keep your climate in mind. If you live in a cold, snowy climate, you want a hooded coat, but if you live in a climate with cold, rainy winters, a classic trenchcoat is probably your best bet.

Here is your primer to three different styles of boots, and why you want and/or need them this upcoming season.

Ankle Boots

If you love the look of boots, but don’t like the clunkiness of most styles, ankle boots are probably your best option. The hottest styles this season include lots of buckles and square or stiletto heels. This fall you can wear your ankle boots with skinny jeans and a cool tee for an edgy rocker-chic look, or you could wear them with a denim dress for a look that’s cool and unexpected.

Dressy Leather Boots

This fall, spoil yourself with a pair of luxe shiny  black (or brown) leather boots! Ideally, you should shop for a pair that meets your shin or calf, and they should always have a heel. You can wear these kinds of boots under long skirts or dresses for that trendy bohemian look. You could also wear these shoes with dark jeans or dressier trousers, as long as as the entire style looks streamlined.

Winter Utility Boots

If you live in a place with a harsh winter climate, you should invest in a pair of quality winter boots. Fortunately with today’s styles, you won’t have to forgo comfort or fashion! You should try to  select a pair of boots with fur lining, solid insulation that prevents the cold and water from seeping into your footwear, and a flat heel with traction. You may need to shell out more for this type of footwear to ensure quality protection and long-term use.

1. Sweatpants are so Nineties. Newsflash: You are no longer allowed to wear sweatpants outside of your dorm, unless for athletic purposes.

2.Being clean is the new ramen noodles. Being clean is a must for the college man of today. The wrinkled shirt look is the quickest way to prevent making friends and getting dates. You made it to college; you are capable of working a washing machine.

3. Avoid clothing with the brand names advertised on them. This is one I learned quickly my freshman year. You are not in high school anymore. Clothes with brand names splashed across the front look tacky, and they go out of style quickly. Stick to plain colored t-shirts, or with a nice, clean pattern.

4. Avoid the “deep v.” Don’t get me wrong, v-necks are in, but v-necks that are too deep make most guys look like a train wreck. Put your chest hair away, and stick with a shallow v.

5. Wear shirts that fit well. On the same note as #4, details matter. Wear a shirt that fits well, and is not too baggy or too tight. A shirt that fits well will make for an immediate improvement.

6. Cargo pants are more out of style than fanny packs. Save the cargo pants for your next nature hike and/or military mission. There are exceptions to the rule, but guys in college really need to avoid cargos, as regular shorts can fit everything you could possibly need to carry.

7. Shorts need to stop at the knee – that’s final. I know that your first wardrobe you bring to college will be made up of your high school clothing, but please ditch the shorts that go past your knee. Knee-length shorts are always in style, and they will make you look clean-cut.

8. No more sneakers. Tennis shoes, sneakers, or whatever you call them, are reserved for athletics only. Have a pair of actual shoes. You will even feel classier when wearing real shoes. I recommend the versatile, and always-stylish, Sperry.

9. Belts. Nothing says, “I care about how I look,” more than a brown leather belt.

10.Groom yourself. You can wear whatever clothes you like, but if you have a scraggly beard and a sizable beer belly, nothing will make you look good.

Remember the old saying, “Dress to impress!”

For more tips on college life, look for my articles in the archives.

1- Layer Your Summer Tops with Lightweight Jackets

You can still wear your favorite tank or camisole in the fall if you wear a light cardigan or jacket over it. Choose a cotton or knit design to provide a little more breathability.

2- Wear More Denim

Jeans are the perfect pants for fall and winter, so be sure to stock up on a few quality pairs that you’ll want to wear all season. Buy at least one pair of dark flare jeans that you can wear with just about anything, and a pair of skinny jeans that are perfect for the weekend.

3- Blazer

A simple black blazer will make even the most casual pieces look more put together. You can wear this piece in many ways. You can try pairing a solid colored jacket over a floral dress and cinch the waist with a thin belt or you can wear a quarter-sleeve blazer over a v-neck tee and shorts. The styling possibilities are endless.

3- Cowgirl Boots

You can easily extend the life of your favorite summer dresses and skirts with a great pair of cowgirl boots. To make the most impact on your style, look for a chic pair of brown leather boots with topstitched details and a stiletto heel.

