Yes—August is winding down and I’m ready to soak in as much of the final days of summer while I can.  I haven’t even read any of the already arrived September issues from my many magazine subscriptions. (I’m saving these for the last week of August.)  One thing making me a little more content to this fast approaching seasonal change are the amazing online sales of summer fashions!  Just check out these cute sandals from one of my fav shoe spots, Nine West.  There was a store directly across the street from the InStyle offices and on hectic days I would sneak out for some retail therapy…nothing de-stresses me like shopping…well besides a little time in the gym, but isn’t shoe shopping more fun!?

1. Kattie $25
2. Post $80
3. Mixitup $40
4. Fluffy $30
5. Jasmina $25
6. Dagmar $90

‘Cause when a long-legged lovely walks by
Yeah you can see the look in her eye
Then you know that it’s
Hot in the city, hot in the city tonight, tonight
For all the dreams and schemes…
On a hot summer night
Don’t be no fun, don’t forget you’re young
On a hot summer night.

Can you all tell how eagerly I am anticipating my date night with Lewis this Friday in New York?  I want to wear something that’s chic, comfy, and unique all at once while still adhering to the Manhattan dress code.  Of course my favorite selection below is also the most expensive…though I guess I could settlewith that beautiful Marchesa design on deep discount at the Outnet.  Which style is your fav?

• Jin Ja Printed Dress, Oli Co $36
• Digital Lace Chiffon Beaded Strap Dress, Matthew Willimson $2,810
• Silk chiffon cowl neck dress, All Saints $250
• Asymmetric beaded silk dress, Marchesa $279
• Nude Beaded Dress, Sherri Bodell $250
• Saint Tropez Beaded Pleat Dress, Oli Co $50
• Rise pink bandeau jewel dress, Dorothy Perkins $45
• Silk, Embroidered Dress With Sheer Long Sleeves, French Connection $90

I tried really hard to find some chic and unique options for boys…well there were only about two that I was able to pull from the online racks that were somewhat interesting.  So…I’m focusing on sweet little girls and let’s be honest, there are many more cute options!  Obviously my love of ruffles and flowers has prevailed while browsing.  How adorable is that cupcake tee? I’d let my future little one wear it to every bday party she attended!   

• Rose Tulle Capri Set $46.50
• Garden Petticoat Dress $62
• Organic cotton with lace handmade dress $125
• Lavender Tutu Outfit with Headband $60
• Silverlake Shrug Sweater $42
• Oopsy Daisy Birthday Raspberry Top $50

I also love all the tutus that kept popping up in my online racks.  This one below is one of my favs–I adore the flower petals and dotted ribbons.  Do you ever get the feeling that you could make something you find while shopping?

 I searched around on YouTube and found a cute and easy tutorial for making Tutus–how quick & simple is that?! I think this would make a perfect birthday or Christmas gift for both my little Goddaughter and future niece!  I’d probably want to chic it up by hand sewing on a few crystals and flowers too!

I love the affect small details can have on fashion.  I like ruffles, ribbons, and pearls….however, I adore buttons!  Their presence adds a unique and playful element to the unexpected and adds something extra to catch the eye.  I would easily pair one of the blouses below with faded jeans or linen pants to maintain a feminine casual style and those shorts are perfect for a nautical feel.  What other small fashion details do you love?

• RSVP Ruffle Buttoned Blouse $53
• TopShop Three Button Fold Blouse $32
• Delia’s Bow & Buttons Burnout Dolman $19.50
• Arden B Ombre Linen Button Front Romper $20
• Tahari by ASL Textured Crepe Dress W/ Gold Buttons $132
• Authentic Chanel Button Floral Hair Pin $60
• Juicy Couture Denim Legging W/ Button Detail $88
• TopShop Gold Button Mini skirt $30
• Jane Norman Anchor Button Shorts $14
• Christian Louboutin Corto 85 leather pumps $695
• Dorothy Perkins Black Button Detail Flats $20
• Go Jane Button Trim Ankle Boot $20

Very rarely do I take fashion inspirations from celebrities (unless it’s Audrey Hepburn, Anne Hathaway, or the like), but when I saw this chic summer trend of white pant or short suits, I was bitten by the shopping bug! I love the simplicity of this ensemble—minimal accessories, care-free hairstyles, loose-fitting designs…all these elements exude relaxed summer style. Katie Holmes took note from YSL’s 1970’s runways and Kate Walsh donned this look at a red carpet event…I figure I can get away with this trend at the office or casual dinner dates out.

Image compliments of InStyle.com

Image compliments of PopSugar.com

Here’s how you can easily get the look for your summer style!

• White Linen Blazer $270
• Draped Jersey Blazer $750
• Lace Illusion Tee $42
• Silk-jersey Tank $164
• Short-sleeved Silk Blouse $118
• Linen Pleated Shorts $14
• Satin Shorts $230
• Nude Peeptoe Shoes $142
• Nude Faux Leather Strappy Platform $13