For the past 6 weeks I’ve been pretty much confined to supportive sneakers due to an oh-so-annoying back injury.  But I’ve been feeling a lot better lately and have been scouring beso for some cute flats to take me into fall.  I’m craving perforated leathers, velvet, and the color blue.  And of course I love anything with bows.  Here are a few I found that just might make the cut:

Cole Haan Air Gracie Ballet Flats, $158

Blue Velvet Mary Janes, $21

Kate Spate Tweed Flats, $165

Tory Burch Ross Navy Oxfords, $235

Christine Cameron is a personal stylist, wardrobe consultant, and blogger.  She can be seen most recently in Glamour Magazine‘s September Issue.  Follow her fashion forays on My Style Pill.  Below, she exclusively shares her 5 Tips for Cleaning Out Your Closet:

1. Start by trying on everything in your closet.  However, before you begin, I recommend calling in a good friend who will be honest with you about what looks good and what doesn’t.  It will also help you spend less time on the items you wear every day (which should already fit well), and allow the focus to remain on the pieces that are tucked away in the back of your closet.

2. After you’ve tried everything on, you should be left with three piles.  One with the pieces you are going to keep, another with the items you are going to toss, and one with the pieces that need to be altered.  There are definitely articles of clothing that can be saved by just hemming a skirt or having a dress taken in or out.  It can really make all the difference in salvaging quality pieces, so don’t neglect that pile.

3. Once you have tackled your clothes, move on to your shoe collection.  As tough as this might be, throw away (or donate) any extremely painful shoes you own, or shoes you never wear, since the chance of you actually wearing them again is slim to none.  I know from experience that by hanging on to almost-never-worn-shoes for far too long, it only results in clutter. 

4. Donate.  Once you have completed the overall sorting process of your closet and have separated everything, I suggest donating items that are in good condition to The Salvation Army or the Goodwill.  Also, you can check your city’s listings to see if they have any other donation centers, and to see drop-off and pick-up times.

5. Put it all back.  Lastly, a large part of the overhaul process is how you put it all back in in your closet.  For me, organizing my closet by color makes the most sense to me.  But for others, it makes sense to divide closets by type of item, i.e. skirts, blazers, dress pants.  Do what works for you, but make sure you devise a system so that getting dressed becomes that much easier — and that much more fun!

I’ve been hearing the name Linea Pelle a lot lately, but have never really explored the line.  Kim of crowded-closet.com told us back in April that she’s been carrying her Lauren Conrad for Linea Pelle bag nonstop.  She raved about the durability of her bag.  I also had a friend pick up a Linea Pelle belt a few weeks ago, and was surprised to find out that it was crafted from vintage materials!  Wanting to know more about the line, I did some research over the weekend and here’s what I found from their website:

“Linea Pelle is internationally distinguished as the premiere designer belt company offering the very best in casual luxury.  Linea Pelle also designs chic casual handbags and small leather goods which have been receiving accolades from the fashion industry…”

I wanted to take it a step further and pull a few of my favorites from the Linea Pelle line to review.  Overall, I found them surprisingly affordable for such expert quality.  Also, I couldn’t help but notice how their handbags have a classic appeal without being overtly trendy.  Here are a few of my favorites out right now:

1. Linea Pelle Medium Dylan Tote, $415
Shown in sand, the Linea Pelle Dylan Tote is also available in black, cobalt, espresso, Kelly green, and zucca (orange).  Featuring solid brass hardware and washed Italian leather, there are two inside utility pockets along with a zip pocket.  My favorite feature of this bag is that it can be worn as a cross-body or a shoulder bag.

2. Linea Pelle Vintage Skinny Belt, $145
This vintage skinny belt with multi-row hammered studs is as versatile as it is pretty.  I love the two-tone hardware because I often switch back and forth between silver and gold tone accessories.  I also think it coordinates well with the Dylan tote!