4- Add More Scarves

A scarf is the ultimate multi-tasking accessory. You can wear it loosely around your neck, cinched at the waist, or tied around the straps of your purse. Since most scarves are very affordable you can stock up on a few bold and colorful styles!

Read this small list to help prepare your family for stylish start to a new year!

1- Check Your School’s Dress Code

Back in the day, school uniforms used to be strictly for children that were in private or parochial schools, but these days, many public school children can be found wearing red polos and khaki shorts.  Does your school have uniform rules? Check with them first before you start shopping. If your child’s school doesn’t have a uniform policy, be sure to check their dress code rules.

2- Buy Comfortable Shoes

Most schools require the students to wear simple black loafers or dress shoes with a closed toe. Once again, it’s a good idea to consult the uniform or dress code prior to buying the footwear.  If you can, you might try buying two pairs just in case your child should wear out or lose a pair.

3- Keep Clothes Casual

If your child isn’t required to wear uniforms, you may wonder what clothes and accessories  would be appropriate for school. Remember that causal is the way to go, especially for kids who like to move around a lot. You can’t go wrong with several pairs of jeans and a few cotton tops/tees/tanks. If you have a daughter, you can buy her a few skirts or dresses too. When you’re shopping for clothes, be sure to look for items made of  simple cotton and/or polyester. Save the dressier looking pieces for weekends or special occasions.

1- Stock Up On The Basics

You should start out with a few basic styles in your most basic colors like white, black, brown,  and gray. Because these tees are the building basics of your wardrobe, you may want to spend a little more on them. Good solid tees should fit well and last you for a while. You can wear these tees with virtually anything. You can wear them underneath cardigans or blazers for work, skinny jeans for laid-back weekends, or a pencil skirt and pointy-toe pumps for evening.

2- Throw In A Few Screen Or Novelty Tees

Let your fun-side show with cute screen print tee shirts that feature your favorite characters from movies or television. If you love music, you should try to collect a few concert tees of bands you really like. And if you’re still young enough to pull off that sassy look, you should stock up on a few cool message tees. Since these types of tees are more trendy, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on them. Fun novelty tee shirts were made to be worn with denim, khaki, utilitarian pants, or cotton sweatpants/leggings.

3- Invest In A Few Dressier Tees

If you want to dress to impress but don’t feel like sacrificing comfort, you should buy a few special tees in unique styles like off-the-shoulder tops or halter tanks. You can wear these tees with pants or skirts in dressier materials like silk, velvet, or chiffon.

Pear Shape

Typically, pear shaped women have a defined waist, curvy hips, and full thighs. The pear shape is thought to be the most common shape of all women. Since the bottom half of the body is normally wider than the top you will want to find jeans that make the top half of your body look a little wider. Enhancing your top half will give your body the look of being balanced.

When shopping for jeans to compliment your pear shape you should consider these brands:

7 For All Mankind
AppleBottom Jeans
BKE
Banana Republic
Citizens of Humanity
Diesel

Apple Shape

An apple shaped woman normally has a wider waist, a flat rear end, and shapely legs. When dressing your apple shape you should try to lengthen the torso and make your waist appear smaller. The brands that are great for apple shaped women are:

J Brand
Joe’s Jeans
Lucky Brand
NYDJ
True Religion

These are all great jeans that come in a variety of styles. They are great for apple shaped women because they have more room in the middle and give your rear end a little more shape.

Hourglass Shape

If you are one of the few lucky women who have an hourglass shape then count yourself lucky! Very few women have the beautiful hourglass shape. Usually when you are shopping for jeans you are trying to balance areas of your body that are not proportioned with the rest of your body. This is not the case with the hourglass shape. However, what we do want to do is bring attention to your well-defined waist and show off your curves. There are several brands of jeans that will help you do this.

Jag Jeans
Lucky
Silver
7 For All Mankind

If you keep up with celebrity style like I do, then you’ve noticed how popular watches are this season. From dainty watches, including the $57,000 Jaeger-LeCoultre Art Deco watch which graced the wrist of Diane Kruger at the Cannes Film Festival, to the substantial Rolex watches that adorn Brad Pitt, watches reign as the “must have” accessory this season.

And the best part about this style sensation is that anyone, not just stars and socialites, can grab a piece of the action.

