Get It Now: Stylin’ In The Rain

Summer storms are welcome when the mercury tops 90 degrees – nothing helps to break the heat like a fast and furious downpour. However, dealing with inclement weather in a sundress and strappy sandals is unpleasant at best, and a potential wardrobe malfunction at worst. Here are our picks for stylish ways to deal with summertime rain showers.

A great trench is a classic piece that you will get plenty of use out of, and while we do love the timeless look of Burberry, these alternatives have a modern flair that makes them standouts. This Cole Haan trench has an iridescent finish that’s flattering and unusual, and the ruffle trim on this Tahari satin trench frames the face and helps to keep the rain away from whatever fabulous ensemble is hidden underneath.

So a lightweight trench will cover most of your outfit, however, delicate sandals are the most likely to suffer rain damage. That’s when it is time to pull out the rain boots, and today’s many options hardly resemble the clompy rubber galoshes of years past. These black patent wedge rain boots by Hunter are so chic you may be tempted to wear them when the sun is shining.

Unfortunately, sudden showers are a fact of life in the summer, so what do you do when you don’t have your trench and boots handy? Keep a colorful umbrella in your purse or at your desk, of course. The Tory Burch Foundation Umbrella keeps you dry and the proceeds go towards a good cause (the Tory Burch Foundation provides economic opportunities to women and their families throughout the United States).

Another alternative is a rain hat like this black patent number by Eric Javits that hardly resembles the plastic-y styles favored by little old ladies. It’s easy to fold up and stick in your bag, and the simple shape will work for many different looks and faces. And given the occasional surprise thunderstorm that’s just part of summer, it could be a style-saver.

1. Cole Haan Packable Iridescent Coat, $455

2. Tahari Ruffle Trim Satin Trench, $168

3. Eric Javits Patent Rain Hat, $125

4. Hunter Wedge Rain Boots, $175

5. Tory Burch Foundation Umbrella, $58

—Jacqueline Zenn

 Image Layout: Molly Murphy

Get It Now: Wedding Style. What To Wear When You’re A Guest

One of the perils of wedding season is deciding what to wear to various types of ceremonies and celebrations held in places which may or may not have a dress code, or invitations that suggest you dress “festively” or in “summertime pastels.”

And of course, there are all the cultural and social rules – don’t wear white, don’t wear anything too flashy or sexy, and you may want to cover your shoulders in a church or avoid thin high heels for an outdoor or beach ceremony. However, sometimes limitations lead to fabulous ensembles, so here are some options for different kinds of weddings.

Beach: In addition to the shoe restrictions mentioned above (we don’t want your fabulous stilettos to sink into the sand, of course!), typically seaside ceremonies are the casual sort. Maxidresses and embellished flat sandals or wedges are the perfect option, like this deep coral print dress from Tory Burch.

Backyard BBQ: Like beach weddings, these tend to be fairly casual, so a sweet sundress like this bright red ruffled racer-back frock by LC for Kohls topped off with a bright clutch would fit the bill.

Cathedral: A big church wedding usually doesn’t call for hats (unless you’re British aristocracy), but you’ll want to wear something appropriate for the occasion. Strapless or otherwise bare dresses can be paired with an embellished cardigan, or find something with sleeves that’s still sleek and sexy, like this navy number by Badgley Mischka.

Quirky: We all have those wild friends who plan weddings that are far from traditional – the bride wears purple, the cake is vegan and Elvis might even be involved. In this case, feel free to go for broke with statement jewelry, feathers or even fringe, like this swingy little black dress from Aidan Mattox.

Black Tie: There’s nothing as fabulous as getting all dressed up for a black tie event – except when you have nothing to wear! A simple column gown like this floor-length gray silk chiffon dress from J.Crew is a life-saver at times like these, if you invest in that’s black or a flattering jewel tone you can change it up with jewelry and accessories, making it ideal for many seasons and occasions.

1. Tory Burch Coral Dress, $428
2. LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle Racerback Dress, now $45
3. Badgley Mischka Slit-Shoulder Cocktail Dress, $450
4. Aidan Mattox Fringed Cocktail Dress, $330
5. J.Crew Arabelle Long Dress in Silk Chiffon, $350

—Jacqueline Zenn

Image Layout: Jillian Jaslowski

Get It Now: The Intersection of Fashion and Technology

Geeks are not often considered fashionable, and style mavens are usually not regarded as tech-savvy.  In fact, until recently, a fashionable techie had a dearth of options when it came to chic cases for all her electronics. However, designers have jumped on the tech bandwagon, most notably in the form of iPad cases and laptop sleeves.

For instance, your laptop would be well-protected in this leaf-print Marc Jacobs nylon case. Marc Jacobs also makes a number of solid color options – we like this royal blue case.

For your iPad, if you want to go ultra-luxe, there’s nothing more plush than this fuchsia Nancy Gonzalez crocodile Ipad case (we think Steve Jobs would approve).  Dolce & Gabanna also make a leopard print option for those of us who love our animal prints.

If you have a Blackberry, this luggage-hued leather Michael Kors case would keep it safe and it coordinates with Michael Kors bags in the same shade. For iPhone users, Kate Spade makes some seriously fabulous cases – we particularly like the black and white polka dots on this Kate Spade cover.

As you can see, gadgetophiles aren’t limited to basic black or gray options – plenty of designers understand that we want our laptops, tablets and phones to be just as stylish as the rest of our ensembles.