 3. Linea Pelle Dylan Perforated Wallet, $145
Part clutch, part wallet, all practicality.  This Linea Pelle Perforated Wallet nails the cutout trend we’ve been seeing a lot lately, and the price point is equally nice.  Features a zebra lining and brass hardware

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays because for me it’s all about food, family, fireworks, and FUN!  Plus, I secretly love theme dressing.  Not costumes — themes.  Whether I’m wearing an ugly Christmas sweater or dressing in red, white and blue, theme dressing can be so much fun when everyone joins in!

This year, I’ll probably be sporting my uber-preppy Ralph Lauren American Flag Polo (you can customize your own!), Citizens of Humanity white skinny jeans, and nude wedges to a barbecue.  Later, I’ll probably slip into a little white dress to go out to dinner.  What I really want is this United States Crystal Heart Clutch to accent my LWD, but I might just have to save for next year!

Tell me, what are your plans for the 4th?

I recently enjoyed a spontaneous girls’ weekend in Vegas and vowed to enjoy more weekend getaways this summer. The only problem is that no matter how much I travel, I’m still terrible at packing. That’s why I decided to compile this cheat sheet for myself (and you of course) so that I can pack on a moment’s notice and not worry about forgetting anything. Whether you’re heading to Vegas, Miami, NYC or anywhere else, these are the essentials for any great summer weekend getaway.

1.  Sundress – great for daytime shopping or as a cover-up by the pool.  My favorite is the Victoria’s Secret Embellished V-Neck Dress.

From L to R: Victoria's Secret Embellished V-neck dress, Old Navy Cross-Front Sundress, BCBG Max Azria Twill Day Dress

2.  Wedge Sandals – comfortable enough for walking around and versatile so they go with pretty much anything.  The Nine West Getby Sandals come in both brown and black!

From L to R: Nine West Getby Platform Wedge, Tory Burch Thora Thong Wedge

3.  Cropped Jeans or Shorts – perfect for walking tours, grabbing lunch, shopping, etc.  The high-waisted Ella Moss Sedona Shorts are so clean and feminine.

From L to R: Lucky Brand Summer Sweet N Low Cropped Jeans, Ella Moss Sedona Shorts

4.  Casual Tank Tops – keep cool on hot summer afternoons.  Forever21 tank tops are amazingly affordable, and I love this Forever21 Knit Tank.

From L to R: Forever21 Accessorized Knit Tank, Anthropologie Bright Burning Tank

5.  Warm Weather Cardigans – for chilly nights or when the AC is blasting.  Ann Taylor LOFT’s Short Sleeve Cardigan is only $34.99!

From L to R: Ann Taylor LOFT Short sleeve v-neck cardigan, Splendid Women's Reversible Striped Cardigan

6.  Cocktail Dress – always be prepared for a night out on the town.  This French Connection Strapless Dress hugs all the right places.

From L to R: Laundry by Shelli Segal black matte jersey sequined detail dress, French Connection fuchsia cotton strapless dress

7.  Evening Sandals – perfect for dancing and to dress up any outfit.  Stuart Weitzman’s Dress Sandals are a classic shape that won’t ever go out of style.

From L to R: Stuart Weitzman Gloalign Dress Sandals, BCBGeneration Toledo Gold Sandals

8.  Swimsuit – a must-have for lounging by the pool or hitting the beach.  This Spiegel One-Piece Halter is totally retro — I want one in every color!

From L to R: Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Triangle bikini, Spiegel Shirred One-Piece Halter

9.  Toiletry Kit – all of your favorite products in travel-friendly sizes.  I swear by Clinique, and this Clinique Travel Set contains all of my skincare must-haves along with lipstick, blush, and mascara!

From L to R: Bliss Sink-Side Six-Pack, Clinique Travel Set Expandable Bag

10.  Weekend Bag – pack everything up in a stylish and convenient tote.  I just picked up the Jane Marvel Mile High Sunshine Tote!

Clockwise from top: Jane Marvel Mile High Sunshine Tote, The Sak Artist Circle Weekender Tote, Jimeale Handbag Weekend Tote