The Fossil website is a great place to begin your search. They have both men’s and women’s watches starting at just $75.00. For men they feature neon bright orange and yellow dial watches, camo dial watches, and navy dial watches. For the more traditional male, there’s silver, black, and brown as well.

For women, Fossil offers a great selection of the popular white silicone and white ceramic styles. Also hot this year is the color – rose gold, which provides an elegant touch to any outfit. More casual outfits call for fun watches such as their white, brown, or black woven styles.

Another hot company this year is Michele. According to the Michele website, they strive to keep up with cutting edge fashion, including runways trends. Some of their most unique styles include deco, urban, and the uber bright Tahitian Jelly Beans. Although more expensive than Fossil, these watches, are extremely popular with twenty and thirty-somethings.

Michael Kors watches have excited the young set as well. His glitz and tortoise and horn watches offer the “it” factor that many seek. In an interview, Kors stated that when it gets warm again, people have feelings of joy. He adds, “It’s as though people have finally shed all those heavy winter layers – both physically and mentally – and are ready to embrace life again!” That’s what Kors’ watches offer, zest for any outfit.

A visit to the Cartier website is a valuable tool to see what’s hot this year. In existence since 1904, this prestigious company continues to create watches that are actually pieces of art. The prices of styles featured on the web site range anywhere from $2,500 to $18,000 and above. These watches are definitely investment pieces!

Of course your choice of what company to purchase a watch from remains completely up to you! Dozens of companies cater to those who value time pieces, not only for keeping track of appointments, but for completing the specific look of an outfit. Whatever watch you buy, you can rest assured you’re jumping on board one of the hottest style trends this summer.

The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is. C.S. Lewis

1- Not too Short

If own a pair of short-shorts that make you feel uncomfortable, don’t wear them. You should also avoid any pair of shorts that ride up too high when you’re bending or sitting down. Coverage is sexier than too much skin. If, however, you’re quite comfortable wearing short-shorts, do keep these following tips in mind. Always wear shorts that fully cover the backside and remember to balance the look with a classic T-shirt or button-down blouse.

2- Avoid Cut-Offs

Never attempt to make your own shorts by cutting off the legs of your jeans, and never buy a pair of denim shorts that look like cut-offs. There is nothing tackier than frayed seams or small holes on the leg. Instead, look for a classic pair of bermuda shorts in a dark wash. You can wear them with colorful blouses, funky printed camisoles, and low-cut camisoles.

3- Try a Printed Pair

Revamp your look with a pair of shorts in a fun print! Forget large prints; go with smaller prints like ditsy floral, pin stripes, or tiny polka-dots. Balance out your look and wear them with a polo in a solid color like blue or red. You can dress up the look even more by adding a belt and flats.

Embellished Garments

It’s the small details (ruffles, pleats,  beading, or embroidery) that take the blouse or dress from chic to extraordinary. Stock up on chic tanks or tops with cool ruffles, cascading tiers, or intricate beaded details. You can wear these tops with jeans, pencil skirts, or crisp capri pants.

Denim Shorts

Show off a little leg this season with a great pair of denim shorts. The best styles hit mid-thigh or right at the knee. Make sure you try on a pair before you buy, because fit is everything. You want a pair that’s not baggy or tight; you need a pair that is slightly fitted though. Once you find a pair that looks great, stock up on 2 to 3, because you will wear them all summer long with simple tees and tanks!

Printed Dresses

A printed dress looks playful and feminine. It’s also a summer must-have for women of all sizes. Here are a few rules to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect summer dress for a plus-sized woman. Look for a style with wider straps and a surplice or v-neck. The wider straps will cover bra straps and a surplice neckline looks more figure flattering than a scooped neckline or halter.

A Pair of Sexy Sandals

Never underestimate the power of shoes. A terrific pair of sandals, whether it’s a pair of strappy heels or cozy wedges, will elevate your height and confidence. Most pairs are so versatile, you can wear sandals with everything from dresses to rompers to tees and jeans.

What fashion advice do you have? Leave a message below!

Looking for plus size clothing or even vintage clothing? You most likely won’t find these items in stores such as Kohls, JCPenny, or Macys. When it comes to Mod/Retro clothing, you’ll have better luck at online stores like Modcloth.com. Basically, if you’re looking for something unique without any hassle, buying clothes online is the best option for you.

