Looking for a cute way to add some oomph to your casual wear while running errands?  I usually throw on a chic necklace or fun lightweight scarf to bring some dimension and color to my plain tees or shift dresses.  Adding fun accessories that have fringe, beaded detailing, or piling on multi-layered jewelry break up the monotony of your look giving a chic yet unfussy style.

• Saloon Rose Scarf, TopShop $36
• Pink Multi Rose Scarf, Fun $25
• Vintage Rosette Necklace, Matches Fashion $250
• Sleeveless Hooded PU Bomber, TopShop $42
• Ellowyn silk-chiffon vest, Diane von Furstenberg $300
• Jersey crochet waistcoat, Karen Miller $85
• Fabric Rosette Brooch, Etsy $17.50
• Dream Weaver Large Multi-Bead Necklace, Fossil $85

I have been so excitedabout my upcoming trip to my former home—Manhattan!  Ohh, I’m am so eager to hop on the plane next Tuesday, pop into my fancy hotel in midtown, and revel in my familiar territory.  I’ll be there for my job, but will make time to visit my ladies at InStyle (I miss you all SO DEARLY!), nosh on nuevo Mexican cuisine at Rosa Mexicano (you can read why that’s one of my fav restaurants here), grab drinks at Dos Caminos in SoHo, visit Baked by Melissa’s cupcake stand, and celebrate my mom’s birthday with her while I’m in town.  You can tell that I love the NYC cuisine.  I’ll try to fit in some bridal gown browsing at Kleinfeld’s if possible (they’re all booked up for appointments, but I’m gonna try a walk-in and see how that goes).  If that doesn’t pan out, it’s not like Saks (my FAV SHOPPING SPOT EVER) doesn’t have a hugebridal selection too.  Here are the essentials that I’ll have to pack so I’m ready to mingle with my Manhattan ladies…black is a must, great luxurious handbags are necessary, and accessories are where we get our “pop of color.”  A lot of women wear Prada perfume too…this is my fav scent of theirs.

• Silk-organza ruffled blouse, Oscar de la Renta $690
• Bow-detail silk top, Armand Basi $80
• Fabric & Pearl Necklace, TopShop, $60
• Graphic Jersey Scarf, Diesel $35
• d’Orge Amy Scarf, Moio Sucre $64
• Cotton-blend high-waisted shorts, Alice by Temperly $195
• High-waisted leather shorts, McQ $320
• Black Jewel Skinny Jean, Black Orchid $130
• L’Eau Ambrée Eau de Parfum Deluxe Edition, Prada $74
• Brown Leather Bag, Gucci $639

Manhattan Date Night Essentials:

• Layered Dress, Elle Shop $230
• Kaftan Dress, Cisco $105
• Silver and black filigree multi bangle set, TopShop $32
• Ruched suede peep toe ankle boot, Christian Louboutin $1,395
• Gray Slingbacks, Brian Atwood $284
• Le Vernis Nail Colour Spring 2010, Chanel $24
• Blush Pink Caviar Leather Tote, Chanel $3,200

This weekend, I spent a relaxing amount of time in South Lake Tahoe!  It was perfect summer weather and I was able to somehow work in some wedding talk…are we surprised?  Each year, Lewis’ family migrates to the same cabin his grandparents (and their five children) have spent their summers these past thirty years to partake in some R&R and family time.  For the last two summers, I have attended and last year, Lewis took advantage of the gorgeous scenery and proposed at Emerald Bay.     

Photo-op right after he popped the question last year!

This summer, I brought along a couple jars of my homemade blackberry jam and two new swimsuits (Gottex and Badgley Mischka). I asked Lewis’ sister to be one of my bridesmaids and his sweet little niece to be our flower girl–she’s so girly, I know she’ll love wearing a ”princess dress!”  Here are a couple of pictures I was able to snap while I was there this weekend!

View of the lake from the cabin...beautiful sunsets!

Our fav place for appetizers and drinks after lounging at the beach.

Me and one of my bridesmaids--Lewis' gorgeous sister!

Almost one year exactly since he proposed, Lewis & I went back to our spot in Emerald Bay! I got a sweet kiss to commemorate!

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

It’s nearing the end of June and I can’t help but remember where I was this time of year last summer…swimming with dolphins in Curacao!  It was truly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had—you can obviouslysee that by one quick glance at the “pure joy” in my face…lol.  My fiancé and I were on the little remote island for five days where I also got certified in scuba, noshed on the best ceviche I’ve ever tasted, and lounged on the beach watching the sunset.  Then we took a small plane and island hopped over to Aruba for two days…where we were surrounded by almost every family that had the potential to be cast in the Real Housewives of New Jersey…I preferred the Dutch expats of Curacao.

Still looking for a chic swimsuit for this summer?  Here are some great options—separated by bikini and one-piece designs. I love all the different textures that are available this summer too…how cute are those lace styles below? 

• Animal print triangle bikini $150
• Ebony Rose Frill Bandeau Bikini $195
• Lace Bandeau Bikini $55
• Chain-print bandeau bikini $210

• Melissa Odabash Rio halterneck swimsuit $108
• Missoni Lurex halter neck swimsuit $350
• Anisa one-shoulder swimsuit $325
• Tomas Maier Printed plunging swimsuit $174