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Leaf-Print Laptop Case, now $50

2. Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Resistance’ Laptop Sleeve, $98\

3. Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile iPad Case, now $900

4. Dolce&Gabbana Leopard Print iPad 1 Case, $275

5. MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set BlackBerry Case, now $50

6. Kate Spade New York Rigid iPhone 4 Cover, $40

—Jacqueline Zenn

Image Layout: Molly Murphy

Get It Now: Romping Into Summer

Rompers and jumpsuits might be the most difficult types of apparel for a grown woman to pull off. The right ones can make you look slim, stylish, and put-together, but a bad romper can make you seem like you’re wearing an adult onesie.

The easiest way to pull off this look is to go with sleek solid colors, like this black tuxedo-style jumpsuit or the silk tank jumpsuit. Just add wedges and some bold jewelry and you’re all set. Simple one-pieces like the aforementioned silk tank style can also gone from day to night with ease, just add fancier footwear and up the bling factor on your accessories a bit.

Other neutral shades have a similar effect; for instance, this sandy-hue halterneck jumpsuit could be spectacular with some turquoise or coral jewelry and metallic sandals. It’s a great alternative to the now-ubiquitous maxi-dresses as well.

Shorter romper styles can be difficult and best left to the petite and/or leggy types. However, this BCBG generation romper could work with gladiators and a slouchy bag for day, and possibly dressed up with heels and layered necklaces or bangles for night.  The rich blue shade is flattering on many skin tones.

Last but not least, this printed number could work for the fashionably fearless. While a print silk jersey jumpsuit in shades of black, ivory and pinky-beige could be a little too seventies-inspired for most, it can make quite a statement.

1. ASOS Tailored Tux Halter Wide Leg Jumpsuit, $102.02

2. Kookai Silk Tank Top Jumpsuit, $169.88

3. Lisa Jayne Dann Halterneck Jumpsuit, $199.42

4. BCBGeneration Short Romper, $98

5. Cynara Printed Silk-Jersey Jumpsuit, $485

–Jaqueline Zenn

Image Layout: Jillian Jaslowski

Playing With (Color) Blocks

It is no secret that color-blocking is a huge trend this spring and summer, and if it is done right, you won’t look like a refugee from the late eighties (and we all remember those looks, right?).

If you want to invest in the look, this flowy Sonia Rykiel silk frock in shades of black, yellow, and pink would certainly fit the bill. All you need are a pair of black or nude wedges and you’re good to go for all sorts of summer occasions. This Jonathan Saunders blue, black, and gray dress is a more versatile option that will allow you to take this style into next fall.

On the other hand, if you’d rather stick to something simpler, this gray, black and white BCBG top or this Ella Moss racer-back tank are a bit lower risk, and they’d pair perfectly with skinny jeans or denim shorts for a casual look.

Shoes are also a low-key way to rock the color-blocking trend; for instance, these gray Pierre Hardy wedge sandals have a strip of neon red highlighting the heel, and they also come in a light brown shade with a sunshine yellow highlight.

In general, the key to wearing color-blocked ensembles to let the bold combination of shades speak for themselves, and keep the rest of your outfit basic and sleek unless you are seriously brave when it comes to mixing and matching bold pieces. In which case, more power to you!

1. Sonia Rykiel Color-Block Silk Crepe de Chine Gown, $2,420
2. Johnathan Saunders Lunain Block-Color Jersey Dress, $150
3. BCBGMaxzaria Colorblock Asymmetrical Top, $87.90
4. Ella Moss ‘Dawn’ Colorblock Racer Back Tank, $86
5. Pierre Hardy Color-Block Canvas and Patent-Leather Wedge Sandals, $630
6. Pierre Hardy Color-block Canvas and Patent leather Wedge Sandals, $630

–Jacqueline Zenn

Image Layout: Molly Murphy

Chic From Every Angle

Jacqueline Zenn

One of the more interesting trends we’ve been seeing on the streets and in the pages of our favorite fashion magazines lately is a more creative rear view. Shirts and dresses with cut-outs or other detailing at the back are perfect for spring and summer, and they are often sexy in a less obvious way than the more traditional plunging necklines.

Ensembles with unusual details at the back have always been a great option for evening. Something simple and sleek like this Alexander Wang* black tank dress is a good building block for any number of night time looks. This Helmut Lang* tee is a more casual version of the same idea, a basic piece with a surprise peek of skin.

For a bolder look, this charcoal gray PENUMBRA mini-dress could go from day to night with ease. Just add a black blazer or cardigan on top, and remove it when the sun goes down. Embellished styles can also make the transition, for example, this sequined Valentino tee or this girly Miu Miu satin top could go casual with denim or upscale with a pencil skirt.

The detailed rear view works for a more avant-garde look as well. This Rag & Bone mesh and suede top is an excellent example, as is this Junya Watanabe open back jacket. Both pieces look classic from the front but contemporary from the back.

Regardless of whether you go for a feminine style or something edgier, there is one thing is for sure with this trend – you’ll look stylish whether you are coming or going.

*Note – for those of us who simply can’t go without a regular bra under any circumstances, styles like these with lower cut-outs are perfect for keeping all straps covered while maintaining the sex appeal of an open back.

1. T by Alexander Wang Charmeuse Long Tank Dress $240
2. Helmut Lang Open-back Jersey T-shirt $185
3. PENUMBRA Mini Dress With Leather Strap $190
4. Valentino Sequin-embellished Tulle And Jersey T-shirt $790
5. Miu Miu Cutout Satin Top $1495
6. Rag & Bone Errington Suede And Mesh Tank $325
7. Junya Watanabe Open Back 2-Button Jacket $1340

Image Layout: Molly Murphy