Since eCommerce mostly sprouted during the last decade, many people are still unfamiliar with buying online. Fortunately, buying clothing online is fairly easy once you master the basics. Here are some tips that will prevent you from making possibly pricy mistakes.

Measure Yourself

Obviously, when it comes to buying online, you won’t be able to try on clothes to see if they fit or if they look good on you. A big mistake that many people make when purchasing clothes online is not being aware of their size. Wouldn’t it be horrible to buy a whole wardrobe of clothes, wait two weeks for the clothing to come, only to find out that nothing fits?

Fortunately, you can prevent this by getting measured regularly. Even if you do know your size, you may buy clothing that doesn’t fit sometimes (nothing beats trying clothes on), but it definitely won’t be an every day thing.

If you don’t want to waste your money or go through the hassle of returning clothing, you should always have the measurements of your waist, chest, hips, inseam, and arm length handy at all times.

Be an Informed Shopper

Being an informed shopper goes for shopping offline too. Before purchasing clothing from an online retailer, you should read their FAQ and their fine print. If they don’t have both of these things, you probably shouldn’t buy from them.

Their fine print and FAQ should answer queries and concerns dealing with shipping, return policies, payment security, and any guarantees. You should never buy clothing online from a company that doesn’t have a method in place to protect your credit card information, even if their products are cheaper.

Shipping Rates

One of the reasons why Amazon is so popular is because of the shipping rates. Most of their products are eligible for free 3 to 5 day shipping, which is a really good deal, considering how expensive shipping can get. Take advantage of retailers who offer discounts and bulk rates.

Be Realistic

Many people end up buying clothes online that they would never buy in brick and mortar stores. Although yellow may look fabulous on the model in the picture, don’t assume it will definitely look good on you. Don’t let pictures fool you, only buy clothes that you know will look good on you.

1. Flirt with Nail Color
Gone are the days when finger and toenails must be painted the same shade of delicate pink. Add some pizzazz to any outfit by pairing two different colors – maybe deep purple on your fingers and turquoise on your toes! You can also pair painted toes with patterned fingernails. Believe it or not, there are patterned nail polish strips available. You can choose a chevron pattern, a fishnet pattern, or even a bamboo pattern! Fun? You bet! Flirty? For sure!

2. Embrace Bright Hoops
Earrings offer another way to bring some color into your life. This season, adorn your ear lobes with large hoops and drop earrings. It’s time to move from statement necklaces to statement earrings. The variety is seemingly endless, from jade to amber; just remember to go big and colorful.

3. Pick a Purse with Punch
Handbags can also be fashion forward. Forget about the small white summer clutch. Instead, pick a sky blue or lime green bag. Also popular are floral fabric bags. What better way to add some zest to your wardrobe? Also, size does matter. Big handbags shout, “NOW!”

4. Grab the Hottest Pumps
Who cares about sore feet? The rage this season is colorful pumps – everything from fire engine red to canary yellow have adorned the feet of the rich and famous. Some may find the following information unsettling, but it’s true, matching is out. You CAN wear orange pumps with a navy suit…it is true! Also showing up on the red carpet this season is the color called, nude. Feel free to pair these heels with any outfit for an extra kick.

5. Love Fun Fabrics
Even the First Lady, Michelle Obama, has embraced the color trend. She sports colorful clothing combinations and even bright belts. Take advantage of her lead and invest in a few colorful pieces, including breezy sleeveless dresses and cheerful tops. You will be surprised at how much energy color brings to your life.

6. Consider Bold Make-up
Although not for everyone, bold lipstick colors and eye shadows are the rage. Eye popping reds for the lips and frosted shadows for the eyes abound. The key for this trend is to not overdo it. If you choose to highlight your lips with a striking color, go easy on the eyes. Or if you want to play up your baby blues, refrain from heavy lip color. It’s all about finding the right balance for you.

1- Sunglasses with UV Protection

Forget about those cheap plastic sunglasses that are sold at a mass merchandisers or drugstores; you need to buy a real pair of shades that have UV protection to protect your eyes from the sun.

2- Waterproof Sunscreen with SPF15 or Higher

Your everyday sunscreen isn’t going to cut it if you plan on spending hours in the sun or if you plan on getting wet in the water. Shop for a water-proof lotion like Coppertone Sport Sunblock Lotion SPF 30 ($9.99 at Drugstore.com). Apply the lotion according to instructions, and then throw the bottle into your tote for touch-ups later.

