Summer Wardrobe Pieces from Express to Wear into Fall

when it comes to clothing, making items work year-round makes them so much more affordable (essentially, the more times you wear something, the more it pays for itself). Express has some great items that will not only work for summer, but, when paired with other items, will keep you looking fabulous well into the fall season.




this figure-flattering Draped Mesh Mini is perfect for summer when paired with a simple tank and strappy or gladiator-style sandals. for fall, wear it with a crisp blouse and fun booties.




who doesn't need an all-occasion dress? this Belted Sleeveless Dress can be dressed up for a night out, summer party or wedding. when the chill of fall comes, add tights and a fitted blazer or cardigan for a classic look that is office-friendly.




your favorite pair of "skinnies" would look perfect with something like this Semi-Sheer Lace Tank (a great date-night look!). when the chilly fall breezes begin to blow, throw on a leather jacket to give your look an edgy, rocker feel.


hope these picks inspire you to make your own summer essentials autumn-appropriate! find the items featured at your local Express boutique and online at express.com

xo

Trend Alert: Ruffles

spring is one of my favorite times of the year. it's warming up, but there is always a coolness to the air. i love that this change of season brings on the opportunity to wear more feminine pieces, and right now, ruffles are bringing the charm.



Rachel Bilson wearing Express Ruffle Front Jumpsuit

one store that has a great variety of ruffled clothing right now is Express. their pieces work to create many looks-- from frilly to flirty, feminine to funky (Rachel Bilson is a fan). whether you choose to give your edgy look some softness, dress up your ruffles for evening or dress them down for day, this is one trend you can make your own.



left, Escalating Ruffle Strapless Dress; right, Ruffled Halter Dress, both Express

adding bold accessories really adds a fabulous contrast to soft ruffles. you could also add a leather jacket over either of the dresses pictured above for the perfect amount of cool edginess.



left, Lea Michele wearing floral French Connection dress; right, similar Express Ruffled Sweetheart Neckline Dress


visit your local Express or express.com for more info and to purchase.


tell me: will you be rockin' the ruffle trend this season?

xo
first two images: Valentino FW2010, left; Cynthia Steffe SS2010, right. both images via style.com

CoverGirl Hosts a Day of Pampering at the Byron & Tracey Salon

last friday i attended day 2 of an event (think of it as a pre-MTV Movie Awards thing) at the Byron Williams & Tracey Cunningham Salon. it was sponsored by CoverGirl, Express and Solstice Sunglass Boutique (Carrera to be exact), and of course i had to share it with you!

first off, the salon is gorgeous, very white and clean looking, but elegant at the same time. it was decorated with floral arrangements, and CoverGirl logos were all over mirrors and in photos places all around. CG gave out goodie bags filled with LashBlast mascara, Outlast Lipstains and Line Exact Liquid Liner Pens; Express had clothing set up for attendees to take home (i picked this dress), as did Carrera sunglasses (i chose this pair).


Express clothing...


the CoverGirl goodie bags...


Carrera sunglasses (my mom used to rock these when i was a kid!)


the lounge area outside-- the day was overcast, but thankfully it didn't rain!





i was thrilled to have met Liza, a fabulous makeup artist who gave my lips a little primping with CoverGirl's Outlast Lipstain in Cinnamon Smile topped off with CG's Wetslicks Amazemint in Freedom of Peach, creating a great my-lips-but-better look! :)



what's a salon without the best magazines?


CG Boundless Color nail polishes

i indulged in a mani with CG's Boundless Color nail polish in Candy Apple, a gorgeous red that Total Beauty staffers Kristen and Sarah also chose for their tips.

if you are wondering, yes, there were many celebs in attendance including Rosario Dawson (a total sweetheart-- love her!), Ali Larter, Rachel Zoe, and Gabrielle Union, just to name a few. you can view pics of them here.

xo