Boots, shoes, sneakers,and summertime

In the States in the summer I always wear strappy sandals with nicely painted nails, but with the temperate weather in London I finally fully understand the boots and closed-toed shoes look. No one wants cold feet! Some of my favorites are cowboy boots and Toms (give back while you look good!) and of course saddle shoes. If you like extra height though the chunky platform heels are very stylish right now and they are easier to walk in than thinner heels on cobblestone streets.

A Scarf by Another Name

As I read blogs daily I love the spreading trend of scarfs as headbands. For a less extreme approach a thick headband can be used. Worn over natural messy or beachy hair this trend can make a simple summer outfit, or even a swimsuit, more fashion forward.

10 Must Have Basics for this year (half of which I forgot in the States)

1. Hats.

All sorts of hats work, I am particular to fedoras because they work for all seasons and flatter all face types. They also work well if your hair is done nicely down or thrown up in a loose messy bun. This spread is for 2007 in the New York Times, shows that some trends don't change toooo fast.

2. Denim jean jacket or a military jacket.

Especially in a temperamental city like London these pieces are a must. I love the way this women layered it for colder weather! Jean Jackets come and go in style as does their fit, but my favorite is always a men's fit because you really can thrown it on over anything.

3. Blazers.

Alternative to the jean jacket, a little more dressy but still street chic.

4. Harem pants.

They were huge when I was in Spain the summer of 2007. I remember thinking, 'this trend will never hit the U.S. Well, I don't know if it has since I moved to England, but I can tell you I own some and love them.

5. Denim cutoffs, especially old Levi's.

Work in the summer by themselves or in the winter with tights.

6. Cut-outs on shirts or dresses. Show off a bit of the back or the ribs. If done right this can be very flattering of your best under-represented features.

7. Good Sunglasses. I have spent years with countless pairs of cheap sunglasses, it never feels as good as a few good ones. I am particular to Ray Ban although I have a pair of white Prada shades perfect for summer holidays and bought a pair of Dolce & Gabbana for my hubby. They are all worth the one-time expense!

8. Over-stated vintage jewelry. I have this lion necklace at home (I forgot it in the U.S.!) as well as a huge metal Model T both of which used to be my moms.

9. Reusable Bags and not just for looks - actually use them! I know it is a trendy topic right now, but my hope is that people will slowly start to understand what we are actually doing to our environment. I don't mean just buying them and using them as a purse, keep them with you and stop getting plastic bags! If you do get plastic bags though reuse them! They can be trash bags, lunch bags, many of them even suggest how to use them printed on the side!

10. A good book - not just a beach read, or a newspaper. Nothing looks better than someone who knows how to dress and also cares about what is going on in the world.

Mixing vintage jewelry, Designer sunnies, and a trendy top? Perfect look any day!