3- Cool Hat

A floppy hat adds chic style and protects you from the sun! Go for a cool white or straw-colored hat with a floppy style and medium brim. Don’t bring a huge hat if doesn’t frame your face well, because it will just sit in your tote bag all day.

4- Minimal Cosmetics

All you really need is a little lip balm to provide your lips with extra moisture and hair lightening spray to brighten up your sun-kissed highlights. Try MD Formulations Sun Lip Balm SPF 20 ($2.99 at Beauty.com) and Sun-In Hair Lightener Super Blond with Lemon ($3.49  at Ulta).

5- Ponytail Holders

When your day 0f fun is done, and your hair is covered in sea salt or chlorine pool water, the last thing you want to do is to fret about your hair. Use a coated ponytail holder and create a ponytail with it to hold your hair back. It’s the least you can do to look presentable when driving home.

1.  Consider One-Piece or Tankini Styles

Not everyone is comfortable with showing off their stomach. One-piece tank style swimsuits are ideal for women who have a slightly rounded mid-section and for those who want their swimsuit to actually shape their body. Many one-piece swimsuits have a built-in tummy control panel.  A tankini swimsuit is another good option, especially for those who want to purchase separate pieces for a more custom fit. Make sure that the hem of the top meets the bikini brief for full coverage.

2.  Find A Bikini That Flatters Your Body Type

Bikinis and other two-piece suits are often sold separately to ensure that you can find a combination that works for your figure.  Women with a fuller bust line should purchase bikini tops that have a built-in bra and wider straps. Women with an hour-glass figure should find playful swimsuits that showcase their figure (think bold prints like gingham or bikini bottoms with an attached swim skirt). Women with boyish figures should look for bikini tops with a padded bra and high-cut bottoms with string ties to elongate the figure.

3.   Don’t Forget Swimsuit Cover-ups

Every woman should purchase at least one cover-up, even if she  plans on spending most of her days in the water. Don’t buy a cover-up that matches your swimsuit. If you have a simple swimsuit in a dark solid color, why not buy a colorful sarong in a tropical print? If you have a colorful or printed swimsuit, you should buy a light cover dress in a solid color like black, white, or navy.

1. Flowing Cardigans
Snap up several flowing cardigans to be on top of your fashion game this spring. Dreamy is one word to describe these delicate sweaters. Available in solid colors, such as navy, black, and blue, these sweaters will take you from work to a special night out with ease. Because they tend to be very forgiving, these sweaters are appropriate for any body type.

2. Crop Tops
One of the hottest items this spring is the crop top. Some varieties bare the entire midsection, while others add a few more inches of material so that they hit just below the belly button. These tops can be worn out for an evening on the town or to the beach, depending on the fabric you choose. Keep in mind a flat stomach is a requirement for the crop tops that end just below the bra line, yet those that skim the top of pants and shorts are much more forgiving!

3. Wide Leg Trousers
After several years of skinny jeans, trousers trends have swung in the opposite direction — thank goodness! Literally hundreds of styles of roomy wide leg pants have become available this spring. Especially cute are the white “sailor” pants with two sets of buttons in the front. Similar to the flowing cardigan, this type of trouser is appropriate for all body types.

4. Embellished Sandals
Sandals this season are anything but boring. Think beyond plastic flip-flops or Birkenstocks and opt for flirty and fun! Sandals this season come in a wild variety of colors, from lime green to copper, and boast beads and fancy stitching. If you want to spice up your look, choose a pair of the “gladiator” style sandals that the stars are currently wearing. The great thing about embellished sandals is that they look great on women of any age – just be sure to pamper your feet first with a pedicure!

5. BIG Bags
One of the hottest accessories this season is the big bag – in every color of the rainbow. Some come with rivets, some with buckles, but they all pack high style. When choosing a large hand bag, take into account your frame. You want a big bag, but not one so big that it overwhelms you. Take advantage of these roomy purses while you can; remember, tiny clutches can come back into style at any time.

6. Sexy Sunglasses
Once again, Ray-Ban style sunglasses are hot! Think Tom Cruise in Risky Business, but with an updated twist. This style of sunglasses is available in basic black, and also a wide variety of colors that pack a punch.